Schwinn GTX 3 Review (Updated 2022)

Over the years, more and more people have embraced cycling into their daily regimens, whether as a recreational activity, as a workout, or as a means of transport. Research has it that in 2018, more than 47 million people in the United States aged six years and above participated in cycling.

We all know too well that you need a good bike for you to make the most out of your cycling adventures. But with the substantial number of bikes in the market today, it’s quite challenging to find one that can meet all your needs, especially if you are a beginner or an all-around cyclist.

Well, we dove into burgeoning research and put together a comprehensive review of one of the best hybrid sports bikes in the market; the Schwinn GTX 3 bike. This Schwinn GTX 3 bike review will give you a closer look at everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind bicycle.

What to like about Schwinn GTX 3

 Features – Schwinn GTX 3 Review

Founded back in 1895 by Ignaz Schwinn, the Schwinn company has dominated the bike industry by producing bicycles that are comfortable, convenient, durable, and of course, good-looking and the Schwinn GTX 3 bike is no exception. The Schwinn GTX 3 hybrid sports bike manufacturers perfectly merged the features of a mountain bike and the features of a road bike to create a bicycle that is comfortable over all kinds of terrains and surfaces. With that being said, let’s take a look at its features, shall we?

1. Frame

Any cyclist knows too well that a bike frame is the heart and soul of a bicycle. It is the critical part that binds all other bicycle components together, so if the frame is not made of high-quality material, then the bike is as good as useless. Well, the manufacturers of the Schwinn GTX 3 hybrid bike had all that in mind, that is why they used aluminum material to make its bike frame. The material makes the frame durable, lightweight, and of course, stylish. For starters, aluminum material is corrosion-resistant, making the frame durable.

What’s more, it also absorbs shock better than any other material, so the bike frame can withstand impacts and crashes. The frame also features an attached bottle holder that safely holds your beverage bottle as you cycle.

Aluminum material easily allows the manufacturers to aerodynamically shape the bike frame, allowing you to ride your bicycle at higher speeds without any air pressure dragging you behind. However, some Schwinn GTX 3 reviews have pointed out that the frame is quite tricky to repair.

2. Wheels

The Schwinn GTX 3 hybrid bike features a pair of narrow 700c wheels that adequately provide grip and stability, minimizing the risks of slipping while riding over slippery terrains. The wheels are also puncture-resistant, for extra durability. What’s more, these wheels absorb smaller bumps on pavements and allow higher roll resistance, and greater tire pressure for an overall faster and smoother ride.

3. Saddle

Another feature that, according to most Schwinn GTX 3 reviews, makes this bike unique is its saddle. Manufacturers of the Schwinn GTX 3 hybrid bike are massive on comfort, which is why they have ensured that their seats have high levels of comfort. For starters, the saddle has extra foam pads for extra comfort.

It also features elastomeric springs that provide extra cushioning and absorb shock from bumpy sections of the road. What’s more, it also comes with an integrated rear reflector for maximum visibility and safety, especially when riding at night or in areas with poor light conditions. The saddle is cut out in the base to relieve the pressure that is felt, especially when cycling over bumpy areas of the terrain.

4. Handlebars

The Schwinn GTX 3 bike’s handlebars are pretty exceptional. Just like the saddle, the handlebars are positioned in a way that keeps you in an upright posture while cycling. This helps you have more visibility of the road and prevents you from straining your spine and neck, which eventually results in excruciating lower back and neck pain.

Like the handlebars on a mountain bike, these ones are typically flat, allowing you to have a wider grip and overall control of the bicycle.

Read More: Best Schwinn Hybrid Bikes Review

5. Speed

Like most other hybrid bikes, the Schwinn GTX 3 bicycle features a 7-speed gear system. This system provides you with an array of options for speed and resistance, depending on how fast or slow you want to go.

