Review of Schwinn Loop 7-Speed Folding Bike

Schwinn Loop 7-Speed Folding Bike
By: Pacific Cycle Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 17
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Schwinn Loop. Good value. Some sticking points.

On: 2010-01-11

Its a good bike for the money, but you get what you pay for. The frame is aluminum alloy, fork is steel, aluminum rims, aluminum brake levers. Not the best quality stuff and certainly not light: Steel hubs, steel seat post, steel stem/handlebar, steel brakes cheap three piece cranks and plastic pedals. Seat is uncomfortable, but easily replaced with virtually any seat. Low end Shimano derailleur, but at least its Shimano. SRAM Grip Shift works well.

Solid construction and a great deal!

On: 2009-12-19

I did a lot of research and looked at various bikes being offered. I read the reviews, compared the construction, the total weight of other bikes and decided on the Loop. I live near the ocean and salt water is very caustic on steel frames. The rust will eat through the paint within a year. I wanted a bike made with an alloy frame, alloy spokes and alloy rims. As compared to others on the market, the Loop weighs 32 lbs, is made of alloy and has a solid frame on the rear for me to place a basket. I wanted a bike where I could run errands at the supermarket or carry some extra items to the beach. My budget was limited and I was willing to spend up to $300 for a folding bike. I saw this great sale from Amazon ($178.85) and ordered the bike on Friday December 18, before 11:00 AM. Im not in a rush to get the item, so I took advantage of the free shipping (Super Saver). Plus they said it would not be delivered till after December 23rd. Its Saturday, December 19 and the bike arrived at 10:30 AM. I was in complete shock. Free delivery and one day service is phenomenal, but rare! Be aware that the box it came in is not designed to be shipped via FedEx. Its a conventional store box with no extra materials inside to protect the bike. There was minor damage to the box on the outside, but there was no damgage to the bike on the inside. Everything was in pristine condition. Installation was easy and I filled the tires with air. I live in the Northeast and its cold out today, but I had a to take the bike out for a spin. Wow, what a great ride. The brakes needed a little adjustment to loosen them up a little, but that was easy to do. I took it down to the board walk and shifted the gears to ride uphill with ease. This is alot of fun to ride. Im glad I got the 20 inch wheels as compared to the 16 inch wheels on other bikes. Im 59" and weight aproximately 180 lbs. For my height and weight, Im impressed on how solid the frame construction is and its styling. Yes the fenders are plastic, but its thick and well made. For what I paid, its perfect. Its Schwinn quality and I am very pleased. It started to get windy out and I rode it back freezing my face off, but it was fun and a delight to ride. I folded it up with ease and walked it back upstairs to my apartment. This was a great deal and I am very pleased with my purchase. Thanks Amazon for making my day! See you on the beach!

cheap decent bike

On: 2009-11-30

pros: -rides very smoothhhh! quality is like dahons
-cute design!
cons: -hard to unfold the middle of the body, i have to kick the lock thing really hard for it to unfold,im afraid i might break the lock in the future
-very heavy for a 110lbs girl like me, i dont think i could carry it around in a train station anymore, the included bag might help but the bag is just too embarrassing to carry, its super huge!
-very hard saddle, my behind is all sore everytime i sit on it. had to buy a better seat

overall i think the design and its folding capability are something to boast :D i got many looks because of it :D

Great value, fun to ride

On: 2009-11-15

I bought this thing for use on business trips. I didnt want to do the car carrier thing, and I am willing to ride something less substantial than my mountain bike when away from home.

This thing is a hoot, and I feel that it is a great value for the price. Yes, the welds are big and ugly, but the rest of the finish is pretty nice. No, it doesnt ride with the same stability as a full size bike, and is a little skitterish on gravel. Yes, its lighter than what some other reviewers implied, a couple pounds lighter than my MB. Yes, it folds very easily, certainly in less than a minute. I like the huge rack, very innovative design.

And - my 11 yo son wouldnt give it back...

The fact that the partner shipping this unit had a special coupon for free shipping was gravy. I like this bike a lot.

