Schwinn Voyageur Review
- Price: $649
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 700c x 38c
- Gear: 3 x 7
What We Like About It:
- Affordable price.
- Focus on comfort, suitable for both leisure rides and city commuting.
- Equipped with front suspension to reduce vibrations on light off-road terrain, and it comes with pedals for an easier ride.
What We Don’t Like About It:
- Linear pull brakes have a significant difference compared to disc brakes.
- Exposed cables are a bit of an eyesore.
Rating: (4.85/5)
The Schwinn Voyageur not only features a 3×7 Shimano Tourney RD-TY300 drivetrain but also comes with a 63mm front suspension fork. This makes it comfortable to navigate various routes in the city. I must say, the Schwinn Voyageur lives up to its goal of being designed for comfort and versatility.
Now, let’s dive into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Schwinn Voyageur. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
My grandfather bought the Schwinn Voyageur. At first glance, I thought it looked cheap with its exposed cables. But my grandfather assured me that it was a comfortable ride. While I remained skeptical, I decided to give it a try.
City Riding
On a sunny day in our small town, I hopped on the Schwinn Voyageur. It offers a range of gears, but it was clear that my grandfather hadn’t shifted much, as he was using the initial front-small, rear-big gear combination. I went for a ride and found it suitable for flat terrain or slight inclines, making it easier for older riders. Later on, I tried shifting gears, and I have to say, while the Shimano Tourney RD-TY300 is an entry-level component, it performed admirably in terms of smoothness and agility, living up to Shimano’s brand reputation.
Furthermore, it made it easy for me to maintain a comfortable upright riding posture. This is great for some commuters and older riders. Additionally, it boasts a 63mm travel front suspension fork, which makes the ride on some of the town’s older streets less jarring. The flat handlebars allowed me to maintain stability during the ride, which is more user-friendly and easier to grasp than drop bars. If you’re a novice or buying this for your parents, I believe it’s a suitable choice.
Is That All?
I didn’t expect disc brakes at this price point, but the Schwinn Voyageur comes with linear pull brakes, which didn’t disappoint. To test their braking capability, I purposely pedaled and then applied the brakes. The bike came to a stop after a short distance, and I consider the braking performance satisfactory. However, I don’t recommend operating as I did because stopping abruptly at high speeds can require a significant amount of force and may result in unsafe conditions due to inertia. In such situations, gradually applying the brakes can reduce inertia.
Additionally, the tires on the Schwinn Voyageur are not to be overlooked. It comes with 700c x 38c Kenda Kourier wire bead tires. They’re larger than typical road bike tires but thinner and smoother than mountain bike tires, providing good control even during turns and sudden stops.
It’s worth mentioning that during the extended ride, the Schwinn Comfort sport saddle offered me a comfortable riding experience. The super soft foam inside the saddle provides good support and rebound, and its PU cover is weather-resistant.
After concluding this riding journey, I have to admit to my grandfather that this is an affordable and versatile hybrid bike.
Specifications
Firstly, the Schwinn Voyageur features a durable, rust-resistant all-aluminum frame. Secondly, the comfortable and durable saddle makes you reluctant to get off the bike. Additionally, with its 63mm front suspension fork, you can easily and comfortably navigate through some older neighborhoods and alleys.
Furthermore, the Schwinn ergo dual-density grips offer excellent grip and comfort.
Despite being equipped with linear pull brakes, the braking performance is reliable. However, I can’t avoid mentioning the shortcomings of this type of brake. For example, in rainy weather, you need to exert more force to apply the brakes and bring the bike to a stop. Also, due to the braking mechanism, it can cause some wear on the tires. Of course, considering the price, I won’t be too critical, but it’s worth noting.
Honestly, the external cable routing design is my biggest dissatisfaction with it. My advice is to try to keep it sheltered on rainy days to prevent rust and damage to the brakes and some cables.
In summary, this is a durable and versatile bike, and I believe it would be a good “companion” for your daily workouts and commutes!
Other Versions
Through ample time and actual riding on different terrains, we have gained an intuitive understanding of the powertrain system, wheelset, and other aspects of the Schwinn Voyageur. It is indeed an affordable hybrid bike.
