Road bikes are an excellent choice for fitness riders. A fast-riding road bike allows you to lose weight, exercise body coordination, and have enough wind during the ride to remove sweat from your body or face.
However, there are road bikes that are both inexpensive and comfortable to ride for exercise. The Schwinn Solara, for example, had been discontinued at the time I wrote this blog, but that didn’t stop us from taking a close look at this road bike.
For our fitness needs, we’re looking for the best alternative to the road bike.
What are the features of the Schwinn Solara road bike and what are the pros and cons of the Schwinn Solara 700c 14 speed? Which alternative models can be found? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the newer bikes compared to them?
Welcome to the Best Bike Select blog. We are running out of time, so let’s move on to the review.
What are the features of Schwinn Solara road bike?
Aluminum frame
At the time, the Schwinn Solara 28 road bike cost no more than $200. A road bike with an aluminum frame would be available for this price. However, its purchasing power is nearly $500 higher than it is now.
Aluminum frames have advantages such as less corrosion, longer life, and less maintenance.
The steel fork also increases the sturdiness and stability of the frame and puts enough pressure on the fork on downhill sections of the ride, but high-performance aluminum is more expensive to produce, so the manufacturer’s comprehensive exam uses a steel fork with better stability for more terrain riding.
14 speed bike
The drivetrain is made up of a Shimano Tourney kit and an A050 thumb shifter. The steel chain is strong enough, and the 2X7 speed configuration is comparable to road bikes sold for less than $1,000 in recent years.
The quality is also higher; after all, the new Schwinn road bikes will have this configuration as well. On the pro track, the rider can accelerate at 14 different speeds.
3-piece alloy cranks
The feel of the ride is affected by cranks, whether they are good or bad. Although alloy cranks are used on the vast majority of road bikes, sturdy alloy cranks with strong construction are not easily damaged. The Schwinn Solara road bike’s alloy cranks have few negative reviews and are one of its strongest accessories.
V-brake
The advantage of the side-pull caliper brake is that it has a short braking stroke and precise braking. The disadvantage, on the other hand, is equally obvious. You must make adjustments every 100 miles of riding.
Of course, the 100 miles mentioned here are only estimates; if you notice the sensitivity of the brakes decreasing while riding the road bike, you should make adjustments.
700C*25C Tires
The tires’ thickness is relatively thin, which is one of the issues raised about the tires. This is a common issue with road bikes designed for high-speed riding.
If you prefer comfortable exercise riding and do not want to ride at a faster speed, it is recommended that you switch to 700*28C tires, which will be more comfortable.
Adjustable handlebar height and seat height
Handlebars that adjust in height to accommodate riders of various heights, including a different inner seam height. Seat height adjustment does not require any tools; the seat height required for casual riding and fast riding differs; novice riders must find the correct height and practice.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Schwinn has this policy for all of its factory bikes, with a lifetime frame warranty, but keeping the service card and ticket from the time of purchase is required. As a result, when they provide the appropriate service, it will go more smoothly.
Tips: It is uncommon to find a bike with a damaged frame, unless it was damaged during shipping or when it was shipped from the factory.
Schwinn Solara 28″ Road Bike Specs
| Dimensions (Overall) | 40.0 inches (H) x 50.0 inches (L) |
| Weight | 27.0 pounds |
| Holds up to | 300.0 pounds |
| Rear Wheel Diameter | 28.0 inches |
| Used For | Racing/Competition, Commuting |
| Bicycle Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Bicycle Chain Material | Steel |
| Rim Material | Aluminum |
| Gear Speeds | 14 |
| Pedal Material | Plastic |
| Seat Material | Nylon |
| Assembly Details | Assembly required, tools not provided |
| Sporting Goods Item | Bicycles |
| Bike Type | Road |
| Front Wheel Height | 28″ |
| Tire Type | 700c |
| Tire Width | 1″ |
| Bicycle Frame Height | 20‘’ |
Schwinn Solara 28″ road bike pros and cons?
Pros
- Durable aluminum frame
- Alloy 3-piece set
- 14 speed
- Easy to assemble
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Plastic pedals
- V-brake needs regular adjustment
- Seat is rather hard
- Narrow tire width
Related Questions
- What is the maximum load weight of the Schwinn Solara 28″ road bike?
260 lbs. If this weight is exceeded, it is recommended to choose a road bike with a steel frame with a higher load capacity.
- What are the advantages of working out on a Schwinn Solara road bike compared to running?
When jogging, your knees need to carry more weight, so there is more damage to your knees than on a road bike.
Cycling is faster, the breeze keeps you cooler, and you sweat less. Your body is more accustomed to the strenuous exercise of cycling than running.
- Where can I buy the Schwinn Solara 28″ road bike?
Because this road bike has been discontinued, there are occasional used Schwinn Solara’s for sale on eBay.
We also have some alternative road bikes for riders who wish to purchase a suitable fitness road bike.
- What about schwinn road bike price?
The price of each model varies, but entry-level models are typically priced between $300 and $600.
Alternatives
| Bicycle | Frame material | Wheel size | Speed Number | Price |
| Schwinn Phocus 1600 | Aluminum | 700c*23c | 16 | Click View |
| Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike | Aluminum | 29-Inch | 14 | Click View |
| Kent Gzr700 Road Bike | Steel | 29-Inch | 21 | Click View |
| Schwinn Volare 1300 Adult Hybrid Road Bike | Aluminum | 28-Inch | 14 | Click View |
| Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c | Aluminum | 700c | 21 | Click View |
Comparison
Schwinn Phocus 1600 VS Schwinn Solara 28 road bike
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 16-speed road bike weighs slightly more than the Schwinn Solara 28 road bike. The frame construction, on the other hand, is stronger and can support up to 290 lbs.
The number of rear gears has been slightly increased. With two frame sizes, small and large, riders can easily select the appropriate frame size based on their height.
On the professional circuit, 700 x 23c slim tires and original strapped pedals allow you to ride faster. It’s one of the best road bikes under $1000, with a total price of less than $1000.
Kent Gzr700 Road Bike VS Schwinn Solara 28 road bike
The Kent Gzr700 Road Bike is not intended for racing and is identical to the Schwinn Solara 28 road bike in that it has a Shimano 14-speed drivetrain. The Kent Gzr700 Road Bike is a Gravel Bike with a steel frame.
It’s ideal for commuting, with mechanical disc brakes front and rear, allowing you to ride smoothly and smoothly on gravel or paved trails or potholed city streets.
If you’re a young person starting out in the workforce or a student, this low-cost city-commuting road bike is ideal.
Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike VS Schwinn Solara
The 21-speed Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike has riding gears, 29-inch wheels for taller riders, and an aluminum frame that is lighter than the Schwinn Solara, with only 25 pounds of body weight for riding on different road terrain and the same speed as a road bike.
The head tube angle is the same, as is the level of riding comfort. Finally, the cost is very reasonable. Designed for road cyclists who prefer a little more speed.
Conclusion
Cycling for fitness is a very good choice. If you like aluminum frames, you can choose your own road bike from the alternative models. Imagine a weekend ride where you can meet more buddies. You won’t be riding alone as a rider.
If you want to know more about, you can check out: Top 9 Best Road Bikes Under 500 [Review]
I have a Schwinn Solara I’ve had about 6/7 years rolling up on 2k miles still looks new routine maintenance only. At 155 lb.s 5’7 this bike was a perfect fit for me.
As it looks, Schwinn Solara has been with you for a long time.