Submitted by
Tweeks
a Weekend Warrior
from Elgin, Moray, Scotland Date Reviewed: October 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The one under the wheels right here right now.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Pauls Cycles, Dereha
Strengths:
Sub 30lb bike when built with light components.
Rides itself uphills.
Weaknesses:
Brake set up can be difficult, but once set up it will stop a train.
Similar Products Used:
Marin full sussers
Bike Setup:
Pace RC36 Proclass Fork
Hope Sport 2 Front brake.
Hope TiGlide hubs laced to Mavic 317 rims.
Synchros bar and stem
XT drivetrain.
WTB SST saddle.
Hayes HFX rear brake.
Orbit XLII Headset.
Bottom Line:
As you may have noticed I am trying to get a maintenance free bike. Sealed bearings throughout. Hydraulic brakes.
I ried 50 miles a week to and from work on road tyres and at the weekend it's out on the trails in Scotland.
Its an all round bike that can soak up any punishment. After nearly ten years of abuse the frame is still creak free.
Still loving it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
buffal0b1ll
a Cross Country Rider
from MD Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Ebay Frame only
Strengths:
Floats over any terrain that I don't need body armor for. Almost keeps up with the single speed dudes on Wed nite ride (but beats the gear hardtails).
Weaknesses:
Slack seat tube angle. 2 bent seat posts.
Similar Products Used:
1996 Supergo Access FS (Turner Burner Copy)
Bike Setup:
2001 Z3 100mm up front. F Avid Mech, R Hayes HFX. Do you really care what the brands of the rest of my rig are you gear queer?
Bottom Line:
Couldn't be happier with the return on the $650 I Ebayed and parts-binned into this plush cross country bomber. So what if it eats seatposts?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Philipson
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: February 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Where I live in N Wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Paul Cycles
Strengths:
Bike is great fun , looks fantastic , nothing like it on the block . Hayes breaks are very good , groupset components XT / deore - reliable. Change that fork , I have put a Psylo on the front and with it dialed upto 5" of travel the bike is transformed.
Weaknesses:
Saddle is painfull , tires are crap , Judy front fork is basic and harsh. Bike is heavy - I weighed mine at 35lbs , I have since chnaged the wheels for mavics 317's and hope XC hubs and reduced the weight buy 1lb on each wheel ! Bottom bracket had to be replaced after 6 months and headset is now shot after 15 months.
I have spent another $600 upgrading this bike because I find it so comfortable to ride XC or downhill , off jumps - it is just fun .
I give it top value rating as I paid less than half price - obviously it was a year old model at the time .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Motti
a
from Winterthur, Switzerland Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
extraordinary design, nice look hayes brakes!
Weaknesses:
except the tyres, none so far.
Similar Products Used:
tested g-zero and cannondale
Bike Setup:
cut handlebar, shorter titec neck
Bottom Line:
the first fully i have bought, found it at a local dealer for less than half the price, found the setup very good for this more than reasonable amount of bucks. heard of cracks in the back frame, hope it won't happen to me as i don't really pay attention to not riding over rocks or laying trees. squeaking brakes.. well i was told by the salesman that all discbrakes squeak, i wonder if that's the truth. had some really cool days exploring the "wilderness" around here. one thing i observed, after mudbathes, it's better to wash the bike off and grease or the next run will be less fun. the front fork is not the best of all, a judy sl, distorts when braking hard, rear getting up when braking hard with rear brakes.. like it was said before, take the time to adjust the rear fox shocks, it will drastically improve the ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Innovative rear suspension design that actally works, Hayes brakes offer obscene stopping power and control, Looks fantastic and certainly turns heads, Rarer than rocking horse dung in the UK so no-one else has got one!
Weaknesses:
Rock shox Judy SL's are a bit flexy under really heavy braking, Rear shock spring is bit soft even though I'm average wieght, Hayes brake lever chip lumps out the pint on the crossbar when the bars hit full lock. Standard tyres are terrible.(IRC Mythos). Saddle is really uncomfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Rift Zone, Carrera Hellcat, Giant ATX
Bike Setup:
Rockshox Judy SL's 100mm, Rockshox delux rear shock, XT groupset, Alex DH rims, Hayes hydraulic discs,
Bottom Line:
This bike is a bit of an unknown here in the UK, as I dont think it sold to well here due to an extraordinary price tag (£1800 pounds sterling!). But fortunately for me Schwinn has pulled out of Europe, instead setting up its home on this side of the pond in the UK, and leaving a massive number of unsold bikes sitting around on the continent. I got mine for less than half price, delivered to my door.
