Classic & Vintage - Picked up an 87 Circuit today

It's in good shape and the paint is in excellent condition. I offered about 15% less than what the seller wanted and to my surprise the seller quickly said yes, leaving me to think maybe I should have offered even lower:lol:. I even got a catalog for Schwinn that year.
I am not sure if everything is original. From what I gather the Circuits originally had black araya rims and either a Suntour Sprint or Sante package. This bike has neither. Instead it has Mavic rims laced to Sansin sealed hubs and a Suntour Cyclone 7000 series in FD, RD, DTshifter, crankset, pedals, brake and brake levers. The seat has also been changed to a Turbo Triathlon. Cinelli stem and bar are there as well. Can anybody fill me in on the details of these parts?
This bike will see a good cleaning and many miles on the road this year. I was thinking of taking the tri-bars off as well.

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Nice Schwinn Circuit!. I used to just stare at those Schwinns at the dealerships and marvel on how nicely they are made. I always admired these Schwinns from the 80's that uplifted the company and finally presented real competition to the Japanese and Euro Brands. Only thing I did not like on them was the "lawyer hooks" they installed on the front DOs that made their quick releases a bit pointless. Fortunately, they can be removed.
I suspect someone told the seller "ask for 15% more than your real asking price"...so you guys just met at the price sweetspot!

Chombi

Another excuse top post pics of my Circuit!!! http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr314/jimr2527/leaving-1.gif

Another Circuit find?!? You lucky dog, it looks to be in great shape. What's with all these Circuits? And why can't they be in my size and vicinity?!?
:D

How much did you get it for?

Also, the group has definitely been upgraded. The hubs look original, but the '87 Circuit came with Sprint.

Nice Goin' !! You are gonna love the Circuit, what's not to like?? The super light weight, the ultra smooth hubs?? :) I love mine and it could really be one size bigger, that one looks like a 58cm from the pics... thats the one i'm hunting :)

oh, and yeah, lose the tribars... :)

Congrats!! :thumb:

andy

How much did you get it for?



Excellent question! :innocent:

Yes it is a 23" frame and I bought it for $150. The person who sold it is original buyer, kept it in great condition, but hadn't ridden it in years.
I am anxious to ride it but the wheels are flat and I don't have anytime today to fix them. Tomorrow it will definitely see some pavement.
What's funny is a few weeks ago I was salivating over a few Circuits on the Schwinn thread. Someone had a 87 black Circuit with white hoods and a white Concor saddle and I fell in love with it to where I even saved the picture to my computer.

That is a great deal!!! You are really gonna love that bike, i just know it!! Great bikes!!

andy

Nice find. I just checked mine in the garage. I'm pretty sure its original. It has Sprint FD and RD, Sprint hubs, Sprint Cranks, Sprint Shifters, Sprint brakes, white hoods, white Turbo saddle. I think your Cinelli bars are original. The Sprint drive train is nice, but to me your Cyclone gear is equally desirable. The Sprint RD limits you to a 24 tooth large cog in back if you are using index shifting. With Cyclone you could add lower gearing. I think the catalog spec page lists the original parts. Sante was the next year or two, and the frames on these were red. The catalog claims the Circuit weighs 21 lbs, but mine is more like 23 or 24.

Great job, great score, great bike.

Do you still have the Miyata?

super nice bike

I hate ya!! :cry:

I've got two of these(the first was too big for me so I had to buy another smaller one).

The earlier one came with 7 speed friction shifting Sprint. The later one came with 7 speed indexed shifting Sprint 9000.

Nice bikes!

I think you got a heck of a buy on it! I've got substantially more into each of mine.

The component group is out of the ordinary for an 87 model. What is the number code stamped on the head badge please?

Congratulations on the Circuit find; great price too!

Be sure to post up in the late 80s Schwinn thread when you are ready.

I hate ya!! :cry:

don't hate... its too small for YOU!!! :)

andy

Congrats, that is a killer find (at least for the weirdo Schwinn c&v obsessives, which there are many of in this forum :innocent: )!

