The Schwinn Tailwind. Just the name evokes images of speed and effortless motion, like a cyclist being pushed forward by a strong wind. It sounds like it should be cutting-edge, a leader in the electric bike world.
But is the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike just a name, or does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into this intriguing model.
A Look Back at the Schwinn Tailwind’s Origins
The Schwinn Tailwind e-bike first appeared in late 2008 and was released in early 2009, entering the market with a significant price tag of $3,199 – a considerable sum for an e-bike at that time. Schwinn touted it as a groundbreaking electric bicycle, emphasizing its use of an advanced Toshiba SCiB battery known for its rapid charging capabilities. This focus on innovative battery technology, coupled with the Schwinn brand name, captured the attention of tech and cycling media alike, even drawing notice from business publications, which was unusual for electric bikes.
However, despite the initial buzz, actual hands-on reviews and rider experiences seemed surprisingly scarce. Many early reviews appeared to be based on specifications rather than real-world testing, and some were from individuals with limited e-bike experience, setting a low benchmark for praise.
The Schwinn Tailwind e-bike never seemed to gain widespread popularity. As often happens with niche, expensive, and somewhat experimental products, its price plummeted within a few years. By 2013, these bikes were being sold for under $1000, with prices dropping to $700. Today, you can find Schwinn Tailwind e-bikes on platforms like eBay for as little as $350, often with faulty batteries.
This raises a crucial question: Is the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike, despite its historical significance as an early entry from a major brand into the e-bike market, actually a worthwhile ride? To find out, we’re putting it to the test.
Design and Component Breakdown of the Tailwind E-Bike
Let’s examine the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike from front to back, exploring its design features, both the innovative and the somewhat perplexing. It quickly becomes apparent that this e-bike feels like an assembly of electric components attached to a standard Schwinn city bike frame.
Indeed, the frame is identified as the Schwinn Urban Tuned City Geometry, constructed with N’Litened 6000 Series Aluminum. For those familiar with bike frame technologies, this provides a solid, if not particularly lightweight, foundation.
Front Assembly: Motor, Forks, and Brakes
The Schwinn Tailwind e-bike utilizes a front hub motor for its electric assist. This brushless geared motor is rated at 180W sustained and 250W peak output, according to Schwinn’s specifications. While we haven’t independently verified these figures, the motor is labeled at 220W, suggesting a similar power range. The motor controller is notably attached to the fork tube with zip ties – a recurring theme in this e-bike’s construction.
Geared hub motors are generally a good choice for e-bikes as they offer minimal rolling resistance when the motor is not engaged, meaning you won’t experience significant drag when pedaling without assist or exceeding the motor’s speed. This motor is no exception, providing efficient assistance without hindering unpowered riding. However, it lacks regenerative braking, which, given the bike’s flat-terrain focus, isn’t a major drawback.
The front braking system consists of standard rim brakes, which are functional and adequate for typical city riding. A front fender is included, offering some protection from splashes, though its rearward coverage could be better for wetter conditions.
The front fork is an SR Suntour Nex 4610, equipped with adjustable preload and suspension lockout. The purpose of a lockout feature on this style of e-bike, designed for urban cruising on relatively smooth surfaces, is questionable.
The e-bike includes a front light, a Lumotec Oval Halogen, powered by a generator in the rear wheel. This incandescent light provides minimal illumination and is not particularly effective for nighttime riding. Its inclusion seems anachronistic, especially on an electric bike that could easily power a brighter LED light from its battery.
Handlebar and Controls
The handlebars of the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike are notably swept back at approximately a 30-degree angle, a design choice that significantly impacts the riding posture. This extreme sweep positions the handlebars quite close to the rider, resulting in a very upright riding position.
The handlebar controls are standard, with the left lever operating the front brake and the right lever controlling the rear brake. On the left side, you’ll find the e-bike motor controller, featuring a simple on/off switch, a battery level indicator, and a power mode button to cycle through low, medium, and high assist levels. The controller includes a graphic suggesting power level usage for different terrains, although the aggressive cycling posture depicted contrasts sharply with the bike’s relaxed riding style.
The right handlebar houses the shifter for the Shimano Nexus 8-speed rear hub. This twist-grip shifter displays the current gear and allows for quick and easy gear changes. The Shimano Nexus system is known for its reliability and smooth shifting performance, especially in urban riding conditions.
Pedal Drivetrain and Internally Geared Hub
One of the standout design elements of the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is its pedal drivetrain. It incorporates an internally geared rear hub and a fully enclosed chain, a feature quite uncommon and praiseworthy.
The pedals themselves are robust metal units with rubber grips, comfortable for various footwear, including barefoot riding if desired.
