I am currently in the process of searching for a bike to race on come spring. Just a couple of weeks ago I happened to come across the Schwinn CF-1000 at a local walmart. It is on a carbon fiber frame with 700c x 23c wheels. From what I have seen from other's reviews and comments on the bike it really looks like the bike for me to start on since I am only 16 and money is tight. What do you think of the bike and do you think it is a worthy race bike for $549?
Schwinn CF-1000?
- Thread starter Cerbin24
- Start date
Hi Cerbin24, had a little look and the frame is actually CF wrapped AL and seems to be a medium size. It is a little heavy and perhaps an AL only bike might be better but for $550 is probably Ok and it will look good. The reviews posted seem to say they are happy with there purchase ...
That bike is equipped with some pretty cheap components, for even that price point. A Sora 2x7 drivetrain is pretty odd for modern bikes. CF wrapped aluminum is another oddity. This bike has been discussed ad-nausem online. In the past, Walmart has offered better options with true 105 components for around the same price.
Unless it was offered at a substantial discount, I would pass.
Unless it was offered at a substantial discount, I would pass.
What 64Paramount said. A used bike for the same cost will likely yield a better value. If I were you I would surf your local bike shops and maybe Craigslist in search of a used bike. If you opt to go the Craigslist route, please be sure to get verification that a bike of interest being sold is not stolen. Unfortunately, Craigslist is a popular venue for the sale of stolen bikes.
Hi Cerbin24, with it only using Sora 2x7 drivetrain I would pass also. It is probably using a screw on freewheel 7spd cassette which means the hubs are threaded and cannot use the the freewheel hub design. This means that it is not upgradeable and your choice of cassettes will be very limited. Even so, the Sora groupset would work well and reliably
So, as suggested by Maydog and Alienator and in this case, a good second hand bike would be better
Cerbin24, you'll need to have someone re-do your brakes. The rear brake's barrel adjuster is backed out too far. Once the pads wear a little bit, you'll be out of adjustment. More cable needs to be pulled through the pinch bolt. You might want to have that done at an LBS, or you can find a tutorial online that will show you that process. I can't see the front brake to tell if the situation is the same or not.
Actually I did not buy the bike yet. Right now I've got a Schwinn Varsity I got back in May to use as a trainer that it's absolutely amazing. I've always used Schwinns and my dad even has a 82 le tour made in Chicago from when he was 18. As far as the cf-1000 goes the pictures are just photos I pulled up online. I'm still looking through everything and anything to try and find something for an equivalent price and still have found no luck. I did get to look over the bike and try it shortly and it was remarkably smooth and light. Even for components that could be upgraded it still weighs only 20 lbs and when upgraded can lose 4 lbs from that total. Regardless of what bike I do buy however I will take it straight to a bike shop for a tune up.
FWIW. Just a suggestion, but rather than bringing whatever new bike you may buy to a bike shop, I think you will be MUCH BETTER OFF if you were to spend your money buying ([COLOR= #808080]or, borrowing from the library[/COLOR]) a copy of ZINN AND THE ART OF ROAD BIKE MAINTENANCE + some generic Metric tools ([COLOR= #808080]e.g., start with any set of Metric Allen wrench set[/COLOR]) + specific bike tools as needed.
If you have not found a better bike for the same money, you have not looked hard enough. New bikes with Sora or better with 8 or 9 speed gearing can be found it this price range. In this price range, the only thing that makes the bike interesting is the frame - a carbon fiber rear triangle is a rarity. However I suspect that alot of the other componetry is uber cheap. Again the 2x7 drivetrain is wierd. I also suspect that they scraped the bottom of the barrel on the wheel set, the wheels are probably marginal with no name hubs, rims and plated spokes. In the photos you provided, I see a big nut on the rear wheel - what is that? Other bikes I have found have at least decent formula hubs, alex rims and stainless spokes. The components may be hard for you or a bike shop to source if you have repair issues down the road.
The bike is probably OK and will ride just fine - but there is more value for your money elsewhere. I did buy a few big box Schwinn bikes in the past, but they were marked down 400%. If you are paying MSRP you are paying (way) too much.
The bike is probably OK and will ride just fine - but there is more value for your money elsewhere. I did buy a few big box Schwinn bikes in the past, but they were marked down 400%. If you are paying MSRP you are paying (way) too much.
That Fuji is a cool deal.
If you mail-order any bike, I highly recommend you have a local shop assemble it for you. The going rate for assembly from a carton is usually around $60. And as long as you'd be dealing with a shop, it wouldn't hurt to look at the entry-level offerings from Scott, Trek, Specialized, Felt, Cannondale, etc., and get free assembly. This is a great time to be buying an inexpensive road bike.
And if you'd still like to order a bike, don't forget to look at BikesDirect.com.
Two years ago I never thought I'd be recommending BikesDirect and Fuji.
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