I bought this bike a couple of weeks ago for $275 (with RC discount, $290 is usual price) and have since put about 250 miles on it. Just like any department store bike, it's not the best in the world, but it's the best sub-$300 new bike option, IMO. At its current price, it's a really good deal. At the time of this post, there were still some available for shipping and of the 6 stores near me, 5 have them in stock for online order and in-store pick-up.
http://www.target.com/p/schwinn-1...A-51457275
I'm transitioning from a halfway decent mountain bike to road/hybrid and tried Walmart's GMC Denali road bike ($170-180, depending on frame size), Walmart's Schwinn Dodger hybrid ($250), Target's Schwinn Solara road bike (currently on sale for $150), and Dick's Sporting Goods' Nishiki Manitoba (on sale for $350). I decided I didn't like drop bars and none of the "road" bikes were geared as proper road bikes, anyway. The Dodger is also really heavy, but it comes with disc brakes. The Nishiki is quite a bit more expensive, but comes with the (slightly) upgraded Acera groupset and doesn't have disc brakes.
The Circuit seems right for me. I replaced the seat and pedals with those from my old bike and added some $10 bar ends from Amazon to give me some different hand positions during long rides, but that's it. It feels as light as hybrid bikes in the $350-400 range. The groupset is all Shimano Tourney (ie. the cheapest one Shimano makes) and the mechanical disc brakes don't have any brand on them. The pads squeal, but work well. 32mm tires are decent with some tread. It's got braze-ons for 2 water bottle cages and a both front and rear cargo racks.
I'm 6'0 at 225lbs and it fits me. I'm at the top end of the height range (seat post is just about max height), so I wouldn't think it would fit someone much taller.
31 Comments
Your comment cannot be blank.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
I (kinda) know what I'm doing and I let them assemble it for me, just because it was easier. The front brakes definitely needed adjustment, as did the rear derailleur.
Or is infinity Boss 2 for 169 at Costco better?
On road / hybrid biked I heard traditional brakes are always better than disks
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
thats heavy even for a road bike...
Or is infinity Boss 2 for 169 at Costco better?
On road / hybrid biked I heard traditional brakes are always better than disks
Or is infinity Boss 2 for 169 at Costco better?
On road / hybrid biked I heard traditional brakes are always better than disks
I would like to know this as well. Planning to buy the Costco one for occasional riding.
I would like to know this as well. Planning to buy the Costco one for occasional riding.
Or is infinity Boss 2 for 169 at Costco better?
On road / hybrid biked I heard traditional brakes are always better than disks
EDIT: Ah, saw the link you provided after I started typing my reply. Anyone know if it still works? You have to create an account to check. Still not a fan of v-brakes, though.
As for the Infinity, I don't see the Boss.two on Costco's US website (just the Canadian one). Even if I did, the aluminum fork would be a dealbreaker for me. The Circuit has a hi-ten fork, which I'll take over aluminum every time. Chromoly is a step up from hi-ten.
As for caliper vs disc brakes, it really depends on what you're doing. Disc brakes are technologically better in almost every way. They are more expensive, heavier, and require more initial adjustment. Replacing pads is more work than with calipers. I wouldn't consider not having them to be a dealbreaker, but I would never considering having them to be a disadvantage, either.
thats heavy even for a road bike...
Anyway, some seasoned cyclists would disagree with you. I wouldn't pretend it's an equal number, as "serious" cyclists tend to be elitist by nature, but the usual forums are chock full of folks who would argue that it's perfectly reasonable to go entry-level and upgrade once you know it's going to be a hobby you're willing to dedicate time and money to. Are they (or am I) saying that Tourney is just as good as Ultegra? Or even Sora? No, of course not. Will they last as long? Nope. But here are my reasons for doing this over the used option:
1.) Virtually no LBS in my area sells used bikes. Their reason? People don't want to pay top dollar (because they spend the time fixing them up and they need to make a profit, after all) for a used bike when they can spend a little more to get a (nice, not department store) new one.
