This isn't nearly as much of a "big deal" as Wal-Mart's bike, but Target is now selling a Schwinn Courier Road Bike for $259.99. Schwinn's been making bikes for department stores for years, so this should be no big surprise. When it comes down to it, this is more along the lines of other mail-order catalog bikes and doesn't come close to Wal-Mart's $149.00 Mongoose. In the end, this will get more people on bikes, so I don't see what the big deal is. Just know, when you take this to your LBS to get "worked on", you'll be dropping a couple hundred more into it, so you're better off going with a local purchase from a legitimate bike shop.
Previously:
Walmart's 700C Men's Mongoose Cachet Fixed-Speed Bike
Comments
As gross as these department store fixed gear rip-offs are, I think it's a turn in the right direction. Trying to sell a bike for under $300 with "suspension" and 27 gears that don't work always has been a horrible idea that somehow consumers fell for. At least these bikes have fewer parts to break, and are much more suited to the type of riding they're actually capable of.
Posted by: Brad | March 30, 2010 2:42 PM
Even if this convinces one driver to switch to riding his or her bike its worth it. Im for it! Sometimes all it takes it the opportunity to realize how fun riding your bike is for one person to start become that avid bike rider who starts spending real money on a bike.
Posted by: raphael | March 30, 2010 2:52 PM
is it true there is only one size?? that's a problem.
Posted by: dstrong | March 30, 2010 3:06 PM
Again, if it gets people biking, bring it on. This and the Mongoose Cachet are probably the best department store bikes available. Although I am building up a Target Forge (frame looks a lot like a Giant, just sayin')
Posted by: faceman | March 30, 2010 3:16 PM
And This is the end for SE draft Single speeds. lol..
Posted by: Santiago Belmont | March 30, 2010 3:19 PM
I love the bullhorns on this bad boy. We designed them to scale real bull horns.
Posted by: target | March 30, 2010 3:28 PM
ugly as hell too, but what can you expect..
Posted by: beine | March 30, 2010 4:26 PM
Don't know about you but that see-through chain guard's just lovely ;)
Posted by: jurij | March 30, 2010 5:40 PM
I would far rather have the Schwinn Cutter for $299 then this bike, here. Cutter ain't so bad for a transportation bike...just sayin.
Posted by: jeff | March 30, 2010 7:23 PM
26 pounds and a kickstand AND 1'' tires?! Hell yeah!
Posted by: BenPup | March 30, 2010 8:59 PM
the reviews on the Forge bike with sora are pretty good... "I could do 20 mpg on a flat surface and 25 on a downhill. Could do faster but the speed limit in my retirement community is 25 mpg."
Posted by: sizemore | March 31, 2010 2:25 PM
i have this bike. i wasnt looking for street cred or hipster approval. ive had it for two months put almost 300 miles on it. no problems. its a bike. i did remove the chain guard, reflectors, useless toe clips (freewheel). people that ride custom vintage fixies or more expensive bike are suprised at how smooth it rides and how good the bike looks. daily rider not a show bike
Posted by: indiekrush.com | August 17, 2010 11:14 PM