Posts Tagged ‘Rear Brakes’

Schwinn Meridian Adult 26 Inch 3 Wheel Bike

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Schwinn Meridian Adult 26 Inch 3 Wheel Bike




Cruise around in comfort and style with this easy-to-use, single-speed three-wheeled Schwinn Meridian bike. The bike features a low step-through frame, an upright handlebar, padded cruiser saddle, and front and rear brakes. Perfect for rides around town or through the park on a warm, sunny day, the bike features a folding rear basket to stash your picnic lunch or extra jacket. The Meridian also offers a lightweight aluminum frame for a comfortable and stable ride.

Key Features:

  • Frame Type: Tricycle cruiser
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Gearing: Single speed
  • Brakes: Rear band brake with front linear pull brake
  • Wheels: Alloy rims with stainless steel spokes

About Schwinn
Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations–Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America’s most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

  • Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
  • Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
  • Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

  • Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
  • Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
  • High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

  • Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
  • Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
  • Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars ROBUST,WELL MADE, BUT NOTE
Schwinn Meridian Adult 26-Inch 3-Wheel Bike

This made in China tricycle has a lot going for it, including a very capacious carrier/metal basket, quickly and easily adjusted saddle,brakes that lock in position so that the bike will not roll away, but note the following:

It is heavy. You will need to be quite strong if you need to pick it up.

It is 28.5 inches at its widest point. It will not pass through my side door, though it will through the front door.

Will it work for my 5′3 inch wife? It is quite big.

MOST IMPORTANTLY. My recommendation is that you have it shipped to your nearest Schwinn bike shop for assembly unless you are mechanically inclined and have the necessary tools.

NO REVIEWS I HAVE READ POINT OUT YOU NEED TO USE A TORQUE WRENCH WHEN ASSEMBLING THIS TRIKE,an item not to be found in most households and which costs $45 to purchase. I suspect buyers have used a regular spanner which is highly unlikely to tighten a nut correctly.

On balance, I decided to have the trike professionally assembled using the right tools. The cost of doing this was $70. The Schwinn Cyclery who handled this task found that a bolt and two nuts were missing from the kit.

5 Stars 3 wheel schwinn meridian bike
The bike was exactly as pictured on the web page, was easely assembled, and delivered promptly. I am very satisfied, and find the bike just as it was described on the web page. I would recomend this bike to anyone who is interested in a three wheeler. Bill H. Hill

4 Stars So much fun!
I love my new trike! Hadn’t been on a bicycle since the training wheels came off my bike at age 6, so I had no preconceptions about how to ride. My daughter, on the other hand found it difficult to ride and nearly hit a pole.

The reviews on this bike repeatedly talk about how hard it is to put together. It took my daughter’s motor head boyfriend something like six hours before he finally took it to a Schwinn shop for the final adjustments on the front wheel.

He was frustrated, but I am absolutely thrilled with how fun it is to ride. The only problem is that my three year old grandson wants to play chicken with me on HIS trike. Oh, well…

5 Stars Love the Trike
Love the trike when I am good Elizabeth lets me go for a ride in the basket.

We go to the DOGGy PARK and all around our Mobile home park. She lets me look at the golf course however I can’t go on it, only rabbits can. The rabbits hold conventions on the greens, at the 5th hole. I am not allowed in the lakes either but sometimes she lets me walk on a lease beside her and that is fun as I get to read the other doggy news left on the bushes. Most of the dogs in the Park are green with envy when I go riding by their house.

I just love the bike and I think Elizabeth does also as she takes me riding a lot.

Yours Truely

Cindy

5 Stars schwinn
It is a beautiful Blue My FAVORITE COLOR Only I would like to have gotten a 24 in. instead of the 26 in. Because I am only 4′ 11″ tall. But I love it and intend to go shopping with it. Go to resturant and library,

Dont need gas so should save some money there.

Yours Truly

Barbara J. Goss

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Schwinn Coronado Mens Comfort Bike 26 Inch Wheels

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Schwinn Coronado Mens Comfort Bike 26 Inch Wheels




Outfitted with an aluminum comfort frame, an SR M2000 suspension fork to absorb shock, and a soft memory foam saddle, the Schwinn Coronado 26-inch men’s comfort bike is ideal for riding around town or cruising down a leisurely bike path. The bike offers such additional features as alloy linear pull brakes for easy stopping, 21-speed SRAM grip shifters, and a Shimano rear derailleur for effortless shifting between speeds. The rustproof, 36-hole alloy rims, meanwhile, will conquer virtually any terrain, helping provide a smooth, responsive riding experience. The men’s Coronado measures 51 by 26 by 7 inches (W x H x D), weighs 37.5 pounds, and carries a five-year warranty.

