Bicycles Online > Comfort and Hybrid Bikes > Schwinn Avenue Hybrid Comfort Bike Review

Schwinn Avenue Hybrid / Comfort Bike Review

Is the Schwinn Avenue Hybrid really a Schwinn or even a Hybrid?

OK, technically, this is a Schwinn (i.e. Pacific Cycle) bike, of course, but you won't find this bike on the Schwinn Bike site or at any other store other than Wal-Mart since it is specifically made for Wal-Mart.

Yes, you can call this a Hybrid Bike, but the definition of hybrid bikes is a little vague and can vary from one manufacturer or dealer to another. Personally, I would say that this bike leans a little more towards being a Comfort Bike than a Hybrid Bike.

The reason that I think that this bike leans more towards a comfort bike is primarily due to the front and seat suspension (shock absorbers), the extra padded seat and mostly upright seating position.

The 700cm tires, 21 speeds and level shifters (vs grip shifters) would indicate more of a hybrid style but these features can also be found on comfort bikes as well as on hybrid bikes.

Comfort and hybrid bikes, including the Schwinn Avenue Hybrid are an excellent choice for casual and comfortable bike rides, commuting and occasional longer distance (bike path or touring) rides.

Note: As of 8/1/2010 the Schwinn Avenue Hybrid is selling for $199 (new) at Wal-Mart with free shipping and assembly options. See Schwinn Avenue Hybrid Bike for the latest price and customer reviews.

The Schwinn Avenue Hybrid at a glance:

This bike has nicely padded seat, front suspension, seat post shock absorber, lever shifters (not grip shifters), 700x38c tires, high quality components and a comfortable frame design.

At the time of this review this bike is only available as a "Men's" model but I see no good reason for this bike not to be considered gender neutral. The primary difference in most "Women's" models is the top tube (or top crossbar). Most (but not all) Women's model bikes have the complete step through design.

Although it is not a complete step through model, the Schwinn Avenue has a downward angled top tube which does make this bike easy to mount and dismount.

About-Bicycles Review:

Although there are higher quality hybrid and comfort bikes available (the Schwinn Voyager GS (comfort) and Fuji Absolute (hybrid) for example), there are very few quality comfort/hybrid bikes available for under $200.

The price, overall Schwinn (i.e. Pacific Cycle) quality and features (700cm tires, 21 speeds, suspension and padded seat) make this a great buy but I would only recommend this bike for light to moderate use.

Customer Reviews:

There were no shortage of customer reviews on this bike at the time of this review and owners rate this bike very high. The Schwinn Avenue was rated 4.5 of 5 stars (from 101 reviews at Wal-Mart) and 4.5 out of 5 stars (from 4 reviews at epinions.com).

Relevant comments from the many positive reviews included...

"Great everyday bike or for long rides., 01/15/2009":
"Pros: Comfortable, sturdy, fast"
"Cons: Problems shifting middle 3 gears, back end tends to slide around during hard breaks"

"Excellent bike for general use, 07/29/2009":
"Overall I love this bike, highly recommend it and will probably buy one for my wife."

"Great bike Great Ride Great Price, 06/10/2008":
"Although I bought this bike just to ride occasionally, I have ridden it everyday for at least an hour or two since I purchased it. I feel like a kid again. I highly recommend this bike."

See Schwinn Avenue Hybrid Reviews (at Wal-Mart) for more information and additional customer reviews...

Schwinn Avenue Hybrid Specs and Features:

• Frame:Aluminum hybrid frame with front suspension fork; equivalent to 26" adult frame
  
• Gearing: Shimano EZ Fire 21-speed shifters - thumb shifters (levers)
  
• Tires: 700x38mm
• Brakes: Alloy linear pull brakes
  
• Wheels: 24-spoke alloy wheels with paired spoke pattern
  
• Seat: Suspension seat post
  

More helpful online bike sales resources:

See Best Buy Bikes Online - for the latest sales and deals on quality brand names bikes for sale online.

Most popular bike brands in US - WIth so many bicycle manufacturers, bicycle types and popular brand names sold in the US, that it can be difficult to find a comprehensive summary of the top 20 bike most popular bike brands.

See Online Bike Stores - for a complete listing of where to purchase the most popular brands for all bike types online.

Recommended Hybrid Bike Brands and Online Bike Sites

** REI.com - Cycling has a great selection of Cannondale, Raleigh, Scott, and Novara brand Hybrid Bikes that you can buy online. Some REI brand hybrid bikes (like cannondale) must be delivered to an REI store but the brands that can be delivered directly to your home come with only minor assembly required.

* Performance Bicycle has a nice selection of comfort and hybrid bicycles for sale online including Schwinn, K2, Mongoose, GT,and Dahon brand bikes. Bikes can be delivered to your home or to a Performance store for FREE shipping.

See Bikes at Wal-Mart for a good selection of hybrid and comfort bikes at very low prices. Walmart offers Schwinn, Kent, Mongoose, and Huffy brand comfort and hybrid bikes for sale online.