Do you know of any national retail stores that sell Schwinn bikes?

I would like stores that carry women's bikes that have the little rack on the back. Thanks.

Last weekend I was in WalMart. I saw lots of Schwinn bikes. Be aware that WalMart carries the least expensive Schwinn models. They will not ride as well nor last as long as the higher level models which you will find in bike shops.

HTH

Schwinn typically distributes through dedicated bicycle stores with a large selection. They have pretty much given up on the big chains due to margin competition with overseas bicycle manufactures. Look for a good local bicycle store and I'm sure they can hook you up with a Schwinn.

Start with Schwinn's website. http://dealer.schwinnbikes.com/ will do the trick.

Target.

It may be hard to believe that the Schwinn bike you see in Walmart for $150 is not in the same league quality wise as the Schwinn bike you see in a bike shop for $200-250. The only thing the bikes have in common from Walmart to the local bike shop is the name Schwinn. Other than that the differences build up quickly.

The frames though both aluminum are made of different grades of aluminum so your going to find a lighter stronger bike at the bike shop than at Walmart. You will also find size options at the local bike shop meaning they can get a bike that will actually fit. Instead of finding a womens bike and mens bike in the one size fits all mentality of the Walmarts.

The components on the bike are completely different though they look almost the same. The inner workings of these components change from nylon bearings that wear out in a year or so from Walmart. To metal bearings in the local bike shops bike that will give you years of wear.

Another big difference between the bikes is that the Walmart bikes are typically put together by a 16 year old kid paid close to minimum wage who just happens to be handy with a wrench. The local bike shop has mechanics that know all of the ins and outs of a bike and insure that the bike is properly built to provide years of riding enjoyment.

I have actually seen department store brand bikes come in with the fork on backwards and the stem (the piece that connects the handlebars to the front wheel) so loose I could unscrew it with my fingers. Your local bike shop will also offer a service plan of at least a couple free tune ups on the bikes typically a $40-50 value at most shops. Some shops offer 2-3 free tune ups others offer longer ones just depends on the shops, unlike the department stores that once it leaves the building your on your own.

As for the little rack, most bikes will not automatically come with these. You can get one for $30-45 at your local bike shop and if you buy it when you buy your bike a lot of times they will not only install it for free, but will offer a discount for accessories bought at the same time you buy your bike.

Schwinn used to be a bike-shop quality line. Then they went bankrupt and the name was bought by Pacific Cycles. Now they're just another imported Chinese bike. In addition to the other places named, you could look in Toys-R-Us and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Wal-Mart, Zellers, Sport Check, ...