“So darn cute!” This is probably the first thing you’ll say when you see the Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike.
What else does this women-specific hybrid bike has to offer? Does it provide value for the price?
Before you check out other women’s hybrid bike reviews, you might want to read our review about the Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike first.
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Steel Hybrid Frame
The Schwinn Network 2.0 is painted with a high-gloss light blue paint that’s relaxing to the eyes. The downward angled top tube of the step-through, steel frame provides a lower standover height. This makes it easy for you to get in and off the bike.
The frame size of this bike is 16 inches, which is suitable for riders who are between 5’2” and 5’6” tall. (Based on what some customers said, you might want to look for a smaller bike, like the Retrospec Venus Dutch Step-Thru City Comfort Hybrid Bike, if you’re 5’2” or below.)
Suspension System for Ultimate Comfort
Schwinn has your comfort in mind when they created the Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike. They equipped it with a front suspension, soft saddle with springs, and seatpost with suspension to absorb the bumps and cracks in the road and dampen road vibrations, making your ride more comfortable.
The handlebar isn’t similar to a beach cruiser, but it is slightly swept backward. This type of handlebar reduces strain in your back and shoulders and puts less pressure on your hands.
MicroSHIFT 7-Speed Twist Shifters
The Schwinn Network 2.0 rides well on paved trails, streets, and occasional inclined roads. It’s equipped with MicroSHIFT 7-speed twist-grip shifters and a Shimano rear derailleur that offer fast and efficient gear changes.
This bike uses linear pull brakes, which provide enough stopping power on most surfaces and weather conditions.
Narrow Tires with Quick-Release Front Wheel
The narrow tires are on 700c alloy wheels. In theory, narrow road tires would be lighter and apply less pressure on the asphalt or concrete road. Thus, you can ride faster if necessary.
One of the great things about the Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike is its quick-release front wheel. So, when you get a flat tire, you can remove the front wheel quickly, without any tools.
Technical Details
- Overall dimensions (L x W x H): 70 x 25.5 x 70 inches
- Maximum weight capacity: Approximately 200+ pounds
- Frame size: 16 inches
- Frame material: Steel
- Speeds: 7
- Wheel size: 700c (28 inches)
- Brakes (front and rear): Linear pull brakes
- Accessories: front and rear fenders (plastic), rear rack, and kickstand
The Good
Comfortable and Smooth Rides
Comfortable: That’s how most people describe the Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike. It won’t be a surprised if you’ll love taking it on long, leisurely rides or 20-mile daily commutes on bike paths, flat roads, and bike lanes in cities.
It’s comfortable for different reasons. For one, it’ll have you sitting upright. Another reason is the spring saddle with suspension and front wheel suspension work well to absorb road vibrations and bumps in the road.
A Good-Looking Bicycle
This one is subjective, but it’s not that hard to love this stylish yet affordable retro-style bike. If you’re not into light blue commuter bikes, Schwinn has other women’s 7-speed bikes, like the mint-colored Schwinn Wayfarer 700c Women’s Hybrid Bike, which you might find more appealing.
Simple to Assemble
In terms of putting this together, there’s not a lot you need to do. The Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike is already 90% assembled when you get it. The process of assembling it and adjusting its components would probably take two hours or less, if you’re an experienced cyclist or have knowledge about bike repairs.
Whether you’re the fitness-conscious person or the regular commuter, the Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike is for you. Get it today!
The Bad
Problematic Shifters and Fenders
The fenders are made of plastic and slightly out of alignment. There was also a complaint that the front fender touches the front tire, which can be quickly solved by making the necessary adjustments.
The shifters aren’t totally bad. However, they can make it difficult to change gears.
Not for Short Girls
Well, technically, women who are short can use the Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike. It’s easily adjustable to the rider’s height, thanks to its seatpost with quick-release clamp. The problem is, if you’re 5’2” or under, your feet might barely touch the ground.
Remember: If in doubt, ask the seller first. Or, explore other cruiser bikes that fit your size.
Not Built for Racing or Off-Roading
This isn’t like the Tommaso La Forma Lightweight Aluminum Hybrid Bike that you can easily ride on concrete road to a dirt trail. The Schwinn Network 2.0 has narrow tires and limited gearing range, so if you’re into racing, mountain biking, or off-road riding, you might want to skip this one.
Who Is It For?
The Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike was built for city commuters, leisure riders, and people who want to sneak in exercise into their daily lives. If you’re not going to tackle mixed terrains, or if you don’t want to spend a ton of cash on a basic cruiser bike, then this might fit your needs.
Conclusion
The Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike isn’t perfect, but for the price, it doesn’t disappoint. One of its biggest upsides is it’s really comfortable to ride. It performs well as a city cruiser bicycle and could be used for relatively short and long (20 miles or more) daily commutes.
It would’ve been great if it was available in other colors to give people more options. However, in its present condition, it’s not hard to see why most people love its overall look.
It’s a budget bike, so expect to have a few issues with its components, like what we’ve mentioned here. The brakes, plastic fenders, shifters, and saddle are just some of its components that you want to inspect the moment you get the bike.
Bottom line: The Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike is a good entry-level bike for the price.
Enjoy fast and comfortable rides with the Schwinn Network 2.0 700c Women’s 16 Hybrid Bike. Get it today!