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Schwinn Network 3.0 Hybrid Review with Additional Info and Pictures!
I had recently purchased a Schwinn High Timber bike to fit my budget, but I still had my eye on this Schwinn 700c Network 3.0. Bike. Then last month Amazon ran a daily price reduction for a week to the point where I could not pass it up. This bike is Fast, Size Adjustable, Lightweight, and I Am Glad I Bought It!
I never found this Schwinn Network 3.0 Hybrid Bike in the stores before purchasing it. But the exact 18-inch frame is sold by several stores under different Schwinn model names (Verano, Zeno, Midmoor, Third Avenue, Seventh Avenue) with different colors and features. I was able to try these similar bikes for fit and comfort prior to ordering here at Amazon.
Schwinn (made by Pacific) no longer lists the Network 3.0 on their web site. It offers a low crossbar 18-Inch Aluminum Frame (L x W x H = 70 x 25.5 x 43-inches), 21 Speed E-Z Fire Shifters, and 700c Tires.
The Color of the Network 3.0 Bike Frame is Semi-Flat White (not Glossy) with Semi-Flat Black Graphics. "Schwinn" is silkscreened on lower crossbar. The black has a small amount of metal flake only noticeable on the top bar graphics. Decals added are warranty, wear helmet, front fork (Schwinn), and lower rear crossbar (Schwinn). The Graphics on the rims are also Decals (see attached picture) and do not come in contact with the brake pads.
The Tires made by Innova are 700c x 48c / 40-628 (50-75 psi). The U.S. Tire Measurement is approximately 28-inches and feature White Letter "Schwinn" only on 1-side. The Distinctive Aluminum Rims are High Profile with Black Spokes arranged in Groups Of 4, the Hubs are Silver. The Front Tire is Quick Release and uses small diameter threaded rod (about #8) which doesn't seem like it could be replaced by a same size bolt.
The 21 speed E-Z Fire Shifters are Shimano with 7 Speeds on the Right Side, and 3 (+/-) adjustments on the Left Side. The Speed Adjustments, Quick Shifters, & Brake Levers are all part of the two multi-function assemblies (see attached picture). The Rear Derailleur "Shimano Tourney TX", the Linear Brakes and Grips are "Artek Vigorous". The Swept Back Handlebar is 25 inches point to point with Rubberized Schwinn Grips and has room for a few add on's.
The Weight is around 35 lbs. While the Bike Frame is Aluminum, I believe the Front Fork is made of Steel adding to the overall weight. The Front Shock has the right amount of Stiffness and lightly absorb bumps. The triangle shaped seat support member makes a good lifting point for carrying the bike.
The Spring Loaded Seat (10.5 x 6.5 inches) with White Stitching looks nice (see attached picture). It is neither comfortable nor uncomfortable and is without wobble. A long Knurled Seat Post with Quick Release can be replaced by a bolt for those of you who want to keep your seat.
There is very little to assemble out of the box. Add Handlebars, Seat, Pedals, and Front Tire only. Tools needed require 3 allen wrenches, an open end or adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and bike pump. Once assembled I went over all the nuts and bolts to make sure everything was tight from the factory (It was). Generic Schwinn Instructions (the big red book) omit that the front brake has to be released to get the quick release front tire on. The Gears, Rims, and Brakes were Perfect out of the box.
There are Additional Mounts for a Water Bottle and Rear Rack. I have added the Water Bottle mount, but you could add a bike pump as well. Adding a Rear Rack may require the type that attaches to the seat post due to low point of the frame in the seat area. The Pedals are made of plastic. It comes with Quality Kickstand with rubber tip.
The Schwinn Network 3.0 is Fit Adjustable. For example the Handlebar Center Post has an Adjustment that will allow you to move it Forward/Down or Closer/Up 3 inches (see attached pictures). The seat has Rail Adjustment (see attached picture) to move Forward or Back another 3 inches.
I am 6 ft, 200 lbs and Fit is the most important factor to me. On my second ride I took a few tools with me to make adjustments on the fly. I have raised the seat up to get straight leg stroke, moved the seat rail back, and the handlebar support forward adding a comfortable Up angle. These minor adjustments can make a Big Difference for a Comfortable Ride and Fit the bike to my body size. I appreciate they are offered.
My riding experience on Paved Streets and Bike Paths found the Network 3.0 as Fast Starting, Smooth Ride, Very Stable, Speed Shifters Easy to Operate, and Fit Adjustable. You ride Sitting Up on this bike. This is Not A Mountain Bike, Not A Racing Bike, but more of a Fast Comfort Hybrid.
I Really Like This Bike! The only disappointment is that when the kickstand is down and the front wheel is turned to the right, the bike has a tendency to Fall Over to the right side. This is a center of gravity issue and I will need to get in the habit of not doing so. I add air to the tires weekly.
My review is the 160th, wow that's a lot of feedback! I always read the reviews before deciding on a purchase. I found it interesting that the top review here in Amazon notes quality issues mainly due to the inner tubes. I have seen this sentiment on other Schwinn 700c Bike tires as well. I agree that a bike in this price range should have quality tubes. However I didn't have any issues with flat tubes. My suggestion is to add air to the tires right out of the box.
Overall the Schwinn Network 3.0 bike is Fast, Eye Catching, Rides Smoothly, Brakes Great, and 21 speeds give you a wide range of pedaling power. I feel you are getting a Quality Design and Build with Dependable Components. Just what you would expect from Schwinn. I believe this Network 3.0 will last for many years. I hope This Review helps you with Your Decision!
December 2015 · Unknown · verified purchase