Schwinn Link Review

Wal-Mart calls this a "mountain bike".  WRONG!  It's a Hybrid Bike - a cross between a mountain bike & a comfort bike. 

The first thing I noticed about this bike is that it has no eyelets to mount a water bottle cage...unless you want to bolt on a handlebar mounted one.  So, I guess Wal-Mart & Pacific Bicycle don't consider staying hydrated important.  The second thing I noticed was there is no way to add a rear rack...period.  Unless you want to use one of those useless clamp on ones that wrap around the seatpost...if you're tall enough to raise the seatpost up to accomodate it.  If you're a shorter person...forget it.

Which brings up another point I've made before about these "big box store" bikes; it only comes in one frame size. (This particular model is 17.5") If you're 5' 4" tall, you're too short.  If you're 6' 4" tall, you're too tall.  These bikes are made for people of 'average' height - whatever Wal-Mart considers to be average. (?)

This bike may also be considered the next "Lead Sled" coming in at a whopping 44 lbs.  Just look at the frame configuration.  The top bar on the man's bike is triangular in shape - not round.  Why?  Who knows.  This bulky triangle shape just adds weight.  My God!  I'd bet my Raleigh Hybrid doesn't weigh 44 lbs. with the rear rack, fold out grocery baskets & the handlebar mounted stash bag with all the goodies stored inside. (Tools, lights, lock, etc.) A Raleigh Hybrid is made with an aluminum frame.  The Schwinn is steel.

Although this Schwinn Link has a suspension seat post...the seat (saddle) itself is junk.  And of course Wal-Mart will boast on the Shimano components.  Ninety-Nine percent of all bikes come with Shimano gearing & shifters now-a-days.  However, there are varying degrees Shimano components from good down to bad.  Just as GM makes both the Chevy Cobalt & the Cadillac CTS.  Which would you rather have?

Bottom line: If you're going to putt around no more than a mile from home - it's an OK bike.  If you need to take a water bottle along - how are you going to do it?  If you need to carry something - how are you going to do it?  If you live around hills - remember the heavy steel frame?