The old Varsity was like the Model T of the biking world. Now with this new one from Pacific Cycle at Walmart, could there be a comeback? Or a users Group for those beginners like us you bought one and are getting started in Bicycling? Below is my Story:
Hi,
Just bought this bike at Walmart. I wanted to get into road biking seeing my mountain bike was tiring to ride on the paths and road and my fiance was always stopping for me on her roadbike, I wanted a inexpensive road bike to start with that pretty much updated, nothing speacial.
I heard about the New Walmart Varsity bike on this site, and didn't want to judge right away so I decided to stop by the local walmart to take a look at it. The Frame is 7005 Aluminum, just like my bike from the bike shop (Mountain Frame), it also fit me well. The components for gearing were low end Shimano which is still better than no name that most department stores have. The guy putting them together didn't know jack about bikes. He did tell me that is has been sitting on the rack for over a year because no one wanted to by a bike with funny "French" valves. What he was referring to was the Presta valves. Also the bike was out of whack as far as the chain hitting the dérailleur. He did not even have a "French" pump so we could see if the tires did not have any leaks when inflated. I called over the manager and told him that I liked the bike and it fit well for me but was not sure if the tires were OK and they couldn't test them I also had him hold the bike while I moved the pedals to reveal the noise of the chain and that it probably needed a tuneup.
After that I offered him 100 dollars for the bike, because it needed a tuneup and possible tires. He said OK and I left with the bike.
The Schwinn Manual that came with the bike shows you how to tune up and adjust everything on the bike from fit to mechanics. I adjusted the seat, seat post, handle bars for fit. All I used was a screwdriver, a metric hex set, vise grips, and measuring tape (which I already had) and bought a while back at the dollar store for a total of 4 dollars. Then I adjusted the gearing so the chain would not hit anything, and all the gears shifted smoothly, then the brakes which were out of whack also, but adjusted easily. Bottom line I have a great beginner bike that is lighter than mostly all old used bike, shifts perfectly, has shimano up to date gear components, and a 5 year warranty with Pacific Cycle, which I can register on line. I am glad I did not listen to posters who did not look at the bike and just condemned it because it was from a box store which I agree most are junk, But I think this bike has potential. I also think this is a great value for the money (if the frame fits you) and you are getting back into biking even at $199. Pound for pound the best value around for an entry level road bike. And I am not worried that it weights a few pounds more than a bike that cost a couple or few thousand, I simply don't have the money at this point and am just a beginning biker not a pro or even a semi pro biker. Anyhow its way lighter than my mountain bike that I was riding on the paths and streets.
For $100 I got a
New bike, Just needed adjusting, (the Manual shows you how to do everything)
Shimano (although low end its a known name and available and upgradeable)
A smooth shifting bike (after looking at the manual and tuning this up it changes gears perfectly!)
5 year Warranty on the Frame by a company that is still in business.
7005 Aluminum Frame
Low end but No no name components.
I saved hundreds of dollars!!
I can go out and ride, gears work perfect, brakes work fine, Fits fine, I can go out and ride!!
To be its a no brainer for a beginner or beater bike or to get started!
If I get into it or am ready for the next level, then I will go to the bike shop and get a better bike or upgrade this one, but right not for a total of $104 dollars, some reading, and tuneup I can go outside and ride!!!