When it comes to picking the perfect bike, there is no shortage of options out there. But for those who aren’t aware of what to look for, it can be a real challenge.
There are so many factors you need to consider while buying – and that can overwhelm you. Why not shortlist the best brands first and pick the bike that suits you most?
To that end, we’ve decided to make the task much easier for you. By selecting three of the biggest bike manufacturing companies, we’ve put Roadmaster vs Schwinn vs Huffy head-to-head in a match to help you determine your pick.
A Brief Glimpse at Roadmaster, Schwinn, and Huffy
All of these three brands produce bicycles but each is known for different aspects of their specialty. Let’s discuss each brand first and then know their most popular models.
Roadmaster
The company has been producing a long line of bicycle models for almost a century. This US-based manufacturer was established back in the year 1935 by the Cleveland Welding Company in Ohio. Since then, it has never stopped producing despite some tough times throughout history.
Even after all this time, the brand has been one of the popular manufacturers of everyday bicycles out there. Their uniqueness in the field is that they mostly produce entry-level bikes for all people.
The lineup also consists of some hybrid and mountain bikes. They were built around step-over and step-through frames. However, if you need an everyday ride or just commute to the workplace or the school, Roadmaster bikes could provide you with some great options.
Schwinn
Perhaps now the best-known brand in the bicycle industry, Schwinn was first created by mechanical engineer Ignaz Schwinn in the year 1891 in Germany. Since the 1980s, the company has been creating mountain bikes, and it didn’t take long for the company to become the biggest manufacturer in the US.
If you’re a casual or beginner cyclist, Schwinn is worth the attention. You can get many innovative bike solutions from this brand. Schwinn is also known to produce gear and accessories matching all sorts of bikes.
You can find two distinct bike lines from the company; high-end ones as ‘Signature Series’ and budget lines found in Wall-Mart or Sears. The Schwinn bikes range includes cruisers, mountain bikes, hybrid, road, and even electric bikes.
Huffy
If Roadmaster and Schwinn don’t have quite the impact on you, then Huffy is worth investigating instead. There are quite a few great options on the market from Huffy.
The company was founded in 1892 by George Huffman by converting his sewing machine company into producing affordable bikes. After almost sixty years, it invented training wheels for bikes to make it easier for kids to learn about cycling.
After almost 130 years of producing millions of bikes, Huffy is now the largest bike manufacturer in the world. Focusing mostly on comfort and functionality, Huffy produces a range of bicycles for both children and adults for casual riding.
Today the company produces comfort and cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and kids’ bikes. They also have electric and BMX as well.
Comparison Between Roadmaster, Schwinn, and Huffy
All three brands mentioned in this article are well-loved by bikers. Each has quite a long history of bike manufacturing, and they excel in producing quality products.
Since all three of these companies offer a huge range of items, we thought it would be helpful if we pitted them against each other in a few important categories.
Category | Roadmaster | Schwinn | Huffy |
Variety | All Terrain Bicycles (ATB) | All Terrain (ATB), Cruisers, Road, Folding, Electric, Kids Bicycles | BMX, All Terrain, Cruisers, Small Kids Bicycles |
Price Range | Most bikes are withing $200 | Kids Bike: $100-$200Adult Bike: $250-$700 | Most mountain bikes are available for around $200 |
Brand Reputation | Fairly High | Very High | Moderate |
Construction | Steel frame | Aluminum frames | Aluminum frames |
Weight | Heavy | Fairly lightweight | Lightweight |
Perfect for | Beginners | Heavy cyclists | All types of people |
Which Bike Is Better: Roadmaster, Schwinn, or Huffy?
Each of these three brands manufactures numerous types of bikes for different purposes. Comparing each of those models will make this article too lengthy. Therefore, we’ve put one best item from each brand based on some important and necessary considerations to make things easier. Let’s have a look!
Roadmaster Granite Peak Mountain Bike (For Men and Woman)
The Granite Peak is one of the most popular items from this brand and a best seller. It comes with many versatile features that you can ride in many different terrains and riding environments. It has models for men, women, and kids.
Roadmaster Granite Peak
- Bike Type: Mountain bike
- Brand: Roadmaster
- Wheel Size: 26 Inches
- Suspension Type: Front
- Frame Material: Steel
- Brake Style: Linear Pull
Construction
Roadmaster knows how to create the most robust bikes. Designed for both genders, it has a simple and tough frame to last a long time. The frame has been made with bulletproof steel, so you can guess its durability. Very few mountain bikes come with such a strong frame.
The 26-inch strong and wide wheels make the ride comfortable and relatively safe for riding through various bumpy roads.
Specifications
Granite Peak also features 18-speed SRAM drive twist shifters with Shimano rear derailleurs. You can experience the smooth change of gears with these shifters.
The brake is linear-pull which helps you have great control over stopping anytime. This brake system can also control the ride quite well, both on dry or wet roads. Its front suspension fork also smoothes the path.
Usability
This Granite Peak Mountain bike has great usability and comfortability with a padded seat and handlebars with a comfortable grip. You can easily height-adjust the seat without needing any tool.
