Is there really a difference between a specialized and a schwinn?

Question

I'm new to riding and don't want to invest a lot of money on an expensive bike. But I do want a quality bike that wont break easily. Any advice?

Answer 1

Maybe the question should be "if I'm on a budget and want a quality bike which should I choose?" In bicycles, like so many other things there are low cost entry level bikes and there are high cost professional level bikes. You'll get exactly what you pay for regardless of the manufacturer. Both Schwinn and Specialized have entry level bikes as well as more expensive models.



My view has always been that the single most important aspect of any bike is the drive train, or component group. The cheaper the bike the cheaper the components, the cheaper the components the more problems you encounter versus the higher quality equipment. The components are what makes the bike go when you pedal and stop when you brake, Its always smarter in my view to buy a high quality used bike with the higher grade components than to buy an entry level bike from any manufacturer because while it may be older, its a far higher quality machine than any of the entry levels bikes available.



Is there an actual difference between new Specialized and Schwinn bikes? If they're priced in the same range either can be a good choice.

Answer 2

Is there a difference between a BMW and Kia?

Yes.



A specialized is manufactured with quality in mind. Schwinns (now) are manufactured as a low budget bicycle to be sold in big box stores. Specialized makes bikes for bike shops to sell.



Specialized bikes have a wide range of costs (you can get for $350 and exceed $8,000). Each bikes is of different quality (some will have different components and different frames).



A lot of this has to do with the form of cycling you plan on doing. If you are going to cruise around the neighborhood once in a while and have a limited budget, then buy cheap. If you plan on riding the bike for sport or sport-enthusiast reasons, then you will need a better bike. Personally, I will destroy a Schwinn in about 5 miles. The bike will NEVER take the abuse that I dish out.

Answer 3

If they are both selling at about the same price, probably not much. Quality comes with a price. If you pay a low price, you will get a low quality bike. Both companies make some very good bikes, the difference is that you will find Schwinn branded bikes in discount stores and bike shops alike, while Specialized bikes are only sold in shops. Where you buy your bike is often just as important as what brand you buy. If you need to pay less, look for year end savings on older models, or look at second hand bikes, but don't expect to get the quality of a $500 bike if you only pay $200

Answer 4

Schwinn Specialized

Answer 5

Yeah there is a big difference. Schwinn has not made a quality bicycle in 20 or 30 years. They bought out some good bike companies in the 90's and wrote schwinn on a few nice bikes. The China bikes sold at wal mart, k mart and mass retailing sporting stores that use to be called huffy, murray, Kent and ect... say Schwinn now. Specialized is a California company that has attempted to be the main retailer, and sometimes manufacture of low to mid range shop quality bikes and cycling apparel. I think that they have succeeded at that. They've yet to put their name on any junk that I know of.... We'll see what the future holds, but Schwinn is a much older company, that has put their name on a LOT of junk that should not be bought, or sold, and truly should not have been manufactured at all.

Answer 6

The issue with Schwinn is that when they were bought out by whatever company it is that owns that namebrand now, they started producing bicycles as cheaply as possible. Specialized, though they're not made in America anymore, still makes an above average, quality bicycle. I've talked to people who rode Schwinns and had welds break... perhaps the scariest thing to happen when you're bicycling. Remember, bicycles used to cost 100 dollars in the 1980s, when you made 20 thousand a year, and now you make 60, so expect to pay 300 dollars for an entry level bike, of the same quality. Back in the 80s, even the cheapest bicycle was better quality than the worse ones on the road today. Free-trade.

Answer 7

High-end Schwinns are similar to low-end Specialized. There's some overlap. The biggest data point is where you buy it. Buying at a big-box store like Galyan's or Dick's will mean minimal set-up and no free tune-ups, which a bike shop would include in their price. Most people looking for low-end bikes aren't competent bike mechanics; and most people who are, are looking for something with higher quality level.

Answer 8

Schwinn or actually Pacific-Cycle now, has aimed it's main sales force at discount stores. There still are real authorized Schwinn dealers at REAL bike shops. But, their selection & quality have basically gone down the tubes.



Don't lock yourself into a show down between two brands. Try as many as possible. It's all about fit & feel in your price range. If the bike doesn't feel right - it's not. Google 'bicycle shop' and your zip code. Go see them all & try as many as you can. Whichever bike feels best to you - buy it.