Terrific Bike

On: 2009-10-05

I am somewhat of a seasoned cyclist of 60 years and after owning one of these and putting a some miles on it, just had to write a review; I plan to purchase a second one soon for my partner. I was at first concerned about this bike being able to support my 230-240 lb body; I researched it a bit and the specs say it supports 300 lbs, so my weight has not been a problem. This bike rides very well and has low rolling resistance, good tires, great brakes and gears. It gets many looks on the bike trail and is basically a pleasure to own. Owning a PT Cruiser also, it folds readily and there is plenty of room for other cargo, including a second Schwinn Loop, is light weight and easy to lift in and out of the car. I did put a wider more comfortable saddle on it but that is the only change I have needed to make. Its a great traveler. I drive between Palm Springs and Ocean Park WA twice a year and use it to explore the bike trails on the overnight stops. Highly recommend. T. Johnson, Palm Springs, CA.

over 50 WF

On: 2009-06-27

This is a great little bike. I ride it to the gym about five times a week. Not far, but it does the job. I think the price is fair given what it offers. 7 speeds are just perfect. Easy to fold and I really like the frame construction. Easy for us females to get on and off. People are always asking me about it. I think Schwinn should be proud of this. Weighs about 28 lbs. Did need some gear adjustments when it arrived. And the cardboard box its packed in is really scary. I couldnt believe it would be in one piece when I saw the condition of the box on my front doorstep. I find the 20" wheels easier to balance on than other folding bikes with smaller wheels. Nice!

Take It To A Pro For Set-UP

On: 2009-06-22

I was prepared to love this bike. Right now, I kind of like it. It is much heavier than you might think; heavier than my Trek 21 speed. The chain guard and fenders are plastic. It comes with a case, but youd have to be an Olympic weight lifter to transfer the folded bike into the case. My gearing system needed a major adjustment when I received the bike. The manual says the bike is ready-to-ride immediately. Its not. The customer service people at Schwinn.com told me emphatically, by phone, that, in shipping, many bikes derailleurs get out of adjustment. They directed me to an on-line, 100 page PDF manual that supposedly would instruct me on how to adjust the derailleur on the Loop. It does not. The bicycle mechanic, to whom I ultimately brought the Loop, pointed out a tear in the seat, and that the bracket that fits over the derailleur was bent. For my time, extra money, and frustration, I think I have what may be a very functional folding bike. The bicycle mechanic is a person I trust. The shop, though charging for repair services, trains young bicycle mechanics as its main focus. When he said that adjusting the derailleurs on this Schwinn Loop took a trained professional, I knew I was getting the straight scoop.

Great bike, great price

On: 2009-03-10

I am a college student and desperately wanted a folding bike that would fit in my little car and would comfortably take me around campus. Of course my budget could not afford a Dahon (which is a fine bike!) so I opted for the Schwinn... I love it! Ive had it for months now and I ride it every day around campus, it makes my life so much easier! It does not ride like a toy (ok, it is a little heavier than the more expensive Dahons and Boardwalks, but therefore is also very sturdy) and fits perfectly in my trunk (I own an old corolla). Cool kids kinda laugh at me when they see me pull up behind my car on my folding bike, but as soon as I fold it, lift it and pull it in my trunk, all in under 3 mins, they looked amazed and several people had already asked me where they can get their own (I still dont understand how someone needs 10 mins to fold/unfold this bike!! I do it under snow and in my office clothes hehehehe).

If you have a modest budget this is the bike to go. Might need some adjustment at the bike shop, but the bike is just too much fun to ride :)

We like these little loops!

On: 2009-02-25

We needed some compact bikes to take on vacation, and these fit the bill. Our bikes arrived in perfect condition and were unpacked and set up in about 1/2 hour. Yhe finish and construction is excellent, and they are a great value for the money. The locks on the chassiis and handlebars are sturdy, and the bikes ride very well for the size. The only possible drawback is that the height of the handlebars is not easily adjustable, but they work for us, two average size adults.

You Get What You Pay For

On: 2009-01-14

As the "3 star" rater said, the bike seems to come damaged in the mail. One of my wheel rims is bent, the bike shop tried to "true" it, but it creates a little wobble when riding. Unfortunately a new wheel is 40-60 dollars.

The BAD:

The actual bike is made and china, and thus has some cheap parts. Ive had the bike for about a month, and have foreseen numerous repairs that will eventually have to be made.

The bike also has a cheap gearshift, and even after it being adjusted by bike professionals it still jumps somewhat.

The folding quality is poor in that it will take you a good 10 minutes to fold it up. You also need to buy some bungee cords to hold it together after it folded.

This bike is extremely heavy for a folding bike. At least 40 pounds. Not buy if you will have to carry the bike for long distances.

The paint chips very easily.

THE GOOD:

Brakes (once adjusted) work extremely well. I guess the better make sure you arent going to die on it.

It rides very smoothly when the gear shifter is working right. Very maneuverable.

The heavy frame is a detriment in carrying it, but comes in handy having a tough frame for a general solid ride. You dont really feel like you are riding a toy bike. It also protects from bends when transporting. It even has a derailer guard to protect it from getting bumped.