Like everyone said, the original specs were Suntour Sprint for the drivetrain and hubs (with an oddball sealed bearing Suntour bottom bracket), DiaCompe brakes, and Tange alloy headset. Cinelli stem and bars for extra euro eye-talian-ness. ;)

The component group is out of the ordinary for an 87 model. What is the number code stamped on the head badge please?

Congratulations on the Circuit find; great price too!

Be sure to post up in the late 80s Schwinn thread when you are ready.

Thanks to all for the congrats.
The number on the head badge is 2117.

Mine is 1217, interesting number switch.

don't hate... its too small for YOU!!! :)

andy

Yeah, I know, but I still hate him!! :D

I am itching for my next super find, so I can report! ;)

Great job, great score, great bike.

Do you still have the Miyata?

I think you have me confused with someone else as I don't own a Miyata (although I almost bought one the same day I picked up this Circuit).

Yeah, I know, but I still hate him!! :D

I am itching for my next super find, so I can report! ;)


I am sure you'll get a find pretty soon.

Bad News people.
Finally got a chance to take this beauty for a ride and within one mile of leaving my house I was hit by a car. Good news is that there are no serious injuries to me or my bike, thank God. I was eastbound making a left turn to head north. The car was westbound and was going to make a right to head north as well. My light is green so I have the right way. He was suppose to stop and then proceed making a right turn when it was clear - standard red light right hand turn procedure. Well, like many drivers he did a rolling stop and thinking there were no cars he accelerated and turned right into me. He says he never saw me. Luckily this all happened when I braked down to about 5mph. This is also the first time I have ever been hit or fallen off of my bike while riding in 4 years and I am a daily speed-rider through town for the last three years.
As for me, a few scrapes to the knee and a dirty t-shirt.
As for the bike, scratches on the right brake lever and the right side handle bar wrap took a good gash. I am glad nothing major happened to the bike.

I am very thankful nothing serious happened.

Glad you're okay.

I think your frame is bent.... better file a claim for the 'replacement' cost.

~kn

Sheesh, after I hit the deck, and they were wrong!! Sheesh, I am not out there looking to stick it to somebody, but if I was you, they would pay for each one of those scratches on my bike and my azz.. It is as simple as that. He could have killed you...

Glad you okay...:beer:

better file a claim for the 'replacement' cost.

~kn

Replacement cost is what he paid for it because they can bought for what he paid for it......

Replacement cost is what he paid for it

Did he ever say? I must've missed it...

A few summers ago I got run over while riding my 92 Cannondale, which was totaled (frame bent). The agent for the guys insurance company called me within an hour of the accident with an offer to settle. Obviously scared of a big lawsuit. I took a few days to make sure I wasn't really injured and then itemized out the damage... ie bike, shorts, shoes. Had a check within a week. I could've taken them to the cleaners but that's not what I'm about.

~kn

i've been in a similar situation, driver was completely in the wrong... if you don't have any witnesses and the driver is not ticketed...you will get nothing. EVEN if you have witnesses, alot of times the driver just gives the old "i did't see him" and gets off scott free, EVEN in cases where cyclist have been killed!! If i ever get in another accident with a car (Hope NOT!!) , NOBODY is moving until the cops get there...People tend to brush it off and act like its nothing just because you didnt get hurt...it still happened and the driver is still in the wrong...he should be ticketed and his insurance should pay for any damage.

Andy

Did he ever say? I must've missed it...

A few summers ago I got run over while riding my 92 Cannondale, which was totaled (frame bent). The agent for the guys insurance company called me within an hour of the accident with an offer to settle. Obviously scared of a big lawsuit. I took a few days to make sure I wasn't really injured and then itemized out the damage... ie bike, shorts, shoes. Had a check within a week. I could've taken them to the cleaners but that's not what I'm about.

