Bike models › Cruiser
Schwinn Wayfarer Step-Thru 700c: specs, upgrades and what fits
A steel step-through city bike with a retro look, seven gears, swept-back bars, full fenders and a rear rack. Best for: Easy flat rides around town.
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My take, from the specs
A retro steel step-through for easy flat rides around town, with 7 speeds, swept-back bars, full fenders and a rear rack included. It is heavy at about 15.8 kg, the thread-on 7-speed freewheel limits gearing upgrades, and the single-wall rims with V-brakes are basic. It comes in one size for riders about 165 to 175 cm.
Sizes: One Size: 5′5″–5′9″ (165–175 cm)
Stock specs
| Type | Cruiser |
|---|---|
| Year | 2026 |
| Price when new | $450 |
| Sold at | Walmart / Schwinn |
| Wheels | 700c × 35 mm tires |
| Gears | 1×7 · 44T · 14–28T |
| Brakes | Generic Alloy linear pull |
| Fork | Schwinn Steel rigid |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Tourney RD-TZ31 |
| Shifter | Shimano 7-speed twist shifter |
| Crank | Generic Steel one-piece |
| Axles | Bolt-on |
| Seatpost | 25.4 mm |
| Weight | 34.8 lb (15.8 kg) |
| Sizes | One Size |
| Stock colors | Mango, White |
Upgrade limits
How far each part can go on this frame, and why. Measure your own bike to confirm the estimated ones.
| Part | Limit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Widest tire (current wheel size) | 35 mm | Unknown until measured. Your 25 mm internal rims suit roughly 37–65 mm tires. |
| Other wheel sizes | 700c only | Rim brakes are set to the rim height, so the wheel size cannot change. |
| Tubeless | Not recommended | Tubeless needs a rim built to seal (bead hook + channel) and tubeless-ready tires. |
| Valve type | Schrader | Decides which tubes and pump heads fit. Presta tubes fit Schrader rims with a grommet; not the other way. |
| Replacement wheels | Bolt-on · 100/135 mm | Any wheel matching axle type, spacing and brake mount fits. Rear also needs the right freehub. |
| Biggest rear cog | 28T (now 28T) | Set by the rear derailleur (Shimano Tourney RD-TZ31): max low sprocket 28T, total capacity ?T. A hanger extender can add a few teeth (hit-or-miss on non-Shadow derailleurs); a new derailleur is the reliable way to get more. |
| Brake pads (rim) | Threaded-post pads (V-brake / U-brake) | Rim brake pads are sorted by how they mount, which depends on the brake: threaded post with a nut (V-brakes, U-brakes), smooth post in an eye bolt (cantilevers), road cartridges (dual-pivot calipers) or short threaded pads (side-pull calipers). Any compound… |
| Front gears | 1x (44T) | One ring, no front derailleur. Adding a front derailleur needs a mount on the seat tube and a 2x crankset, so most riders change the ring size or cassette instead. |
| Chainring size | Unknown (now 44T) | Estimated from similar frames. Measure the chainring-to-chainstay gap to confirm. Check whether your ring is bolted or riveted. Spindle length (? mm) sets chainline; a big change in ring size may need a different BB spindle. |
| Gear count upgrades | Freewheel (≤8) | Threaded freewheel: up to 7/8-speed freewheels only. More speeds needs a new rear wheel with a freehub. |
| Cranks & bottom bracket | — | Match crank spindle to BB type. |
| Pedal thread | 1/2" × 20 | Every adult multi-piece crank uses 9/16". One-piece kids/cruiser cranks use 1/2". |
| Stems & bars | 1-1/8 steerer · 25.4 mm bar clamp | Any stem for a 1-1/8 steerer with a 25.4 mm clamp fits. You can cut a bar narrower but not wider. |
| Drop-bar conversion | Possible with mods | Needs road brake/shift levers (microSHIFT R8 makes 8-speed ones that pull Shimano 8-speed cable correctly), a drop bar, tape, and road-pull brake calipers because road levers pull less cable. Usually $250+. |
| Seatposts | 25.4 mm | Buy posts in exactly this diameter. |
| Racks, fenders, bottles | Rack ✓ · Fender ✓ · 0 bottle | Threaded eyelets at the dropouts and seat stays take a rack and fenders. Fork leg mounts take cargo cages. |
| Max load (rider + cargo) | 300 lb | Wheels are usually the weak point under heavy loads. Stay under this with rider plus luggage. |
Best upgrades by area
Three options that fit the Schwinn Wayfarer Step-Thru 700c as-is in each area, from budget to best. ★ marks the one most worth the money. How we pick. Typical US prices, checked October 2026. They change often: check the price at the store.
