Gravel Grinder - Fastback CX Medium plus extras

Excellent value for money gravel grinder, lovingly built up with Shimano 105 parts - only 1400km's on them.

I am sad to let this bike go but the type of gravel rides I am doing needs more tyre clearance than this frame allows. It feels even nippier now with the narrower handlebar. It was built for cyclocross racing so the ideal tyre clearance is with 35c tyres fitted. I have risked 38c.

Apart from this, I had no gripes with it. I have received many a compliment on this bike from people who were around when Schwinn was a sought after name - including the geometry and build quality when they take a spin. I spent quite a bit of time building this one up and truly appreciated the look, not your typical trendy design everyone is riding.

The frame spent very little time on the road - it was used as someone’s occasional triathlon bike and not much else. I have it on good authority that the frame is still part of the hand-built batches but cannot vouch for it. I rebuilt it with new 105 groupset/drivetrain, wheelset, steering, and seat. All the parts are of good quality and in excellent condition.

Ride quality is smooth and quick, I have covered a few passes, cycle tours and full-day rides with no complaints or discomfort. Other feedback relevant to ride quality:

- The frame says large but I have measured seat tube at 54cm and top tube 55cm. I have a fairly relaxed position at 179cm tall so there is no way I would rate this as a large frame.
- Hubs are 100% and were inspected
- I personally converted the wheelset to tubeless. Bit of a hack but since you can’t go higher than 38c tyres, there’s no real danger. I have never felt unsafe or in a critical position due to flex on the tyres on a narrower than typical tubeless wheelset. Easy to convert back - just strip it all away
- Old school brakes are of course not disc brakes, but I have gone down super steep controlled descents. Don’t leave it to the last minute and you will be fine.

To note/includes:

- Brand new bar tape has been wrapped - nice and cushy for the gravel rides around here
- I will replace current tyres with the correct 35c Panaracers - they are pretty much new, maybe 300kms.
- Extra brake pads
- 44cm width handlebar (current one is 42cm)
- 11-speed road cassette (came with the groupset)

Excluded:

- Pedals
- Can include pair of Specialized Roubaix 32mm Tyres - brand new, good for road races, nice tan walls for R500 (usually R800)