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#1 Schwinn World Sport review

Chris L.
January 12, 2021

The Schwinn World Sport is a great line of bikes made from 1950 to 1988. They're all slightly different, but each one was constructed to stand the test of time. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, making riding around town on your vintage bike fun and nostalgic.

Is the Schwinn World Sport best for you?

The Schwinn World Sport is an old-school bike. There's a lot of personality in every model, and you have an array of color choices depending on the year. It has all the features you need out of a solid bike, including a coaster brake, kickstand, and chain guard.

While a lot of people collect Schwinn World Sport bikes, many of them have still held up all these years later. Some are decades old and still take to the trails like they're brand new. You just want to make sure no components need to be repaired or replaced on the one you buy, and you should be good to go.

Consider Schwinn World Sport if...

  • You need something lightweight. Not only does the lighter weight from the carbon steel construction make it easier to carry, but you also benefit from a smoother ride. It feels effortless to pedal, especially if you use yours to ride to work through city streets.
  • You want that vintage aesthetic. Schwinn World Sport bikes were manufactured from 1950 to 1988. They have that classic style you just can't find in modern bikes.
  • You like having your choice of colors. Schwinn World Sport bikes come in an array of fanciful colors. From royal maroon to frosty silver, you have a lot of options to choose from.

Avoid Schwinn World Sport if...

  • You don't want to search high and low. These bikes are highly desirable, and since they're older, they can be harder to track down. They do come up for sale every so often, so keep your eyes peeled if you're interested.
  • You don't want to track down spare parts. Due to their age, Schwinn World Sport bikes are more prone to have defective parts. While you may find a great deal on one, you should keep in mind you may have to spend additional time and money getting all the parts you need to make the bike operational.
  • You like something more modern. Some people love the vintage aesthetic. Other people want the latest and greatest features. If you fall into the latter category, then you should look into something made in the 21st century.

Schwinn World Sport pros & cons

Pros

  • Drop-styled handlebars
  • Numerous color options
  • Smooth shifting
  • Both men's and women's frames

Cons

  • Hard to find
  • Dated look

Construction and design

  • Seat: The padded seat is supported with a chrome-plated steel post.
  • Pedals: Most Schwinn World Sport bikes come with rat trap pedals that house your foot to keep you pedaling comfortably.
  • Handlebars: These bikes boast steel bend handlebars in a drop style.
  • Console: No console necessary. This is a bike you take on the road with you over a variety of terrain from city streets to dirt trails.
  • Built-in Programs: There aren't any built-in programs either. Just pedal to your heart's content.

Key Schwinn World Sport Specs

Reasons to buy Schwinn World Sport?

  1. You want quality at a good price. It's hard to track down a solid vintage bike. It's even harder to find one at a good price. Fortunately, many Schwinn World Sport bikes are sold at reasonable prices, so you can get the aesthetic you want without breaking the bank.
  2. You need high-pressure tires. These bikes feature high-pressure tires, which makes it more resilient on uneven terrain. If you plan on taking your bike on bumpy trails, then you're definitely going to want a Schwinn World Sport.
  3. You like 10-speed bikes. 10-speed bikes are a necessity for cycling enthusiasts. You gain access to a wider range of gears. You can have the perfect setting applied whether you're traveling on a long stretch of open road, fast hill section, or tough climb.

Reasons to avoid Schwinn World Sport?

  1. You want a warranty. Many Schwinn World Sport bikes are available from third-party sellers. Therefore, you may not get a warranty with your purchase, leaving you to cover any expenses out-of-pocket should anything happen.
  2. You don't want to inspect for damage. When purchasing a bike several decades old, you want to make sure all the parts work as they should. Make sure you take note if there's any rust developing around the gears as that can affect the quality of your ride.

What real Schwinn World Sport reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Schwinn World Sport receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.74 (across several hundred reviews). Schwinn World Sport scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

  1. "The drop handlebars let you get in a much more aerodynamic position for long commutes and change hand positions from time to time as well."
  2. "This bike will push you to be a better cyclist."
  3. "The disc brakes perform well in the rain and don't wear down the rims, reducing maintenance."
  4. "Love the bike Schwinn is all about quality Very happy with purchase."
  5. "Overall, loved the ride and enjoy this bike tremendously."

What reviewers dislike

  1. "The components are fair to good."
  2. "I've read elsewhere that the wheels are very low end and heavier than a good wheel."
  3. "No fenders, no lights, cheap handle bars and seat."
  4. "My only criticism is that it really needs a smaller chainring in the front for hills."
  5. "It takes a little getting used to at first and to be honest, I wasn't super thrilled about getting on it."

Our verdict

A Schwinn World Sport is an excellent collector's item, especially if you can get your hands on a 1950 model. Plus, if you're lucky, then you may just find one that's still functional. These bikes were built to last, so many people still like to take them on trails for a fun day of cycling.

The main issue seems to be in tracking one down. You may have to do a bit of research to find a place that carries them. However, if you find one at a good price, most biking enthusiasts would tell you to jump on the deal.

Where to buy Schwinn World Sport

You can search high and low for a Schwinn World Sport and still come up empty-handed. If you want something that's easier to attain, then try the Schwinn Vantage FXe on Amazon. With a custom-formed alloy frame, double-walled rims, and 11-speed drivetrain, it's a bike that doesn't quit on you any time soon.