Upgrades that fit as-is
Tubes
- Thorn-resistant tubes 700x35-43 (pair), $. 700c wheel size matches
- Schwalbe AV17 700x28–45 Schrader 40 mm tubes (pair), $. 700c wheel size matches · Schrader valve ↔ your Schrader rims
Brakes
- Kool-Stop Salmon V-brake pads, threaded post (2 pairs), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes
- Shimano Deore cartridge V-brake pads (2 pairs), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes
- Jagwire Mountain Pro brake cable kit (Kevlar KEB-SL housing), $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Shimano Deore BR-T610 V-brakes (front + rear), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
- Shimano S65T V-brake pads, threaded post (2 pairs), $. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes
- Kool-Stop threaded V-brake cartridge holders with salmon inserts (2 pairs), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes
- Shimano Alivio BR-T4000 V-brakes (front + rear), $$. threaded post pads ↔ your rim brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
Comfort
- WTB Volt saddle, $$. Medium-width shape that suits most riders. Measure sit bones if comfort is the goal.
- Brooks C17 All Weather saddle, $$$. Vulcanized rubber top that flexes like a hammock, and this All Weather version is fully waterproof. No break-in like leather. Firm, not padded: made for long…
- Bikeroo oversized comfort saddle, $. Wide, soft and sprung for short upright rides on cruisers and hybrids. On rides over an hour wide padding can chafe; a firmer saddle that fits your sit bones…
- Selle Royal Respiro Moderate saddle, $$$. Made for a 60° "moderate" back angle (most flat-bar hybrids). Very upright cruisers suit the wider Respiro Relaxed. Standard round steel rails.
- Fizik Terra Argo X5 saddle (150 or 160 mm), $$$. Pick 150 mm for narrower sit bones, 160 mm for wider. Round 7 mm alloy rails fit every standard clamp.
- Ergon SR Allroad Core Comp saddle (men's or women's), $$$. Comes in S/M and M/L widths (measure your sit bones) and men's and women's shapes. Round CroMo rails; 120 kg rider limit.
- Wald 8095 swept touring handlebar 25.4 mm, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Sunlite Northroad Touring alloy handlebar 25.4 mm, 3.5" rise, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Nitto B352AA Albatross handlebar 25.4 mm, 55 cm, $$$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Sunlite 2-bolt alloy quill stem 1-1/8" (25.4 quill), 25.4 clamp, 80 mm, $$. 1-1/8" steerer matches · Quill stem ↔ your threaded (quill) steerer
- Sunlite adjustable alloy quill stem 1-1/8" (25.4 quill) x 110 mm, 0–60°, 25.4 clamp, $$. 1-1/8" steerer matches · Quill stem ↔ your threaded (quill) steerer
- Kalloy Uno SP-602 alloy seatpost 25.4 x 350 mm, $. 25.4 mm post ↔ your 25.4 mm seat tube
- Thomson Elite seatpost 25.4 x 330 mm, $$$. 25.4 mm post ↔ your 25.4 mm seat tube
- Sunlite adjustable suspension seatpost 25.4 mm, $$. 25.4 mm post ↔ your 25.4 mm seat tube
Utility
- Topeak Explorer rear rack (disc mount), $$. Uses your frame's rack mounts
- USB rechargeable front + rear light set, $$. Daytime flashing lights cut collisions. Required by law at night.
- Pletscher adjustable kickstand, $$. Handy for errands. Check it clears the rotor and chainstay.
- Lisen clamp-style handlebar phone mount, $. Cheap and tool-free for maps on paved rides. On rough gravel or trails a locking mount (Quad Lock or Peak Design, about $45–70 plus a case) is much safer.
- Topeak TopLoader top tube bag (0.75 L), $$. Keeps snacks, keys and a multi-tool within reach. Straps on, with a rain cover. Check your knees do not rub it when you stand up.
- Knog Oi Classic bell, $. Slim ring bell that wraps the bar. Large fits 23.8–31.8 mm bars; Small fits 22.2 mm kids and BMX bars. Required by law in some places.
- Wald 137 front basket, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Planet Bike Beamer 200 + Blinky Squared USB light set, $$. USB rechargeable, tool-free mounts. Use flash mode in daylight. Rear light is 30 lumens: good for town, modest on fast roads.
- Cygolite Metro Plus 800 + Hotshot Pro 150 USB light set, $$$. Nine headlight modes including a daytime flash. Aim the beam slightly down so you do not blind oncoming riders.
- Trek (Bontrager) Ion Pro RT + Flare RT light set, $$$. Daytime-running flash modes on both lights. ANT+ lets a Garmin or Wahoo show battery and switch them. Full power runs about 1.5 hours; medium lasts much longer.
