Schwinn Fastback 3 (2015) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

Schwinn have always been known to make good sturdy frames. The Fastback 3 is made of Schwinn Fastback N Litened 3 Triple-Butted Aluminum alloy. This translates to a road bicycle that is relatively well weighted, but is certainly not the lightest out there. The alloy frame with the aluminum fork does a good job of insulating road vibrations. The frame felt rigid and it transferred all the momentum generated while pedaling, to the front. When on the saddle, you will find yourself in a relatively crouched position like any typical road bicycle geometry. We did feel that the handlebar width was a bit wider than it should be for the frame size. The pedals on the Fastback 3 come with a Toe cage that covers the front half of your foot. If you are someone who is primarily riding in the city and in high traffic zones, we would recommend you remove the toe cages which could prove to be a hindrance every time you decide to get on and off the bicycle, in traffic.

Schwinn are known for their simple, classic design lines, and thats exactly what you will get in the Fastback 3 (2015). It comes with clean lines and a fairly aggressive geometry. The tubing is circular in most areas, with a nicely designed tapering seat stay and chain stay. Schwinn have tried to break the monotony in the red colour variant with a stark white saddle and handlebar tapes that does add a bit of character to the design.

The Schwinn Fastback 3 comes with 24 speed gears. We must make a special mention of the Shimano Claris drivetrain group set that made gear shifting enjoyable, precise and effortless. The gear system merged well with the frame and other components to give us a responsive ride. The gearing will certainly aid you on your leisure rides as well as on your occasional 100 km rides.

In the braking department, Schwinn have decided to go ahead with their own brand of Schwinn Alloy caliper brakes. The in-house brakes were sufficient considering that the bike is positioned to be an entry/mid level roadie with riders not looking at race performance. The handling of the Schwinn Fastback 3 was one area that we would like for it to be better. While the bicycle is stable and reassuring in corners and shifting directions, it is not the most agile handling road bicycle in the market. We do understand that this is a mid level roadie, but if it is tuned and designed to handle better, Schwinn have a real good proposition in their midst.

The tires on the Fastback 3 (2015) are the marginally wider profiled Innova Road tires (700 * 25c). These tires are meant to give you a comfortable ride, while also helping you keep the rolling resistance as low as possible. They come with a Kevlar belt to protect from punctures on your daily commutes or long rides. The rims are the sturdy double walled Alex X2200 Rims (32H) that compliment the tires used.

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The strength of this mid level road bicycle is certainly it's sturdy, well built alloy frame. This does a good job of making the overall ride quality comfortable. This is assisted by a good wheel set, and the sporty Schwinn S2 Road ergo saddle. You could expect to be well taken care of on your leisure rides or weekend jaunts on the Schwinn Fastback 3.