About Schwinn
Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that’s long been synonymous with quality and innovation. The company has built some of the best-known and best-loved bikes of multiple generations, including the Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate, and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to innovate with such releases as the redesigned Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America’s most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom, and performance to people of all ages.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good quality for this price
This is my first bike for many years. Still it was very easy to assemble it and make all adjustments. Majority of components are pre-assembled by Schwinn - rear wheel, front and rear brakes, chain and gears. Its even not necessary to make fine tuning at bike shop. Only suspension needs greasing. This bike is good on the road and goes perfectly uphill.

2 Stars Choose a Local Bike Shop
When I had a problem with this bike, I called Schwinn directly. The customer service representative told me that she would not recommend buying a bike online and suggested using a local bike shop to avoid problems. I agree. I was completely satisfied with a reputable local business. Amazon accepted the bike in return, and I appreciated that.

What I liked about this bike: aluminum frame, styling.

The problems: the front tire was defective, the directions don’t match the way the bike is packaged when you assemble it which caused confusion.

5 Stars Great, light, and delivered well packaged
It was delivered in two layers of boxes, and, maybe because of that, there was no apparent damage to the bike.

It looked very nice and light.

With a returned GMC topkick mountain bike, I could not run up a modest slope even using the lowest gear, and was easily exhausted after a short riding.

This schwinn bike returned me a pleasure of riding a bike and allowed me to drive up the hill simply.

3 Stars Good BIke… but not great
I bought this bike about a month ago. The look and style is great. However, the seat is very uncomfortable, I had to get it replaced. Even worse, I have rode it a couple of times already, and the Front Derailleur is already damaged. I need to have this bike tuned up at the local bike shop which will set me back an additional $50.00. While I do expect for Schwinn to make good on the warranty, and send me a replacement part, it is a hassle to have to register, and wait for it. Unfortunately, I may need to come out of pocket even more if I want the part replaced sooner. Overall, this bike is okay, but I will recommend to do serious research before deciding on this one.

5 Stars Schwinn Coronado Men’s Comfort Bike
Very good product. Everything is as described, no surprises. The only thing I didn’t like was when I had to adjust the brake pads and the screws tore the moment I applied a little bit of force with my allen key. It wasn’t a big deal I was able to unscrew them from the back and get new screws before putting them back. The bad thing is that two out of two brake pads that I tried adjusting had the same problem. Other than that, frame, gears, suspension and even brakes work like a charm.

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Mongoose Domain Mens Dual Suspension Mountain Bike 26 Inch Wheels

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Mongoose Domain Mens Dual Suspension Mountain Bike 26 Inch Wheels




The 21-speed Mongoose Domain all-terrain bike is built to handle the toughest trails in the mountains, across the desert flats, and throughout the urban jungle. Ideal for the intermediate rider for everyday use–either men or women, 5 feet or taller–it offers a full (or dual) suspension, which adds a heavy-duty shock absorber to the back wheel, in addition to the front fork suspension. Full suspension provides more comfort and greater control as you attack the trails. Other features include a lightweight aluminum-alloy frame, nimble racing suspension fork, SRAM ESP 3.0 grip shifters and rear derailleur, and large, chunky tires for rough trails and other rugged surfaces.

Key Features:

  • Alloy front triangle dual-suspension frame is more lightweight than a standard steel frame and provides good shock absorption on bumps, rocks, and rougher terrain
  • Racing suspension fork allows for a smoother and faster ride than a traditional bike fork
  • Flat ATB handlebar with stem and bar ends offers multiple riding position options
  • SRAM ESP 3.0 rear derailleur works much better than an entry-level shifting derailleur
  • Alloy handbrake levers are more durable and have a more stylish finish
  • Forged-steel three-piece crank offers better pedaling performance and is much more lightweight
  • 26- by 1.95-inch arrow tires are ideal for use on the road, bike trails, and offroad use
  • 21-Speed SRAM ESP 3.0 shifting system offers efficient and precise shifting
  • Front and rear alloy linear pull brakes provide sure stopping power
  • 36-spoke alloy rims are lightweight and rustproof
  • ATB saddle is anatomical and comfortable

Specifications:

  • Frame: Alloy front triangle dual-suspension frame
  • Fork: Racing suspension fork
  • Handlebar Stem: Flat ATB handlebar with stem
  • Shifters: SRAM ESP 3.0
  • Derailleur: SRAM ESP 3.0 rear
  • Brakes: Front and rear alloy linear pull brakes
  • Levers: Adjustable alloy/resin brake levers
  • Crank: Forged steel 3-piece
  • Freewheel: DNP 13-28T
  • Rims: Lightweight aluminum alloy, 26 by 1.5 inches
  • Hubs: ATB steel hubs
  • Tires: 26 x 1.95 inches arrow tires with Mongoose logos

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

About Mongoose
In 1974, BMX Products, Inc., later to be known as Mongoose Bicycles, launched from a humble garage. The first of its kind, the BMX bicycle was named after bicycle motocross and was designed to fit the needs of the rough-and-tumble dirt-racing pastime that took its toll on wheels and bicycles. The heavy-duty, one-piece cast-aluminum Mongoose Motomag wheel was soon born, and it was the first competition-ready BMX bicycle available. Skip Hess, while in Australia pursuing his motor sports passion, came into contact with a strange and unusual cat-size animal–the mongoose. Known for its passive nature while unprovoked, yet vicious and aggressive enough to kill a threatening Cobra twice its size, the Mongoose impressed Hess, who quickly registered the Mongoose trademark for his new bicycle racing frame.