- Topeak Super Tourist DX Tubular rear rack (disc), $$$. Uses your frame's rack mounts
- Tubus Disco steel rear rack for disc brakes (26" or 28"/700c), $$$. Uses your frame's rack mounts
Drivetrain
- KMC X8 8-speed chain with Missing Link, $. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain
- KMC Z7 6/7-speed chain (116 links), $. 6/7-speed chain ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain
- KMC Z8.3 6/7/8-speed chain (116 links), $. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain
- KMC X8 EPT 6/7/8-speed anti-rust chain with Missing Link, $$. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain
Control
- Wellgo LU-313 alloy platform pedals 1/2", $. 1/2" thread only fits one-piece (Ashtabula) cranks. Adult multi-piece cranks need 9/16". Loose-ball bearings: a drop of grease now and then.
- Odyssey Twisted PC nylon pedals 1/2", $. This is the 1/2" version made for one-piece cranks; the 9/16" version will not thread in. Nylon body shrugs off crashes.
Gearing
- Shimano Tourney MF-TZ500-7 7-speed freewheel 14–28, $. 7-speed ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain · 28T biggest cog ↔ your derailleur's 28T max
- SunRace 7-speed freewheel 13-28 (MFM3S), $. 7-speed ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain · 28T biggest cog ↔ your derailleur's 28T max
- Shimano Acera RD-M3020-8 SGS 7/8-speed rear derailleur (40T max), $$. 7-speed ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain · Shimano cable pull ↔ your shifter
Fits with small changes (20)
- Panaracer GravelKing Slick 700x35 (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Kenda Kwest 700x35 (pair), $$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- RideNow TPU gravel tubes 700x32-47 Presta (pair), $$. Presta valve: a Schrader rim needs a grommet so the valve sits snug.
- Ergon GP1 ergonomic grips, $$. You have twist shifters: buy the short (Gripshift) version.
- Budget ergonomic lock-on grips, $. You have twist shifters: buy the short (Gripshift) version.
- Ergon GA3 lock-on grips, $$. You have twist shifters: buy the short (Gripshift) version.
- Ergon GP5 ergonomic grips with built-in bar ends (S or L), $$$. You have twist shifters: buy the short (Gripshift) version.
- Panaracer Pasela 700x32 wire (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Panaracer GravelKing Slick 700x32 (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Continental Grand Prix 5000 700x32 clincher (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Panaracer Pasela 700x35 wire (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 25 mm rims (37–65 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Continental Race 28 Wide 700x25–32 Presta 60 mm tubes (pair), $. Presta valve: a Schrader rim needs a grommet so the valve sits snug.
- RideNow TPU road tubes 700x18–32 Presta 65 mm (pair), $. Presta valve: a Schrader rim needs a grommet so the valve sits snug.
- Pirelli P ZERO SmarTUBE 700x23–32 Presta 60 mm (pair), $$$. Presta valve: a Schrader rim needs a grommet so the valve sits snug.
- Continental Tour 28 All 700x32–47 Presta 42 mm tubes (pair), $. Presta valve: a Schrader rim needs a grommet so the valve sits snug.
- Tubolito Tubo-CX/Gravel-All 700x30–50 Presta 42 mm (pair), $$. Presta valve: a Schrader rim needs a grommet so the valve sits snug.
- Stan's NoTubes tire sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- Orange Seal Endurance tubeless sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- Magura HS11 hydraulic rim brakes with levers (front + rear), $$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
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Buying one used? Fair prices
Worked out from the price new ($450), age and condition, not live market data. If it needs tires, a chain or brakes, take off what fixing them would cost.
| Condition | 1 year old | 3 years old | 5 years old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like new | $210–$280 | $155–$200 | $110–$145 |
| Good | $185–$245 | $135–$175 | $95–$130 |
| Fair | $150–$200 | $110–$145 | $80–$105 |
| Needs work | $115–$155 | $85–$110 | $60–$80 |
See what these really sold for on eBay · Other used bike prices
Geometry (size One Size)
| Chainstay | 460° |
|---|---|
| BB drop | 55 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1084 mm |
Compare with
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- Huffy Cranbrook 26 Cruiser · compare frames side by side
Sources: Schwinn: Wayfarer Step-Thru 700c (specs, rider height, weight) · Walmart: Schwinn Wayfarer 7 Hybrid, Mango (tire size, max load) · 99 Spokes: 2025 Schwinn Wayfarer (RD model, bar width, estimated step-over geometry) · 99 Spokes: 2026 Schwinn Wayfarer Step-Thru 700c