What We Like Most:
- Excellent durability due to alloy wheels and strong steel frame
- Firm grip due to padded handlebars and comfy seat
- The front suspension absorbs shakes and bumps
- Linear-pull brake system makes it extremely secure
What We Don’t Like:
- The package comes unassembled, and assembling it could be tricky
Verdict
This simple and affordable mountain bike is perfect for everyday usages like casual riding and light trails. It is an overall comfort bike at a very affordable price
Schwinn Phocus 1600 Road Bike
Mostly known as a beginner’s bike, the Phocus 1600 is a perfect choice for those who want to learn how to ride. Besides, it also gives you a good cruising around the neighborhood.
Schwinn Phocus Bike
- Bike Type: Road Bike
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Special Feature: Aluminum Frame
- Number of Speeds: 16
- Frame Size: 21-Inch
- Specific Uses For Product:
Road, Fitness / Transportation, Triathlon / Time-trial
Construction
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 features a 22-inch aluminum frame and is fairly lightweight given the size. It’s light due to the thin aluminum frame, but at the same time, it offers plenty of stability to the rider.
Phocus is also outfitted with alloy rims paired with a 700c double-walled wheelset. These tires also have less rolling resistance and more rollover capability.
Specifications
The front and rear Shimano Claris derailleurs offer smooth gear change as well. Promax alloy dual pivot caliper road brakes help stop the bike without pulling back.
Its 14-speed derailleur with integrated shifters and brake lever combo sets the bike for speed and performance as well.
Usability
This is a perfect bike for your daily life. Designed for speed and durability, it absorbs much vibration and helps navigate the streets more carefully.
What We Like Most:
- A lightweight aluminum frame gives better control
- The drop-bar handlebars are convenient and comfortable
- Promax alloy dual pivot caliper road brakes provide serious stopping power
- Alloy crank gives wide gear range
What We Don’t Like:
- The gear shifting is noisy
Verdict
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 can be just the perfect bike for all your casual rides. However, it is not designed for ultimate performance for professionals or mountain climbers.
Huffy Classic Cruiser Bike
The Classic Cruiser from Huffy will grab your attention right off the bat with its vibrant color and accessories. This is the one to go for if you’re a beginner with a budget-minded mentality. It offers everything one would want in a cruiser bike.
Huffy Classic Cruiser
- Bike Type: Cruiser Bike
- Wheel Size: 26 Inches
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Special Feature: Basket
- Number of Speeds: 1
- Frame Size: 24 Inch
Construction
The bike almost resembles a design from decades ago. Constructed with solid steel, it gives the bike a low center of gravity. As such, it will absorb more shock and give better stability.
Its wheels are made of alloy with additional spokes that prevent bending.
Specifications
As expected, this cruiser bike features a single-speed drive train that adds to its vintage vibe. It has an efficient gearing and reverses pedal coaster brake system.
Moreover, it comes with many extra features as well, like fenders, rear luggage recks front-mounted basket and a beverage holder on the handlebar.
Usability
This bike’s perfect frame structure keeps you comfortable throughout the whole ride without having to succumb to shoulder or back pain. Its seat position and handlebar angle keep you in a perfectly upright position.
The grips are made with rubber. Although it has a little bit of weight, maneuvering the bike is relatively easy due to the curve of the handlebars.
What We Like Most:
- Its vintage look is perhaps the best thing about it
- Almost no effort due to coastal brakes
- Smooth ride with dual density grip and paddles
- Additional accessories like a rack, basket, cupholder, fender, etc
What We Don’t Like:
- The bike is a bit heavy
Verdict
The Huffy Classic Cruiser has aesthetics that is hard to beat. Its riding quality is adequate, being a serious cruiser bike for an entry-level price. You can ride in rainy, muddy, or rocky terrain with ease.
Key Difference between Granite Peak, Phocus 1600, and Classic Cruiser
Roadmaster Granite Peak | Schwinn Phocus 1600 | Huffy Classic Cruiser | |
Frame | Bulletproof steel | Thin aluminum | Solid steel |
Brake | Linear-pull brakes | Pivot caliper road brakes | Reverse pedal coaster brake |
Gears | 18 | 14 | Single-speed |
Wheel Size | 26″ | 700c | 20″, 24″, 26″ |
Shifter | Shimano rear derailleurs | Shimano 2300 shifters | N/A |
Weight | 38.6 lbs. | 31 lbs. | 42.23 lbs. |
Final Words
Bicycles are the most eco-friendly and affordable vehicle out there. With people becoming more health-conscious day by day, it won’t take long for them to keep a bike at top of their priority list.
To give you a head start in this race, we’ve included a Roadmaster vs Schwinn vs Huffy comparison table with details for each of the brands. No matter what you pick, any of these brands above will be a great choice for you.
I am Ryan Ford, a mountain biking enthusiast who loves to explore the outdoors. I also like to go on adventures with friends and anything else that involves being outside. I love my bike because it gets me out of the house and gives me an opportunity to enjoy nature.