The Chainlink

An Ode to the Suburban (and the chance to convince me to buy a new bike)

Everybody here on the Chainlink loves an animated discussion, don’t they?

I’m a fan of my Schwinn Suburbans.  My wife picked me one up 3-4 years ago, and it is what got me started cycling again.  I decided early on that I needed to ride at least  a thousand miles before even considering a new bike.  Once the thousand miles was up, I figured I would go for two thousand.  After that, I thought it was a good idea to see how much the ride improved after an overhaul.  Last summer, I picked up a second one, potentially for parts, but it quickly turned into a spare.  By now, I have about 7000 miles on the first one, and 1000 miles on the spare.

My biggest problem?  Convincing bicycle mechanics that I actually do want to spend money on the bike, if I have worn out a part.

 

My favorite things:

1)      Pretty darn bulletproof.  It takes a lot to make one stop running.  In all that riding, I’ve only had one breakdown where I needed to call for the dreaded pickup.  That breakdown was all my fault, and the root causes will never happen again.

2)      Full coverage fenders and dork disc.  I work in semi-casual environment, but the bike has never damaged anything except for previously frayed shoelaces.  I really, really, like the fenders.

3)      Versatility.  I transition from road to trail, without a care.

4)      Very few worries about theft.

5)      A solid, forgiving frame.

6)      I always have a backup lighting system

7)      The vintage, cool, contrarian factor.

8)      Those few opportunities that I can sneak up on a tired group of roadies at the end of their ride, and hang with them for several miles, to their great consternation.

My problems:

1)      Five hours of riding only takes me 50-60 miles.

2)      Difficulty of finding quality replacement components, and then convincing a mechanic that replacing them is what I really want to do.

3)      Sooner or later, my knees, my riding style, and the weight of the bicycle are going to come to an unfortunate intersection.

4)      It is not exactly fun to load on a bus rack, or carry up and down the stairs into the basement of the building.

Really, the only bikes that have been speaking to me to replace the Suburban are steel touring bikes like the Surly LHT, Novara Randonee, and Jamis Aurora.  Or maybe a Schwinn Super Sport…

 

But I am at least tempted at the moment, and willing to carry on animated discussion with anyone who wants to convince me.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Milham on March 12, 2014 at 10:14am

I have a Jamis Quest and I freaking love it. I just really love it. There's not more I can say even, beyond that it's the perfect bike for me. So... there's one vote for Jamis.

Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on March 12, 2014 at 10:24am

I'm not sure if this is a pro or a con, but one thing I say about the ol' gas pipe Schwinns is that they're predictable. Whether in their best condition or their worst, performance is about the same! I've known people who've kept on riding them even after the bike has been hit bar a car leaving a kink in the top tube resembling a lightning bolt and bike shops turning them away saying the bike is unserviceable. 

A question I would have for Tim (and others who might be overly attached to bikes with abundant challenges) have you ridden any other bikes? It's hard to have an objective perspective if your view is from a single point. Plus, it's fun to ride all sorts of bikes! Go on some test rides at your LBS, ask to borrow some friends bikes, mix it up and enjoy the ride(s)!

I wouldn't fixate too much on brands or models (almost all bikes are made in China/Taiwan and will have similar components from brand to brand at price point), but find a good fit from your LBS and discuss your riding style, needs and general price point to find something right for you. Also beware of internet armchair quarterbacks who come across as absolute authorities (like me right now!) Like Bike Shop Guy might say "Is the internet going to fix your bike?"!

I appreciate the attachment we develop with things (like bikes), but they're only things. It's not like you're cheating on your wife, betraying your bestie, or putting your dog down. Beware though, once you start enjoying riding other bikes you can become prey to the N+1 syndrome and find yourself renting storage for your stable of ponies!

Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on March 12, 2014 at 10:53am



Bikefreeek said:

A question I would have for Tim (and others who might be overly attached to bikes with abundant challenges) have you ridden any other bikes? It's hard to have an objective perspective if your view is from a single point. Plus, it's fun to ride all sorts of bikes! Go on some test rides at your LBS, ask to borrow some friends bikes, mix it up and enjoy the ride(s)!

Well, I did put a few thousand miles on a '51 Schwinn Cruiser with a 2-speed hub twenty years ago.  Eventually, my now deceased 80 year old neighbour backed into it with his tricycle and tacoed the rear wheel completely.  I've had a half dozen mechanics turn down that repair job...

There was also a mid-range hybrid ten-fifteen years ago that was stolen. I liked that ride.

I also have a Specialized Expedition donated to me by a friend before I picked up the spare Suburban.  The ride is fine, but seems even more upright to me, and the difference has not been enough for me to put fenders on it and to have it take a spot as a regular ride.

I'm not sure if this is a pro or a con, but one thing I say about the ol' gas pipe Schwinns is that they're predictable. Whether in their best condition or their worst, performance is about the same!

