When it comes to choosing and purchasing a bicycle, it all comes down to a lot of personal preferences. But there is one thing that every cyclist wants; a high-quality bike that is convenient, safe, and of course, good-looking. Any cyclist can agree that a good bicycle can get you motivated to spend even more time cycling. Perhaps you’re looking for a road bike, but you are on a tight budget. Worry not, because we did a comprehensive review of one of the best men’s and women’s road bicycles under $700; the Schwinn Phocus 1600 drop bar road bike.
This premium road bike is perfectly crafted for casual rides around the neighborhood, commuting to and from work, as well as running errands around town. The icing on the cake? You can actually get this one-of-a-kind bicycle without having to break the bank. So, let’s dive into this Schwinn Phocus 1600 review, shall we?
(4.3* Rating from 248+ reviews on Amazon)
What to like about Schwinn Phocus 1600
- It is affordable for a great road bike.
- It features an aluminum bike frame that is lightweight, durable with a stylish design.
- The pair of drop-bar handlebars that are very convenient and comfortable.
- The bike’s seat is very comfortable and offers expanded seat coverage.
- The wheels are aerodynamically shaped for a faster and smoother ride.
- The pair of 700c tires provide smooth rides even on slippery terrains.
- It features a micro shift 16-speed gear system with integrated shifter brake lever and Shimano Claris front and rear derailleurs for optimal control, and precise, smooth gear changes.
- A Promax alloy dual pivot caliper road brakes that provide serious stopping power regardless of how fast you were riding.
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Table of Contents
Schwinn Phocus 1600 Review – Features
1. Frame
Every cyclist knows too well that a bike frame is the backbone of the entire bike. Apart from being the centerpiece that holds other bicycle components together, a frame should also provide maximum maneuverability and bike control.
Like most other Schwinn bicycles, the Schwinn Phocus 1600 drop bar road bike features a 22-inch or 16-inch aluminum frame designed to offer optimal strength and control without adding any extra weight. Aluminum material is widely used in the bike industry for a couple of reasons.
For starters, aluminum is lighter than any other bike frame material, allowing you to ride a lot quicker and smoother with less effort. The material is also not prone to rust, but it does corrode. However, this is an advantage because when aluminum corrodes, it forms an aluminum oxide layer that protects the material from corroding further. What’s more, aluminum can easily be aerodynamically designed. This allows air to flow through to the front, minimizing any pressure that drags behind while riding, therefore enhancing your speed.
Aluminum is also very stiff compared to other bike frame materials. This enhances the bike’s stability and speed, especially when climbing. However, aluminum does have a few downsides. It does not absorb shock from the bumpy sections of the roads, therefore making cycling uncomfortable. It’s also not easily repairable.
2. Handlebars
According to most Schwinn Phocus 1600 reviews, another feature that makes this bike unique is its handlebars. The Schwinn Phocus 1600 road bike features a pair of durable and comfortable drop-bar handlebars that are guaranteed to provide you with maximum control over your bicycle. For starters, these handlebars can fit through narrow spots in traffic for starters, making this bike one of the best commuter bikes in the market.
The handlebars also provide a more aerodynamic advantage than flat bars, resulting in a faster and smoother ride. What’s more, they also offer different hand positions, which helps prevent hand and wrist pains, especially when going on longer rides.
These handlebars also allow you to apply more power as you pedal, especially when climbing up steep road sections. They also allow you to shift your body weight forward, especially when climbing up a hill. Drop bar handlebars also provide a better grip compared to flat handlebars. However, some Schwinn Phocus 1600 reviews have mentioned that although the handlebars offer excellent grip, they do not provide as much control over the bike compared to flat handlebars.
Read more: Schwinn Wayfarer Review
3. Saddle
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 also features a comfortable, soft spring saddle and seat post. Although most Schwinn Phocus reviews have underrated this particular feature, the seat offers high comfort and adjustability levels. The saddle has extra foam filling for maximum comfort, especially when cycling on uneven terrain sections. What’s more, the saddle offers more seat coverage, for extra comfort.
The bicycle also comes with an adjustable seat post that allows you easily adjust the saddle for a customized height. What’s more, it uses a quick-release lever that enables you to make quick adjustments on the go.
4. Wheels and tires
Wheels and tires play a very significant role in the overall performance of a bicycle. Sure, all other parts are just as essential, but it is the wheels and tires that actually get the bike moving. The Schwinn Phocus 1600 road bike manufacturers had all this in mind; that is why they designed high-quality tires and wheels that can withstand the road’s imperfections.
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 road bike features a pair of durable 700c bike tires, which are equivalent to approximately 28 inches. The tires have less rolling resistance, and more rollover capability, for fast and smooth riding. What’s more, they have tremendous air pressure that enables them to absorb small bumps on the road, allowing you to ride a bit quicker and smoother.
