I'm looking for an entry level bike for my first sprint triathlon. How would this Vilano compare with something like Walmart's $249 Schwinn Varsity?
315704
I have had my Vilano for 1 year now. For a first bike, and for the purpose that you have mentioned, I believe that the Vilano would be a better choice. The aluminum frame of the Vilano, verses the steel frame of the Schwinn Varsity, should result in a slightly lighter and more responsive bike. For triathlon riding, one thing to consider is the location of the gear shifters (mine are on the handlebars). Are you planning on installing handlebar extensions, or put on special triathlon handlebars? If so, you will want to make sure that the location of the gear shifters will not be in the way (since I'm a road bike rider, and not a triathlete, I don't have first hand experience in installing these type of bars). Although Schwinn does make good bikes at the high end price level, one must keep in mind that the Varsity is their bottom of the line product. See if you can find out the weight of the two bikes you are considering. That should help you in your decision.
1806602
My advice is.....don`t bother with this bike. It`s very poor quality and the seat absolutely SUCKS!!! I could only stay on for 10 minutes, due to the seat. I can not say enough about how poor the design is. Schwinn should be ashamed. Buy the Schwinn Airdyne bike that is all steel. 100 % better quality. I`ve had one for over 10 years. The seat is much more comfortable and it still works great. It`s the one that weighs 98 lbs.
535654
I own the diamond back and I'm a big fan. It's not quite as nice as trek or specialized but then again it's much cheaper and I have had no issues. I've done a couple fifty mile rides on it and it was more than capable of handling the load. Really good starter hybrid bike
1487089
Check again, they are all 3 now available at another place... most frequent GOOGLE result and for 200 less than here. I just bought the large, and I am 5'10, but I have a 30" inseam and it fits ok and I have even had to adjust the seat up quite a bit more than I was expecting. I added a diamondback pillowtop saddle, since I am new to biking also and the saddle that it comes with was killing me. If you are mechanically adept, you can assemble the bike easily but it is good to have a REAL bike shop look it over, the box store assembled mine and it ended up scratched, with under inflated tires, the brakes squeaked, handle bars were not aligned properly, and the deraillers needed adjustment Check again, they are all 3 now available at another place... most frequent GOOGLE result and for 200 less than here. I just bought the large, and I am 5'10, but I have a 30" inseam and it fits ok and I have even had to adjust the seat up quite a bit more than I was expecting. I added a diamondback pillowtop saddle, since I am new to biking also and the saddle that it comes with was killing me. If you are mechanically adept, you can assemble the bike easily but it is good to have a REAL bike shop look it over, the box store assembled mine and it ended up scratched, with under inflated... » Read More Check again, they are all 3 now available at another place... most frequent GOOGLE result and for 200 less than here. I just bought the large, and I am 5'10, but I have a 30" inseam and it fits ok and I have even had to adjust the seat up quite a bit more than I was expecting. I added a diamondback pillowtop saddle, since I am new to biking also and the saddle that it comes with was killing me. If you are mechanically adept, you can assemble the bike easily but it is good to have a REAL bike shop look it over, the box store assembled mine and it ended up scratched, with under inflated tires, the brakes squeaked, handle bars were not aligned properly, and the deraillers needed adjustment « Show Less
721415
I am very happy with the bike, except that I would have preferred handbrakes. However I am getting used to the footbrakes. The bike is heavy. It is probably not possible to make a lightweight bike 'step through'. I recommend it and I would buy it again
1282402
Exercise equipment is prone to breakdown. Buy the extended warranty. It's too heavy to haul out and if the warranty provides in-home service it will pay for itself. I've read enough reviews of Schwinn and like manufacturers to know that oftentimes quality control is lacking. And since labor is only covered for 90 days, there really isn't any other viable choice. I had to return my Schwinn upright bike, model 126 (same as 130), due to off-angle welds, bad bearings in peddles, etc. If the item is $200 or less I wouldn't bother with the warranty but at this price level they are too expensive to service or replace if they break down after 91 days. Exercise equipment is prone to breakdown. Buy the extended warranty. It's too heavy to haul out and if the warranty provides in-home service it will pay for itself. I've read enough reviews of Schwinn and like manufacturers to know that oftentimes quality control is lacking. And since labor is only covered for 90 days, there really isn't any other viable choice. I had to return my Schwinn upright bike, model 126 (same as 130), due to off-angle welds, bad bearings in peddles, etc. If the item is $200 or less I wouldn't bother with the warranty but at this price level they are too expensive... » Read More Exercise equipment is prone to breakdown. Buy the extended warranty. It's too heavy to haul out and if the warranty provides in-home service it will pay for itself. I've read enough reviews of Schwinn and like manufacturers to know that oftentimes quality control is lacking. And since labor is only covered for 90 days, there really isn't any other viable choice. I had to return my Schwinn upright bike, model 126 (same as 130), due to off-angle welds, bad bearings in peddles, etc. If the item is $200 or less I wouldn't bother with the warranty but at this price level they are too expensive to service or replace if they break down after 91 days. « Show Less
1979333
Don't know about Walmart bikes, but this has an aluminum frame. Lightweight for a cruiser, but not as light as good racer.