In my expert opinion, their performance at their best is 30-40% better than at their worst. ;)

Permalink Reply by Gecko on March 12, 2014 at 11:49am

I'm guessing both the bikes (Suburban and Expedition) are set up with more upright (not drop) handlebars, and each rides more like a hybrid (indeed, the newer Expeditions are classified as hybrids or "path bikes").  I also gather from your writing that you would prefer a LESS upright and MORE aerodynamic riding position while keeping similar "moustache" handlebars for better control, is that correct?  If so, there's not much you can do with either of your current bikes in that regard, as the frame geometries are very upright, and in the case of the Expedition, I would even say "laid back".

There are a lot of "performance" hybrids and dedicated commuter bikes out there that will get you closer to what you're looking for, and all the touring and cyclocross bikes mentioned will put you in an even more aerodynamic position, even if you prefer the moustache handlebar style.  For example, I have mountain bike flat handlebars on both my Cross-Check and my Jamis because that's what I prefer, and I just installed moustache bars on my girlfriend's track bike (which she LOVES).  All are still pretty aerodynamic due to the frame geometries, but the handlebars offer much better control and comfort than road-style drop bars.

If you have some spare time, the best thing to do is go to a bunch of shops and ask to try out as many of their performance hybrids and commuter bikes as possible to get a feel for the frame geometry and handlebar setup you prefer.  Most stock hybrids from Trek, Giant, Specialized, etc. will have mountain bike-style handlebars like the Expedition, but a few of the newer "commuter-specific" bikes have the more relaxed moustache bars like the Suburban, and some come with drop bars.

I'm not trying to steer you toward a brand new bike, just trying to categorize exactly what you like about your Suburban so you can apply that knowledge to your next bike.  If you're able to articulate exactly the kind of ride you're trying to achieve, a good mechanic should be able to build something relatively close to that spec, but it may not be super cheap.  You may not be able to get the ride you're looking for out of any of the stock bikes, and most mechanics shy away from "build me a bike out of this pile of parts" because you can't know at a glance if all the parts the customer has provided are compatible.  In that case, you'll have to build up a good rapport with a mechanic you trust, who could build a bike to your specifications and possibly source some quality used parts to keep costs down.

Permalink Reply by mike w. on March 12, 2014 at 11:59am

Wow. Lots of bike snobbery on display here. My $.02: Ride what you like. Sure, there are different, lighter, more modern bikes out there on the road, and when i was a wrench, i almost hated the Varsity, Suburban, and their kindred, mostly because they were heavy to lift onto a work stand. i wished that all our customers would go get new and "better" bikes (preferable from our shop.)

Nowadays i've mellowed. i have my old Schwinn, and it shares the stable with a few old steel steeds that i very much enjoy riding. You don't really need the latest and best from your LBS- it will be last year's model soon enough. If you enjoy the bike you ride, bless you. Remember the best bike is the one you ride the most.

Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on March 12, 2014 at 1:35pm


Nick G said:

I'm not trying to steer you toward a brand new bike, just trying to categorize exactly what you like about your Suburban so you can apply that knowledge to your next bike.  If you're able to articulate exactly the kind of ride you're trying to achieve, a good mechanic should be able to build something relatively close to that spec, but it may not be super cheap.  You may not be able to get the ride you're looking for out of any of the stock bikes, and most mechanics shy away from "build me a bike out of this pile of parts" because you can't know at a glance if all the parts the customer has provided are compatible.  In that case, you'll have to build up a good rapport with a mechanic you trust, who could build a bike to your specifications and possibly source some quality used parts to keep costs down.

Thanks!  I don't mind the upright, but the Expedition does seem too relaxed for me.  I think I would be most comfortable with options, which is one of the reasons I like the idea of the steel touring bikes.  Anything too fast won't fit my riding style-- because I like to put some serious effort into things, but really don't want to be traveling in the 20-25 mph range on a light bike.  I'm also looking for bombproof, and have little desire for shiny, but substantial desire for quality.  I almost prefer the idea of five years old, with previously acquired nicks and scratches.  One of my admittedly irrational reasons for not wanting a new bike is a fear of being too attached to it, and having it stolen.

Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on March 12, 2014 at 1:37pm


I don't mind.  I recognize that  I'm inciting it, to a certain extent-- and am honestly curious about peoples reasons for disliking my ride, beyond the fact that it is heavy.

 
mike w. said:

Wow. Lots of bike snobbery on display here. My $.02: Ride what you like. ...

Nowadays i've mellowed. i have my old Schwinn, and it shares the stable with a few old steel steeds that i very much enjoy riding. You don't really need the latest and best from your LBS- it will be last year's model soon enough. If you enjoy the bike you ride, bless you. Remember the best bike is the one you ride the most.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on March 12, 2014 at 1:38pm

There is a difference between bike snobbery and being realistic about the situation.

I don't think anybody is saying go get he newest, fanciest bike out there to Tim.  I think what people have been trying to say is, 'your bike sucks for what you want to do with a bike.'