The bike looks completeley different from everything else available here, which if you like to be noticed, can only be a good thing, and it rides like velvet, that Lawill rear end with its carbon fibre swing arm really does do the business. The fronts not too bad either, being equipped with a perfectly capable Rockshox Judy SL, with variable travel adjustments. On thing to watch out for is the initial set up of the rear shock. It uses a trunnion mount, which means it has scope for adjusting the ride height at the rear. When the bikes are delivered it is on its lowest setting which means it grounds out easily and steers like a pig. Set it up so you've got about 330mm under the bottom bracket, and the handling is transformed. Also the spring on mine was a bit to soft, but uprating it was an easy ten minute job, and hardly cause for complaint.
Also of note are the Brakes. The four-banger comes ready fitted with Hayes Hydraulics front and rear,which as well as looking pretty good, deliver a shocking amount of power. One thing though, they squeal like a pig when they're new, and they do take some regular re-alignment to keep them from squeaking. I think half the problem is the fact that bike has international standard mounts, and the brakes use hayes own post mount on the front, and some other weird mount of unknown design on the rear. The mounting hardware and adapters need to be really tight to stop them creeping around. I've heard a lot of varied opinions on Hayes brakes, and it seems to me that if you dont spend the time setting them up just right... you'll hate them. If your willing to spend a half hour playing, you'll fall in love, There's not a set of V brakes in the world that can match these.
The bike is immensely strong, and despite this, it's not really a porker. The 2000 model lost quite a lot of weight over the '99 model. Some people seem to think that its to heavy, I think they've missed the point.
Over rough ground it's unbeatable for comfort and rider flattering ability, with the suspension keeping the fairly mediocre alex wheels well planted. And it works just as well when you're in or out of the saddle, Which is a good job because the standard saddle is a real painful sod to have to sit on. The standard wheels and tyres on this bike are its main disapointment, The Mythos tires are pants and the wheels rattle with the extra spoke nipples that have found there way in. but dont let that put you off!
If you can find a nice cheap one like I did, this is the one of the best bikes you could own.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff NoSanBa
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hawes
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Very plush. Rear suspension design is a work of art.
Weaknesses:
Cracked frame, incompatability of rear disk brake mount, Schwinn's total lack of any kind of respect for their customers.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky
Bike Setup:
Stock except for stem & seatpost (both Thomson), X-Vert Super fork.
Bottom Line:
This is my last follow up review for the bike.
I am now on my second frame (original was a '99) after the first one cracked. The bike itself works fine, incredibly designed rear-end.
However, I wanted to switch to a cable-actuated rear disk brake, but unfortunately the 4-Banger comes with Hayes' 1999 version of "International Standard" and nothing else will mount on the frame. I have had nothing but problems with my rear brake, even after replacing the lever, cylinder and hose.
Numerous e-mails to Schwinn have gone un-answered over the past year and a half. I did get one response to a question about the never-ending creak coming from my front shock trunion, I was told that "all suspension bikes creak, get used to it."
I really don't have much sympathy for Schwinn as an organization, even after reading about the teary-eyed employees packing their desks up this week as the leave.
Put out a good product and STAND BEHIND IT and you will get and KEEP customers.
Apologies to Mert Lawwill, great design in the 4-Banger, too bad it was attached to a Schwinn.
Regardless, when the 4-Banger was working correctly it was a great ride - nothing else like it. But, too many problems for me to keep riding. I how have a great looking 8lbs. + frame as a paperweight.
