Schwinn is the like the Chevy or the Ford of the bike world. Everyone has a favorite old model and favorite memory associated with one of these bikes. I’ve actually seen people cry when they get classic Schwinns because they bring back such strong emotions and memories.
The company has a strong association because they’ve been around for a LONG time (since 1895) and made many a classic bike like the infamous Sting-Ray released back in 1963. That bike, beautiful in design, made many, many a kid very happy on Christmas or their birthday.
Nowadays, Schwinn is still pumping ‘em out. You can buy bikes that have that heritage look like the Classic Deluxe 7, which is based on a 1955 model. Or you can buy something that’s built for the 21st century like the Fastback 3 road bike.
The Fastback 3 (for both men and women) isn’t made to race in the Tour de France, but instead sticks to what Scwhinn does best by becoming an intro for people who want to try out the feel of a road bike.
Like all the company’s bikes, it’s affordably priced at $710 and features a full aluminum frame and Shimano Claris components. That build isn’t going to turn heads at the shop, but it’s great for a couple dozen miles out with friends on a nice summer or fall day.
What we like most about this bike is that it reminds us that even though we get caught up in lusting over what’s best, the real point of having a bike is to ride. You can spend hours, days, weeks, trying to figure out how to have the nicest bike on the road. Or you can just get out there and start pedaling.
