The 2008 Fastback Sport is the latest entry-level road bike from Schwinn Bikes. Schwinn has been around for over 110 years, so they’re definitely not new to the road bike (the company has changed a lot over the years, an d not always for good…). They haven’t been known to be on the cutting edge, and with this bike it isn’t any different, but what the Fastback Sport does offer is a pretty solid entry level bike.

The majority of lower-cost road bikes primarily differentiate from each other by what components they are made up of. The frames are usually your standard aluminum frame (although the geometries can, and do differ…), so let’s find out what differentiates the Fastback Sport from the rest.

Visuals

I do have to give a hand to Schwinn for the visuals of the Fastback Sport. I personally think the paint job looks great. As shown in the picture above, the frame is a silver/red combo, that connects quite nicely. Another good looking component is the black carbon fiber fork that contrasts the frame just right.

Frame

There isn’t too much to say about the frame. It’s an aluminum “Custom Drawn N’Litened” frame with a carbon fiber fork. It appears to be a pretty conservative geometry, and is definitely sized to fit as many people as possible. It can be found in S (52.8cm Top Tube), M (54.6cm), L (57cm), and XL (59cm).

Drivetrain

Shimano components make up the majority of the drivetrain. The shifters are the capable (and pretty standard for entry-level) Shimano Sora STI. The front derailleur is also Sora, but the rear is surprisingly Tiagra. That’s a respectable upgrade for a sub-$700 bike. The cassette is the PG-830 8-speed, from SRAM (same one can be found on the 2008 Trek 1.2). One drawback to this bike may be that the 8-speed components will be difficult to upgrade. It will likely be more economical to purchase a higher-end model, rather than upgrade this one.

Components

The brake levers are the tried-and-true Sora STI, while the front/rear brakes are Tektro 510AG with DIN pads. The Tektro pads are known to chew up rims, so these may be the first thing you want to switch out. Schwinn went with a Selle San Marco Ponza saddle for the Fastback Sport, and you may or may not like it depending on your fit. I wouldn’t make a purchasing decision based on the saddle.

Warranty

Schwinn bikes include a lifetime warranty on the frame for the original owner, except for some stipulations (including this bike, as it’s aluminum, so five years for the Fastback Sport). The warranty is far too complicated to cover in this review, so here is the link to the full warranty information.

Conclusion

I personally think Schwinn has given us a nice surprise with the 2008 Fastback Sport. It’s built with some well-tested components, and is comparable, if not better equipped than many other similarly priced sub-$700 bikes. The biggest weakness of this bike, and most bikes at this price point, will be the higher amount of maintenance to keep it shifting clean, and running well. I definitely suggest checking this bike out if it’s within in your budget.

As always, make sure to visit your local bike shop, ask lots of help, and get properly fitted before purchasing any bike.

Click to view the Schwinn Fastback Sport.

Full specs