This Hybrid Uses Rear Suspension to Smooth the Ride
We’ve seen high-end road bikes–like the Calfee Manta Pro and the Pinarello Dogma K8-S–employ small rear suspension units to improve comfort and control. Now Schwinn is bringing a bit of cush to a (much) more affordable flat bar bike.
Schwinn’s just-released Vantage has an elastomer at the junction of the seat stays and seat tube that provides 15mm of travel. Schwinn calls it Smooth Ride Technology (SRT), and the press release claims, “SRT ensures no loss of lateral stiffness which means the rear wheel is less likely to flex from side to side and riders will maintain a more efficient pedal stroke.”
RELATED: Pinarello Lunches Dogma K8-S
The Vantage has rear suspension only (front suspension is more difficult to get right), and not a lot. But my time on both the Pinarello (10mm travel) and the Manta (12mm travel) has proven to me that a bit of real suspension is more effective than anything else—squishy tires, gel padding, vertical compliance—at smoothing the ride and improving traction.
The Vantage is a flat-bar bike with a more upright position than a drop-bar road bike, but the geometry is reasonably tight, which hints that the bike is sportier than a cruiser. For expanded versatility, the frame is equipped with mounts for front and rear racks and fenders.
Two models are offered: The $880 F1 has a Shimano 3x9 speed drivetrain, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and Kenda tires with flat protection belt. The $660 F2 uses the same frame and fork as the S1, but has a down spec-ed 3x8 Shimano drivetrain (with SR Suntour crank), Promax mechanical disc brakes, heavier rims, and Kenda tires with less flat protection. Both models are offered in small to extra-large sizes and are available now.
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