Schwinn vs Schwinn Signature Series

Schwinn Stingray advertisement from 1963

We’ve probably all heard of the bicycle brand name “Schwinn.”  If you didn’t have one when you were a kid, then you probably knew someone who did.  After all, we’re talking about a company that started manufacturing bikes in 1895.  The Schwinn brand was a staple and industry leader for much of the 20^th century.  Models such as the Stingray, Continental, Varsity, and World were around for decades and many of us have probably pedaled one of these in our lifetime.  As with many companies, Schwinn fell on hard times and eventually went bankrupt in 2001.  The Schwinn brand was eventually purchased by Dorel Industries and is alive and well again today.

Currently the Schwinn brand is divided into two different markets.  Schwinn bicycles are sold at larger retailer stores.  These are the mass produced Schwinn bikes that are sold at stores such as; Walmart, K-mart, Sears, Toys R Us, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dunhams and other larger chain stores.  Schwinn bikes typically have a lower price point (some starting at about $100) and are available for the entry level or casual rider.  The second category available under the Schwinn brand name is the "Schwinn Signature Series."  Schwinn Signature bikes are only available at independent bike dealers.  This is where Country Squirrel Outfitters comes in.  Schwinn Signature bikes are one of the bike brands that we offer through CSO.  Schwinn Signature bikes are suited more for the experienced rider and have a little higher price point (ranging from about $300 to $1,500).  Walmart (and other mass retailers) that sell Schwinn bikes are not able to sell the Signature Series bikes.  Likewise, independent bike dealers that sell Schwinn Signature Series bikes are not able to sell the entry level Schwinn bikes.  What this means is that you will not be able to purchase a Schwinn Signature Series Voyager bike at Target.  Likewise, you will not be able to purchase a Schwinn Merge bike at Country Squirrel Outfitters. 

So what makes a Schwinn Signature Series bike different than a regular Schwinn?  It’s all in the components and materials.  Lower end bikes will sometimes be produced using materials such as steel or plastic where Signature Series bikes utilize aluminum or stainless steel.  Signature Series bikes usually have higher quality (lighter weight and more durable) components (shifters, brakes, wheels, tires, cranks, etc.)  These differences might not even be noticeable unless you are a gear junkie (like us) and you know the difference between Shimano Alivio shifters and Shimano XTR shifters and know that there is about a $220 price difference between those two shifters.  So how do you know the difference between a Signature Series and a regular Schwinn?  Aside from the differences in components, Schwinn Signature Series bikes will be clearly labeled somewhere on the frame.

Schwinn makes some great bikes for every level of rider.  They also make many bikes that are great for riding on the Clarion-Little Toby Rails to Trails (or any other bike path type of trail).  For this type of riding, we recommend you check out the “hybrid” or "bike path” collections offered by Schwinn.  If you are interested in a Schwinn bike, stop in and talk to us and we can help you through the process of choosing the right bike for you.