Although I've always been an admirer of Schwinn bikes since a young kid. By the mid 70's after riding Schwinn 10 speeds for years too, I came to my senses as Schwinn products got made cheaper and failed to meet my desires for better distance, convenience and lighter, faster products. Today, I wouldn't touch a Schwinn lightweight with a few exceptions, Paramount or similar 60's super sports etc. Not a chance in hell a collagegate for the money because for what you're looking for, " little easier to pedal up those hills"
I picked this race red baby up for 35 bucks, A whole 19 pounds, as FAST as a bullet! and below it, not as fast, but easy riding for a mere $55. Plus I could flip both of them easy too. the race red prob $200 bucks and the next, an easy 600-700. AND!, I'm NOT flipping these two bikes, I'm loving em every single day, whenever I'm on em.
I.E. get your self an pre 1986 TREK for the best deal you can find and or less than that heavy butt clunker, $150, while you can. A little patience and searching C/L, you'll find em.
And you'll get up those hills quick, easy, plus have a bike well worth $$ it's weight. [wink]
1985 Trek 460:
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1982 Trek 728:
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I'm not saying you'll get em as cheap as I did, but for your $150, you'll do the job.