Schwinn Bicycle Company Fastback Sport 24

Price Paid:  $640.00 at local bike shop

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
Upgraded to Ultegra brakes which increases confidence level in bike handling. Replaced original tires with 23C Continental Grand Prix after 1700 miles.

Summary:
The right bicycle for me because I was looking for an entry level road bike. The bike matches up accurately with its review in Bicycling magazine: great frame. Followed their advice and upgraded brakes straight out of the box. Index shifting is good. Has a tendency to drop the chain on the inner chainring, unless I am religious about downshifting the front chainring before shifting into the largest cog on the back. Saw much improvement in pedalling smoothness after replacing the chain.

Strengths:
Corners well on sharp turns. Aluminum frame is firm. Has a carbon fork beginning with 2006 model. WTB brand stock saddle is a good touring/fitness saddle, narrow and a little soft. 25C Vittoria Zaffiro tires are worth riding until they are worn out because they provide a safe riding width and good traction.

Weaknesses:
Potential upgrades can be limited by 8-speed Sora shifters because many wheel sets are made for 10-speed cogsets, with the exception of Shimano 105 wheels. Vittoria Zaffiro tires were difficult to put back on after intertube flats, I believe because of their wire beads made the fit tight.

Similar Products Used:
Sears steel bicycles from many years ago.

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Rebel Sport

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
One where I don't die - or crash

Bike Setup:
Crankset Truvativ Iso-Flow 52-42-30 Cr-Mo
Bottom Bracket Truvativ Cartridge
Pedals Shimano SPD
Front Derailleur Shimano FD-2203 31.8
Rear Derailleur Shimano RD-4400 Tiagra
Shifters Shimano Sora STI
Rims Alex R-500 double wall
Tyres Vittoria Zaffiro
Brakes Tektro 510AG dual-pivot caliper
Saddle WTB Pure V Sport

Summary:
Price is in Australian Dollars - converts to US$525
I commute 22km each way (13-14 miles) but use it as a full CV workout workout; -average speed 36kph (23mph) cadence 85 bpm.
Started cycling Aug06, bought the Scwhinn Fastback Sport 24 in Oct based on price (I'm a pragmatist)

Strengths:
Sizing, frame conformation and weight , fast, crisp handling, stops well. Carbon forks make ride smoother and integrated shifter good ergonomically

Weaknesses:
Gear shifting can be clunky - needs to be tuned absolutely bang on
Pedals

Similar Products Used:
nope

Price Paid:  $469.00 at Performance

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere.......just ride!

Bike Setup:
Sora STIs
Tiagra derailluers
Ritchey bars, stem, post
Forte SLX Pro Saddle
Forte CR150 Pedals
Twin cages and seat tube pump
Cateye Astrale 8 and front/rear lights
Dropbar lights
Bento Box

Summary:
Bike has been great...I've put over 500 miles on it in just a couple of months. Other than cable stretch, I haven't had to tune at all. Should say that I'm fairly new to the sport, but I love it.

I was looking at Trek 1000 as well, but I didn't like the all the Bontrager stuff.

The Schwinn was a much better deal for pretty much the same level of components.

I'll probly ride this for another year or two, then upgrade to something with 105 5600.

Strengths:
It's fast, good ride quality, great value for money

Weaknesses:
Front derailluer shifter has very long "throw" on changes up to top chainring, stock saddle is garbage (I replaced right away), brakes might be a litte soft

Similar Products Used:
This is my first road bike.

Price Paid:  $469.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Schwinn Fastback Sport

Bike Setup:
Upgraded stem,handle bars,seatpost and crank bro. pedals.

Summary:
Very nice bike for the money!

Strengths:
Frame.

Weaknesses:
Rims

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1000

Price Paid:  $439.00 at Bicycle Outlet...Osh

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Anything country/Hilly

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
Purchased this bike after much debate and endless reviews. The deciding factor was the value for the dollar. After seeing the offerings from Trek, Specialized, I finally chose the Schwinn. I was impressed with the setup and smooth integration of the components, along with the crisp ride. I plan on keeping this basically stock with the exception of an adjustable stem. Because of a bad lower back this should help sit a little more upright. I will also add my well broken-n Selle Italia saddle.

Strengths:
Overall value/Components

Weaknesses:
Saddle

Similar Products Used:
Raleigh/Trek