Even if we drop new bikes, and even brands other then Schwinn, out of the equation it does not change the fact that the Suburban is a very sub-par bike for the amount of riding Tim does.  It has an outmoded tire size, quality rims are hard to find, it has a one piece crank, it weighs eleventy-billion pounds and has some Schwinn proprietary components.  Even a move in the Schwinn line would be an improvement for him; get a later Japanese or Taiwan built lugged Schwinn that came with 700c wheels and set it up with similar bars and gearing and you would have a bike that preformed better in pretty much every possible way and would still not be a high theft target.

I built the Schwinn above as a commuter for a friend.  It's a lugged chrome-moly frame and even with drum brakes and an internal hub I bet it weighs less than a Suburban.  Thanks to the 700c wheels it has a ton of tire options and clears a big fat tire as well.

Realizing that quality bicycles ride better and are generally more comfortable is not being a bike snob.

mike w. said:

Wow. Lots of bike snobbery on display here. My $.02: Ride what you like. Sure, there are different, lighter, more modern bikes out there on the road, and when i was a wrench, i almost hated the Varsity, Suburban, and their kindred, mostly because they were heavy to lift onto a work stand. i wished that all our customers would go get new and "better" bikes (preferable from our shop.)

Nowadays i've mellowed. i have my old Schwinn, and it shares the stable with a few old steel steeds that i very much enjoy riding. You don't really need the latest and best from your LBS- it will be last year's model soon enough. If you enjoy the bike you ride, bless you. Remember the best bike is the one you ride the most.

Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on March 12, 2014 at 1:46pm

I'm really not ignoring it.  I'm asking questions and clarifying my reasons.  After riding all this time on the Suburbans, you didn't expect me to upgrade overnight, did you?  Besides, we all enjoy an animated discussion on this forum...

Hey! Bike Shop Guy said:

  People keep less than ideal bikes for emotional reasons all the time and there is nothing wrong with that but do us a favor and stop asking for advise and then ignoring or arguing with it.

Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on March 12, 2014 at 1:48pm

Completely agree with you here.

notoriousDUG said:

There is a difference between bike snobbery and being realistic about the situation.

I don't think anybody is saying go get he newest, fanciest bike out there to Tim.  I think what people have been trying to say is, 'your bike sucks for what you want to do with a bike.'

Even if we drop new bikes, and even brands other then Schwinn, out of the equation it does not change the fact that the Suburban is a very sub-par bike for the amount of riding Tim does.  It has an outmoded tire size, quality rims are hard to find, it has a one piece crank, it weighs eleventy-billion pounds and has some Schwinn proprietary components.  Even a move in the Schwinn line would be an improvement for him; get a later Japanese or Taiwan built lugged Schwinn that came with 700c wheels and set it up with similar bars and gearing and you would have a bike that preformed better in pretty much every possible way and would still not be a high theft target.

I built the Schwinn above as a commuter for a friend.  It's a lugged chrome-moly frame and even with drum brakes and an internal hub I bet it weighs less than a Suburban.  Thanks to the 700c wheels it has a ton of tire options and clears a big fat tire as well.

Realizing that quality bicycles ride better and are generally more comfortable is not being a bike snob.

mike w. said:

Wow. Lots of bike snobbery on display here. My $.02: Ride what you like. Sure, there are different, lighter, more modern bikes out there on the road, and when i was a wrench, i almost hated the Varsity, Suburban, and their kindred, mostly because they were heavy to lift onto a work stand. i wished that all our customers would go get new and "better" bikes (preferable from our shop.)

Nowadays i've mellowed. i have my old Schwinn, and it shares the stable with a few old steel steeds that i very much enjoy riding. You don't really need the latest and best from your LBS- it will be last year's model soon enough. If you enjoy the bike you ride, bless you. Remember the best bike is the one you ride the most.

Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on March 12, 2014 at 8:52pm

I'm quite close to conceding defeat, although I think that even with buying a new bike, I will reserve one of the Schwinns and upgrade it in non recommended ways, probably doing the 700c conversion and adding quality modern wheels, replacing the brakes with modern ones, and anything else I can think of.  

I can easily admit that the bike Dug built and pictured above is a sweet looking bike, although I don't know if the internal hub is my style.

The new bike has to have fenders and a rear rack, have room to run tires up to at least 32mm, and be able to be happy on pavement or gravel.  It needs to be functional as a commuter bike.  I would plan on doing some self supported camping, and want to be comfortable for seriously long rides.  I've done 60 miles on the Suburban several times, and fifty miles many times.  That still seems like the steel touring bikes to me...

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on March 12, 2014 at 9:29pm

Long Haul Trucker!  I love mine for all of the things you mention.  Except the camping part.  My idea of camping is the Holiday Inn.  But you can definitely load that baby up with everything you need for camping and it will be happy.

However, I really like the looks of that Velo Orange Campeur.  It is the N+1 thing. I don't think it comes small enough for me, though. :-(

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