Thanks for listening!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TERRY FENNER
a Downhiller
from AUSTIN, TEXAS Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
CITY PARK & ROCKYHILL DS COURSE
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2405.00
Purchased At:
CYCLE 360
Strengths:
PRODUCT STRENGTHS WELL LETS SEE I REVIEWED THIS BIKE ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND I LOVED IT BUT SINCE THEN I HAVE LEARNED TO DISCOVER THE TRUE PERSONALITY BEHIND THIS BIKE. FIRST I MUST DESCRIBE MYSELF SO THAT YOU CAN HELP TO UNDERSTAND WHY I AM EXPERIENCING THE THINGS THAT I AM ON MY BIKE. I AM 6'5" 260lbs AND HARD AS HELL ON ANYTHING WITH TWO WHEELS (KIND OF A CURSE CUZ I LOVE BIKES) BUT I DIGRESS WITH THE FEW STRENGTHS THAT IT DOES HAVE. CORNERS FAIRLY WELL CLIMBS REALATIVLEY WELL (EVEN W/ THE 5" FORK I PUT ON)
Weaknesses:
WEAKNESSES WELL THERE IS PLENTY TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. GUSSTES OR LACK THERE OF. NO GUSSETS I AM WORKING ON MY SECOND FRAME NOW AND I CAN ALREADY SEE A THIRD ONE COMMING ON. WHERE THE MAIN PIVOT ON THE CARBON FIBER SEAT STAY HOOKS UP ON THE FRAME THE WELDS CRACK LAST FRAME I WARENTEED HAD 8 STRUCTURAL CRACKS IN THE WELDS. I CURRENTLY AM ONLY SPORTING 2 CRACKS BUT I WILL WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE MORE VISABLE BEFORE I START THE BATTLE WITH THE A-HOLE SCHWINN REPS HERE IN AUSTIN. THE BACKEND CAN TEND TO BE A LITTLE FLEXY UNDER STRESS AND WITH ME ON IT IT GETS PLENTY OF STRESS. A LITTLE BIT OF BRAKE JACK BUT ONCE YOU LEARN HOW TO WORK AROUND IT IT IS REALLY NOT A PROBLEM. NOT ENOUGH TRAVEL BUT THAT IS NOT THE BIKES FAULT ITS MINE I SHOULD HAVE JUST BOUGHT AN RM-6
Similar Products Used:
GIANT XTC AC1, ROCKY MOUNTAIN SLAYER, INTENSE UZI SL (I HAVE NOT EXTENSIVLY RIDEN ANY OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED BIKES JUST KICKED BY BROS BIKES AROUND THE JUMP TRACK OR THA PARKING LOT NO MAJOR RIDES)
Bike Setup:
SUN RINO LITE RIMS, XT DISC HUBS, HAYES DISC BRAKES & LEVERS, SHIMANO DX FLAT PEDALS, XT CRANKS, 99' MODEL 4 BANGER COIL OVER SHOCK (I BLEW UP THE STOCK AIR IN THE 1ST 2 WEEKS, AIR SHOCKS SUCK), CONTINENTAL 2.3 VERTICAL PRO REAR, KUJO DH 2.35 UPFRONT, 5" MARZOCCHI Z1 CR, KORE 2 1/2 STRICKTLY D RISER BAR, AZONIC SHORTY CHUBY DELUXE STEM, XT SHIFTERS FRONT & REAR, XTR REAR DERAILER, SALSA QUICK RELEASE SEAT POST CLAMP, TITEC BEZERKER SADDLE, AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE.
Bottom Line:
BOTTOM LINE I HATE SCHWINN THE COMPANY AND LET ME TELL YOU WHY. THE 1ST TIME I CRACKED THE FRAME I CONSULTED MY MECHANIC AT THE SHOP AND TOLD HIM THE FRAME IS CRACKING AND I WOULD LIKE TO WARENTEE IT FOR A STRAIGHT SIX SOMETHING MORE SUTABLE FOR MY RIDING STYLE I OFFERED TO PAY THE DIFFERENCE IN FRAME COST JUST TO GET THE EXTRA TRAVEL. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE DID NOT THINK THAT WOULD BE A PROBLEM AND HE WOULD TALK TO THE SCHWINN REP. THE SCHWINN REP TOLD HIM THAT HE ONLY HAD 3 STRAIGHT 6 FRAMES IN STOCK AT THE WAREHOUSE IN TEXAS AND WANTED TO SAVE THEM FOR STAIGHT 6 WARENTEES AND THAT MAYBEE THE NEXT TIME I BROKE THE 4 BANGER FRAME THEY WOULD HAVE MORE AVAILABLE AND WOULD WARENRTEE IT FOR THE 6 AT THAT TIME. WHAT BULL CRAP A GOOD BIKE COMPANY SHOULD NOT GIVE YOU A NEXT TIME TO BREAK A FRAME AND POSSIBLY INJURE YOURSELF WHAT TOTAL CRAP. THE BIKE HANDLES WELL IS A LITTLE HEAVY FOR XC GEEKS AND CAN HANDLE LIGHT JUMPING AND LIGHT FREERIDING BUT IF YOUR'E ANYTHING LIKE ME YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING LIGHT. GOOD BIKE GOOD DESIGN AND ONE HELL OF A CRAPPY COMPANY MANUFACTURING THEM. THE 4 BANGER FRAME THAT I AM CURENTLY BREAKING IS PAINTED ALL BLACK SO AS TO NOT ADVERTISE FOR A COMPANY THAT CAN'T GIVE ME ANY TECHNICAL SUPPORT. IF YOUR'E NOT WORRIED ABOUT BREAKING THE BIKE I WOULD RECOMEND IT BUT IF YOUR'E LIKE ME DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT DOWN WITH SCHWINN, DOWN WITH SCHWINN I DON'T SUPPORT THEM AND IF ANYONE ASKS ME ABOUT THEM I'LL TELL EM THEY SUCK AND CAN OFFER YOU NO SUPPORT EVEN IF IT IS YOUR'E SECOND SCHWINN PURCHASE. DON'T BUY A SCHWINN IS THE BEST ADVICE I CAN OFFER YOU.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Burke