The fully enclosed drivetrain is achieved with several interlocking plastic pieces that effectively seal the chain, protecting it from dirt and grime and keeping clothing clean. This is made possible by the internal gear hub, which simplifies the chain line to a straight run between two sprockets. This enclosed system is a significant advantage, especially for commuters who want to avoid chain grease stains.
However, this enclosure does add complexity to tasks like changing a flat tire. The sealed nature makes maintenance a bit more involved.
At the rear, the Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub is paired with a roller brake. Roller brakes are sealed brake systems, offering consistent performance in wet or dirty conditions, much like drum brakes but applied via a standard brake lever. This sealed design is beneficial for low-maintenance operation.
However, roller brakes have drawbacks. They can be complex and difficult to repair, and their braking performance, especially on hills, is generally considered adequate at best. The brake feel can also be less responsive and more “springy” compared to traditional brakes, lacking precise feedback at the lever.
Seat, Wheel Lock, and Generator Quirks
The seat on the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is surprisingly comfortable for a stock saddle. It’s designed with a 3D form that is reasonably comfortable for short to medium rides, suitable for the bike’s intended use as a city cruiser.
A unique feature is the integrated wheel lock, positioned above the rear wheel. This keyed lock allows a metal bar to be inserted through the spokes, securing the rear wheel and deterring casual theft. While not as secure as a separate bike lock, it offers a convenient, built-in security measure, especially in low-crime areas.
Below the wheel lock is the generator, powering the front and rear lights – an odd inclusion on an e-bike with a battery. The generator adds drag and complexity, and its necessity is questionable, as the e-bike battery could easily power more effective LED lights.
The wheel lock is identified as a Basta Defender (now AXA Defender), a known brand for bicycle security components.
Zip ties are again visible, securing the wiring harness along the frame, further emphasizing the somewhat piecemeal construction of the e-bike components on a standard frame.
Rear End: Battery and Lighting
The rear rack of the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is designed to hold the battery pack and includes an elastic strap for securing cargo.
Key features at the rear include a keyed power switch on the left and a battery pack release lever in red on the right. The keyed switch must be turned on before the handlebar controls will function. The battery pack is surprisingly easy to remove, sliding out without requiring a key or complicated release mechanism.
The rear light is an LED tail light and reflector. However, the LED is not very bright and only illuminates when the generator is active, meaning it turns off when the bike stops moving. This is inadequate for safe nighttime riding, necessitating additional lighting.
Interestingly, the rear light wiring is routed through the fender without the use of zip ties, a departure from the rest of the bike’s construction.
Riding Experience: Comfort and Performance
Getting started with the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is straightforward: turn the key on at the battery pack, activate the handlebar controller if you want assist, and you’re ready to ride.
Riding Position and Comfort
The most striking aspect of the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is its extremely upright riding position. The swept-back handlebars and frame geometry place the rider in a posture that is reminiscent of a classic, leisurely city bike. It’s a very relaxed position, prioritizing comfort and visibility over speed or efficiency.
This upright posture may appeal to riders who prefer a more casual and less strenuous riding experience, especially for short commutes or leisurely rides in flat urban environments. However, it’s not conducive to aggressive riding or tackling hills efficiently.
Pedal Assist System
The Schwinn Tailwind e-bike employs a pedal-assist system that is quite basic by modern standards. It’s more of a “pedal-movement-activated” assist rather than a true torque-sensing system. As long as the pedals are moving, the motor engages, providing assistance based on the selected power level (low, medium, or high). Stopping pedaling or applying the brakes disengages the motor.
While simple, this system lacks the responsiveness and intuitiveness of more advanced torque-sensing systems that modulate power output based on rider input. However, considering the Tailwind’s 2008-era design, this type of pedal assist was more common.
One quirk of this system is that even in a very low gear, freewheeling the pedals will still engage the motor, providing propulsion without significant pedaling effort. While potentially useful in some situations, it may not be the most energy-efficient way to ride.
Performance on Flat Terrain
On flat surfaces, the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is manageable even without electric assist, though its weight is noticeable. The Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub provides a good range of gears for city riding, and the enclosed drivetrain ensures smooth and clean operation.
With the assist engaged at low or medium levels, the bike rolls smoothly and comfortably. The motor assistance blends subtly with pedaling, making it easy to maintain a comfortable pace. It’s not a fast e-bike; cruising speeds are typically in the 12-14 mph range, suitable for relaxed urban commutes and errands. The upright riding position and lack of aerodynamic features are not designed for speed.
Braking performance on flat terrain is adequate. The rear roller brake and front rim brakes provide sufficient stopping power for typical city riding situations.
Handling Hills
Hills present a significant challenge for the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike.
For gentle inclines, the bike is manageable. However, steep hills expose several limitations:
- Insufficient Gearing: The lowest gear ratio is not low enough for steep climbs, requiring significant effort from the rider. Standing pedaling is difficult due to the bike’s geometry and is discouraged due to potential stress on the Shimano Nexus hub.
