Archive for October, 2009
PTI Schwinn 12 Function Computer
Saturday, October 31st, 2009PTI Schwinn 12 Function Computer

The folks at Schwinn obviously know a thing or two about bike accessories and this 12-function instrument should come in handy for anyone looking to use their biking time for something other than a pleasant pedal around the neighborhood. Attach it to your bike or hold it on the attached cord and get information on your speed, average speed, maximum speed, trip distance, odometer readings, total distance, ride time, and more. Bearing in mind that it’s hard to push a lot of buttons while biking, the device features a single button control panel, allowing you to get the right information while still staying upright on the bike. –Charlie Williams
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars works.. but horrible display
If all you do is ride mid-day this thing will work fine.
But if you ever wear polarized sunglasses or ride any time dear dusk or dawn, the horribly cheap polarization on the LCD display will make this thing unreadable.
5 Stars Great little gadget
I just bought mine a couple days ago at a local WalMart, for a wee bit more than it costs here on Amazon — I didn’t plan well and needed it quick. Set it up in 5-10 minutes max, it seemed to work fine. Gotta be patient to put the magnet as close to the sensor as possible without touching, though. That is the only “time consuming” part of the setup. The owner’s manual lists a few wheel sizes and the corresponding C factor that you have to enter in the computer, and fortunately mine (26 x 2) was there, so I didn’t even have to mess with measuring tape and calculator.
Today I had my first ride with it, and it performed great for such an inexpensive product. I rode to the soccer field, which is exactly 5 miles from my place (as measured on Google maps and by car). Lo and behold, the little computer measured exactly 5 miles when I got there. I was impressed. It gives the current, average, and maximum speeds, odometer and trip meter, the riding time, and has a regular watch. It tells you whether you’re speeding up or down, and whether you are currently above or below your average speed. The ONLY thing I miss on this unit is a thermometer. It’s perfect apart from that.
If I wasn’t in a hurry, I would have bought the 17-function Schwinn one that is here on Amazon, since it costs a little less than I paid for the 12-function one and measures temperature — although I don’t know how accurate that is in direct sunlight anyway. I don’t care for measures of calories and stuff like that, since I don’t believe the manufacturers know my metabolism.
1 Star Schwin Bike computer
She only used it 2 times by the 3 time it would not register any speed or any distance she had been. Thank you
5 Stars Best Value bicycle speedometer.
I’ve had one of these for about six months and just ordered another from Amazon. This little computer is accurate, reliable and easy to use.
The display shows your speed in large letters and has a selectable smaller readout for whatever function you choose. I wind up having it show speed and time all the time. If you’re satisfied with a simple, cheap speedometer and only occasionally use the other functions, this is the one.
Here are some hints that fairly eliminate most of the small complaints.
1. Install the magnet close to the wheel’s hub and adjust it (twist the sensor in) so that the magnet passes as close as possible without touching.
2. Remove the computer when the bike is not in use. It has a quick release; store it inside or in your pocket and the battery will last.
3. Leaving it outside in direct sunlight may cause a dark splotch on the screen. This is normal for led displays, and goes away in a few seconds. Also see hint #2.
4. Read the manual to learn how to reset it (which buttons to hold down), and to calibrate it for your wheel size.
The only issues I’ve had: the buttons will eventually get some “play” if you use them a lot and become contrary, and I need to be careful to secure it firmly in the quick release mount (so that it doesn’t fall out when I hit a bump).
5 Stars Great for the price
The only problem with it is its in KM/Hr instead of Miles/Hr, otherwise, for the price, it works great.
Schwinn Scorcher Boys Bike 16 Inch Wheels
Saturday, October 31st, 2009Schwinn Scorcher Boys Bike 16 Inch Wheels

Schwinn Scorcher Boy’s 16-Inch Bike
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Fun…Fun…Fun
Our son is 3 years old…BUT his is a verrry BIG 3 year old. This bike is perfect for him. It is nice and sturdy. Some of the other bikes that we tested out in the store seemed like they were going to fall apart. I appreciate the fact that this bike is a bit heavier than the others and our son doesn’t seem to have any problems with it. He LOVES it!