The Expert BMX bicycle model, which is still a cornerstone of the Mongoose BMX line today, was introduced in 1980. Shortly after, Mongoose captured the first ever ABA National #1 Cruiser Title. Previously known for the 20-inch bicycle, this title signaled the re-direction of Mongoose bicycles to larger-wheeled, adult-sized models. Several years later, Mongoose continues to dominate the cruiser racing circuit with six National No. 1 Cruiser titles, leading to the introduction of adult-sized Mongoose all-terrain bicycles (ATBs).

In 1992, Mongoose pioneered the full-suspension market with the introduction of the Amplifier. This design is still the most-copied suspension design in the market. Several year later, Mongoose launched the Newman adult bicycle frame, which is proven to be 15% stronger than any other bike frame in the market. The design, while functionally sound, also raised eyebrows because of its distinctive look.

In the next few years, Mongoose increased its marketing focus to dominate the bicycle industry, and more important, extend beyond it. The Mongoose brand marketing initiative makes more than 100 million impressions. Mongoose’s brand awareness increased by over 130% in 1999 and solidifies the No. 2 market share position in units and dollars. Mongoose was acquired by Pacific Cycle, LLC, and continues to grow and prosper with more than 40 models of BMX, mountain, trail, freestyle, jumping, comfort, road, and cyclocross bikes.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

  • Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
  • Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
  • Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

  • Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
  • Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
  • High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

  • Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
  • Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
  • Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great bike, great price
This is a very good bike for beginner to intermediate riders. I got mine fully assembled from a local store for $130.00. I’m glad I got it before I started reading some of the reviews here, otherwise, I may have got something else, and I’m very happy with my Domain. First of all, some of the reviews are plain dumb. “Its too heavy” well thats why it costs $180.00 not $1,800.00. “Assembly was difficult” , look its not your todlers first bicycle and your not slapping on a set of training wheels. It has shocks, 3 peice crank, 21 speeds… if you cant take apart and put together (correctly) a 30 year old 10 speed, don’t bother with this one, have someone who knows what there doing do the work for you, or find it locally already assembled.

Is this a good bike? YES. Is it worth the retail $180? YES. Would I buy another one? I AM, thats why I’m writing this! I ride mine 3-4 times during the week on paved roads, and on weekends I go to the dirt trails. If thats what you’re looking for, this is a very good bike. If you plan on doing advanced/hard core mountain biking or competition, you probably want something much more advanced. I have not had any problems so far, just regular maintenence, like all other bikes do.

Bottom line, if you are beginer to intermediate rider, there is planty of bike for you here, you get a good deal for the money, and if you take good care of it, it will last you for years.

1 Star This bike is horrible!!
I bought this bike from Amazon because it was on sale for $140 and had average reviews. I spent another $30 to assemble it. The bike is really heavy and hard to ride. The tires are too wide and the bike broke after riding it couple of times. I have had this bike for almost year now and occasionally ride it. Do not believe the other reviews. This is crap.

1 Star COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY
Recently I purchased a Mongoose Domain Duel Suspension bike from Amazon. Although many of the reviews I read discussed how difficult a bike this was to assemble, I bought it anyway. Assembly was a breeze. The bike needed a few adjustments and, following the manual to a tee, I made all of the necessary adjustments, including aligning the rear derailleur. The second day out, the rear derailleur snagged the spokes of the rear wheel and, just like that, the bike was totaled with less than three miles on it.

I called Pacific Cycle and was told to send photos and a description of the event. I was assured that I would receive a quick response within the next 48 hours. Nothing. Five days later I resent the email. Nothing. Four days later a received a response via email titled “bike”. The letter simply indicated that I did not properly adjust the bike and therefore they were not responsible. When I tried to contact the warranty department by phone I received no response.

Never have I been more disgusted with a company. If you need more junk cluttering up your garage, then this is the bike for you.

2 Stars Good product, poor shipping and packaging
For the price, I thought this was a really good deal. Dual suspension and aluminum frame. Unfortunately, the other reviews regarding the condition of the bike through shipment are absolutely true. Upon receipt of the first bike, the shifter was bent, so I had to return it. Upon receipt of the second bike through a return, the rear wheel was warped and the clamp for the seat was missing. I would think that there is a better way to ship this bike to avoid these issues.

3 Stars WORTH THE PRICE
Bought this bike so I could go on small rides around the neighborhood with my daughter. Bike is perfect for this purpose, but if you are planning to push the bike I would look for something a little better. The condition of the bike when received was good and after some minor adjustments it was ready for the road. I could not be happier with how easily it went together and the quality of the bike for the price.

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