Upgrading my Schwinn
09-07-22, 07:14 AM
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Upgrading my Schwinn
I am looking for opinions on what upgrades you would do.
The bike. Schwinn trail wind. Stock and a decent rider
The purpose. I was given this bike for recognition of all the work i do for 70x7. I would prefer a higher end bike as i ride 30 or more miles a day. I also want to be seen riding what is the end goal for many of our clients.
Now what would you all do to keep the over all look of this bike but also lighten it, improve performance and here is the challenge. on a non profit budget, that means cheaply. i plan on modifying many of our bikes to be used as daily drives. the bikes that are donated are mainly beaters. the riders deserve the best we can give them at a reasonable cost. the trail winds are all new but few will get them.
The bike. Schwinn trail wind. Stock and a decent rider
The purpose. I was given this bike for recognition of all the work i do for 70x7. I would prefer a higher end bike as i ride 30 or more miles a day. I also want to be seen riding what is the end goal for many of our clients.
Now what would you all do to keep the over all look of this bike but also lighten it, improve performance and here is the challenge. on a non profit budget, that means cheaply. i plan on modifying many of our bikes to be used as daily drives. the bikes that are donated are mainly beaters. the riders deserve the best we can give them at a reasonable cost. the trail winds are all new but few will get them.
Last edited by cb400bill; 09-07-22 at 07:48 AM.
09-07-22, 07:48 AM
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Does yours look like this one?
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09-07-22, 08:50 AM
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About the biggest bang for a buck in making a bike a nicer ride is the tires. However for an urban transportation bike running lightweight tires that are supple will likely increase the rate of flat tires. This is no "upgrade" (never liked that term for a few reasons) IMO.
The smartest thing to do, again only opinion, is to make the bike fit the rider best. Not just the rider's stance/reach/seat height but more the bike's outfitting for its intended use (lights, racks/bags, locks and such). I also suggest doing the maintenance that the bikes need to be as reliable as reasonable.
The non profit I help at makes no bones about their being about keeping the riders on bikes, and not trying to make the bikes what they are not. Andy
The smartest thing to do, again only opinion, is to make the bike fit the rider best. Not just the rider's stance/reach/seat height but more the bike's outfitting for its intended use (lights, racks/bags, locks and such). I also suggest doing the maintenance that the bikes need to be as reliable as reasonable.
The non profit I help at makes no bones about their being about keeping the riders on bikes, and not trying to make the bikes what they are not. Andy
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09-07-22, 09:52 AM
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Light bikes are light b/c a majority of the parts are lighter than average.
Since bike parts are a lot more expensive piecemeal than when fitted to a bike, thorough upgrades rarely make financial sense.
I agree that making the bike fit the rider - and the use - is probably your best bet rather than an upgrade or lightening as such. Saddle, bar, grips. Gear ratio, maybe even crank length. Pedals, bike shoes.
Since bike parts are a lot more expensive piecemeal than when fitted to a bike, thorough upgrades rarely make financial sense.
I agree that making the bike fit the rider - and the use - is probably your best bet rather than an upgrade or lightening as such. Saddle, bar, grips. Gear ratio, maybe even crank length. Pedals, bike shoes.
09-07-22, 10:06 AM
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Is it a Schwinn Tailwind or Trailway?
The Tailwind is an ebike and the Trailway is a hybrid.
Decades ago I went into a bike shop with my Seats Free Spirit and asked the same question, I’ll give you the same advice the older gentleman gave me, “Buy a better bike and don’t waste your money on that bike.”
As tough as it was to hear, it was the truth. I got a better (real) road bike and sold my Sears bike at a garage sale.
John
The Tailwind is an ebike and the Trailway is a hybrid.
Decades ago I went into a bike shop with my Seats Free Spirit and asked the same question, I’ll give you the same advice the older gentleman gave me, “Buy a better bike and don’t waste your money on that bike.”
As tough as it was to hear, it was the truth. I got a better (real) road bike and sold my Sears bike at a garage sale.
John