a Weekend Warrior
from Pacific Grove, California Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pebble Beach fire roads:White Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
-sturdy frame -carbon fiber swinger -hayse hydrolic disc brakes -shimano and titec components and parts -9 gears -5 sealed pivot points -great paint job -great downhill ride -great street ride -crowd pleaser
rough, tough, heavy set bouncer that asks to be pushed to the limits while flying down mountains, off montains, and just about anything man made
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernhard Eigen
a
from Germany Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mezzocorona
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
- there is a longtravel-option available from Stratos (5.75") - easy service - all bearings can be replaced without problem - good work - all parts fit without problem. Nothing has to be bent to assemble.
Weaknesses:
- all bearings had to be replaced after a muddy winter - it would work better with an through-axle at the back, it already bent some skewers and hubs - the European distributor has been closed and no replacement parts are availble. I can't get an replacement for the derailleur-hanger.
Bike Setup:
Swaped to the fork to a Rond Quake CP 110
Bottom Line:
- UPDATE - This is an addition for my review before.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernhard
a Cross Country Rider
from Weissach im Tal Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mezzocorona
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
's bike inn
Strengths:
Perfect floating bike. The ride is very smooth. Nice design and cool technology (carbon, magnesia, aluminium cast). The damper is protected, fair tyre clearance.
Weaknesses:
Pedal-bobbing on small gears; the back is lifted when the rear brake is used hard; the front-frame is not very stiff; difficult to set up. Crap parts: Cane Creek headset; heavy seatpost; heavy wheelset. The travel of the Sid XC does not match the back - goin to mount a Marzocci.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain The Edge; Cannondale SuperV; Raven II; Intense Tracer; Votec C9; Trek Y
It's a fun-bike. It's not strong enough for fr and too heavy for xc, but gets better the harder you ride. You have to keep the wheels turning. The traction with new tires is marvelous - climbing and cornering is real fun. The rear hayes-brake is loosing its "point" from time to time. With the Delux-damper you get more travel because of the longer stroke. It's a bit heavy and the damping is tricky to adjust. It's stock in Germany - as the SID XC at the front. It's a good air-fork, but has not enough travel and need regular maintenance for good performance. Let's see if the strait 6 has the same frame, but only more travel because of the Fox Vanilla damper!!! Wishes for the future: -stiffer front triangle (or whatever) -better components -better suport (manuals, webpage) -5" front & rear (e. g. Marzocci RAC + Fox Vanilla) -190mm rotor for Hayes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from CANADA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brunet Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
mtbr marketplace (from some guy in Texas)
Strengths:
THIS BIKE RULES!! fork, rear shock, brakes, componentry, this bike is amazing all around!
Weaknesses:
nothing yet
Similar Products Used:
kona manomano, norco xcs 1, intense uzzi dh
Bike Setup:
sid 100, sid dual air, hayes hydraulic discs, xtr/xt components, mavic x223 disc wheels, titec stem, bar, seat, and post.
