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Many people come and ask me for advice on what brand of road bike they should choose on a shoestring budget and more often than not I turn them in the direction of Schwinn.
Schwinn has been on the scene for many, many years now and they keep on churning out true masterpieces for phenomenally cheap prices.
This story is no different when we are considering the Schwinn Volare 1300 road bike, you will be pleased to hear.
Firstly let me come out and say that Schwinn bikes do not provide basic, entry-level bikes. They may produce cheap alternatives to the more expensive models – but that does not necessarily equate to a poor product.
The Schwinn Volare range has been out for a couple of years now and it has grown from strength to strength.
Ironically, the most striking thing about the Volare 1300 is its price, it’s almost insanely cheap for the technology that you’re receiving for it.
Schwinn Volare 1300 Review: Why I Rated It The Best Sport Bike for Beginners
My verdict: Schwinn has done it again, an incredible bike at a bargain price – what more could anyone on a budget ask for?
The Schwinn Volare 1300 is an exceptional sport bike for beginners or intermediate riders on a budget. It performed well on a variety of terrain during testing.
- For under $500, the Volare 1300 offers exceptional value for money
- 14-speed tackles any terrain
- Lightweight aluminum frame makes for a fast, comfortable ride
- Schwinn is a reputable, trustworthy brand.
- At this price point, I'm struggling to find any drawbacks!
Schwinn Volare Road Bike Review
The lead designer over at Schwinn, Mark Pratley, personally stated that the Schwinn Volare 1300 was designed to be lightweight and truly versatile for somebody looking to commute through the city’s winding streets.
It has been designed to effortlessly transport you to and from your place of work, with very little energy expended.
”If you find yourself on a shoestring budget, make sure you consider the Schwinn Volare 1300 – excellent quality at a very minimal price point!”
Not only that, but the Schwinn is by no means a sloth on the road, it has a kick and can be transformed into a true beast on the road if needs be.
This is predominantly driven by the bike weighing very little, as a result of this, a little bit of exertion releases an outstanding burst of energy that is beautifully transferred onto the road at pure, blissful speed.
So, if you are somebody looking for the perfect hybrid between a commuter bike and a toy for the weekend, you could be on to a winner with the Volare 1300.
Performance
It is as a result of the hybrid nature of this road bike that many people are left wondering who it is specifically designed for. And that is the beauty of it in my eyes, it is fitting for almost anyone and everyone on the road.
Time after time the Schwinn Volare has outperformed road bike models that are two, three, or even four times the price and it does it with style.
The bike’s frame is crafted out of aluminum and consequently is a very sturdy and secure ride, you are very rarely troubled with discomfort on the Volare and that is likely to last due to the durable qualities of this form of the metal frame.
Similarly, the fork and various other key components of the bike are also crafted out of the same shock-absorbing material.
Test Ride
Not only that but Schwinn has done an incredible job of ensuring that the Volare is a gorgeous bike too, It really does stand out on the road and I love the finish they have given it.
You will look extremely sleek gliding down the road on this model for sure and with the 14 gears, you won’t have trouble getting up or down hills either.
One little niggle that I had about the road bike was that the Shimano derailleurs could function slightly better, they did seem a little bit clunky at times but this is a very slight tarnish on what is otherwise a breathtaking ride.
The aluminum alloy-based brakes are very strong and they immediately cause the bike to halt to a stop, perfect for weaving in and out of inner-city traffic.
Similarly, the Volare comes complete with a comfortable, ergonomically designed saddle that will fit the majority of riders.
Schwinn Volare 1300 Price
The Schwinn Volare 1300 is an exceptional sport bike for beginners or intermediate riders on a budget. It performed well on a variety of terrain during testing.
Schwinn Volare 1300 Specs
- Brake
- Style: Caliper
- Color: White and Red
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Bike Weight: 29.8 lbs
- Gear Speeds: 14
- Frame Size: 20″
- Schwinn Volare 1300 Tire Size: 700c
The Schwinn Volare 1300 tires are 700cc which is ample in size and while they are not quite up to the same standards as the more premium-priced wheels around, they will certainly do the job – and more!
If they are ever an issue, it’s a relatively straightforward job to replace them and put on some slightly more sturdy ones. Again, this is but a minor footnote on what is a truly well-rounded road bike.
Concluding Remarks
My overall opinion of the Schwinn Volare 1300 is that it is the perfect sports bike for somebody getting into road bikes and looking for a budget model that will stand the test of time.
This bike is one of the best bikes you can have for under five hundred dollars and there are plenty on that list too, Schwinn has produced a wonderfully polished bike and it will be really hard for other brands to ever compete here.
The Best Road Bikes I’ve Reviewed This Year:
#1 Tommaso Imola: This is my absolute favorite road bike for beginner to intermediate riders who use their bike regularly. It comes with a 24-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain, Corsa TC20 wheels, an aluminum frame, and ultracompact handlebars. Check out what the Tommaso Imola is going for on Amazon right now.
#2 Vilano Shadow 3.0: I really like this road bike for anyone who’s looking for exceptional performance on a tight budget. The Vilano has features, such as integrated shifters, which I would only expect to see at a much higher price point. It performs exceptionally well on the road too even for longer distances. Check out the amazing reviews it’s been getting!
Mark Plummer
Mark Plummer is an experienced bike mechanic who has built, repaired, and customized thousands of bikes over the years. A former mountain biking athlete, his cycling adventures have taken him all over the globe from the mountains of Scotland to the South Island of New Zealand. These days he enjoys the benefits of commuting to work and touring on his Dahon and Brompton folding bikes.This free cheat sheet will help you choose a folding bike by providing quick information on the 7 key considerations when buying a foldable bicycle!
