Schwinn Phocus 1600 Review: Best Bicycle for Beginners

Schwinn Phocus 1600 is a good quality entry-level bike. With the Schwinn Phocus you can ride mountains, participate in races.

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This is a summary of our review and the many reviews over the internet of the Schwinn Phocus 1600 bicycle.

Schwin Phocus 1600 Specs

Here are the specs of the bike

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GenderMen, Women
TypeBeginners
TerrainCity, Road
Wheel Size700c
Number of Gears16
Weight29 lbs
Brake TypeCaliper
Frame MaterialAluminum, Carbon

What to look for Purchasing the Schwinn Phocus 1600?

Cost

Good quality entry level bikes do cost a bit more, yet you get the best bike your money can buy.

As you spend more money the frames get lighter and the components on those frames get lighter and more sophisticated

This bicycle is the best priced bicycle in its category. Remember to set aside some money for shoes, pedals and clothing.

How to choose the right Bicycle for Beginners

Here is a quick guide to help you find the best bicycle for you.

Components

Check the components that are fitted to it, especially the groupset ( collective term for brake and gears).

There are different manufacturers of groupsets and as you move up the hierarchies the bike gets expensive.

The components get lighter, you get more gears and more functionalities. Depending on the type of material used shifting of gears gets more smoother.

The Schwinn Phocus 1600 is a 2 speed crank side 8 speed cassette. This is a good buy for a beginner.

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There are 2 different types of brakes – rim and disc brakes.

Disc brakes cost more than rim brakes.  If you live in a hilly area it is worth the extra outlay.

This is because more powerful braking that is consistent especially in the wet and you can get better control.

The Schwinn phocus has a disc brake installed.

Material of frame 

The material used has a massive impact on ride quality. Common materials used are Aluminium, Steel, Carbon fibre.

 Most bikes are made from aluminium alloys.

Aluminum is a versatile material it is lightweight, with good strength to weight.

It is used in aviation, is very resistant to corrosion and the manufacturing costs are very low

 Therefore as compared to Carbon fibre Bicycles with Aluminium frame are more affordable.

Carbon fibre bikes on the other hand are lighter.

Typically experts advice that if you can’t afford it look for an aluminium bike with Carbon fibre fork.

It reduces weight. makes the fork much stiffer. also reduces the road vibration and buzz through the handlebars.

The Schwinn Phocus 1600 bicycle has an aluminium frame with a Carbon Fibre Fork.

Brand

 frame has been properly designed and tested and it has a better warranty

 details on frame

  1. tyre clearance

 more the better it gives more versatility

 allows you to put wider tires to stray off the road

  1. mounting points

 attach mudguard pannier Rack and other accessories

  1.  bottom bracket –  this is the bearings  where the chain set is
  2.  outward bearing in a threaded bottom bracket require less maintenance and last longer

 Wheels

 other key components

 entry level bi when you changed as you upgrade and  and get more into the sport

 change into something lighter stiffer and more Aerodynamic

 will increase performance on the wheel

 look for a high spoke count

this makes the wheel stronger and more robust

Rim width

Look for debit that will suit wider tires better fetches 25mm or 28mm tyres

 wider Tyres provide more comfort more grip slightly lower rolling resistance

 lower rolling resistance you can  go same speed with less effort

 road bike saddle  are meant to be used with padded shorts

 most road bike dont come with pedals some low end bike come with flat pedals 

for longer rides  and sportives  upgrade clipless pedals and shoes

 this will allow you to push down and pull up with the pedal stroke making you a bit more efficient

Women specific bike

 have same frame

 different contact points on them

 saddle will be different

 shorter  stem narrower bars shorter Crank

Draw bar back

 allows you to get longer and lower at the front

 this is more aerodynamic meaning you should be able to go faster for the same amount of effort

 it requires more flexibility

 it helps lower your centre of gravity to Help cornering