Schwinn Bicycle Company Fastback CX

Price Paid:  $720.00 at Performance

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
I swapped the stock wheels for a pair I laced at home (DA f, Ult rear (both off ebay for cheap), DB 14/15 black spokes, alu nipples, 32h Velocity Aerohead/Aerohead OC, 3x lacing). I swapped the stem, which was surprisingly light, for a shorter Ritchey WCS 4 axis. Smarty pedals. A Thomson seatpost, Cane Creek shim, and Specialized Toupe ti saddle round out the personalized components.

Summary:
I have really enjoyed this bike over the course of the last year and a half. I purchased my Fastback CX primarily as a commuter bike, as it has fender mounts front and rear and much beefier tires than my road racer. With a light (~10 lb max) load, this bike has served me well on daily commutes through all weather conditions. When the weather turns bad, I like the option of leaving my road bike in the garage. The Ritchey tires served me really well during many New England snow storms and the components have held up very well in the face of terrible Boston area roads. One unexpected benefit of having a road bike with these semi slick tires is the extra workout while riding with some of my more fitness-challenged friends. Recent upgrades have helped take more than a pound off the bike and my custom wheels have been a great addition to the Fastback CX. The stock wheels are boat anchors. Heavy rims laced with paired spokes to hubs with cheap seals were the primary reason the handling and acceleration felt sluggish at times. After a few rides on local singletrack, I really look forward to taking the fenders off for a few days and trying out some local CX races. The gearing is a little high, but those upgrades will come down the road as parts wear out.

Strengths:
Neutral handling, decent components, fender mounts front and rear, good price point

Weaknesses:
The wheels are pretty heavy and have non-standard paired spoke lacing and boxy rims that provide a nice shelf for ice and mud to accumulate. I liked the I-Beam saddle and post in theory, but the saddle was not comfortable for my anatomy and I try to avoid proprietary systems in general. There are no standard rails to mount a saddle bag and you are limited in your saddle choices.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Tricross Comp

Price Paid:  $900.00 at performance

Model Year:
2006

Summary:
this bike is good. it is light and affordable. it has good parts, and almost the same as a fuji cyclecross bike for 200 more.

Strengths:
gears, weight, tires

Weaknesses:
seat is uncorfortable