What exactly is a "Schwinn" bicycle

brucemg51 · #1 12-12-2008, 08:53 AM

I've decided I'd like a classic, retro cruiser for my next build. I'm a bit puzzled by the discrepancy between what I see in the stores and what I see on websites. The bicycles shown on the Schwinn website are more high end, and don't include any of the models I see being sold at Walmart or Target, some of which can be had for less than $100.00.
I know that Schwinn is now owned by Pacific bikes, which is just an importer. The Pacific site lists their brands, but when you click on the Schwinn link, it just takes you back to the Schwinn website.
I am led to conclude that:

1. The bikes I'm seeing in stores aren't really Schwinn's.
2. The bikes I'm seeing in stores are a second line, el-cheapo imitation of the real thing, made specifically to be sold in those stores.
3. The models I'm seeing are discontinued models.
4. If I went to an actual bicycle shop, I might see the models shown on the website.

Any or all of the above true?

TexasDav · #2 12-12-2008, 09:43 AM

I know I bought my bike from walmart it was the schwinn beach cruser one speed. I went to the schwinn dealer for parts, no luck and a big speech about how they are not a real schwinn. I figure if you put your name on something, then you need to stand by your product. Either Schwinn put the screws to there dealers or there dealers are dropping the ball not carring parts and servicing the bikes. I replaced every moving part on this bike sence I bought it. Wheels, forks, crank, peddles, only the frame is there now and I seen where that could be a problem later. I am over 200lbs and can't blame walmart, cheap price cheap bike. But I know better next build, spend the money up front or spend it later fixing and walking home many times. Husky- Felt- Workman or old real steel bike is the way to go. Or lose weight

Nah get steel

jasonh · #3 12-12-2008, 09:48 AM

I think 2 and 4 apply. These bikes are made specifically for those stores and the Schwinn name is slapped on. If you want a more quality Schwinn, you're gonna have to pay for it at a bike store, or if you really want quality and since you're wanting retro, see if you can find a vintage Schwinn on ebay or craigslist. Like they say, they don't make em like they used to.

MyPC8MyBrain · #4 12-12-2008, 12:16 PM

Schwinn was bought out by Pacific Cycles a few years ago. At that point they became made in China bikes just like the rest of flock.

The quality might be above that of a Magargi or Next[slightly above], but still a "made in china" bike.

Retmachinist · #5 12-12-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyPC8MyBrain

Schwinn was bought out by Pacific Cycles a few years ago. At that point they became made in China bikes just like the rest of flock.

The quality might be above that of a Magargi or Next[slightly above], but still a "made in china" bike.

When I ordered my Macargi beach cruiser on line I thought I was getting something special. Turns out it is just another cheapee made in China!

ebmvegan · #6 12-12-2008, 12:37 PM

The Schwinn bikes at Walmart and Target are actual Schwinns but are specifically for those stores. The Schwinns found at dealers are higher quality bikes. Although both are made in Asia, the Walmart and Target bikes are actually made in Taiwan. I think the dealer bikes are made in China and also in other countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. There are also a lot of bikes manufactured in South America as well.

As jasonh pointed out, one can purchase a vintage schwinn that was manufactured in Chicago. Unfortunately, some can also be at about the same price of a new dealer Schwinn as they are very collectible.

Qdot · #7 12-12-2008, 05:49 PM

Those new schwinn bikes are just garbage anyways. Look on craigslist for an old cruiser frame they are way stronger and more vintage which = way cooler.

mabman · #8 12-12-2008, 06:02 PM

Schwinn was a venerable brand that lost its luster when the Schwinn family let it go because they didn't want to compete with all the other Chinese Junk. Richard still builds bikes today under the Waterford brand and they are fine machines, but you will never get one for $200 unless you find a deal on CL. He doesn't make cruisers anyway.

Any complete bike under at least 2 grand is imported from somewhere, usually Asia. Not to say they can't make some decent bikes over there but as usual you get what you pay for. Pay more and you will get some decent quality.

Qdot is right on. Scrounge the want ads for an old school model and you will get a real Schwinn, they show up all the time where I live and the like brand new ones are about $200 which considering the quality is a screaming deal.

Michigan Mike · #9 12-13-2008, 08:07 PM

I like the old Schwinn's too. What would an older cruiser in good shape be worth? Would one of the old 3-speed "English Racer" style Schwinn's be suitable for a motor?

mabman · #10 12-13-2008, 09:35 PM

[QUOTE=Michigan Mike;50306]I like the old Schwinn's too. What would an older cruiser in good shape be worth? Would one of the old 3-speed "English Racer" style Schwinn's be suitable for a motor?[/QUOTE

Mike, just did a quick and dirty CL search and came up with this guy who seems to know the score on old Schwinn stuff in the Detroit area. $600 for the bike in the ad seems reasonable to me in comparison? I don't know what part of MI you live in and I know it is a big state but these guys tend to know others if you know what I mean? Kind of like around here!

CHOICE OF TWO VINTAGE SCHWINN STR8BARS