~kn

I agree on the part of "not taking them to the cleaners"...However, anytime any one of us hits the ground from the fault of a cage, who is to say how much, as the lawyers call it "pain and suffering" calls for?? Again, agreed, we are not out to stick to anybody, I think I can speak for all us, we PREFER to be LEFT ALONE, no contact, give us the right away when it is rightfully ours. However, IMO, 90% of the drivers on the street CAN'T DRIVE. That puts us in a bad spot. Because that "I didn't see you" or "I am sorry" don't cut it..The physical and mental agony is there, and a lot too. What price goes on it?

I agree on the part of "not taking them to the cleaners"...However, anytime any one of us hits the ground from the fault of a cage, who is to say how much, as the lawyers call it "pain and suffering" calls for?? Again, agreed, we are not out to stick to anybody, I think I can speak for all us, we PREFER to be LEFT ALONE, no contact, give us the right away when it is rightfully ours. However, IMO, 90% of the drivers on the street CAN'T DRIVE. That puts us in a bad spot. Because that "I didn't see you" or "I am sorry" don't cut it..The physical and mental agony is there, and a lot too. What price goes on it?


Totally Agree with everything you just said. Very well put! We live in a car oriented society, and the prevailing attitude among drivers (at least in my area) is that cyclists, runners and walkers dont belong on THEIR road, and alot of them try to make a point of passing very closely, its insane and defies any kind of logic. People are just plain mean, i say a little prayer every time i hit the road, at least it makes me feel better.

andy

Totally Agree with everything you just said. Very well put! We live in a car oriented society, and the prevailing attitude among drivers (at least in my area) is that cyclists, runners and walkers dont belong on THEIR road, and alot of them try to make a point of passing very closely, its insane and defies any kind of logic. People are just plain mean, i say a little prayer every time i hit the road, at least it makes me feel better.

andy

Andy, anything I like, I am a fast learner..;) the same bikes I paid $$$ for 6 months ago, wouldn't do it now. On the same subject of fast learning curve, sheesh, I now take the CENTER OF THE ROAD, on most highways, and highways with no shoulder, I always take the center..

Now, on another note, I only weigh 135 lbs soaking wet, and can't fight my way out a paper bag.. Picture me giving the double finger to peeps blowing their horns at me on a road with no shoulder!! :D. I shudda learned how to fight!! :D

I agree and sticking it to 'em via the wallet is the best way to make a point. In my particular situation the physical was only soreness and lasted just a few days. If I would've had the mental anguish where I was afraid to ride on the roads for fear of being hit again, I most certainly would have held out for more cash. On the positive side, I have become more cautious in that I no longer take for granted that just because I'm making eye contact with a motorist, that he actually 'sees' me. Seeing meaning recognizing me as a 'moving vehicle' who has the same right to use the road and have to abide by the same rules as those in motor vehicles.

I try hard to not get discouraged... in fact my first ride of the season was yesterday and I managed a 1.5 hour ride without incident. Considering some of the roads I had to ride on, this was pretty amazing. Although I did get buzzed by a SUV doing about 60mph. I just shake my head... what can you do?

Maybe the OP will chime in on how things are going for him.

~kn

I agree on the part of "not taking them to the cleaners"...However, anytime any one of us hits the ground from the fault of a cage, who is to say how much, as the lawyers call it "pain and suffering" calls for?? Again, agreed, we are not out to stick to anybody, I think I can speak for all us, we PREFER to be LEFT ALONE, no contact, give us the right away when it is rightfully ours. However, IMO, 90% of the drivers on the street CAN'T DRIVE. That puts us in a bad spot. Because that "I didn't see you" or "I am sorry" don't cut it..The physical and mental agony is there, and a lot too. What price goes on it?

Then sue for pain and suffering and leave the bike out of it.....