307419
Thanks A. Myles.I took your suggestion and ordered one for myself. The whole thing costs only $3.27 (plus $5.16 shipping+tax). Its a shame why Shwinn wont ship it with the product itself.
2162178
The Quality/Price ratio was pretty high for this Huffy DS-3 bike, totally worth the price. Both my son and myself enjoy in riding on it.
477052
Hi, This cycle won't stack up against the pro bike you're used to 100%. For the price, it's just not possible. BUT, with that being said, I personally haven't found a pro bike that it doesn't stack up to based on price and quality. I've had mine for a while now. Not only was set up easy (roughly 45 mins as the previous user stated) but it has been working exceptionally well since I bought it. You are most likely used to a bit more in terms of bells and whistles, but this bike cuts that out (lowering cost) while maintaining amazing quality. I would sincerely recommend this bike to anyone; it has been that great of an experience having one. Hope this helps!
1970027
I was a first time bike buyer. And I just went YouTube. There are lots of step by step tutos. Try. It is cheaper than going bikeshop. Thanks
1410076
oh man, I wish I had found these posts before ordering one of these as most of the reviews are positive. It's on the way, should I just immediately send it back and eat the shipping charge? I wouldn't be surprised that these are on sale now as Schwinn prob has fixed models out now. I am assuming that if I keep this bike it will crap out shortly. If I do keep it, should I immediately call for the new motor and then the control panel before even using it? Will the original motor work with the new panel? uggggh. not looking forward to this. Any chance we can convince you to put up a website with pics of the fixes?? ; ) oh man, I wish I had found these posts before ordering one of these as most of the reviews are positive. It's on the way, should I just immediately send it back and eat the shipping charge? I wouldn't be surprised that these are on sale now as Schwinn prob has fixed models out now. I am assuming that if I keep this bike it will crap out shortly. If I do keep it, should I immediately call for the new motor and then the control panel before even using it? Will the original motor work with the new panel? uggggh. not looking forward to this. Any chance we can convince you to put up a website... » Read More oh man, I wish I had found these posts before ordering one of these as most of the reviews are positive. It's on the way, should I just immediately send it back and eat the shipping charge? I wouldn't be surprised that these are on sale now as Schwinn prob has fixed models out now. I am assuming that if I keep this bike it will crap out shortly. If I do keep it, should I immediately call for the new motor and then the control panel before even using it? Will the original motor work with the new panel? uggggh. not looking forward to this. Any chance we can convince you to put up a website with pics of the fixes?? ; ) « Show Less
349773
HM, did you ever get any good feeback to your dilemma? I am in the same boat now, debating between the 305 Edge and Forerunner. As a Mtn Biker (primarily) I'm leaning toward the Edge but they both have the functionality I need.
1534211
I purchased my through Amazon strictly because I wanted it delivered somewhere specific. But Walmart would be a better choice for two reasons. 1 the bike comes assembled which is not hard to do but you do need a little bit of mechanical ability to make proper adjustments. The second reason is for sizing which I did not do and found out the bike is a little taller than I prefer.Hope this helpChris
1651676
Nautilus R514 Recumbant post: Your review is good - and not having seen these two sister products side-by-side, I would definitely say that the Schwinn display looks more updated (color, etc.) while the Nautilus looks bad. You did miss one thing: the R514 has a 'powerful fan.' Now, I like that feature, but I can get the 240 for $399 including tax and shipping. That means that for $150 I get a better warranty and a fan, but many of the reviewers on various sites have said that the fan is, in the words of Charles Barkley, TURRIBLE! So I agree with you, and am going to order the Schwinn. Using an external fan may not be chic, but it probably works better and it's free (top shelf of my hall closet :-)). Thanks for the fine review - well done.
1962500
Very happy with mine. Have had it for about 6 months. Had a professional do some adjustments after assembly, cost me about 60.00. Its been a great bike so far. Even the professional bike shop said it was a quality bike.
2069734
I just bought mine before Christmas. So, I have just a few days to ride it. But, I do like what I have seen so far. This being my second year to compete in triathlon, I think this is going to be a good bike for me for this year. Compared to my first triathlon bike, it's a lot lighter in weight and handles well! I hope this helps your decision.