DonPenguino

I picked up a Schwinn Circuit a few months ago and am now trying to find as much as possible about it as I can. Here's what I have learned/found so far:

Paint is flat black with white "Schwinn" on seat tube and fork blades and "Circuit" on top tube
Rims are Araya 1W's, double wall and semi aero, painted black except for the machined brake surface
Stem and bars are Cinelli
Drivetrain is Suntour Sprint
Brakes are Royale Compe II if I remember correctly
Seatpost and seat are no name and aren't original

I'm in England right now and have no access to said bike, or any bike for that matter. (sadness fills my heart since I've finally made it to someplace hilly without a bike!) However, I would like to get more info on the bike, hopefully brochures if anyone has any. And before you ask for the number stamped on the Schwinn logo, I foolishly never checked it out. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Crappy quality pics will follow tomorrow.

DonPenguino

Pics
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/haala/Schw...PG?uniq=ubsm8m
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/haala/Schw...PG?uniq=ubsm8s
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/haala/Schw...PG?uniq=ubsm8y
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/haala/Schw...PG?uniq=ubsm94
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/haala/Schw...PG?uniq=ubsm9a
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/haala/Schw...PG?uniq=ubsm9g
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/haala/Schw...PG?uniq=ubsm9m

Sierra

Looks like it's an '87 model. Frame tubing is Columbus SL/SP. Original retail price was $650. Pretty nice bike!

DonPenguino

Thanks Sierra! Two friends and I drove about 10 hours into Indiana and back to pick it up, although we got a pretty good price, gas and all. Now I'm trying to decide whether I convert this into a fixed gear or use the Trek 330 Elance (531 tubing, 4130 fork) I have and use this as a roadie.

It definitely needs new tires, bar tape, hoods, rim tape, and pads: the usual stuff. I'm so scared of hurting the frame though, as it just feels so damn thin! While I've heard amazing things about the frame strength, I'm still freaked out about accidentaly laying it on a bike rack etc!

Do you have any brochure info on it? Also, any ideas for a paintjob?

Sierra

There is not much info in the '87 catalog, but I have a photo of the catalog page on my home computer if you want to see it. The image is not the greatest as it is an oversized catalog and the text portions of the page are stretching the focus limits of my digital camera. I don't think I could get the file size down small enough to post here and still have it readable. If you want to send me your email address to <amliee@execpc.com> I can send you the image.

Paint? Why, candy blue of course! Isn't that what all bikes should be? Just kidding. That's my preference, but everyone has their own, and you should just go with whatever appeals to you.

DonPenguino

PM'ed

cuda2k

Seconded.

Good looking Schwinn. Doubt you'll break it or bend it without some effort. Break out the 120, 320, 500 grit sand paper and some primer and she'll be ready for paint in no time.

Scooper

I don't have an '87 catalog, but here's the 1988 Circuit catalog photo along with the specs.

DonPenguino

Alright, that pretty much confirms it's an 87 or earlier because 88 was the first year for Sante. Thanks!

longshotzero

I've been riding my Schwinn Circuit since 1987...the 87' frame cracked and was replaced with an 88; frame. I finally got it powder caoted flat black, but the frame decals are long gone..I still have the front plaque..Schwinn Chicago..the bike has about 30k miles on it..mostly original. it's the 48cm model. I'll ride it till it breaks or breaks me...I'm just cheap that way..It cost me $800 new. Geometry is tight and responsive..I get a few stares riding this machine with a group..

kimronthomas

Scooper, Just found a great deal on an '88 - thanks for the scan for ID and info!

Scooper

Wow! You never know when these old threads are going to get resurrected. I'm glad the scans helped.

Since that 2006 post, Tom Findley has posted scans of most of the eighties and nineties Schwinn catalogs on his website. HERE's a page on his site with links to many on-line old Schwinn catalogs on his site, Bob Hufford's SLDB, and Mark Smith's website.

Xlr8n

Well since you brought this thread back from its grave, the least you could do is post a pic of your new bike!

jrkhs750

Just purchased an '87 Schwinn Circuit- Chicago off craigslist in San Antonio. Close to mint condition, even the wheelset looks new. Must have been kept indoors all these years and not used a whole lot. There are a few pant rubs/scratches here and there and the components could pass for only 1 year old or less. I'll have to post a link or a photo of it when I can. The only non-original parts are the seat , bar tape, and tires, everything else is original.....80.00 was the cost. Thanks for the catolog info!

Scooper

OK, just to be clear, the Chicago factory closed at the end of 1983. Schwinn maintained its headquarters in Chicago until the 1993 bankruptcy, so many of the head badges still had "Schwinn Chicago" on them until the bankruptcy and subsequent headquarters move to Boulder, Colorado. The Circuits (as well as Premis, Tempo, Prelude and some other models) were manufactured at the Schwinn facility in Greenville, Mississippi.

jrkhs750

OK Scooper, thanks......not trying to get too technical here just sharing information on a great find. Was not saying it was made in Chicago. Cheers!

rexh

I bought a Circuit new in 1986-what a Bike! Sun Tour Sprint and Columbus tubing for $750, Mine was shipped with indexed shifters but a none indexed RD (no barrel adjuster) my dealer had it swapped out for me. I think that I also had an issue with the Araya rims cracking, again the dealer came through with a new set. thanks Billy Curry (master surfer and great bike store owner). I sold it in the mid '90's and have regretted ever since. I have owned a lot of great bikes, but I don't know if any could match the performance for the money of that Circuit. If I ever find a 23'' I'll buy it in a second!

rexh

Buy the way, those white San Marco Concor Profils are bringing big money on ebay these days!

cb400bill

Here ya go. $400.

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/909237477.html

rexh

Head tube looks a little long for a 58cm, but I will check it out. Thanks for the tip!

B2009

Ive had on for 10 years that i bought from a friend. It looks nearly new. I have only rode it about 4 times since i bought it but all the oils and greases were replaced shortly after I bought it. I thinks it's a beautiful bike even if its black. I have areo bar extentions. I work alot of hours, or did until I was layed off last week, and didn't rhave time to ride it. Its a very tall frame, maybe 61" or so and I wear 31" length pants so it's a little tall for me.

B2009

1987 for sure. Have one. Looks new.

krems81 

The '86 Prelude I sold last week was made in Japan. I thought a few of those other models were made in Japan as well.

miamijim

That is true. Schwinns made by Panasonic are easily identifiable as their serial numbers are stamped into the front of the lower headtube.

I'm not a Schwinn expert by any stretch of the imagination but I've had few pass through my hands recently.

'89 Tempo Panasonic built
'86 Peloton Panasonic built
'87 Super Sport U.S. built
'87 Circuit U.S. built (currently own this one)

jrkhs750

The Schwinn Circuit is an awesome bike I must say.........
Had to change a few parts and components on my 1987 54-55cm Schwinn Circuit. It now has brifters, Easton carbon bars, 3T carbon seat post, FSA carbon seat, XRP aero spoke wheelset. I have kept the original parts stored away, they are in excellent shape. Had to update mainly to fit my riding size.
It rides like a dream, really smooth and fast. It has attracted a lot of attention on the road. Still have the original Suntour crank and front der.....Royal Comp II brakes as well, so it's a nice mix.
I will post a link to a photo soon.