Many of you have asked us by email. So today we did a complete Schwinn Vantage hybrid bike review. We hope you find it helpful in making your choice from the Schwinn range.
Schwinn has a wide range of bikes available to consumers since 1895. One of its bike ranges, the Schwinn Vantage, has been very popular among the masses. And due to its popularity, the company has launched four different versions.
In this guide, we will see how this bike lives up to consumer expectations and how it performs.
So, keep reading this Schwinn Vantage review to find everything you need to know about this classic.
- Can be used by men and women
- Reliable parts (Hutchinson, Shimano, Promax)
- Sport saddle
- Aluminum frame, smooth ride technology, and adjustable bike height
- Can be used as a fitness, sport or adventure bike
- Does not arrived fully assembled
- Fenders are in option
Schwinn Vantage Hybrid Bike Review
Who is Schwinn Vantage made for?
Schwinn Vantage is for intermediate and novice riders who are looking to sharpen their bike riding skills and start riding at speeds at which they have never gone before. The F2 model is a hybrid bike while the Schwinn Vantage F3 is a hybrid road bike with upgrades from the Schwinn Vantage F1 Sport hybrid bike. On the other hand, the Schwinn Vantage RX2 is best for riding on gravel and works well for beginners and intermediate alike.
However, the RX1 is for experts and advanced riders to ride on gravel. These bikes are available in different frames and colors and you can pick one according to your requirements. Another model is the F3 Women’s and it is specifically for female riders to ride a hybrid road bike.
Technical Details of Schwinn Vantage Hybrid Bike
As there are different models and versions of the Schwinn Vantage, therefore, you should focus on some technical details. It will make sure you pick the right model according to your preferences and requirements.
In this section, we will provide you with all the technical details of this bike and why you should pick this one specifically to ride.
4 Frame Types and Sport Design
Let’s begin our Schwinn Vantage hybrid bike review by discussing the frame types and design. All Schwinn Vintage bikes come with the same type of frame whether they are for gravel or the road. But there is a slight difference.
The F2 and F3 have fitness-tuned geometry and boast SRT elastomer suspension to give you more control over your ride. While the Schwinn Vantage RX1 and RX2 come with adventure tuned geometry suitable for advanced riders of the gravel.
Apart from that, all these models also feature an N-Lightened Gold aluminum frame that is triple-butted. The same materials are used in the construction of rack and fender mounts. This type of design is ideally suitable for all types of rides and conditions.
Gel cork bar tape handlebar & Seatpost
Next up in this Schwinn Vantage review is the handlebar and seat post. The Vantage F2 comes with an aluminum stem along with a flat handlebar. Apart from that, this bike features an adjustable sport saddle by Schwinn.
The seat post is comfortable to sit in for long rides. The gravel versions have a different type of stem featuring a TranzX drop bar and a different saddle as well. However, a flat stem handlebar and sport saddle work well on a hybrid road bike.
Soft Tail Suspension System and Fork
All versions of Schwinn Vantage have the same type of suspension system and fork type. The SRT elastomer suspension works great on all these bikes whether you ride them on the road or gravel.
This suspension system doesn’t add to the overall weight of the bike as it is of aluminum but still, they are robust in construction.
Gears and Speed
The Schwinn Vantage F2 comes with a 24-speed shifter and has the most gears among all the models that are present in the Vantage range by Schwinn. Of course, it’s a hybrid road bike to zip through flat surfaces at higher speeds.
And it does that fairly well with the arsenal that it has. The drivetrain of this bike comes from Schwinn and it also features FSA Vero alloy compact crank to ensure the rider gets an optimal gearing experience and performance.
Types of Brakes
All of the Vantage hybrid bikes come with disc brakes to provide you with ultimate stopping power and put you in control of your ride. The Vantage F2 comes with the Promax mechanical disc braking system that is powered by a rear and front alloy caliper.
The brake levers provide you with sharp stopping power and accurate speed control. The Vantage F2 comes with most shifters in all of the models from this range by Schwinn.
Schwinn Vantage Wheels and Tires
Last but not least in the technical details of this Schwinn Vantage review are the wheels and tires. The Vantage F2 features Alex DC26 wheels with double-walled rims also boasting QR hubs with disc alloy.
These wheels are robust and best for a smooth ride on the road. Additionally, this bike also comes with 700x35c Kenda Kwest tires that are suitable to take on a flat surface comfortably.
These tires are strong and deliver an excellent and long-lasting performance. These are the types that will prevent any Schwinn Vantage flat tire issues from occurring.
Schwinn Vantage Specifications
| Gender | Men and Women |
|---|---|
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Wheel Diameter | 28" |
| Tires | 700 x 35 c |
| Age Group | Adult |
| Brake | Radius/Promax Mechanical disc brakes |
| Suspension | S.R.T. Elastomer suspension |
| Frame Material | Aluminium |
| Stem | Adjustable aluminum |
| Fork | Schwinn fork, with 1 1/8" aluminum steerer |
| Shifters | Shimano EZ-FIRE |
| Derailleur | Shimano FD-TY500 |
| Number Of Speeds | Between 18 and 21 |
| Saddle | Schwinn Sport |
| Weight | 25-30 pounds |
| Dimensions | 67" x 24.5" x 40" |
What is the difference between Schwinn Vantage F2, F3, RX1, and RX2?
