The Schwinn 2009 World GS retails for about $500. According to Schwinn's "dealer locator," you can find this model at Nash's Sports at 3339 14th St. N.W. in D.C.I don't know whether Schwinn will ever recapture its former prestige (used Schwinns are still a better deal than new ones), but this is a step in the right direction. This bike makes the BFROU list because it's affordable and comes with fenders, rack, chainguard, and a bell.
2009 Specs
Frame: Schwinn N'Litened aluminum with Comfort Tuned geometry and replaceable derailleur hanger.
Fork: SR Suntour NEX 4110 suspension fork with 50mm of travel and preload adjustment
Drivetrain
Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-UN26 square taper
Derailleurs: Shimano Acera M340 rear, C051 front
Shifters: Shimano EF50 Easy Fire triggers
Chain: KMC Z-72
Rims: Alex ACE 17 double wall alloy 32 hole
Hubs: Formula alloy sealed mechanism front and rear with quick release
Spokes: 14 gauge stainless steel, 32 per wheel
Tires: 700x38C Schwinn Approved city tread
Pedals: Resin comfort pedal with steel axle
Brake Levers: Shimano EF50
Handlebar: Alloy 50mm rise, 15 degree bend
Stem: Alloy quill style with adjustable rise
Headset: Integrated 1 1/8" threaded
Grips: Schwinn Bio Tuned Ergonomic dual density
Saddle: Comfort Tuned Plus with Schwinn memory foam
Seat Post: Alloy suspension with micro adjustment clamp
Extras: Planet Bike Freddy Fenders, Planet Bike rear alloy rack, full chain cover, bell, kick stand and alloy QR seat binder
2 comments:
I like it; just saw one at a shop this afternoon. Very sensible, and yet, I still don't get the point of suspension forks on this type of bike. Seems to me the added weight outweighs the advantages over the occasional pothole (unless of course you ride a lot of unpaved roads).
Still, it feels a little "parts bin" in its final set up, but that shouldn't stop the person who wants the utility it offers and doesn't care as much about frivolous details. Either way, it's a good enough looking bike for what you get at that price. The kind of rider who'd use this bike will never put it through enough punishment to have to pay anymore than what this bike costs. Neglect, however -- that's a whole other thing.
Given all this, I walked out of the store this afternoon with the $100 less option with old school classic styling and bought the Schwinn Willy. It has a 7-speed drivetrain (with the hill-friendly 30+ tooth cog at the bottom of the rear cog set), rack, fenders, chain guard and cushy seat. With decent fitness, I'd bet my $100-less option would do just as good a job than this World GS.
I could be a bit optimistic, of course.
Curious about the Schwinn Willy/Jenny. Are these the replacements for the Coffee/Cream?
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