Features
Schwinn Solana Womens Bicycle Wheels features is:
- Schwinn alloy full suspension comfort frame with Schwinn suspension fork soaks up bumps for smooth, responsive riding
- 21-speed Micro shift thumb shifters and a reliable Shimano rear derailleur provides precise shifting and a wide gear range for long rides
- Alloy disc brakes supply crisp all-condition stopping for confident riding
- Dual fenders add a retro touch to this stylish modern bike; add in an alloy kickstand and you have the perfect accessories for riding around town
- Schwinn ergonomic saddle, ergonomic grips and an adjustable handlebar stem ensure you're supremely comfortable while you ride
Reviews
Below are some critical reviews about Schwinn Solana Womens Bicycle WheelsSeriously? The instructions are horrible. They must assume these bikes are not your first one because it doesn't even mention about removing the caps/plastic shipping covers on the wheels; this was not so obvious for a beginner like me.There isn't even any information on how to put the front tire fender on and it seems like I'm missing screws to put that on.I really hate when manufacturers include a manual that tries to cover several different models that are just irrelevant and makes it more confusing to the consumer.Putting on the front wheel was initially difficult because the disc rotor would not fit in the brake caliper. (The figure 4.17 is horrible.) It looks like I'm not the only one who had that issue. After that, I had to also adjust the cable tension for the brake lever.Most of the bike is put together (no need to attach wires), but basically requires you to put the handle bar, pedals, front tire; while it doesn't seem like much, again, for a beginner, dealing with the caliper/brake alignment can be tricky -- and don't get me started with the derailleurs...Again, they don't include any allen wrench/hex key, so you need to have your own tools ready.- Putting the handlebar stem (easy)- Attach seat (easy)- Attach pedals (easy)- Inflate tires (easy)- Attach the front wheel/aligning disc rotor brake (can be difficult)- Adjusting derailleurs so that it correctly shifts smoothly (most difficult)I had to go over several youtube videos to figure out everything because the manual is pretty vague.If you're new to bikes like me, you may wonder about the chains and speed meaning.This is 21 speed (3 front gears x 7 gears on the back)Left handle shifter controls the front 3 gears. (This controls more of the 'range' like Low, Medium, High speeds; being at 2 is optimal because you have best of both worlds to go down or up gears for the rear; you do NOT want to be on 3rd gear on the front and 1st gear on the rear)Right hand shifter controls the rear 7 gears (This side is used more frequently for shifting).On the rear, this bike has 7 gears/rings (cogs); when it's in GEAR 1 (controlled by the right shifter), also known as LOW GEAR, that is when the chain should be attached on the LARGEST gear/ring/cog on the back.On the highest 7th gear, it should be on the smallest ring on the back.For the front gears, it is the opposite where on 1st gear (controlled by the left shifter), the chain will be on the smallest ring/cog; and on 3rd gear, it should be on the largest ring/cog.Do not be in GEAR 6-8 (on right shifter) while still on GEAR 1 on the left front shifter because that is cross chaining, where the chain ends up in an extreme angle and can wear them out. This also goes the case for the opposite, you do not want to be on GEAR 3 for the front left shifter, if you are still on GEAR 1 on the rear right shifter.If the pedaling is difficult, you want to be in lower gear. If you feel the pedaling is too light (going downhill), shift the gear to larger number.Adjusting the derailleurs is especially stressful (especially without a bike stand to hold it) even though it's supposed to be "factory tuned"; again, the figure 4.24 is horrible as the H and L screw diagram isn't even accurate from the actual derailleur (Shimano Tourney TX) -- completely confusing and unhelpful for a beginner.On the derailleur, there are two "limiting" screws that is marked "H" for High (high speed/smallest cog) and "L" for Low (Low speed/largest cog); these are crucial to prevent the chain from going too far out of the largest and smallest ring when you shift.If you turn the H screw clockwise, it will push the smallest cog (highest gear) inward towards the direction of the gears. In other words, if the chain is falling off when you're in the highest gear, you need to limit it by turning the "H" screw more clockwise; if it's not going to the highest gear, you need to turn it counter-clockwise.If you turn the L screw clockwise, it will push low gear/largest cog in the direction towards the derailleur. In other words, if it ends up falling off/jamming when you shift to the lowest gear, you will want to limit the "L" screw by turning it clockwise more.For this bike, the "barrel adjuster" is located on the derailleur (on some bikes, it's actually near the shifter, which I think is more convenient); this affects the tension of the cable on how smoothly the chain will go up/down the gears. If the chain isn't moving up (or in other words, going from the smallest cog to bigger cog/high gear to low gear), then you need to adjust the barrel adjuster to make the tension tighter by turning it counter-clockwise (to loosen is clockwise; basically, turn the barrel in the direction you want the chain to be moving more). Too much tension makes it harder for the chain to go down to the smallest cog, so you have to do some fine-tuning with few increments here and there.This bike is a smaller height/more for casual/better for females. I definitely prefer the ride of the GTX Elite Dual Sport Frame 700C a lot more, even though it initially felt more intimidating because of the higher seating; but that just made the ride more enjoyable.Pros:- For small riders/casual- Front and rear brakesCons:- WORST manual ever. (not beginner friendly); doesn't even mention anything about the fenders- Doesn't include basic proper hex tools- Front gear/left shifter placement is hard to shift (also indicator is off and I don't know how to fix it); the rear gear/right shifter with the smaller lever to gear up and bigger lever to gear down is easier.- Difficult to access the screw to adjust front derailleur because the suspension is in the way; also difficult to adjust the H and L limit screws; seems like they made it the most difficult and stressful way possible for maintenance.
