Schwinn Monroe
79/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Schwinn Monroe. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
20 reasons to buy
- An owner found the 350W to be very powerful at the highest assist level.
- The engagement of assist levels felt “seamless” on the 350W.
- Owners liked that the 350W model took little effort to propel.
- According to buyers, the 350W delivered a smooth and quiet ride.
- A pleased rider said the 250W Monroe easily battled its way up steep hills.
- Assembly was said to be easy, even for inexperienced owners.
- Riders said the 350W was ‘reasonably light’.
- Owners reported that user interfaces were easy to use.
- Wide 35c tires saw riders through mixed surfaces, with ease.
- A removable battery makes it easy to charge from any power outlet.
- Some riders said that the 350W was a pricey but worthy investment.
- The Monroe’s design was described as minimalist and stylish.
- 5 levels of assist provided options for most situations and terrain.
- Wider 35c tires rolled at lower pressures, offering comfort over bumps.
- A steel fork offered some dampening, in place of suspension.
- Bosses and eyelets are supplied to fit fenders, racks and a bottle cage.
- Reviewers liked that inhibitor switches disengaged the motor on braking.
- Triple-bolt mounting on the 350W’s battery-pack impressed.
- Single-speed configuration kept things clean, quiet and low-maintenance.
- At 42.3lbs, 250W models were recognized as being lightweight.
17 reasons not to buy
- 160mm mechanical discs didn’t compare to 180mm hydraulics on other e-bikes.
- Aggressive geometry made the Monroe less relaxed to ride and mount.
- A single gear and cadence sensor demanded extra pedal input.
- 250W motors lacked the oomph of 350W and 500W counterparts.
- Some versions of the 250W Monroe use underpowered rim brakes.
- A tester’s stem wouldn’t fasten and did not turn the front wheel.
- One Monroe 250W owner was frequently overtaken by non-electric bikes.
- A reviewer felt that the power cable entry point was exposed to damage.
- The Monroe doesn’t have USB charge points for accessories.
- At the full price, some buyers thought the 350W model was expensive.
- Sizes were, in general, criticized for being too tall.
- Owners were frustrated by a generic instruction booklet.
- Battery indicators could overstate remaining available battery life.
- Some riders said that the 350W was a pricey but worthy investment.
- Grips loosened and split easily along rubber seams.
- One rider found the saddle uncomfortable over bumpy roads.
- A buyer didn’t recommend the 350W for mountainous areas.
Bottom line
Schwinn’s Monroe comes in two models. The higher-powered 350W model was generally lauded for being good value and offering ample power-assist. 250W models offered less power but were noticeably lighter. One version of the 250W Monroe comes with rim brakes, rather than discs, which may be underpowered in wet conditions. This e-bike’s ‘single-speed’ configuration offered two challenges. Firstly, it demanded more pedal input from riders than on geared e-bikes. Secondly, the aggressive geometry of this tall bike made it less casual to ride, mount and dismount. On the other hand, it kept maintenance minimal, while operation was clean and quiet.Expert Reviews
60/100 based on 1 expert reviewsSchwinn Monroe 250 Review: Making Me a Fan
Level 1 expert
Schwinn Monroe 350 Review
Level 3 expert
A tough, well-balanced, affordably priced, single-speed electric bike… sporty, forward-leaning geometry.
Schwinn Monroe 250 Review
Level 3 expert
…lightweight, very affordable… Very basic display only shows your assist level and battery estimate, rigid Aluminum alloy frame and skinny tires are sporty but less comfortable, single-speed drivetrain is durable but limited…
I Thought E-Bikes Were a Gimmick But Then the Schwinn Monroe Changed My Mind – Here’s What It’s Like To Ride
Level 1 expert
Rankings
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