Answer 9

Heather



Specialized if you must choose. You should look at Trek, Specialized, Cannodale, and Giant. All three will gave bikes in the same price range. Go with the one that has the best bike ride feel, and best shop feel. They will become your biddy's.



Soccerref

Answer 10

If you want a Schwinn get one from a bike shop the department store ones are junk. I would stick with a Specialized, they have a better selection.

Answer 11

Schwinn used to be quality. Now they only cater to big box stores and kids' bikes.



Ew.

Answer 12

huge difference in quality. but depending on the price point level, around 300 or so they may be similar. you best bet would be a cannondale or a trek.

Answer 13

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A good way to explain the differences between types of bikes is to think of them like you would think of cars. Road racing bikes- These are the bikes you see with the extremely skinny tires and drop handlebars. The people riding them are often wearing tight lycra clothes. These are like the formula one cars or the supercars of the cycling world. They are highly specialized to only do one thing- go fast on paved roads. Old ten speed bikes- These are what most Americans think of when they think of 'normal' bikes. Some have drop bars like racing bikes, some have other styles of bars. The tires generally aren't wide, but they aren't super skinny either. They are inexpensive bikes for just normal riding around. They are pretty much all found on the used market these days. These are the 1991 Honda Civics of the cycling world. Cruiser bikes- These are the bikes with more curvaceous frames, like an old schwinn from the fifties. They are generally, as the name suggests, just for cruising around and having fun. Some love the style, some don't. These are like the lowriders of the cycling world- not for going fast, just for having fun, and looking good to those that like the style. Touring bikes- These are very stout road bikes. Many have drop bars, but certainly not all. They are designed specifically for long distance trips and carrying loads in comfort. They use wider tires. You can generally take a touring bike off road on well groomed trails and fire roads. They are like the suburban or the range rover of the cycling world. Mountain bikes- These are bikes that are designed specifically for off road use. They generally have tires with a knobby, agressive tread. The cranks are higher up off of the ground for more clearance. Many have some sort of sprung suspension, either at the front or at the front and rear. They aren't as good at riding on the pavement. These are the Jeeps of the cycling world, ranging from a stock jeep to one of those heavily modified lifted jeeps with mud tires. 'Hybrid' bikes- These are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. The goal was to create a bike that was the best of both worlds, but for the most part, they are the worst of both worlds. They aren't as good on the road as bikes specifically designed for paved road use, and they aren't as good off road as a mountain bike. They are like the crossover SUV's of the cycling world- pretty much not very good at any of the tasks they were designed for. They are often also known as 'comfort' bikes, but they are only comfortable for short, occasional rides. Cargo bikes- These bikes, such as the xtracycle, the surly big dummy, the kona ute, and the madsen kg271 are designed for carrying a LOT of stuff around. They are like the pickup trucks of the cycling world. Cyclocross bikes- These are very similar to road bikes, but they use tires that are more akin to mountain bike tires. They are used for a form of racing called cyclocross racing. These are like the rally cars (subaru impreza, mitsubishi evo) of the cycling world. Roadster bikes- Often called Dutch bikes or English bikes, these are large, very heavy bikes designed for transportation. The most notable feature of this style of bike is the fully enclosed chaincase around the chain, so you don't have to worry about snagging your pants. They generally last forever. They are very comfortable to ride. These are like the old large sedans of the cycling world. Tandem bikes- These are 'bicycles built for two,' although you can also get them for three or four people if you are willing to shell out LOTS of loot. These are kind of like the minivans of the cycling world, in a loose sense. Folding bikes- These are small bikes that fold up so you can put them in the trunk of a car, or take them on a train or bus, or stash in the corner of your office at work. They are like the smart cars or the geo metros of the cycling world. I am sure I have left something out here, but those are the basics. In general, wider tires are more comfortable. Smoother tires give better performance on the road. You can get wide smooth tires, just like you can get skinnier knobby tires. If you live in a place that is rainy, the most important thing you can have on a bike is a good set of fenders that cover as much of the wheels as possible. Good luck!

Answer 14

I am waiting on more answers before I post my opinion