The Schwinn Network 3.0 Sport hybrid bike is another high-performance hybrid bike from Schwinn. If you are still looking for good-quality hybrid bikes from a pool of bicycle brands in the market and haven’t found any bikes that fit your need, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend you the Schwinn Network 3.0 Sport hybrid bike for sales.
What makes this bike stand at the top of the selection? Well, it is nothing but a combination of excellent construction, superb style, impressive performance, and sleek design. Overall, this lightweight hybrid bike delivers the best performance as well as provides an extraordinary riding experience to all cyclists. If you are a beginner or start learning to ride a hybrid bike, the Schwinn Network 3.0 should be on the top of your list. Besides this bike, we also provide our review of hybrid bikes for beginners.
Schwinn Network 3.0 Sport Hybrid Bike: Features and Specifications
The bike comes with various features and specifications that are considered very impressive for standard entry-level hybrid bikes on the market. These outstanding components always deliver an ideal geometry plus a comfortable ride to all cyclists. With all of these extensive features, the bike also employs new advanced technology to cruise on any dirt and paved roads. Coupled with an extensive accessories lineup, you don’t even need to look for bike shops elsewhere for repair and upgrade because you can perform DIY at home. So, invest once and get an excellent service for a lifetime.
1. Schwinn network 3.0 aluminum alloy frame and a super front suspension fork
The Schwinn Network 3.0 bike features a high-quality Schwinn aluminum alloy hybrid frame, a super suspension fork, and solid construction. It also features low top tube design to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the cyclist quickly. Additionally, the 6061-series aluminum frame provides a rigid structure to the bike using a low density of aluminum materials. Thus, this 18″ aluminum alloy frame is capable of delivering durability but is still light in weight.
Moreover, the super front suspension fork works exceptionally well to absorb any impact during cruising on rough terrains. It allows your hybrid bike to withstand multiple bumps and potholes along the road. These outstanding components always deliver an ideal geometry plus a comfortable ride to all cyclists.
2. A Shimano 21-speed EZ drivetrain set for Schwinn Network Hybrid bike
Schwinn opts to install the 21-speed Shimano EZ drivetrain set to the Schwinn Network 3.0 Sport hybrid bike. Thanks to a responsive Shimano EZ-Fire Shifter to seamlessly change the gear, delivering a smooth power transmission. Furthermore, the Shimano Tourney TX rear derailleur works in combination with the EZ-Fire shifter to quickly swap the chain to a particular cogwheel inside the cassette. The drivetrain set has utilized the combined force of a 3-speed left shifter and a 7-speed right shifter to deliver a powerful 21-speed shifting mechanism.
3. An impressive linear-pulled brake system for Network 3.0
The alloy linear-pull brake system is one of the remarkable features that trigger a precise stop for the cyclist’s maximum safety. The Schwinn Network 3.0 sport hybrid bike is equipped with the Promax alloy linear-pulled brake system using twin pivot arms to press brake pads against alloy rims to stop wheels from spinning. Another advantage of the linear-pulled brake is that they are easy to assemble or to disintegrate from the bike frame. According to our test ride, the Promax linear-pulled brake did an excellent job of delivering sufficient stopping force for putting the bike to a complete stop within a few seconds.
4. Ergonomic adjustable Seatpost and extra-padded saddle
The Schwinn Network 3.0 sport hybrid bike also features a robust suspension Seatpost system, well-padded soft saddle, and tight grip handlebars for a supreme comfort ride. The dedicated adjustable suspension Seatpost does well to prevent your stomach from flying up to your throat as the coil spring provides plush suspension power to subdue most of the impacts. Also, it comes with a micro-adjusting seat clamp.
Besides, the well-padded white-stitching soft saddle is practically designed to provide a cyclist the optimum comfort during a long journey ride. The swept-back handlebars with a tight grip allow the rider to stay in a more upright position for the best support.
