With an increasing number of women taking to sporting activities, brands have also started becoming more inclusive. This is true for one of America's oldest bike companies, Schwinn. Women's hybrid bikes from the brand are a relatively new offering, but I have no complaints.
This women's bike is a top performer for several reasons. It also comes with all the features that are found in premium hybrid bikes, which I loved. The best part, the Schwinn GTX 2 hybrid bicycle, starts at an almost unbeatable price. This is fantastic as most hybrid bikes, both men and women, do not come cheap.
So let's get started with the review.
Schwinn GTX 2 Women's Dual Sport Hybrid Bike Review
In this review of the Schwinn GTX 2, I will be covering all the fundamental features, including the frames, gears, brakes, wheels, saddles, and, of course, the overall design.
Frame
If you observe carefully, this women's bike shares the same frame with another one from the same brand, the GTX 1.0. I am talking about the dual-sport aluminum frame and the sloping top tube.
The reason I love this feature is that it facilitates effortless mounting and getting off the bike. It also ensures a vertical riding position so you feel comfortable even after long riding hours.
Of course, it has the renowned Schwinn suspension fork as well. This means that it is excellent at shock absorption, so your ride is comfortable. This bike features a great combination of materials and craftsmanship, making the GTX 2 reliable and robust.
Also read: The Best Comfort Bikes for a Relaxing Ride
Gears
The gear assembly of Schwinn's GTX 2 is another feature that you can't ignore. With a combination of 21-speed gears and trigger shifters, you will love taking this bike out on hillsides with some cracks. But of course, this is not an extreme all-terrain bike, so it is better not to test its limits.
You might not need all the gear combinations as an urban commuter. However, these will come indispensable while you are riding in the woods or the countryside. As is expected from a Schwinn hybrid bike, the gears are smooth and precise, which adds to the overall fun riding experience.
Brakes
Another feature of the Schwinn GTX 2 that I liked is the mechanical disc brakes. For the uninitiated, this type of brakes comes with more advantages than standard V-brakes– the most notable one being the precision and power while stopping. You will find this feature indispensable, especially when riding in wet roads and bad weather conditions.
The right handlebars control the front disc brakes and the derailleur while the left controls the back ones.
Wheels and tires
The 700C wheels of the Schwinn GTX 2 Women's Dual Sport Hybrid Bike are top-notch as well. Equipped with alloy rims and a very good tires, you can be sure that you get optimum control of the bike. Likewise, your rides will be smooth and comfortable.
On the other hand, the tires of this hybrid bike are quite thin. Measuring 28 inches with a width of 1.4 inches, the GTX 2 is by no means suited for extreme terrains. You will have to be considerate while taking this bike out on harsh-terrains.
Saddle
I must admit that the saddle of the GTX 2 is not my favorite feature. Let me explain. They are positioned a bit too far back and relatively lower than most other bikes(typical of a hybrid bike). So if you are shorter than 5'1", this positioning can put a lot of strain on your arms and the upper body. Thankfully, the seat post can be adjusted, so some of you might not even notice this issue.
On the other hand, the positive thing to note with the saddle is that it is sufficiently padded, so you won't have to worry about this aspect. Correspondingly, the front suspension keeps vibration minimal, so you don't feel the bumps while riding through a rough patch.
Design and Aesthetics
The design of the Schwinn GTX 2 Women's Dual Sport Hybrid Bike is very thoughtfully carried out. The sloping tube frame makes it easily noticeable that much thought went into the design as a sloping frame adds to a women's hybrid bike's overall convenience and comfort. Their efforts can also be seen in the build quality and overall craftsmanship of the bike.
At present, the GTX 2 is available in just one color, baby blue.
Needless to say, the overall aesthetic of the bike is pleasant and cohesive.
Moreover, assembling the Schwinn GTX 2 hybrid bike requires minimal effort as it is mostly preassembled on delivery. However, some components, such as the rear wheel, can prove challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the bike assembly.
Suggested for you: Our Top 5 Best Hybrid Bikes for Female Beginners
Pros and Cons
Let's now look at the pros and cons of the Schwinn GTX 2 Women's Dual Sport Hybrid Bike.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
The Schwinn GTX 2 Women's Dual Sport Hybrid Bike is not without a few drawbacks. However, the pros outweigh the cons, and the overall features are excellent. The best things to love are the mechanical disc brakes, the 21-speed gear combinations, and the sloping top tube, which makes it easy to get on and off the bike. Additionally, the price of this hybrid bike is also in the affordable category.
So if you are a female urban rider with a penchant for riding your bike uphill or around town, the Schwinn GTX 2 Women's Dual Sport Hybrid Bike is a good choice. I would gladly recommend you to check it out if your commuting distance is less than 30 miles.
See more: The Best Road Bike for Beginners
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White