Schwinn Women's Wayfarer 700C Bicycle Product Review: A Great Get Around Bike!

There's nothing quite like having a bike to motivate you to head outdoors, get out of the house for awhile, and get some exercise.  The great thing about bikes is you don’t need to spend a fortune on one to have fun. 

Personally, I don't think anyone makes a better bike for doing that than Schwinn.  So, let's take a look at their hybrid bike the Schwinn Women's Wayfarer.

 

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

4.3/5 from 15 consumers

$219.99 + FREE shipping

1)  Steel retro city frame and fork
2)  7 speed
3)  SRAM twist shifter
4)  Linear pull brakes
5)  Metal fenders
6)  Rear rack
7)  Bell
8)  Quick release front wheel and seat
9)  Seat has springs on bottom
10)  Weight 44 pounds.

CONS

1)  Not a lightweight bike.
2)  Seat isn't all that comfortable for long rides.
3)  Quick release front wheel and seat.

PROS

1)  Nice ride.
2)  Handle bars make for a comfortable ride.
3)  Great value for the price.

BREAKING IT DOWN

Now for a look at each item in the detail list. 

1)  The steel frame is what makes the bike so heavy. 

2)  The fact that it's only 7 speeds is great for folks who are intimidated by having more than one gear.  It's easy to learn how to work the seven. 

It's also great for getting over those steeper inclines and hills that make your thighs weep as you climb, and let's you stay on the bike, rather than get off and push.

3)  SRAM twist shifter.  SRAM makes shifting gears a breeze. One little twist of the wrist and you’re in the next gear. 

4)  Linear pull breaks ensure a good solid and even stop.

5)  Metal fenders, rear rack, and a bell.  I love that it has fenders.  There's nothing quite like being out on a dirty road and coming back with the road-grim all over you. Or worse, being out riding and it rains.  With each stroke of the pedal, you become one with the puddles. 

They also protect your gear on the rear rack.  That's one more plus.  As for the bell - a no-brainer there, and consumers really love that it comes with the bike.

6)  Quick release front wheel and seat.  Consumers do have a problem with this part.  It's a standard piece of kit on more expensive bikes, which is why I'm surprised it's on a $219.99 bike. 

I'm over the moon about that.  The downside, is that it makes it easier to steal your tire and seat. 

On the other hand, if you use something like the Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2, which is a U-lock with a 4' cable, it's no big deal.

7)  The seat has springs!  Another plus!  The bike itself may not have suspension, but at least there's a bit of give in the seat.

A bit about the cons I didn't list.  There were a few complaints about a part being missing, wheels not trued (out of balance), etc., and being upset that they paid $200 for the bike and expected more. 

That's obviously a natural reaction.  We expect perfection when we shuck out money for stuff.  However, for the record, I have a little over $1400 wrapped up in my recumbent bike, and that little sucker had a few problems the bike shop had to take care of when they put it together. 

So, I wasn't surprised when a couple mentioned it had happened to them on a very low-end bike.

TIPS/SUGGESTIONS

1)  For the sake of your sanity, (and based on my own mistakes), take it to your local bike shop and let them put it together.  There are a lot of benefits to this.

First off, if there's a problem with the bike, they can fix it right there.  Regardless of whether it's a high-end bike or low, Murphy's Law states that something just might go wrong. 

It might be a bolt missing, something bent in shipping and needs adjusting, or the wheels aren't trued properly.  Whatever the problem, they'll take care of it. 

Another plus - it'll be well lubed.  :)

2)  Another person mentioned to make sure you pay attention to the measurements of the bike and make sure it's the proper bike for your height. 

Here’s a really good article that tells you how to choose the right size bike.  Check it out, then head back here to learn more.

Bike Fitting and Frame Sizes « Herzline

Health and Fitness August 3rd, 2013 |  If the bike doesn't fit, it won't be comfortable. If you buy the wrong type of bike, it won't do what you bought it for. Here are five types of bicycles, their sizes and instructions for finding the ...

MY THOUGHTS

I personally think the Schwinn Women’s Wayfarer is a fantastic bike.  It’s a great way to get outside and get some exercise, or easily attach an infant seat, a super cool co-pilot bike, and make it a family fun time. 

By the way, did you know you can buy a trailer for a bicycle and use it to haul groceries or whatever home.  I’ve got one similar to the one in the pic and love it.  Aside from groceries, I use it to schlep recycling down to the bins.

Anyway, if you're wanting a bike with more gears, you might want to check out the review I did on Schwinn's Discover Women's Hybrid Bike.

 

GRAB THE BIKE!  Click here.

 

 

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