The bike also features a pair of wheels that come with alloy double-wall rims with spokes for extra durability without any additional weight. What’s more, the spokes are aerodynamically designed for extra speed. The rear wheel comes with extra spokes that provide optimal weight support while enabling it to withstand impacts and bumps on the surface.
5. Speed and Brakes
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 also features a micro shift 16-speed gear system that offers more than enough speed for a bike of its caliber. The speed gear system also comes with an integrated shifter brake lever that is located in the middle of the handlebar. The lever enables you to shift gears without necessarily having to take your hands off the brakes, allowing you to have full control of your bicycle.
What’s more, the bike also comes with front and rear Shimano Claris derailleurs that offer smooth and precise gear changes as you ride. The Promax alloy dual pivot caliper road brakes provide concise and secure stops. These brakes help you stop the bike quickly without pulling it back, therefore reducing the tires’ wear. They also allow you to have full control of your bicycle. What’s more, the brakes are easy to maintain compared to other types of bike brakes.
The bike also features an SR Suntour alloy crank that helps the speed gear system move smoothly and also allows you to change gears smoothly. It plays a very significant role in preventing the chainrings from coming off amid your cycling adventures.
Read more: Best Schwinn Road Bikes review
6. Suspension Fork
Wrapping up our list is the Schwinn Phocus 1600 carbon fiber suspension fork that offers extra comfort and stability. The suspension fork is made of durable carbon fiber material. Carbon fiber is very lightweight and very flexible, meaning it cannot permanently bend in the event of an accident. The suspension fork offers maximum comfort and control by absorbing any vibration and impacts from bumps on the road.
7. Performance
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 road bike performs exceptionally well for a bike of under $700. The handlebars, bike frame, saddle, and suspension fork are perfectly designed to provide extra comfort and stability. The bike seat comes with an adjustable seat post that allows you to adjust the saddle for the ideal height.
The bike’s speed gear system comes with Shimano Claris derailleurs that make changing gears a breeze. What’s more, the speed system comes with an integrated brake lever that enables you to stop your bicycle without taking your hands off the brakes. It also features a pair of road style tires that provide fast and smooth riding. However, some Schwinn Phocus 1600 reviews have mentioned that the tires do not perform well on uneven terrains.
8. Weighs and Quality
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 weight is approximately 31 pounds, which is very lightweight for a bicycle with all those features, although some Schwinn Phocus 1600 reviews tend to disagree. When it comes to quality, the manufacturers of this one of a kind bicycle did hesitate to deliver the best. For starters, the bike parts are made of high-quality materials that are guaranteed to give you years of service. However, some Schwinn Phocus 1600 reviews have pointed out that the bike’s brake pads are a little plasticky. Despite that, this bicycle will definitely not disappoint you when it comes to quality.
Read more: Schwinn GTX 3 Review
9. Durability
The Schwinn Phocus 1600 bike is designed to offer high levels of durability. The bicycle frame is made of durable aluminum material. However, the material is quite challenging to repair, which means it is not as long-lasting. When it comes to the brake system, some Schwinn Phocus reviews have mentioned that the brakes are not as powerful.
10. Assembly
Like most Schwinn bicycles, the Schwinn Phocus 1600 Bike comes pre-assembled, so it won’t take too much time to install the rest of the parts. The bike also comes with a detailed instructions manual that provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to assemble the bicycle. Although most reviews recommend that if you are not familiar with bike installation, you should have someone assemble it for you.
Schwinn Phocus 1600 Bike Specifications
- Item package measurements L×W×H: 51×28×8 inches
- Package weight: 14.99 kilograms
- Item weight: 31 pounds
- Frame size: 22 inches.
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Frame style: Step-over
- Wheel size: 700c
- Wheel Material: Alloy
- Rim material: Alloy
- Brakes: Promax alloy dual pivot caliper
- Speed: 16 with a shifter brake lever
- Fork Material: Carbon Fiber
- Derailleur: Shimano Claris
- Warranty Description: Limited Lifetime.
Some Shortcomings
- Most customers have complained that the bike sizes are not accurate.
- The brake pads are a bit’ plasticky’.
- The Shimano derailleurs are not that efficient since they keep failing.
- The bike tires do not work well on uneven surfaces.
Final Verdict on Schwinn Phocus 1600 Review
The Schwinn company is no stranger to the bike industry and has earned its place among one of the leading manufacturers of bicycles because of its commitment to creating bikes that allow people to have the confidence and freedom that comes from riding bicycles. The Schwinn Phocus 1600 is no exception.
It is very affordable for starters, which makes it stand out among other road bikes in the market. Together with basic features, it also comes with extra features that make it perfect for every kind of cyclist, whether you are a beginner or a pro cyclist looking to take your rides to the next level.