Bottom Line:
this is the most versitle bike ever! Drop offs, hill climbs, downhills, technical trails, single track.... anything!!!! I got my kona manomano stolen from my garage and I am actually glad it happened so I could buy this sick rig with insurance money! FIVE FLAMIN' CHILIS ALL AROUND!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry
a Weekend Warrior
from Yosemite Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
What a killer bike! I just got mine and so far it kicks ass over my old bike, an OCLV Y bike. Hayes brakes are awesome stoppers after a short break in period. It climbs well, even without a lock out and is wicked fast on the descents.
Weaknesses:
As others have mentioned, the tires suck, so did the seat(replaced it with my old one). The only other thing I don't like about the bike is how the rear end jacks up under braking. It's too bad Schwinn didn't go with a floating caliper like they use on their longer travel versions. Supposedly, Razor Rock racing is working on a floating caliper kit which includes a 20mm rear axled hub, but I know I won't be able to afford it!
Similar Products Used:
Y bike, I've also rode recently: Cannondale Jekyll, Santa Cruz Heckler, Outland VPP5, and some Manitou bike I can't remember the name of.
Bike Setup:
All stock except for a King headset and a Serfas saddle.
Bottom Line:
The only drawback of this bike is the brake jack, but that isn't even that bad. I just saw Schwinn's 2001 catalog and there is no 4 Banger for next year, only the Straight 6 and Straight 8, so get one quick. I'll light 5 red chili farts for value and 4 for overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul S
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tyler Mill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great travel, awesome breaks, climbs great, and looks sweet
SID XC, Fire XC pros, Rolf dolomite disc wheels, selle saddle, Hellbent XC riser, thompson seatpost
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike. Mine weights in at about 25.5 lbs. Which is very respectable for a dual disc long travel bike. The rear suspension is awesome...the travel is almost perfectly vertical, and there is VERY little bobbing on climbs. Overall I am very impressed by it's performance, although I think it's a tad too big for me. I currently have the 19", and I'm sure the 17" would be the better size for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
section 16
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Price, Components, Quality of travel, Adjustability, Durability
Weaknesses:
Tires, Frame flex
Similar Products Used:
U name it
Bike Setup:
Stock, except tires and 747 pedals
Bottom Line:
I really love this bike. It climbs very well and doesn't weight that much. Yet, it still decends fairly well. I have 2 complants though... the frame has too much flex and the stock tires suck. I imagine its a trade off to have a 28 lbs bike with 4" for a small lack of stiffness in the rear end. The quality components on this bike blow the weaknesses away. This bike is a great all around bike. The brakes work well (not as well as hope's), the compontents are choice and the handeling is awsome for all around riding. This bike is a great deal overall. Minus one chili for the flex.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Niels Christian Nielsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Trondheim, Norway Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bymarka
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Suspension, Brakes, component mix and looks. It flies on downhills but can still climb.
Weaknesses:
Paint and assembly from Schwinns factory. Sid100`s won`t let you mount T.H.E fenders on it.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized A1M PRO + Cannondale m1000 and Kona Kula hardtails
Bike Setup:
Stock, except from Easton Monkey lite high-riser carbonbar and Syncros 120mm 25 degree stem.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike unseen. As only 5 of them came to Norway I had to order mine before I could test ride it. When it finally arrived the first thing that struk me was that it was to small (it`s a 17") for my 5`9" frame. But after changing the stem and adjusting the seatpost it now fits me like a glove. Then I had problems with the fork bottoming out before full travel because of the bolt which goes trough the brakearch holding the brakeline was too long so that it hit the crown. I turned the bolt around so that the bolt faces forward and everything`s fine. The bike came without shockpump or shockmanuals. (it arrived with a Judy-manual) I think this should have been supplied with the bike, even it the price would have gone up a few dollars. So with the bike fully adjusted I hit the trails and I have not stopped smiling since. This Bike Is great fun!!! I can finally keep up with my more experianced ridingbuddies. This bike lets you do a lot of mistakes without it throwing you off. The suspension, when adjusted correctly for your riding style, soaks up almost everything you put in it`s way. It`s no XC racer , but that wasn`t what I was looking fore. Though an expensive bike here in Norway, 3500 US dollars, it`s worth every cent. This bike has made me a very happy mountain biker!!!!!
