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Bicycles Online > Road Bikes > Schwinn Varsity Road Bike Review
Schwinn Varsity Road Bike Review
This aint your daddys Schwinn Varsity!
Well, first you have the vintage 10 speed, Schwinn Varsity Road Bike of the 60s and 70s... and
now you have the Wal-mart Schwinn Varsity of 2012. What do they have in common? I think the answer to that question is simply "the name". 
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 local bike stores (LBS) and this bike is not at all like old vintage Schwinn Varsitys (which is good in some ways, but not all good).
The old vintage Schwinn Varsitys were mostly 10 speed, steel frame bikes that were build pretty well compared to other bikes of that era.
The new Schwinn Varsitys are inexpensive (low end or entry level) aluminum frame, mass marketed bikes that are usually sold at Wal-Mart and Amazon (indirectly) so keep this in mind when reviewing this bike.
The good news is that the Schwinn Varsity is an up to date, entry level road bike.
Note: As of 2/1/2012 the Schwinn Varsity is selling for $399.75 (new - down from $415 on 1/16/12) at Amazon with free shipping options. See Schwinn Varsity Road Bike
for the latest price and customer reviews or to purchase the Schwinn Varsity.
www.Amazon.com
The Schwinn Varsity Road Bike at a glance:
The Schwinn Varsity has a Lightweight Aluminum Frame (although the 2011 version specifies a "carbon fiber wrapped lightweight aluminum road frame"), Shimano 14-speed drive train with Shimano shifters, Wrap Down Handlebars and Schwinn warranty on parts.
About-Bicycles Review:
Although I can not give this bike (or any other department store bike) an unqualified buy recommendation, I can recommend this bike a decent entry level road bike for light to moderate use.
Road bikes are usually priced higher than other bike types so it is difficult to find a quality road bike for under $500. If you are a little more serious about getting into cycling, and can afford the upgrade, I would suggest the Scott Speedster (starting around $550), but if you really can't afford the upgrade then the Schwinn Varsity will at get you started with the sport.
Also, Wal-mart calls this bike '700c Men's Schwinn Varsity Road Bike" 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 but you don't see gender specific models as often in this category (road bikes).
Customer Reviews:
Most of the customer reviews on the New Schwinn Varsity, at the time of this review, were at Wal-Mart and I believe that they have exclusive rights to sell this bike. Schwinn Varsity owners have given this bike 4 of 5 stars at Wal-Mart from 148 reviews.
I believe that customer satisfaction level is sometimes related to the price paid in some situations. For example, the 4 of 5 stars at wal-Mart probably reflects the satisfaction with the bike for the price paid rather than the overall quality of the bike compared to other quality road bikes.
I think that this review of the Schwinn Varsity says it all...
"Sweet ride!"
"Great bike for the price! Easy to put together, gears shift smooth, very quiet ride. No problems with flat tires like some others have said in their reviews, & I take it out a few times a week. I absolutely LOVE this bike! I am a 5'7'' female, 130lbs...if that helps any other girls trying to pick out a road bike....it's a perfect fit for me. Thanks!!!'
Schwinn Varsity Road Bike Key Specs and Features:
- Handcrafted Schwinn aluminum roadbike frame
- 14-speed Shimano equipped drivetrain
- Shimano rear derailleur and shifters
- Schwinn steel road fork
- Dual pivot caliper brakes
- Toe clips and straps
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.
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