Are you looking for a good combination of affordability, aesthetics, and functionality in a bicycle? Then, the Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle could be for you.
You’ve probably read a ton of best hybrid bike reviews by now. If you have room for one more, this article will discuss the important features of the Schwinn Network 3.0 to help you make an informed buying decision.
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Aluminum Alloy Step-Over Frame with Schwinn Fork
The color of the Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle is semi-flat white for a silky-smooth look. It has black graphics on the frame, fork, and rims. It features a step-over frame (low top tube) for easy and quick mounting and dismounting.
This bike has an 18-inch frame (measured from the pedal spindle to the top of the seat rail) and a standover height of 36 inches. Depending on your height and inseam, you have to be at least 5’10” and up to ride this comfortably. Although you can adjust the stem and seatpost to ensure a good fit.
Spring-Loaded Seat with Suspension Seatpost
The Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle is equipped with components, such as a spring-loaded seat with white stitching, suspension seatpost, and front suspension fork, which absorb impacts from the road. This allows you to pedal through small bumps and cracks in the road, while reducing aches and fatigue on your body.
Shimano 21-Speed Gear System
Guiding the chain is the Shimano Tourney TX rear derailleur, which is moved to the right cog on the cassette by the Shimano EZ Fire shifters (21 speeds). The shifters feature two levers: 7 speeds on the right and 3 speeds on the left.
Note: The EZ Fire 21-speed shifters are the same levers you’ll use to apply your brakes.
Alloy Direct-Pull Brakes
The Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle has lightweight alloy direct-pull brakes (also called linear pull brakes) on both wheels. They offer plenty of stopping power. But, if you want greater stopping power and avoid tire blowouts, choose other bikes with hydraulic or disc brakes, such as the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 3 Urban Fitness Bike.
700 x 48c Tires
The Schwinn Network 3.0 hybrid bike is a fair-weather bicycle that’s designed for concrete or asphalt roads that are in relatively good condition. In some instances, depending on your bike handling skills, you could safely ride it on a variety of road surfaces, including light dirt trails and cobblestone streets.
Technical Details
- Bike weight: 38.6 pounds
- Bike dimensions: 43 x 25.5 x 70 inches
- Frame material: Aluminum alloy
- Frame size: 18 inches
- Handlebar style: Backsweep (non-adjustable)
- Gear speeds: 21
- Quick-release front wheel: Yes
- Spokes: 32
- Valves: Schrader valves
- Accessories: The bike comes with a kickstand and water bottle mounting screws on the down tube. It doesn’t have a rear rack, fenders, bell, lights, and water bottle cage.
The Good
Offers Smooth and Stable Rides
The Schwinn Network 3.0 is generally comfortable and easy to use. It absorbs small bumps well and allows you to sit upright.
It’s laterally stable. Meaning, it doesn’t wobble or topple over sideways when you let go of it.
It moves smoothly and fast (but probably not more than 15 mph) on relatively flat, paved streets. Most people seem to find the gear shifting relatively smooth.
Relatively Easy to Assemble
A bike mechanic could probably put this together and do the necessary adjustments faster. But, if you’re not willing to shell out an extra $50 or $100 for assembly, you could do it by yourself. You just need to attach the handlebar and front wheel, and then inflate the tires.
An Affordable Hybrid Bike
With the money you saved, you can buy other accessories you need for the bike. Some of the accessories that you might want to buy are spoke reflectors, tire repair kit, rear rack, and/or bicycle strap-on bag.
This isn’t Schwinn’s cheapest entry-level hybrid bike for men, though. If you want to save more, you can check out the Schwinn GTX 1.0 Men’s Dual Sport Bicycle.
A quality bike for the great price, the Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle is worth checking out.
The Bad
Troublesome and Flimsy Components
You might receive this bike with minimal manufacturing defects, such as “untrue” wheels and drill holes in handlebar that are not completely bored out. For a person who has no knowledge and experience with bikes, fine-tuning this bike (particularly the brake pads, rear derailleur, seat, and handlebar) could take you for hours.
Tires Lose Pressure
This doesn’t happen instantly. The tires could lose pressure slowly. For instance, the starting tire pressure could be 65, and then by the end of the week, it could go down to 45.
More of a Road Bike than a Mountain Bike
The Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle has the characteristics of a road bike and a mountain bike. However, it’s more of a road bike than a mountain bike. That means that it isn’t the best choice for cycling off-road (or on soft grounds).
Who Is It For?
The Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle is ideal for people who mostly cycle on concrete or asphalt roads. If you want a daily-use bike that’s easy on the pockets, thus you wouldn’t mind losing it (should it be stolen) or getting damaged, it’s one of your good options. Lastly, it would be a better fit for riders who are really tall (5’10” and up).
Conclusion
Overall, the Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle is a great bike for the price. It’s relatively fast, rides smoothly, good-looking, and has a wide gear range. The quality of its aluminum frame and wheel set can also be compared to bikes twice its price.
However, it also has its downsides. At its current price, we would’ve expected it to have at least some basic accessories that are found in cheaper Schwinn men’s bikes, like the Schwinn Men’s Wayfarer Hybrid Bike, which comes with a rear rack and full fenders.
Get fit, commute with ease, and take relaxing rides with the Schwinn Network 3.0 700C Men’s Hybrid Bicycle.