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.
281758
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! 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... » Read More 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! « Show Less
1418523
I have this bike on order and spoke to a sales rep for Prodeco before purchasing and asked him the same question. He said they're available from them for $22 ($12 + $10/shipping). You might want to call Prodeco and confirm this. Sounds reasonable to me.
1393173
In my opinion the Freestyle is a lower-end bike. The Scan 18 comes with a gyro (brake cable detangler that allows you to spin the handlebars completely around) and is built with better quality parts. My son has been tearin' it up on this thing and it's holding up very well after more than a year. He loves it.
70780
It's a bike for an adult. The ride is comfortable, once you install a superior quality crankshaft and bottom bracket. Any basic/ entry level Shimano or SRAM parts should do fine. Don't break the bank by purchasing overly expensive components. I got some good deals and upgraded with very good SRAM components parts.
1944924
Have to be careful of what you read on the internet. There are a lot of folks on this forum that don't own a bike nor have they even ridden one since kiddie tricycle days, but are completely engrossed into the space occupied by a supposed 16 pound bike they will not ever own....and that would cost at least $5,000. For a bike in this real world price range (under $500), 25 pounds would be quite light-weight and completely acceptable. The Northwoods I bought for my wife (this model), it is in the 25 pound range (21-24 pounds +/-) seems quite light and sporty. It is not at all clunky or heavy like some bikes you might buy at a department or hardware store. This bike has an aluminum frame and almost all allow gears and components which the dept store bike won't. You could buy this Northwoods with confidence and find it is quite a good ride. On the other side; in only a few rare cases is the shipping weight quoted in an ad anywhere close to correct, nor is the ratio of shipping weight to product weight consistent enough to make it useful.
827473
It's a nice bike for the price. The paintjob will get easily damaged. For a few extra bucks, for a 12 year old, I'd probably look for something with 48 spoked rims. I got this for my much younger son because it is a bit lower end.
1460220
I have been extremely satisfied with the bike. I have used it on paved roads and off road. It is excellent in every situation I have used it. I was surprised with the quality given it's price. I highly recommend it.
78362
No, it is not completely assembled, there is some minor parts that have to be put on such as the front wheel, handle bars and pedals. Very easy to do but you will need a few metric tools such as a few metric Allen wrenches. It also suggests a few metric sockets, which would be easier, however a good ole crescent wrench works fine. The only another issue I would address is the gearing of this bike.....My wife was not in favor of any gears and handle brakes, period. So this is the bike she picked. My bike has seven speeds. I have road my wife's bike and her gearing is between my 3rd and 4th gears. Which means it is extremely harder to pedal, even on flat ground. I have since changed her rear sprocket from a 18T to a 20T and I think it is a lot better for basic riding, not too expensive about $20 and I did the labor. This is where I am heading with this story...while at the bike shop for parts I noticed that they had bikes with coaster brakes that had 3 speeds. This means no hand brakes..This was a different brand and the price was $500, so it was alot more money than the Schwinn. It might be something to think about if you want some lower gears for riding and don't want hand brakes..to be truthful I don't know if Schwinn even makes bikes with that option. Hope this helps and doesn't confuse..Just my $0.02 Ken
247800
I don't understand the negative responses on this bike. For the money, you can't beat it. The only negative I found is that I wish the seat could be adjusted higher. I'm using it for knee replacements and the extra height would be beneficial. Also, easy to assemble. My 13 year old grandson had it together in about an hour.
945514
You're welcome. I would highly recommend going to a bike shop (one with great customer service) and get them to fit you. Also if you are really serious about biking go ahead and invest in a good bike..you can tell the difference in a $150 versus a $500 bike and up. Borrow someone's if you can, who has a good bike to see what you might want. I love my bike..I have a specialized dolce and it'll last me a long time. Good luck!
2144102
I have had my Schwinn 520 for over 6 months and I use it four days a week. I had a recumbent bike before and I receive a much better workout on the 520. I would buy it again. I had my knee replaced 3 years ago and thanks to the 520 I am able to maintain strength in the leg.
2274399
I have had good results with the Shimano ix1000R. It's a great buy on Amazon for less than $17.00
1391012
Is 17.5 medium frame for peopple btw 5' to 5'10"If u going to pay over 300 find something alse is basic bike , better than Walmart bikes but not the best if you going to hit the trails or the mountain !
517965
David Brinkmeyer is spot on with his answer. It is a great bike but if you are going to be hauling a load you should step up to higher quality bike with more gears and better brakes.
1043190
I found A.M.s response to be absolutely pertinent to the discussion. I'm sure the good people who work for Wald making these racks would also agree. As one who has looked closely at both of these brands I'd buy the Wald every day but one would last the life of the bike. The Sunlite is clearly inferior when viewed in person.By the way, I found your response inappropriate in a forum where people are trying to be helpful to one another.
472002
Hey Tim, The upgrade is about $60. I'd suggest trying the trike as is for now, that's a very easy thing to upgrade if you feel you need it in the future.