First Ride:
I thought the 57cm frame might be a little big for me initially, but once I got the fit dialed in, it turned out perfect! Being a light rider, I don't concern myself with frame flex at all, but through some informal tests, the Circuit frame is definitely the whippiest in my stable by far. Doesn't bother me a bit, though.
The first thought that popped into my mind as I took her for the maiden voyage was "Are my tires leaking?!" I had put some 120psi 700x20c IRC Triathlon Duro tires on and expected the ride to be a bit jittery, but it was so smooth and buttery I seriously thought I was riding on underinflated tires. I can now see why those Tenax Schwinns are so highly regarded. The drivetrain is super-quiet and the hubs feel silky even with 20 year old grease in them. As for the Biopace chainrings - I was halfway through my ride before I even remembered about them! I honestly couldn't tell the difference between those and the round rings I'd ridden up until this point. The Concor Supercorsa re-issue I bought for it was a pleasant surprise too - one of the more, if not most comfortable saddles I've ever ridden. I've been riding the Circuit more and more lately and I just love the way it feels. This bike will definitely be my first pick for any full-day in the saddle ride and is quickly becoming one of my favorite steeds.
Beautiful restoration, job! The chrome and paint came out very nice. Sorry to hear the white components have yellow...
ReplyDeleteJust FYI, the Circuit was the top of the line steel frame that Schwinn offered beside Paramounts. 23" frames had Columbus SL top and seat tubes with an SP downtube for less bb flex. 22" and under had all SL tubing - the equivalent to a few ounces weight difference if that.
Tenax was rebranded SP if several reputable internet sources are to be trusted so they are very nice frames in their own right, but the Circuits are a step above with Tange aero stays and forks. My '87 Tempo is rock solid, built up with Ultegra 9spd stuff, but I'm waiting on delivery for an almost all original '87 Circuit. That will be restored with it's original Suntour Sprint group so a very BIG thank you for demonstrating what's possible.
Read through your other posts - I've been trying to lecture to the professor! How utterly embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteIn any case regarding the mid/late 80s Schwinns: One thing that I've noticed is that Tenax frames accepted 26.6mm seat posts while the SL Circuit frames accepted 27.2mm. This leads me to believe Tenax was slightly thicker therefore possibly rebranded SP. Then again there are probably SP seat tubes that take 27.2mm posts too...
Thanks for the comments. As soon as I make some more room, a mid-late 80's Tempo is definitely on the todo list. You are also one of several readers that own an '87 Circuit with the Sprint gruppo. Beautiful bikes and from what I can tell, a large and loyal following.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a couple interesting points. One, as you noted, the frame size is indeed 23". Schwinn specs are measured C-T from what I can tell. I use C-C measurements in cm just as a point of reference when comparing my frames. Second, you bring up an good point with the seatpost diameter of your Tempo. I wouldn't use this measurement as the only means of identifying a tubeset, but it does lead to some head-scratching as to the origins of Tenax again.
Anyway, I've had a newfound respect for these mid-late 80s Schwinn frames since acquiring the Circuit, which I'll blog more about in a future post!
Glad to read something from a fellow Schwinn enthusiast, thank you!
DeleteWhat's this thing about the serial number on the head tube badge?
Cheers
I began to get curious about road bikes my freshman year in college, so being anxious about getting my first real bike, I came home one weekend, saw a bike on craigslist that was my size, and bought it. I feel like I've gotten a great deal. I bought this same bike, Schwinn Circuit with the sante components. My bike has the Wolber Tx Profil rims! I always wondered whether those were original for the 87's. I admire your research and knowledge of late 80's road bikes. I'm looking to begin my fixed gear bike project this summer. Thinking a blog like this is a great idea... Feel free to ask questions about my Schwinn! Its neat to see another of its kind.
ReplyDeletebtw I got the bike for $160. If you want to see pictures I'd love to put em up...
ReplyDeleteYou scored a great deal on that Circuit! I'd love to see pics of your ride and if you could send me the serial # on the head badge that'd be awesome! I have a link in some of my other posts to older Scwhinn catalogs online so you can see how your bike was originally spec'ed. The Circuit is an excellent choice for a first bike as any vintage ride out there, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever decide to sell any of the parts from it, well, you know where to find me :)
I'll get up pics soon... the serial on the badge is 1529. So from what I've read thats June 1st, 1989? Pretty neat they do that... The only Difference I saw from the 1988 Catalog was the seat color. My saddle is black.. well. was black. I swapped it for a more up-to-date specialized saddle. Still have the San Marco tho, no worries.
ReplyDeletePictures are uploaded to my blog BenandJack, You can ignore the purpose of the blog. it was a school assignment... My bike is the circuit and my roommates is the le tour...
ReplyDeleteHey Nate. Thanks for the serial. That's a sweet Circuit, looks like it's in really good condition! The candy red paint still looks sharp too. I gotta say, the Sante group is real top notch, quality stuff and I've been very pleased with it.
ReplyDeleteThat LeTour looks great too. A little too classic for this 80's lover, but there are plenty of folks out there that would be like, "Hey! Move that Circuit outta the way so I can get a better look at that LeTour!" :)
ive got shwin circiut almost mint never changed parts
ReplyDeleteAhhhh Shimano Sante, nice!
ReplyDeleteI love the Schwinn Circuit. I bought one in 1988 and loved it so much I still have it. I bought another for my wife last year and had it completely refinished back to nearly new shape. Can't beat them!
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ReplyDeleteNice job on the restoration. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteI have the same bike with Time Pedals, a beautifully polished Campagnolo seat post, and Cinelli deep drop bars & Cinelli white cork bar wrappings. With the Wolber Aero rims & Michelin HD tyres the bike even today gets attention from enthusiasts.
I have a Le Tour model that my wife still rides in the same excellent condition too!
Love my Schwinns!