Below are some positive reviews about Schwinn Solana Womens Bicycle Wheels
We rate this bike 5 stars because of the incredible value and features you get, and yes an alloy kickstand is included. This bike is made in China, but the weld quality is second to none - a very stout frame, and the fit & finish is also very nice. Try and find a Full suspension T6061 aluminum frame, alloy 27.5" wheels with alloy hubs, front and rear disc brake bike for anywhere near this price -- and don't forget it has full fenders, adjustable angle stem, click shifters, and reflectors galore... :-)Could it have some better components? Yes, but you'd have to pay for them... But do the components it comes with work? Why yes they do! Realize this bike is targeted for Urban/Commute/and maybe some Light trail use. Front forks are non-adjustable and rear has adjustable spring pre-load only. My wife uses it 5 days a week as her back-up work out bike (she does 15 miles of steep paved hills each day, and requires Full Suspension for the rough parts) - it fits her and suspension works for her just fine, and she is 5 ft 3 inches and 120lbs -- the rear suspension might be too stiff for a much lighter person, but it could easily handle a heavier one (we have the pre-load set to the softest).If you have even minimal mechanical skills and the couple tools needed, you can put this bike together yourself. Ours came fully assembled other than the handlebars were not mounted (all cables are installed), the front wheel fully assembled but not mounted to the forks, pedals off, and seat and front fender off. We literally put it together and aired up the tires and rode it. Derailleurs were adjusted already, brakes had a slight rub and I made some slight adjustments later. It took me longer to remove all the warning labels than to fine-tune the fit for her!We added a gel seat pad, a rear view mirror and a front carry bag, to round it out for her needs...These Solana's aren't all that easy to find, and if you do find it at a bike shop, expect to pay more -- it was a great deal on Amazon - they may just be new on the market...
Update 8/17/19OK, I found a solution to adding a rear bike rack (See photo #1). I was even able to install the support arms with out effecting the operation of the rear suspension. This is because the suspension arm to which they are attached moves mostly forward and backward and not up and down.Update 7/31/19Tried their chat line. That worked better. Very helpful girl suggested loosening the pivot retaining bolts. I did that as well as several bolts on the 'bell crank (intermittent pivot arm between shock and rear pivot arm). Rear suspension is now operational.NOTE: Schwinn does not provide a rear rack for this bike. I have not found a solution yet. Also there is no mounting provisions for a water bottle holder. Increased rating to 4 stars.UPDATE: 7/17/19Discovered that the rear suspension is not working (frozen) I sent an email request for support to find out how to correct the problem Friday AM,7/12/19. I have received no response other than an email stating that they had received my request. I still like the bike if this problem can be fixed. I am reducing my rating from 5 to 3 stars because of the poor support. I will update this when/if they correct this problem.Assembly instructions were fairly complete, only a few steps omitted. No problem if you are mechanically inclined. If not get some help.Very nice bike for the money. I really can not think for anything I would get at a bike shop for $1500 that this bike does not have. Very nice riding bike. As a senor I really appreciate the lower center bar.I am probably getting another one for my wife.The only thing I( wish it has is fittings for a water bottle holder.
Amazon has this labelled as a Women's bike for some reason, but Schwinn themselves list this as a unisex bike. I can confirm it can be both a men's and women's bike. It has so many features that are difficult to find at this price, including (full) dual suspension, mud guards, and full disc brakes. Ordered 4 of these!