6. Suspension type

The Schwinn GTX 3 bike also features an SR Suntour Suspension fork, for extra comfort and stability while cycling. The suspension fork absorbs shocks and impacts from the bumpy sections of the terrain. This also gives you the ability to control your bicycle, especially when riding over rougher surfaces.

7. Brake type

Unlike most other hybrid bicycles, the Schwinn GTX 3 bike comes with disc brakes that have a very effective stopping power, that perform perfectly even in wet or muddy conditions. This makes the bike suitable for both commuting and trail riding.

Installation – Schwinn GTX 3

Most stores offer in-store bike assembly, so once you purchase the bike, they will assemble it for you. However, if you prefer installing the bicycle yourself, the company provides a step-by-step guide on their website. But let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind while installing the bike.

• Attach the bike pedals correctly

Most people assume that installing bike pedals is an easy-peasy procedure. However, it is a pretty tricky procedure, but luckily the Schwinn’s step-by-step guide explains everything in detail so you won’t have a hard time installing them.

But let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind when installing the pedals

• Make sure you grease the pedals before installing them

Although pedals do not need as much grease as other bike parts like the chainring, it is still crucial to lubricate them, especially before installation. Greasing makes it easy for you to unscrew the pedals if you would want to in the future. What’s more, it also helps keep sand, dust, and dirt at bay, preventing you from having a tough time pedaling, and the pedals from wearing down quickly.

• Ensure that you screw in the pedals correctly

It’s vital to keep in mind that the right pedals tighten in a clockwise direction, and the left pedals tighten in a counterclockwise direction. Screwing the bike pedals incorrectly can cause some serious damage to both crank arms and the pedals themselves. Trust me, I know! Fortunately, the Schwinn GTX 3 bike’s pedals have been clearly labeled, making it easier for you to know which one is the left or right pedal. The right pedal has an ‘R’ label on its spindle while the left pedal has a ‘L’ label on its spindle.

• Always ensure that the brakes are securely attached.

Whether you’re installing the bike yourself or someone else is doing it for you, always make sure that the brakes are securely attached. Most Schwinn GTX 3 bike reviews recommend that you activate the brakes before going out for a spin.

• Make sure the handlebars are tight enough.

It’s also essential to make sure that the handlebars are tight enough to prevent them from coming off while riding.

• Inflate the bike tires correctly.

By inflating them correctly, we mean that the tires should have the correct amount of pressure. Proper tire pressure enables you to have a faster and smoother ride. What’s more, it also prevents you from having unnecessary flat tires amid your cycling adventures.

Read More: Best Schwinn Road Bikes

Schwinn GTX 3 Bike Specifications

•  Weight: 46 pounds
• Frame sizes: 17.5 inches or 20 inches
• Wheel size: 700c
• Frame material: Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour M3020
• Fork travel: 70 millimeters
• Headset: 1 1/8 inches
• Cranks: SR Suntour 3-piece alloy, 22-32-42
• Front Derailleur: DNP Downpull
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus
• Cog set: 7-speed
• Shifter: SRAM MRX Grip Shifters
• Front Hub: Alloy
• Rear Hub: Alloy
• Rims: Alloy
• Brakes: Alloy linear-pull
• Brake levers: Alloys levers
• Handlebars: Alloy
• Stem: Alloy Quill

What’s not to like

• Some customers don’t like the long process of installation.
• It has a faulty chain that keeps coming off.
• Some customers have pointed out that the tires are too narrow.
• It is not suitable for long rides.
• Some customers have pointed out that the pedals make an irritating clicking noise.

Final thoughts on Schwinn GTX 3 Review

For over a century, the Schwinn company has revolutionized the bike industry by producing bicycles that can meet every kind of cyclist’s demands, and the Schwinn GTX 3 bike is no exception. This bike is very affordable. It comes with features of both a mountain bike and a road bike, making it perfect for amateur cyclists looking for a comfortable bike and pro riders who want comfort without sacrificing speed.