5 Stars Great Quality!
Before reading this, please understand that we sold our car last summer, so our family uses bikes for every-day commuting, be it to/from work, to/from preschool, or just grocery shopping. Bikes are less “toys” for us, than hard-working transportation that must function well!
We got this for my son for the holidays, just before his 4th Birthday. There were some issues with the manufacturer that delayed shipping, but the seller made herculean (and successful!) efforts to make sure the bikes all arrived by Christmas.
My husband assembled this bike late Christmas Eve in the livingroom. While the manual was less than helpful for this (Schwinn, apparently, makes one general manual that covers all types of bikes, and therefore doesn’t feel it necessary to make model-specific manuals — or assembly instructions!), he was able to get it ready in a reasonable amount of time. Like all bikes, it comes with the tires deflated, so I had to take it to get air in them. (Perhaps this is why one reviewer complained the tires were fat and soft?)
I was immediately impressed with how sturdy the bike is. Strong. It looked cool — it was also going to withstand anything my son was likely to put it through in the years to come!
The first time my son tried it, we discovered the training wheels were set too low: The rear tire wasn’t making enough contact with the ground to give “drive”. A two-second adjust, and that was fixed.
The low “rise” in front of the seat makes it easy for little boys to get on. The combination of coaster and hand-brakes gives many options for learning to stop. One unexpected “bonus”? The front pegs actually keep the weight of the bike OFF the body during falls!
We’ve had the bike for one month now. He’s gone from shakily riding to the corner while I strolled slowly next to him, to riding it to school (a 3-mile trip).
PROS:
* Sturdy contstruction
* “real bike” quality
* coaster AND full-caliper brakes
* Reflectors
* Quick-adjust seat
* Front pegs make falls safer (who knew?)
* Bike is tall enough for an adult to “walk” without breaking their back
* Can easily keep up with an adult on a full-sized bike.
CONS:
* My son’s hands are not yet LONG enough to use the caliper brakes, because the levers are so far from the handlebars.
* Handlebar structure makes it difficult to mount a basket
* Training wheels are loud. (But, then, all training wheels are loud.)
1 Star Too heavy for kids of this age range
Strength has nothing to do with weight in bicycles. I’ve had this bike for two years now. My oldest is 6 and a half and last year he could barely push this beast along. It’s just too heavy. I have to push him first until he gains momentum. This year I was hopeful to finally take the training wheels off but after our first ride I can see I’m going to give up and get something lighter. My full size Marin is about half the weight of this and just as “strong.”
4 Stars Great first bike
Easy to assemble, just make sure the tires are seated in the rims properly before inflating.
5 Stars great purchase
Bought this bike for our 4 1/2 year old. It was a great purchase. It is sturdy and well put together, and he loves it! We thought this bike looked a little on the orangish side from the pictures, but it is really a great color of red and we are very pleased with it.
Schwinn Alloy Bicycle Pedals
Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Featuring the Schwinn brand Americans have trusted for over one hundred years these pedal cages provide maximum toe grip and stability for a rider. Pedal loss while pedaling or braking becomes a thing of the past. Made of high quality metal alloy, these add style and usability to any ride. PTI Sports products are designed with safety as the first and foremost concern and are constructed of high quality parts and materials to prevent degradation over time. Thoroughly tested, our products last through years of use before they are recommended for replacement, ensuring safe cycling for years to come.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star Unsafe product
Item shipped was machined badly. Right side wasnt threaded fully, and the metal around the pedles had excess sharp metal sticking out which can tear up shoes or if foot slipped would easly slice someone up. Without these defects they would have been pretty good and safe.
3 Stars OK for the price, but watch the size requirements
This pair seems to be a decent set of metal pedals for the bicycle, especially if you, like me, do not care for the plastic pedals being installed on the cheaper bikes out there. But Amazon’s description of this set is really sparse. I bought this for a Schwinn beach cruiser, and the beach cruiser has 1/2″ pedals but this pair is 3/4″. So now I’m looking at a return and I still need to order new pedals.