The seat it comes with is of extremely good quality as well as the handlebars.

It comes with a carrying bag, cheap but should last a little while at least.

Conclusion...

I paid 215.00 including shipping (well 230, since a tune up cost $15 which all bikes not sold from a bike shop need), which i feel was a far price considering this is a cheap beginners folding bike. However, I would unlikely buy it again.

I would rather pay the $440 for a dahon that is lighter and faster to fold. Dahon also offers a 16 inch wheel bike that is even more versatile as well as offering full size bikes that can be folded, some of which are tough mountain bikes.

Schwinn is nothing to scoff at, and that is why I passed up all other folding bikes on amazon. None of them (maybe minus one name brand) were worth even taking a second look at.

I would really like to give the bike four stars, but I cant solely because of the heavy weight, time consuming folding, and cheap derailleur. I cant give it a 2 because the bike is still worth the money rides nicely in general.

I would not, and have not taken the bike on a bus due to its heavy weight and bulky size even when folded. However it is effective on the BART or any bullet train situation because of more space.

I have written such a long review because i have had a month to test ride this thing and I feel it is my duty to inform consumers of my experience.

If you can spare the extra change get a dahon, but if you are tight on cash then go ahead and get this, but be aware that you do not have a folding bike. YOU HAVE A BIKE THAT FOLDS.

singlejewishladyinregopark

On: 2008-10-18

I just received it from Amazon last week, set it up immediately, and only took it to the bike store to make sure of everything. It does NOT ride like a toy, as one customer said, but is far more steady than any Dahon Ive ridden. Its a bit too heavy for me to lift up, but others may not find that a problem. Once you get the catch open - its difficult because a lot of pressure is needed, but thats for safety reasons - it folds easily. For a man, this would be easier. An absolute pleasure to have the LOOP AT THE BOTTOM, AND NOT TO HAVE TO PUT MY LEG OVER A HIGHER BAR. The handle bar is fixed and cant be adjusted, but its fine for me. The seat is adjustable, though. Goes up hills easily. This is far superior to the citizen bikes, in my opinion, with their rickety chain that falls off easily. It is rather larger than appears in the pictures, so look at the specifications carefully. I was surprised that Schwinn put it into such a shabby carton for the trip from China and then to other places before it came to me. All I did was rip the side of the carton open, and the bike slid out (folded, of course.)

A lot of bike for the buck...

On: 2008-10-04

This is one sweet bike! I got it for my daughter, a college student, so she could ride around campus for exercise. Its light to me but a bit heavy for her. She still can get it in and out of her car okay. She loves it. It folds/unfolds quickly with a little practice and is just darned cute. The fit and finish are excellent. The box arrived a bit crumpled from shipping but the bike itself was padded and secured in all the right places and emerged pristine and required only minor tuning and some more air in the tires. Id recommend this little wonder to anyone.

schwinn loop 7-speed folding bike

On: 2008-06-16

My perchase of a schwinn loop 7-speed folding bike was somewhat dissappointing. When i unpacked my purchase the rear carrier had a large spot on it where the paint was rubbed off. The packageing was verry short on proper padding,I dont believe the shipper was at fault as the box looked pretty good.I called the only phone number that i could find on my paper work to ask if i could perchase some touch up paint and was told that they could not do that,And to go to a hobby shop and try to find the paint that i needed. I could not find the proper color that would match so now i have a new bike that looks damaged.. camelw@comcast.net

schwinn loop folding bike

On: 2008-06-09

This bike is convenient and easy to use. Amazon sent the bike pretty fast, but it had minor damages such as scratches and on one of the rubber bar handle was ripped. Overall, the bike is great! Its easy to put in the car, stored it in small spaces, and get you to where you want to go.

what a ride!

On: 2008-05-27

What a fun little bike this is! It folds well, they were very thoughtful about the placement of everything when folded. Its very sturdy.I compared it to the Dahon, and while that is very slick and expensive this serves the purpose just as well.It does ride like a toy bike but with 20" wheels thats about what you expect. My range on it is about 10 miles round trip. Thats about as far as im willing to go. More than that and youd want a big bike. But it is perfect for city shopping and upstairs apartment living. I would buy it again.
Oh, you do want to take it to the bike shop for a tune up and adjustments beofre you ride it, though. I hear thats normal for all online bikes. The bike shops tune and adjust for you if you buy from them. Add that to the cost when thinking about prices.

TOUGH little bike

On: 2008-05-18

Tough little bike. So much better than Dahon!! We are cruisers and this replaced the Dahon. Go for it. Hope Amazon gets more soon. We bought two.