slowgo

I went in to my LBS- the one here that has been in business for over 30 years- looking for some accessories. Unfortunately for this shop, they were a huge Schwinn dealer and have felt the pain since Schwinns went on sale at Wally-world. They have since rented out the front half of their building to a mattress shop. They don't have many road bikes, but I think I found a diamond in the rough. They had a NOS 2004 Fastback 27 in medium (52/54) for $449. I looked around on the web and most places had this model for $799.

COLOR: Ultramarine Ice |
Frame: Schwinn Super Butted 'N'Litened' Gold label smooth welded aluminum with Schwinn Race geometry, IS standard integrated head tube, forged dropouts w/ replaceable hanger, 2x H2O bottle boss and pump peg |
Forks: Schwinn Reflex CF-3 carbon fiber blades w/ 1 1/8" Cr-Mo steerer & forged dropouts |
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra GS |
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra 31.8 down-pull |
Shifters: Shimano Tiagra STI |
Chainset: TruVativ Elita LR forged alloy w/ 52-42-30 7075 outer, Cr-Mo inner |
Bottom Bracket: TruVativ Sealed Cartridge ISIS spline 68 x 118 |
Freewheel/Cassette: SRAM road 9-sp 12-26T |
Headset: FSA integrated cartridge bearing |
Stem: Ritchey forged 6061 w/ front load cap 31.8 |
Handlebars: Ritchey 31.8 6061 alloy width to suit frame size |
Front Brake: Tektro dual-pivot caliper w/ DIN pads |
Rear Brake: Tektro dual-pivot caliper w/ DIN pads |
Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra STI |
Rims: Jalco double wall w/ machined sidewalls 32H |
Front Hub: Shimano sealed w/ QR 32H |
Rear Hub: Shimano sealed freehub w/ QR 32H |
Spokes: 14g stainless |
Tires: Hutchinson 700 x 25C Flash |
Saddle: Selle Italia XO Trans-Am FE-C rail, Renna cover |
Seatpost: Ritchey Road forged 6061 27.2 x 350mm |
Grips: Schwinn gel tape with logo
All Tiagra plus carbon fork for $450, I figured it was too good to pass up. No pedals, so I had to spend $55, but I got the ones I wanted (Shimano 520's). Replaced the saddle with my Selle San Marco saddle and have ordered some Easton Vista wheels and Kenda tires to put on it. Slapped the comp from my hybrid (which I'm selling) on it. Should turn out to be a really great second bike behind my Felt F70. I actually really like the "compact" geometry on the Fastback. Really happy with it. Can't wait to get the wheels and tires on and make this bike my own.

el twe

That's pretty good for $450, but many people (shouldn't really generalize, of course) detest Schwinn's quality, but hey, Tiagra is fine for an entry level road bike. Hope to hear a ride report soon.

slowgo

I kind of felt the same way about Schwinn's degradation of their own brand and quality, but the bike was hard to pass up. It is funny though, the "Schwinn Quality" metal label on the head tube is placed off center. Kind of sums it up. But its just a second bike and should serve its purpose well. I'm no hammerer, at least not yet.