There are some minor differences between all these models that belong to the Vantage Series by Schwinn including F2, F3, RX1, and RX2. In this section, we will highlight some of the notable differences that can significantly alter your overall riding experience.
The primary difference between these four models is that the Schwinn Vantage RX1 and RX2 are perfect for gravel while the F2 and F3 are specifically for the road.
Moreover, the RX1 is suitable for experts, and the F3 is for beginners. F2 and RX2 are ideal rides for intermediate riders.
Schwinn Vantage F2 vs F3 Review
Both F2 and F3 are road hybrid bikes in the Vantage range. The F2 is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders while the F3 is ideal for novice to intermediate riders.
They both are available in four different sizes and they both come with the same type of frames, rack, fork systems, wheels, tires, brakes, cockpit, and fender mounts. They also weigh the same at around 29 lbs.
However, the F2 can zip along at a higher speed and comes with a 24-speed shifter as compared to the F3’s 21-speed shifter.
Schwinn Vantage RX1 vs RX2 Review
While F2 and F3 resemble a lot with each other there are a few more differences if you compare the RX1 with RX2. The RX1 is for the expert riders of the gravel who have plenty of experience under their belt.
On the other hand, the RX2 is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders of the gravel. The RX1 only comes in two sizes (medium and large) while the RX2 is available in four sizes (small, medium large X-large). You can consult the Schwinn Vantage size guide for reference.
Moreover, the RX1 is significantly faster as it features a 22-speed shifter as opposed to the 18-speed shifter in RX2. RX1 brakes are hydraulic disc brakes, while RX2 comes with mechanical disc brakes.
The seat post of RX1 also features an antishock system which is not there in RX2’s seat post. Furthermore, the RX1 is also about a couple of pounds lighter than the RX2.
Is there a Schwinn Women’s Vantage hybrid bike version?
There is a Vantage hybrid bike that is specifically for female riders. The F3 Women’s hybrid bike by Schwinn is for novice to intermediate riders of the road and it is available in small size.
Just like the other Vantage hybrid bikes this one also features fitness tuned geometry just like the F2 and the traditional F3 bikes. Moreover, you will find an SRT elastomer suspension that is suitable for a comfortable ride.
There is that same triple-butted aluminum frame, N-Lightened Gold along with fender and rack mounts. It also features a Schwinn Chromoly fork system that comes with a 1.125-inch steerer made of aluminum with fender mounts and rack.
This bicycle comes with a 21-speed shifter and it also features Alex DC26 double alloy rims coupled with QR hubs and 700x35c tires. These wheels and tires are stable and you will find them in other Vantage models.
The Schwinn hybrid bike comes with a flat stem handlebar made of aluminum along with the Sport handle by Schwinn. The overall weight of the bike is around 30 lbs and it feels firm during the ride. Additionally, the cost of the Schwinn Vantage hybrid bike differs from Network 3.0 as well.
FAQs on Schwinn Vantage hybrid bike
What is the Schwinn Vantage weight?
The Schwinn Vantage weight differs from model to model. The RX1 model is the lightest and it weighs 24.9 lbs. The RX2 weighs 26.7 lbs while the F2 weighs 28.9 lbs. The F3 and F3 Women’s come with a weight that is 29.8 lbs and is the heaviest of the Vantage Series.
Are Schwinn Vantage bikes good?
A global brand with a prolific history of making high-quality bikes. The Vantage Series is one of the bestselling hybrid bikes by the brand.
Is Schwinn Vantage made in the USA?
No, Schwinn bikes are manufactured in China by one of the three major bike manufacturers located there. But they are good in the overall quality.
Is there a warranty on this bike from Schwinn?
All hybrid bikes by Schwinn come with a 5-year warranty for the frame and a 1-year warranty for the parts. There are a 30-day repair and replacement warranty against faulty parts before the date of purchase.
Comparison with Schwinn Network 3.0 Hybrid Bike
Schwinn Network 3.0 is another one of the hybrid bikes by Schwinn. The Network gears more towards a novice intermediate rider. This hybrid bike also comes with 700c tires just like the Vantage but features an 18-speed shifter as opposed to the 24-speed shifter of the F2.
The Network is only available in a small 18-inch frame while the Vantage F2 is available in four different frame sizes. Additionally, the Network bike’s frame is of stainless steel whereas the Vantage F2’s frame is of aluminum. Therefore, Network 3.0 is significantly heavier as compared to the Vantage F2.
Furthermore, the Network 3.0 comes with linear-pull brakes made of alloy while the Vantage F2 comes with mechanical disc brakes Promax. The Vantage F2 is available in different colors that you can choose according to your preferences while the Network 3.0 only comes in white colors.
Final Word on Schwinn Vantage hybrid bike review
After going through this Schwinn Vantage review you can see the bike is for speed and high performance over flat surfaces. The bike is suitable for intermediate to advanced users and it has exceptional stopping power with Promax disc brakes. This bike is the fastest of them all in the Vantage Series and comes with a superior suspension system to keep your ride comfortable all along.