5. Sturdy alloy rims and knobby Innova 700 x 48c tires
The Schwinn Network 3.0 sport hybrid bike employs sturdy high-profile 32-spoke alloy rims coupled with 700 x 48c Innova tires featuring while-letter “Schwinn” on one side. The alloy rims have black spokes to be arranged in a group of four. Moreover, Schwinn does a design that the front wheel can be quickly released from the frame using only a small number 8 diameter threaded rod to release it. Thus, you will be able to store this bike in a limited tight space such as on the subway train. On the other hand, 700 x 48c Innova tires are suitable for a few hundred miles ride before wearing out. It is advisable to replace them with better tire series if you do plan to ride it for a long-distance journey.
Technical Aspects of Schwinn Network 3.0 Sport Hybrid Bike
- 18-inch aluminum alloy frame
- A front suspension fork
- 21-speed Shimano drivetrain set
- Quick-released front wheel
- 32-spoke alloy rims with 700 x 48c Innova tires
- Schrader valves
- Weight: 38.6 lbs.
- Dimension: 43 x 25.5 x 70 inches
- Non-adjustable swept-back handlebars
- Adjustable suspension Seatpost
- Extra padded white-stitching saddle
Pros
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Powerful braking system
The Promax linear-pulled brakes offer a standard stopping power with an affordable price range. With powerful dual-pivot arms, this braking system provides sufficient stopping force to slow down or stop the bike within a short range. Since the Schwinn Network, 3.0 sport hybrid bike is an entry-level hybrid bike, the installation of more expensive disc brakes seems too costly.
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Smooth and reliable riding experience
The Schwinn Network 3.0 sport hybrid bike is a perfect combination of a road bike and mountain bike. It has borrowed some features that are unique to mountain bikes and other peculiarities from a road bike, resulting in more excellent stability and durability. While the rider will be able to ride in the upright position for better comfort, the frame and fork are right to absorb any impacts on rough surface roads quickly. Furthermore, this hybrid bike is initially designed to be ridden both in the city or on dirt roads. With an average bike speed of 15 mph or lower, this bike can travel smoothly on relatively flat surface roads.
>>>Additional information: Hybrid bike VS Road bike: A comparison guide for beginners
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Easy to assemble with a simple user’s manual
Although this hybrid bike is shipped as 75% partially assembled goods, it doesn’t require any technical knowledge to do the rest. Typically, you need to install handlebars, saddle, pedals, and front wheel. To do so, you may have the following tools ready: 3 Allen wrenches, an open-end wrench, a screwdriver, and a bike pump to inflate tires. Just make sure that all nuts and bolts are well taken care of. If you find it difficult to get everything assembled, try to consult the user’s manual. Generally, the manual is written in understandable plain English. It also provides several images to guide you to complete the assembly in no time.
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Suitable quality materials with a budget-friendly price
Schwinn is well known as a trusted bicycle manufacturing company for many decades. Since founded by Ignaz Schwinn in 1895, the company still maintains its reputation as one of the most reliable bike manufacturing companies in the U.S. Thus; you can rest assured that every bicycle made by Schwinn will be up to the company’s high standard. Additionally, the Schwinn Network 3.0 is an entry-level hybrid bike targeting novice cyclists on a tight budget but still looking for a decent hybrid bike. This bike is an affordable hybrid bike that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet.
Cons
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Not suitable for all cyclists
Although Schwinn has confirmed that this bike is suitable for cyclists with a height between 5.4 ft – and 6.0 ft, we have found out that this information may be incorrect. With an 18″ aluminum frame, riders whose height is below 5.6 ft may find it difficult to straddle the bike because there is no room for clearance between the top tube and the rider’s inseam. Practically, the rider needs to be taller than 5.6 ft to be able to comfortably straddle the bike while keeping both feet on the ground. From our perspective, this hybrid bike is suitable for cyclists with a height of over 5.7 ft. For newbies who are shorter than 5.6 ft, check our review of the Schwinn GTX hybrid bike.