- Weak Motor Assist: The 250W motor offers minimal assistance on steep inclines. It can help, but the bike struggles, and battery drain becomes a concern.
- Steering Instability: On steep uphill climbs, the front hub motor can cause vague and unstable steering, making handling disconcerting.
- Inadequate Rear Brake for Descents: The rear roller brake is not effective for controlling speed on steep downhill sections. Overheating the roller brake during prolonged braking can cause permanent damage.
In summary, the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is poorly suited for hilly terrain. Its design and motor power are optimized for flat urban environments.
Electrical System and Battery Technology
The Schwinn Tailwind e-bike features a 24V, 4Ah battery pack utilizing Toshiba SCiB lithium titanate cells. These cells are known for their exceptional cycle life and rapid charging capabilities.
However, the battery capacity is quite small at only around 100Wh, especially compared to contemporary e-bikes, even those from the same era. For instance, BionX systems of the time offered significantly larger battery capacities in similar form factors.
The choice of lithium titanate batteries and the focus on fast charging in the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is somewhat puzzling for an e-bike application. The benefits of rapid charging and high power density seem less relevant for typical e-bike usage scenarios compared to having greater range. It’s speculated that the focus on SCiB batteries may have been driven more by Toshiba’s marketing objectives for this relatively new battery technology at the time.
The motor can draw over 200W at peak, meaning the small battery provides a limited range, potentially less than 30 minutes of full assist. In practical use, the range will vary depending on assist level and terrain, but it is inherently limited by the small battery capacity.
Charging and Battery Management
Charging the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike battery requires removing it from the bike. While the pack is easily detachable and has a handle for carrying, the need to remove it for charging is inconvenient, especially given the limited range and frequent charging needs.
The key selling point of the battery system is its fast charging. The standard charger can recharge the pack in about 30 minutes, and a purported “fast charger” could do it in as little as 10 minutes. However, the existence and availability of the fast charger are questionable.
While fast charging is a unique feature, its practical value is debatable for an e-bike with such a small battery capacity. Many users would likely prefer a larger capacity battery offering longer range, even if it meant slower charging times.
On the positive side, lithium titanate batteries are known for their long cycle life, potentially lasting for thousands of charge cycles.
Why the Schwinn Tailwind E-Bike Exists: Marketing or Mission?
The Schwinn Tailwind e-bike seems to be an oddity in the e-bike landscape. While it garnered positive media attention for Schwinn and Toshiba, its actual performance and practicality as an e-bike are questionable.
Compared to other e-bike systems available at the time, such as the more powerful and versatile BionX systems, the Tailwind fell short. It feels like a standard city bike with a basic electric assist system bolted on, primarily designed to showcase Toshiba’s SCiB battery technology.
The focus on fast charging and power density, while technologically interesting, doesn’t align well with the typical needs of e-bike riders. The Schwinn Tailwind e-bike appears to be more of a marketing exercise to promote a specific battery technology than a genuinely well-conceived and practical e-bike.
Should You Consider Buying a Schwinn Tailwind E-Bike?
The question of whether to buy a Schwinn Tailwind e-bike depends heavily on your needs and expectations.
Currently (as of late 2023), these bikes can be found on the used market, often at very low prices, sometimes under $300 with battery issues.
If you are technically inclined and willing to address potential battery problems (likely requiring a BMS bypass), live in a flat area, and appreciate the upright riding style of a classic city bike, then a used Schwinn Tailwind e-bike could be an incredibly affordable entry into the world of electric bikes. For flat-terrain cruising, grocery runs, or gentle rides in retirement communities, it could be a viable option.
However, if you live in a hilly area, require longer range, or expect modern e-bike performance and support, the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is not recommended. Schwinn and Toshiba have long since abandoned support for this model, leaving owners entirely on their own for maintenance and repairs.
It’s also worth noting that the Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub and roller brake system alone have considerable value. Purchasing a used Tailwind for parts or as a basis for a more extensive e-bike modification project might be considered.
Final Verdict
The Schwinn Tailwind e-bike is an interesting piece of e-bike history. It represents an early attempt by a major bicycle brand to enter the electric bike market, showcasing innovative battery technology at the time.
However, as a practical e-bike in 2023, the Schwinn Tailwind falls short. Its limited power, range, and hill-climbing ability, combined with its outdated technology and lack of manufacturer support, make it difficult to recommend for most riders.
While it may have achieved its marketing goals for Schwinn and Toshiba back in its day, the Schwinn Tailwind e-bike ultimately missed the mark as a truly competitive and user-friendly electric bicycle. Its main appeal today lies in its potential affordability on the used market for very specific use cases in flat terrain.