2.) That leaves Craigslist and cycling groups. Are there good bikes out there for a great price? Of course! Can you find them all day long and do you have a million to choose from? Don't be ridiculous. You have to get lucky (where I live, anyway) and you have to have the time and willingness to check multiple times a day and meet with folks. Maybe your time isn't worth anything, but mine is. I want to ride now, not put it off for a month or two.
3.) When a potential bike does pop up, you have to know what you're looking at. Your average person can't order the groupsets in a list from best to worst. They don't exactly know what to look for on a used bike, warning signs and potential wear items. It's easy to say you should teach yourself before buying a bike, but let's be honest...that's elitist thinking right there. Reading forums, how-tos, and watching YouTube videos will only get you so far; you only really learn by doing.
4.) I can return this bike within 4 months (extra month because I bought with REDcard). Component craps out? Return it. Something breaks? Return it. If you want to be a jerk and return it because you found a better deal or that amazing Craigslist find turns up...return it.
The fact of the matter is that this bike is fine for your average person. If you ride 6000 miles in a year, you're not the average person. Now, if you're volunteering to be my personal bike shopper, I'll take you up on the offer.
As for the Infinity, I don't see the Boss.two on Costco's US website (just the Canadian one). Even if I did, the aluminum fork would be a dealbreaker for me. The Circuit has a hi-ten fork, which I'll take over aluminum every time. Chromoly is a step up from hi-ten.
It's not 38lbs and I think you mean it would be heavy for a mountain bike (since road bikes are pretty light). I can weigh it when I get home, but I'll bet money it's closer to 28lbs.
Elitists rarely think of themselves as elitists...even when they write elitist things on deal forums
Anyway, some seasoned cyclists would disagree with you. I wouldn't pretend it's an equal number, as "serious" cyclists tend to be elitist by nature, but the usual forums are chock full of folks who would argue that it's perfectly reasonable to go entry-level and upgrade once you know it's going to be a hobby you're willing to dedicate time and money to. Are they (or am I) saying that Tourney is just as good as Ultegra? Or even Sora? No, of course not. Will they last as long? Nope. But here are my reasons for doing this over the used option:
1.) Virtually no LBS in my area sells used bikes. Their reason? People don't want to pay top dollar (because they spend the time fixing them up and they need to make a profit, after all) for a used bike when they can spend a little more to get a (nice, not department store) new one.
2.) That leaves Craigslist and cycling groups. Are there good bikes out there for a great price? Of course! Can you find them all day long and do you have a million to choose from? Don't be ridiculous. You have to get lucky (where I live, anyway) and you have to have the time and willingness to check multiple times a day and meet with folks. Maybe your time isn't worth anything, but mine is. I want to ride now, not put it off for a month or two.
3.) When a potential bike does pop up, you have to know what you're looking at. Your average person can't order the groupsets in a list from best to worst. They don't exactly know what to look for on a used bike, warning signs and potential wear items. It's easy to say you should teach yourself before buying a bike, but let's be honest...that's elitist thinking right there. Reading forums, how-tos, and watching YouTube videos will only get you so far; you only really learn by doing.
4.) I can return this bike within 4 months (extra month because I bought with REDcard). Component craps out? Return it. Something breaks? Return it. If you want to be a jerk and return it because you found a better deal or that amazing Craigslist find turns up...return it.
The fact of the matter is that this bike is fine for your average person. If you ride 6000 miles in a year, you're not the average person. Now, if you're volunteering to be my personal bike shopper, I'll take you up on the offer.
As opposed to those making quick decisions, you seem to know enough about bikes to make an informed decision, which is why I asked.
In comparison to my 2 bikes, I bought a Schwinn hybrid for my 11 yr old daughter. She doesnt ride much and is still growing... during the setup, I could immediately tell the inferiority. The frame was fine, but heavy. Brakes were mushy (I upgraded the brakes and twist shifters to a trigger shift brake combo unit), the wheels were a mess, not tru at all. I've also had to make regular adjustments that would otherwise seem premature. The whole purpose is to stay on the bike with minimal down time maintaining and to anyone not proficient in bike maintenance, it would be a nightmare and would likely turn them off from cycling completely.
If you said what your looking for and listed available options, I'd be glad to provide my less-than-elite input.