Moreover, at a price of just $649, I believe it will be an attractive option for many users. However, the Schwinn Voyageur offers more than just one choice, so we’ve done some more research.
Schwinn Voyageur Step-Thru
The overall configuration and price of the Schwinn Voyageur Step-Thru are identical to the Schwinn Voyageur. However, the front fork travel on the Schwinn Voyageur Step-Thru is 50mm, slightly shorter than that of the Schwinn Voyageur, which may result in slightly inferior shock absorption. It’s worth noting that the Schwinn Voyageur Step-Thru features a step-through frame, making it easier for shorter users to mount and dismount, and it’s also easier to control.
If you prefer easier mounting and dismounting, I would recommend the Schwinn Voyageur Step-Thru. If you want a longer travel distance, I would lean toward the Schwinn Voyageur.
What do we like about it?
- Easier-to-grip handlebars.
- Durable and relatively lightweight frame.
- More gear choices.
- Reliable Shimano Tourney RD-TY300 rear derailleur.
- Fast and relatively durable Kenda Kourier tires.
What don’t we like about it?
- Exposed control cables.
- I’d prefer to have disc brakes.
FAQ
- How much does a Schwinn Voyageur weigh?
I didn’t measure the exact weight, but I can say that it’s easy to lift for a young person.
- Is there a weight limit on Schwinn bikes?
From what I know, the safety limit for all bikes in the US is a minimum weight limit of 275 pounds for adult-use bicycles. I weigh 150 pounds, and my grandfather weighs 180 pounds, and we both found the bike easy to handle.
- What size options are available for this bike?
Size chart:
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’5″ | SM |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | LG |
| 6’2″ – 6’6″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Aluminum, 700c comfort tuned geometry, 10 mm x 135 mm dropout, replaceable hanger, 1 1/8 in headtube |
| Fork | Zoom 730 AMS, 700c, steel steerer, 9 mm x 100 mm QR, 63 mm travel |
| Bottom Bracket | VP, sealed cartridge, square taper, 68 mm |
| Headset | Threadless, ZS44, semi-cartridge bearings |
| Stem | Schwinn, aluminum, threadless, adjustable rise, 25.4 mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Schwinn, steel, 660 mm width, 50 mm rise, 25.4 mm clamp |
| Saddle | Schwinn Comfort sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Aluminum, 300 mm, 18 mm offset, suspension, 27.2 mm |
| Pedals | Schwinn comfort, nylon |
| Grips | Schwinn ergo, dual density |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney RD-TY300 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano FD-TY500, 31.8 mm clamp |
| Crank | SR Suntour XCC, 48/38/28T |
| Shifters | Shimano REVOSHIFT twist, 21-speed |
| Chain | KMC Z7 |
| Brakes | Radius V993, linear pull, aluminum |
Wheels
| Rims | Alex DC26, aluminum, double wall, 32H |
| Spokes | 14G, stainless steel |
| Rear Hub | Schwinn sport, aluminum, 10 mm x 135 mm QR, 32H |
| Tires | Kenda Kourier, 700c x 38c, wire bead |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Schwinn Sierra | Click View | 27.5 in x 1.95 in | 3 x 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney RD-TY300 |
| Trek Dual Sport 1 Gen 4 | Click View | 700x40c | 2 × 8 | Aluminum | Shimano Altus M310 |
| CUBE NATURE ALLROAD Trapeze | Click View | 700c x 50 | 3 × 8 | Aluminum | Shimano RD-M360 |
| Co-op CTY 2.1 | Click View | 700c x 40 mm | 2 × 8 | Aluminum | Shimano Altus |
Schwinn Sierra vs. Schwinn Voyageur
Both brands belong to Schwinn, and you can’t spot significant differences in their design. However, the Schwinn Sierra comes equipped with an 80mm front suspension fork, which is longer than that of the Schwinn Voyageur. This allows the Schwinn Sierra to handle bumpy roads with greater ease.