3 Stars OK Cheap pedal
If you need a cheap flat pedal these will do the trick. Decent alloy cage but the center appears to be plastic. Just to clarify from the earlier post, the axle on these is 9/16″ (standard on most road and mountain cranksets).
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike
Friday, October 30th, 2009Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Save money on monthly gym fees and get yourself in shape with the compact, comfortable Schwinn 230 recumbent exercise bike. The 230 boasts many of the high-quality features of the Schwinn 213, but adds several extras, including a nicer, easier-to-read instrument panel with a three-position angle adjustment, a slightly lower pedal height that produces a more comfortable riding position, and an easy step-through frame. And that doesn’t even account for all the essentials, which range from 16 resistance levels to handlebars with an integrated heart rate monitor built into the grip.
The handiest feature, however, is unquestionably the anatomically designed recumbent seat, which not only offers a dual-position lumbar support for added comfort, but also a micro-adjustable fore/aft seat slider that accommodate a variety of body types and sizes. Other details include six preset programs (calorie goal, BMI measurement, recovery test, results mode, quick start, and manual mode), 10 profile courses, and transport wheels that both protect your floors and make the bike easy to store.
Track your time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, and resistance on the 230’s LCD console. |
Specifications:
- 16 resistance levels
- 6 preset programs and 10 profile courses
- Programs include calorie goal, BMI measurement, recovery test, results mode, quick start, and manual mode
- Adjustable-angle LCD viewing console
- Workout stats include time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, and resistance
- Wide recumbent Bio-Fit seat with dual-position lumbar support and slide bolsters
- Wide comfort Schwinn Bio-Fit pedals
- Quality recumbent handlebars with integrated heart-rate grips
- Walk-through design
- Reading rack and water bottle holder
- Transport wheels for easy movement
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Frame – 10 years, mechanical and electrical – 1 year, wear items – 6 months, labor – 90 days
About Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don’t take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out.
The term recumbent literally means “lying down.” Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full ergonomic back support, without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulders, all of which can be common effects of using an upright bicycle. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars great recumbent bike
I was expecting quality from Schwinn and was not disappointed! It is built solid and works great at least for an average person. Whisper quiet and simple to operate. It is heavy – so be sure to get assistance during assembly. The computer is simple to operate, and turns off automatically. The seat is very comfortable and adjustable. A little expensive but worth it.
4 Stars One sturdy machine
Got the bike about a week ago. Assembly is pretty straight forward and easy. Surprised on how sturdy and heavy duty the machine is. Pretty easy to use and set up. Very quiet, only thing is I wished it was not a plug in machine. Have to place the bike by a plug, other than that the machine is great.
5 Stars Quality and value
I’ve had the Schwinn 230 for 6 months and it has been great. I have a bad back and arthritic knees and this machine has really helped me. It’s a great bike for the price. I did not have any shipping problems and assembly was fairly easy. This was a great purchase!
4 Stars bike
good solid inexpensive exercise bike. It’s not the professional model you get in a gym but so far works well at home for what I want it for. Easily assembled if you have some mechanical ability. Good Buy.
5 Stars So far, so good
I found most of the reviews on the Schwinn 230 recumbent bike to be spot on!
- UPS deliver was prompt but the packaging was damaged – the box was ripped open. Fortunately, no damage to the bike and no parts lost.
- Took about 2 hours to unpack and assemble. My husband helped me carry the base of the bike from the garage into the basement, and 90 minutes later I plugged the bike in and it worked perfectly. I did all the assembly myself with the tools provided.
- LCD panel works fine in our lighting. Glad I didn’t spend the extra to upgrade to the back-lit panel.
- The bike is quiet, smooth, stable, and comfortable. So nice to use a product that delights!
- I’m 5′4″, and have no problem reaching the pedals.
- And yes, the seat wobbles just a bit. Not an issue, as much of the exercise equipment I’ve used has the same behavior.
So far, I really like this bike.