P.S.If your in or going to Trondheim , Norway send me an e-mail and I`ll show you our trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Ellicott City Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco St. Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
All of the components compliment the frame very well - no need to replace any of the major stock components. Provides an unbelievably smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
The stock chain was toasted after 6 or so rides. I replaced the chain with a sram - snapped it at the magic-link within 2 weeks - threw the magic-link away (like I had a choice)and replaced it with a extra non-magic link. Chain problems now appear to be history.
The michelin tires are not meant to go through the mud but are satisfactory for dryer terrain. The brake hose clips under the main tube are weak - broke one and then replaced both with cable ties - you would think with all the other evident quality put in the bike that schwinn wouldn't cheap out with a part that probably costs 50 cents. I'm probably going to try and drill out the guide that holds the clips and pass the brake hose through it - looks like it should fit - and it will look better than the clips (and cable ties). The air shock manuals blow but I guess that is a Rock Shox problem.
Similar Products Used:
None - First full suspension
Bike Setup:
Stock except replaced rear der. with XTR rapid rise
Bottom Line:
If you want to see if something can break - I'm your guy. I'm a fairly large rider (195lbs.) with not enough respect for speed, bruises, cuts, skin loss, or rough terrain. I have tried my best to break my 4-banger with an assortment of endos, wheelie mishaps, rock anvils, and high speed abuse through rock gardens. I can't seem to break anything that would concern someone looking to buy a 4 banger except for the brake line guide. I trashed the rear der. after 2 weeks of riding when it was nailed by a rolling rock (not a beer) kicked loose by the rider in front of me. No design flaw just pure abuse.
The first time I rode the bike I had to look back to confirm that I did ride over a curb - never felt the drop. The ride can be adjusted from very plush to firm as the rear shock can be adjusted upto 300psi. I prefer to have the rear shock adjusted to 5-10 lbs higher than my body weight which minimizes bobbing during climbs and bottoming out when I'm in abuse mode. The fork rebound is not very adjustable but it seems to be more controllable by air pressure than turning the adjustment knob. Regardless of the adjustment knob, it is a comfortable fork that provides a smooth comfortable ride.
Don't let the fear of climbs prevent you from buying this bike. The 27 gears have a wide range and you should be able climb anything you can with your hardtail with little loss of time. I climb much better with this bike than my old hardtail.
The bike is just an amazing experience going downhill. The bike can handle high speed bombing with no brakes on loose rocky downhills if you can get over the fears you developed from riding hardtails down the same trails. The bike handles downhill turns with ease if you have the guts to lean in and hang on. When you do get going too fast to make a downhill turn you always have the hayes brakes to slow you down. You'll have no legitimate excuses if you get beat to the bottom by a hardtail. The bike also jumps great and lands so smooth you'll never know you left the ground.
The 4 banger is an exceptional bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: May 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hokey-ka-dodo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Quality of Travel. Weight to Travel Ratio. Great Parts Mix. THE most versatile bike I've owned! Good Climber, Good Descender. 28.5 lbs complete!
Weaknesses:
Narrow OEM Mavic Rims..they need another 2-4mm width. Stock Michelin Tires were the first thing to go up here in the mud....They packed up instantly... Swapped to Tioga XC 1.95's. Sid's lack the adjustment of competing brands, but take the cake in weight savings...Crappy instruction manuals that come from Rock Shox. Where's the technical section...fork oil changin', etc...A little bottoming out with the sid front, but I'm pushing 200, so nothing new...
Similar Products Used:
Proflex 857 (used for 3 years) Tryed out Kona Stinky (fun!, but a little to heavy for my usage), K2 Razorback RS (light, but not enough travel.)Tried the FSR's (didn't want to follow the crowd with every other bike being an FSR now!)
Bike Setup:
Stock....exept for EA70 post, Newton stem, Monkey Lite Bar, Control tech stumpy stix (these really helped in keeping my hands on the bar....without going "full-geek" with the full bar-ends on the riser.