Totally Agree with everything you just said. Very well put! We live in a car oriented society, and the prevailing attitude among drivers (at least in my area) is that cyclists, runners and walkers dont belong on THEIR road, and alot of them try to make a point of passing very closely, its insane and defies any kind of logic. People are just plain mean, i say a little prayer every time i hit the road, at least it makes me feel better.

andy

+1000
We have this situation (problem) down here. It makes for a potentially life threatening risk to ride regularly. It was stated, if you ride a bike on the roads in PHX metro, you will have a vehicle/bicycle collision in your lifetime.
The majority of the drivers have a callous attitude. Even towards other car operators. And I also agree with Howard, most drivers can't drive for beans. People apparently have trouble driving down here when it RAINS. :twitchy:

I tell my boys to ride on the sidewalks when commuting to high school. It's a 3.5 mile trip. Not much to us folks, but a stressful ride nonetheless for their mother. :(
The older one is the poster boy for defiant teens. He rides against traffic, ignore traffic signals, no protective gear at times. Claims he's in control and knows enough. I blame the strong trendy images and pressures to fit in...no helmet laws here, lawless alley-cat races on Youtube, and peers. Still, other fathers tell me I'm lucky I don't have daughters. :D

OP, sorry for the bad luck on your Circuit ride. At least make sure all is OK and that you're rightfully compensated. That's what his insurance is for...to cover HIS MISTAKE.

Then sue for pain and suffering and leave the bike out of it.....

Didn't think I was "itemizing" in my response. I did say, pay for "every scratch on my bike", which I would do, and I did say "every scratch on my azz", I would do that too. Not to sound debatable, but when you make contact with the ground, the bike will suffer "SOMETHING", and your body will suffer SOMETHING, unless you Superman, with a Superbike!! :D

Again, didn't mean to sound debatable...:beer:

I do live in an area where there are few cyclist. Motorist do not look out for cyclist and most have a belief that cyclist do not belong on the road. With that said I do take extreme caution when riding around town, as I am a daily commuter. I was PO'd in that I was in the right and he was in the wrong. In the moment following the crash I gave him an ear full of profanities about my bike and his wrong. I immediately made an inspection on my bike and found no major damages. Wheels are still true, scratches on the brake lever, RD, right-pedal, gash in the bar wrap, and some road rub on the seat.
There is no mental anguish as after I cleaned up, I got on my other bike and rode over to my cousins house for some wine and pizza. Although when I was taking a shower I did reflect on how many close high speed calls that I do have when I ride.
I did not call the cops or get his information as at the time I felt it wasn't major (I think I am too nice of a guy sometimes). So I took his $40 he offered (which I know is not much considering it could have been more serious). In hindsight, I think I should have called the cops and ticketed the guy because it WAS a crash between two moving vehicles and the faulty driver should be punished. Being this is my first accident, I wasn't thinking about that at the time. My main concern was my bike and my body at the time. I've got road rash on my front shoulder and on my right knee, hands are not scraped but a little sore.
This crash reminds how dangerous it is to be a daily bicycle commuter and especially in a non-bike friendly environment. Always assume motorist do not see you and will pull out or turn in front of you.

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I didn't notice this RD scrape until I got home and did a further inspection.
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Always assume motorist do not see you and will pull out or turn in front of you.


Words to LIVE by for sure! ... Hey very sorry to hear of the accident, kinda takes some of the fun out of getting the new bike i know. Glad to hear your injuries are relatively minor as well as the damage to your new bike... I had my accident on Christmas Eve ( i know, probably not the best time to be on the road on a bike!! But I didnt even give it a thought that day)...I wound up on the hood of the guys car who made a left turn across my lane and was so ignorant of the rights of bikes on the road. He couldnt understand why i didnt stop for HIM!! No witnesses ( I didnt want to bother people on Christmas Eve...DUMB...) and the cop told the guy he was in the wrong but didnt give him a ticket...presumably b/c of the no witnesses? Anyway, i went home with a month old bike with a trashed rear wheel and no money... about a week ago i got a letter from his insurance saying that they wouldnt pay b/c they felt i had not done enough to avoid the accident!!! I HAD RIGHT OF WAY! Drew them a diagram and everything...

Luckily my brother in law, also a bike guy, felt bad for me and helped me out with a new wheel... every time i have ever dealt with an insurance company i get screwed over...i must not know how to work the system correctly. Well, i'v ramble on and on...glad you will be ok :)

andy