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Low-quality inner tube
This issue is very common for a pre-installed inner tube in most entry-level bicycles. The inner tube is suitable for a couple of hundreds of miles on the flat surface road, but it quickly wears out if you attempt to ride it on dirt trails. Our suggestion is to replace inner tubes with better models. Alternatively, you should have a bike pump and spared inner tube with you all the time during a long journey ride if you don’t want to get a replacement.
A concise buyer guide for Schwinn Network 3.0 hybrid bike
A hybrid bike is a combination of multiple bicycle features for cruising on many terrains. With a hybrid bike, you will ride your bicycle on paved roads to enjoy a speedy ride or on mountain trails to challenge yourselves. To buy the right hybrid bike, you need to consider the following features;
1. Assessment of fitness geometry
Theoretically, the hybrid frame design must be closer to a road bike than a comfort bike. The more vertical the steerer tube, the faster the bike can make a turn. The ideal posture for riding is to lean forward, which will enable you to stay on the bike as long as you desire slightly. In this case, the Schwinn Network 3.0’s steerer tube is well designed and can accommodate the rider to sit in the correct posture during the long ride.
2. Handlebars
The flat handlebars type is very common for the hybrid bike on the market, and Schwinn Network 3.0 has no exception. This type of handlebar allows the rider to sit in a more relaxed position. Also, it is advisable to avoid the dropped handlebars type for the sake of control.
3. Brake
There are 2 main types of the brake mechanism, a rim brake, and a disc brake. Although a disc brake can provide better-stopping power, the rim brake is much cheaper in maintenance costs. The Schwinn Network 3.0 hybrid bike comes with a linear-pulled rim brake which offers adequate stopping power at an affordable price.
4. Suspension system
A front suspension is optional for a hybrid bike, and some hybrid bikes on the market don’t have a suspension fork equipped. However, we strongly suggest that you buy a hybrid bike with a front suspension fork equipped. As a versatile bicycle, the hybrid bike with a suspension system will efficiently absorb the impact when cruising on rough terrains. You may not be a trailblazer, but it is a good idea to have one ready.
5. Frame type
Most hybrid bike users are more weekend riders than professional cyclists. Thus, it would be best to look for at least a hybrid bike with an aluminum alloy frame. Although it is more expensive than the bike with a steel frame, the aluminum alloy frame is lightweight enough to control novice cyclists better. Schwinn Network 3.0 comes with an aluminum alloy frame as its core construction.
6. Gear
The gearing system of the hybrid bike can range from 1 to 24 speeds of transmission. If you are a cyclist who prefers riding on the steep hill or challenging yourselves on the mountain trail ride, the bike with much more gear is your choice. On the other hand, a single-speed bike is good enough to carry you around the city.
7. Wheel and tires
The hybrid bike’s tires are heavier and slower than the skinny tires used on a road bike, but they provide more traction control. Moreover, most hybrid bikes on the market come with 700C standard wheel size. However, some models may be equipped with a 26-inch wheel, which is smaller than the standard 700C type. We recommend you go for the standard 700C size wheel or bigger for maximum performance and safety.
Optional: Fender bracket and racks
Most hybrid bikes provide the option to install a cargo rack to accommodate urban riding. Additionally, saddlebags on the rack can lower the center of gravity, which is better for steering. On the other hand, the fender will guard you and possibly your friends behind you from splashing water when riding in the rain or on the wet road.
The final verdict
The Schwinn Network 3.0 sport hybrid bike is listed as one of our recommended entry-level hybrid bikes, mainly for its affordable price tag with standard quality materials. If you are a novice cyclist and want to buy a decent hybrid bike for commuting or touring, this bike stands at the top of the list. The bike is crafted on aluminum alloy frame construction with a super front suspension fork. Also, the bike is powered by a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain set to facilitate smooth power transmission. These components allow the bike to effortlessly cruise on either flat surface roads or uneven dirt trails. Do you need more? Surely, you don’t. Ultimately, this bike has satisfied all your requirements so far. Why don’t you give it a try now?