Additionally, the Schwinn Sierra has 27.5-inch tires. This makes it more maneuverable compared to the Schwinn Voyageur but may not be as fast.
Moreover, both of these bikes use the same rear derailleur and brakes. So, if you’re considering these factors, they are on par.
However, if I had to choose, I would be more inclined to try the Schwinn Sierra. After all, at the same price, I’d prefer a longer suspension travel.
Learn More: Is Schwinn Sierra Worth Buying？[Schwinn Sierra Review ]
Trek Dual Sport 1 Gen 4 vs. Schwinn Voyageur
The Trek Dual Sport 1 Gen 4 isn’t much more expensive than the Schwinn Voyageur, but it comes with mechanical disc brakes. This significantly boosts my impression of it. You see, mechanical disc brakes can deliver reliable braking performance even in rainy conditions, and they generally don’t require extra effort.
However, it offers only 18-speed options, which is fewer than the 21-speed Schwinn Sierra. But the Trek Dual Sport 1 Gen 4’s Shimano Altus M310 derailleur performs slightly better than the Schwinn Voyageur’s Shimano Tourney. In actual use, you’ll find that the Shimano Altus is more agile and precise when it comes to shifting and operation.
What’s worth mentioning is that the Trek Dual Sport 1 Gen 4 features internal cable routing, which gives it a cleaner appearance, helps prolong the cable’s lifespan, and makes maintenance easier.
All in all, I’d be willing to spend a bit more to try out the Trek Dual Sport 1 Gen 4. But if you prefer more gear options, the Schwinn Voyageur is worth a try.
Learn More: Is Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 4 A Perfect Selection? – [Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 4 Review]
CUBE NATURE ALLROAD Trapeze vs. Schwinn Voyageur
The CUBE NATURE ALLROAD Trapeze has relatively wider tires, providing better traction. However, this also adds to the bike’s weight and may result in slightly slower speeds on smooth roads compared to the Schwinn Voyageur.
Both bikes have the same suspension travel, 63mm, so there isn’t much difference on the same routes. However, the CUBE NATURE ALLROAD Trapeze offers a 3×8-speed choice, which is more than the Schwinn Voyageur’s speed options. But honestly, we typically use only so many of those gears. Moreover, the CUBE NATURE ALLROAD Trapeze is priced at $195 higher than the Schwinn Voyageur. So, with a significant price difference, having more speeds may not be the determining factor for me.
It’s worth noting that the CUBE NATURE ALLROAD Trapeze uses Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic brakes, which are undoubtedly better than Linear pull brakes. However, if the Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic brakes get damaged, you’ll need to spend more money on a replacement, and they may add extra weight compared to Linear pull brakes.
If you don’t mind spending nearly $200 more and prefer hydraulic brakes, you can certainly give the CUBE NATURE ALLROAD Trapeze a try. However, if you don’t need more gear options and want to avoid potential maintenance costs down the road, I would recommend trying the Schwinn Voyageur.
Co-op CTY 2.1 vs. Schwinn Voyageur
I like the paint color of the Co-op CTY 2.1. Additionally, the low top tube design makes it easier for riders to get on and off the bike. Furthermore, its 2×8-speed selection is sufficient, and it features Shimano Altus derailleurs, which are more precise and stable compared to the Shimano Tourney derailleurs on the Schwinn Voyageur. What’s more, it has multiple water bottle mounting holes, and its brakes are Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes. With these features, the price is only $150 higher than the Schwinn Voyageur, and if it were me, I’d be willing to spend the extra $150.
Of course, that’s not to say the Schwinn Voyageur is entirely without merit. Hydraulic brakes are heavier than linear pull brakes, and there can be significant costs associated with their maintenance and replacement.
If you want to avoid spending a significant amount on maintenance down the line, I believe the Schwinn Voyageur is worth considering. However, if you don’t mind potential future maintenance costs and want a better derailleur, I think the Co-op CTY 2.1 is a solid choice.
Summary
The above is our complete review of the Schwinn Voyageur. It’s a good hybrid bike, and considering all the factors, we’ve given it a high score of 4.7. If you want to get more information about bikes, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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