Schwinn Bicycle Company Fastback Comp 27

Price Paid:  $735.00 at Amazon.com

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Schwinn Fastback Comp

Bike Setup:
I added a more comfortable racing seat.

Summary:
I bought the Fastback Comp as a leftover 2007 and got it for a great price. I purchased it about a month before the Tour of the Tucson Mountain ride and used it on the ride.
I was very impressed with it because I live in a very hilly area to train in and it has gearing for all kinds of elevations. It held up beautifully during the tour and I got a smug kick out of it as I did the majority of passing much more expensive bikes going up hills. I didn't use the front granny gear the whole tour and the 42 tooth middle chainwheel worked great on the hills. I'm 50 years young and got back into cycling last August. This bike helped me earn a Silver medal for the tour. I will be dropping about ten pounds so I can get a gold medal next time. Schwinn did their homework with this bike!

Strengths:
It's a good looking bicycle, kicks tail, gives a lot of bang for the buck and pisses off a lot of snobs with much more expensive racing bikes.

Weaknesses:
In the Amazon ad,the color shown was a nicer, darker blue. I could live with the color it came with. The brakes need to be improved upon to slow it down faster at higher speeds (35-41 M.P.H.).

Similar Products Used:
Diamondback Podium 1 with modified gears and spokes, Schwinn Varsity (Newer version).

Price Paid:  $923.00 at Performance Bike

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Butler Road

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105, TruVativ cranks. Recently replaced wheelset changing from Gipiemme to Bontrager and saddle to Fizik.

Summary:
I purchased this bike in December 2005 because I wanted to increase and improve my riding going forward and this bike has allowed me to do so very effectively. I have now ridden it for two full seasons and accumulated just over 6,700 miles without any major problems. I really enjoy riding this bike and it has provided some great road riding experiences under various riding conditions that include centuries, competitive group rides (30-50 miles), tough climbs (Skyline Drive) and challenging training rides. I ride with a group of riders that ride all of the top name bikes and are some very good experienced riders (former racers, international experience)and my Schwinn(combined with good personal conditioning) allows me to stay with the pack. This was the first bike I had purchased in nearly 20 years and after doing my research felt that the component package (Shimano 105 shifters, brakes, derailleurs) and carbon fork and seat stays were a great value for the money. The bike is equipped with a triple but I have never really used the small chain ring (even on tough climbs).

I grew up with Schwinn and it was really the only bike I had any recent experience riding. Even with all that I have learned technically about riding and bicycles these past two years, Schwinn is still my preference for a future purchase .

This is a great entry level bicycle that will provide great riding under any non-racing conditions.

Strengths:
component group, aluminum frame/carbon fork and seat stay combination

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn World Sport (circa mid 1980's)

Price Paid:  $799.00 at THE BICYCLE OUTLET

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere

Summary:
So Far only problem I had is with truvativ crank. the large crank wheel would warp and every time I bent it back it would go out of alignment after the next ride. Replaced it with an older version of the elite triple from greenfish (89.00) and it is been working great. The place I bought from is sending me a replacement crank wheel.(Called tehm after I bought the new one). Also had to replace the Handlebar tape which unraveled about a month ago. other then these two problems the bike rides really nice. Can't beat it for the price.

Strengths:
Ride, price

Weaknesses:
Crankset

Similar Products Used:
My. first road bike

Price Paid:  $769.00 at Sports Liquidators

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere in the Canadian west

Bike Setup:
I have since switched over to full Campy Centaur 10-speed that I took off another bike. I get looks for putting Campy on a stock frame, but I've never ridden anything but Campagnolo..no offense to Shimano...I'm just sentimental about the Italian stuff.

Summary:
I'm a former road racer, who now must classify himself as a receational rider. Still, I wanted somthing sporty and affordable. This Schwinn is great. Smooth, responsive, loks nice. I road it with the stock equipment and found the Shimano 105 and Truvativ train to be quite nice. Wheels are entry-level, but fine for basic rides. The heart, the frame, is very nice for the money. I'd choose Schwinn again, no doubt.

Strengths:
Carbon fork, carbon seat stays, graphics

Weaknesses:
None consideirng the price I paid.

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at PerformanceBicycle

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Rt. 6 to Ottowa Illinois to Starved Rock

Bike Setup:
Stock w/ 105/Mavic 32 spoke wheels

Summary:
I purchased the bike as a recreational rider. I was considering a 'cross bike but couldn't get used to the higher bottom brackets. This bike was the best value at the pricepoint I could afford. The carbon stays make teh biggest difference compared to all aluminum frames. The 105 drivetrain is flawless and has never needed service. The stock Gippiemme wheelset sucked though! I quickly sold it off for a 105/Mavic standard lace set (which was actually LIGHTER despite more spokes). The only caution I would speak of would be that the ride quality is still not what my old steel KHS was. The Schwinn is definately stiffer and accelerates faster.

Strengths:
Lighter than steel.
105 Drivetrain.
Agile yet comfortable with the relaxed geometry.

Weaknesses:
Stock wheelset is heavy and I'm not a fan of paired spoke technology.
Can be a little harsh on rogh roads compared to steel.

Similar Products Used:
Khs 300
Schwinn CrossFit Commuter...still have and love (singlespeed)
Many, many mountain bikes...no longer ride.