Bottom Line:
Pretty friggen great bike. the price was right, the parts were right, weight respectable. I'd love to get the travel of the Kona Stinky with the same weight, but for now that's impossible in today's bikes. This is a true "fun" bike, forget that freeride name. Buy this bike if 3ft. wheelie drops are the max, you like All day epics or 10-15 mile technical rides. This bike is not needed for buff single track unless you need the comfort or are airing the bike out a lot. Smaller size makes a nice Dual Slalom rig. The bike climbs great, accelerated beautifully, and descends with authority. Loose the stock tires if you like the mud. The stock stumpy stem was a little too short. I'll write another review after a season of the NOrhtwests finest mud....
Cheers..
jo
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robb
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, Utah. USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Super plush, Great brakes, Eats bumps like they're nothing, fairly lightweight considering what you've got (disk brakes,long travel etc..) Killer to downhill on but still climbs well.
Weaknesses:
Have had a bit of trouble getting rid of brake squeal (only on the rear for some reason). The stem on the bike could be a bit longer to allow for better control up front on climbs. Saddle hurts my a@@.
Similar Products Used:
First full suspension bike. Specialized M2 was a great bike but probably wont see much use now. This thing is just to much FUN!
Bike Setup:
Stock. Michelin tires, Hayes Hydraulic disks, lx/xt/xtr mix Ritchey TI pedals.
Bottom Line:
Like a previous reviewer I also found extra nipples inside my wheel cavity. What a strange place to put spares! But overall I am thrilled with the bike. My boss and my wife hate it though!! Ha Ha. It is so much fun for just all around cruising bumps and landings are SOOOOO smooth. Climbing is not as bad as I had expected from what I had heard of full suspension. Its also a damn good lookin machine. I would have to give it a 5 for all around and a 4 I would definitely recommend this bike for anyone looking for a great all around ride. Even a sometimes racer that cant afford two bikes would probably be OK with this rig you may not be first to the top but you will rarely get beat going down!! Anyone who has some good tips on stopping brake squeal on Hayes Hydros' feel free to e-mail me at rocknbike1@aol.com Ride On!
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington Illinois Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Plank Trail @ Jubilee Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stealth like quietness.Absorbs the bumps really well. Climbs like a rocket. Brakes are the most awsome,Hayes Hydrolics.
Weaknesses:
Rear Sid wouldn't hold air in the lower negative chamber,was replaced imediatly. Other than that, haven't found any weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
1996 GT LTS 1
Bike Setup:
I run 180 # in the rear and 75# in the front shock. Bike is real easy to tune to your likeness.
Bottom Line:
I did't know weather to buy the bike or not because my GT was still an awesome bike.I am sure glad I did. I love this thing.It climbs awesome and handles great.This is a great bike stock and really doesn't need any upgrades to ride the most technical to radical trails that you can find.I do a lot of riding and take an annual trip to Colorado.I can't wait to see what this thing can do out there this year. My only dilema is what do I do with my GT? The 4Banger also has the best brakes in the buisness-Hayes Hydolics. If you haven't ever used these, you have to try them, but be careful, you will get hooked on them real quick.
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Submitted by
stephen stickel
a Cross Country Rider
from austin, tx Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
champions
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good value. Very plush. Good handling. Great brakes and pedalling.
Weaknesses:
Some flex. questionable wheel build. cheap chain. Michelins aweful in dry dirt
Similar Products Used:
stinky
Bike Setup:
120 7deg stem. 2.25 geax sedonas
Bottom Line:
I really like the bike a lot for general use. Surprised at the good handling at all speeds. Easy to carry a lot of speed through fairly technical singletrack. Very plush suspension. Can stay seated and pedalling through some pretty nasty rock gardens. Good pedalling efficiency and traction, but the frame could be lighter. Notice some flex when crossing ledges diagonally or bombing loose, rocky downhills. The frame seems tight, so I question the wheels. Bike uses small guage spokes and alloy nipples, but may need stronger stuff. The rims are also very narrow and do not provide a stable platform for large tires (which I recommend.) Both wheels came with extra nipples trapped in the rim cavity, lost during machine build. Keep an eye on the rear caliper mounting bolts. Probably not a good bike for hard core north-shorers, but more livable and versatile than those bikes. Schwinn has made real changes to improve durability of the 2000 4 Bangers (fingers crossed) Great bike for 2 foot drops, all-day exploration, and goofing around. Not for 6 foot drops, National downhill or XC racers, or weight weenies. If you're realistic about your riding, you may want to consider it. (I have a light hardtail, too for those days when I need to keep up with the racer boys)
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