Mdl

Lightning may strike twice! Lol. I found another Schwinn Circuit for sale in my size, 54cm, in Philly for $300. The NYC seller I mentioned in my previous post evaporated.

Only 1 pic, attached, is included in the Philly CL ad. I contacted the seller, he said he’ll send additional pictures (he’s an hour away). I’m excited about the prospect of picking up a Circuit, based on everyone’s feedback in my previous post. That’s if it’s in good condition.

Difficult to tell what shape this bike is in; the picture isn’t the best. The front wheel looks bent? We’ll see. In the meantime, I’ll read Forum posts to refresh my memory on Sante.

1988 Schwinn Circuit

T-Mar

While not exactly the same, think of Santé as a yuppie version of 600 Ultegra (aka tricolour) in a white and grey paint finish. The only real issue with Santé is that it looks terrible once it's all scratched up. Hoewver, based on the single photo, this group looks good, outside of those nasty brake hoods.

Mdl

Thanks, T-Mar

It’s nice to see your name here.
Sounds good. I like the way the white brakes look. I’ll post the pics if and when I receive them.

I hope that all the Forum members who’ve been so patient with me, and who’ve lent me their considerable expertise, are well during these crazy times.
All the best to you and your families for a happy and healthy new year.

Bianchigirll 

Another issue is there no quick release on the caliper so it limits your lever options.

For $300 I’d be in the car for a full Sante group in that nice of shape

wrk101

+1 should be driving already.

Mdl

Really? Wow. Ok. Let me see what I can do.

Mdl

The pics are in. I don’t think the hoods will clean up. I’d replace them. It’s dirty. The chrome may be ok. I don’t see any pitting except for maybe on the inside of the forks, although it may just be dirt. What do we think of the condition?

Also, looking at the head tube - is this a 52cm or instead a 54cm as the seller described it?

Mdl

Here are additional pictures.

DMC707 

409 will clean those hoods up, but they may remain gummy afterwards

Mdl

DMC, OK. I’ll keep that in mind. The seller suggested magic eraser. Maybe worth a try. Coordinating a meet up.
Does it look like a 54cm, which I’d like, as the seller described it?

DMC707 

Yes, with those old Shimano brake parts, always better to have nbew hoods in hand before disposing of the old ones --- some are hard to get , but those hoods may be the same as 105 or 600 -- white ones are harder to find

It does look in that 53-54 size range for sure

T-Mar

Looking at the1988 catalogue, Schwinn appears to have used CTC for frame sizing. The closest size to what I'm seeing is listed as 53.5cm. IThe corresponding top tube measurement is 54cm.

Mdl

Thanks, T-Mar. OK. That should be fine. I had a 52cm Trek. The top tube was shorter than 54 (I can’t recall the exact length). I couldn’t stretch out on it. My Bertin is 54x54 which feels perfect.
I’m meeting the seller tomorrow morning.

Now, of course, my wife is after me to sell the Bertin (and my Ross chrome mountain bike). Because why would anyone need two (two!) or three (“Are you a hoarder?”) bikes?
Is anyone selling a shed (aka an out of sight man cave)? 😉

Kabuki12

My friend had a 1987 in matte black and he loved that bike , swore it was the best riding bike on the planet. I looked it over when I met him , I had never seen one and was impressed with the way the bike was built. Unfortunately my friend decided to use it for a crash test!! He hit a car and went air born . The front wheel was "taco-ed" so he replaced the wheel. The rest of the frame looked OK . A year later he was riding along and thought he had a flat tire but when he got off to check it turns out the head tube had a helical crack from lug to lug. NOT THE BIKES FAULT , he was not a little guy so when he smacked the car I'm sure it cracked the HT.

Mdl

Ouch. Good to know about the bike quality. Sorry for your buddy. Hmm..Me thinks I shall ride only in the park from now on.

DMC707 

You NEED both a road bike and a mountain bike ---- especially if the MTB is an early chrome one like your Ross !

Mdl

I’m reading this again and laughing 😂 😂

Mdl

HAHAHA! RIGHT! DMC, I need you to remind me of that every time I get the delirious thought to sell the Ross. My LBS owner did mention he can get Panaracer Dart and Smoke tan walls for it. I’m tempted. Although, my neighbor is after me to sell it to him. Can’t think of anything I’d replace it with though. I suspect I’d regret it.

masi61

I've always liked the aesthetics of the Sante' components. The hidden mounting system of the chainring bolts is cool. The shape of the 7 speed S.I.S. downtube levers looks just right and that fact that the little rubber cable covers are still preserved is pretty impressive. The sleek upper cage design of the rear derailleur is very nice. The rear Uniglide 7 speed cassette is hopefully not worn out since finding NOS replacements at a decent price is becoming harder and harder to do.

The front shift lever might handle triple chainrings in the front. If it were me I and I had possession of that component group I might try to convert it to a 3x7 geartrain by adding a triplizer middle ring.

bikemike73 

I have a Circuit with full Sante !!!!

I bought it a few years ago. Even though it is a little big for me ( 24.5 - 25 ) I still bought it because it is in MINT condition !!!!!

It is rideable and I can put me feet flat on the ground to straddle it

I bought it more for a collection. I do not ride it. I have a " few" others to ride

It is a " little: snug

GREAT BIKE !!!!!!!

Hope you get the bike !!!

Good Luck !!!!!!

TugaDude

First, I hope you've bought the Circuit by now. Second, do not under any circumstances be tempted to sell the Ross. It is in great condition and you are unlikely to ever get another one that clean if you sell it and have remorse about it. So keep it. Blame it on me.

DMC707 

Beautiful bike!

DMC707 

Me too!

Mdl

Thank you, DMC! It’s far from perfect but I sure do like to look at it

zukahn1

The top line center of seat to center of bars should be about the same as the Bertin so I think fit should be fine. As for the brake hoods or brakes exage hoods or levers will work and came in white but like the Santa's are pretty pricey for a nice white set.