Schwinn World DBX

[Bike Chick]

There is a small bike shop in our town that carries inexpensive brands of bikes. I took a walk at lunch and wandered in to pass the time and hanging on the wall in the back is a Schwinn World DBX. I've been researching commuter bikes for some time now and this isn't one I have even looked at or knew existed. It's a 2007 discontinued model and comes with Shimano 105 components, disc brakes, fenders and a rack. He's shot me a decent price and the size will work for what I am needing.

Does anyone know anything about these bikes? I would appreciate any input.
http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2007&Brand=Schwinn&Model=World+DBX&Type=bike

He also has several models of old Schwinn steel frame bikes that have never been sold..........tempting!

[moderncyclista]

I think the price is high for a Schwinn. Schwinn's name used to mean quality in the 70's but as they cheaped out on components and frame materials and craftsmanship to fit in to the price bracket that department stores wanted they declined in popularity and more importantly, in quality.

I think your money would be better spent on a quality brand. Cheap bikes are often cheap for a reason. If you want a quality Schwinn you'd have to buy it off eBay in good condition (which is rare for a bike made 25-30 years ago) but it can be done.

I recommend travelling to a bike shop that sells - Trek, Specialized, Giant, Felt, Surly, Jamis, Kona, or many others. Do some research on the internet. This is all in my opinion. But, quality in bicycles is very important. You do get a good return on your investment with quality every time.

[MommyBird]

I am pretty sure that Schwinn has a low-quality-box-store line and a higher-quality-bike-shop line. They sell them at our favorite LBS.

You can't beat their Tiger/Tigress line for the tiny tots.
We purchased one in the early 90's and it has gone through five kids. It almost looks like new! It will probably see five or six more cousins and then move on to our grand kids!
These are not available in the big box stores.

It is a shame that Wal-Mart has tarnished the Schwinn image so.
I recently noticed that Mongoose is also trying to rise above their big box rep as well.

[moderncyclista]

Here is a very in depth article about Schwinn from the Washington Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A29737-2004Dec2?language=printer

Says they just produce "department store" line now. Maybe they do both? I'm assuming that some bike shops carry them because most brands seem "too expensive" for the average man on the street consumer. Market to your base I suppose.

In my opinion, the money would be better invested in a different brand. Less likely to need to upgrade later. Saving $$$ in the long run. Again, only my opinion which isn't worth much to anyone but me. :)

[Becky]

I built one of these World DBX bikes a couple of years ago I was impressed with how well it went together, and how easily the drivetrain tuned up, compared to some similar bikes. Schwinn has sold some real stinkers in the past few years, and some really nice, "bang for the buck" bikes. This one, IMO, is one of the latter. I would consider upgrading the wheels at some point, but I think that about the stock wheelsets on most bikes ;)

If it fits, you like it, and the price is good, go for it!

[Bike Chick]

Thanks so much, Becky. That's what I was wanting to hear. I agree with most of you about Schwinn. Thus the reason I hadn't even considered looking at them but this one caught my eye and I was quite impressed with it. If this was my only bike I would invest more money but it's not. It's going to be my commuting/errand/trail bike. He's asking $800 and I think I can get him down a bit. We will see.

MommyBird, good point about Walmart.

Thanks everyone for your input. I knew I could count on you.

[Becky]

Thanks so much, Becky. That's what I was wanting to hear. I agree with most of you about Schwinn. Thus the reason I hadn't even considered looking at them but this one caught my eye and I was quite impressed with it. If this was my only bike I would invest more money but it's not. It's going to be my commuting/errand/trail bike. He's asking $800 and I think I can get him down a bit. We will see.

You're welcome. IMO, it's about the components, not the name. IIRC, Performance was selling that bike for about $800 in 2008....see if you can get him down a little further.

Post pics when you bring it home :)

[oxysback]

My first road bike was a Schwinn Super Sport DBX.

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2006&Brand=Schwinn&Model=Super+Sport+DBX&Type=bike

It's a great little bike and a good value for the money, especially if you're just starting out. I still use it as a rainy day bike. I changed the handlebars, wheels and saddle, and it's still a great bike!

[Bike Chick]

You're welcome. IMO, it's about the components, not the name. IIRC, Performance was selling that bike for about $800 in 2008....see if you can get him down a little further.

Post pics when you bring it home :)

Well I won't be posting any pics. I went to test ride it yesterday and offered him $700. He won't go lower than $895. I thanked him for the ride and left. It's got 3 years of dust on it and the decals are skinned up from being banged around by the other bikes in the store. It's really a decent little bike. Too bad it's not mine :-) Looks like it's gonna have more dust on it. I bet it's still hanging there this time next year.