Stock XT & XTR, DS-2 Wheels, Sid rear shock & Duke front shock.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike used 3 years ago and have ridden the wheels off of it. It's light weight really allows you to flick it around when necessary. Have had to replace a few worn items but this bike has really taken me to some fantastic rides across this country. Last winter I stripped it and powder coated the frame. I machined a new bottom bushing, replaced all the pivot point sealed bearings and replaced a few worn components. I have finished putting it back together and am blazing the trails again. I absolutely love how this bike handles. I also have an Ellsworth Joker that I ride quite often when I know the trials are much more technical but I would not hesitate to take this bike anywhere. My son rides it sometimes and he weighs 215 lbs. He's an Ex- Motocross racer and he really pounds this bike hard. This bike will deliver and is very reliable. You just need to maintain it properly and perform routine maintenance regularly. I doubt I will ever sell this bike...just rebuild it as it wears out. I highly recommend this bike to serious XC riders and weekend warriors that like to tackle technical single track.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris B
a
from Richmond,VA Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Powhite
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Lbs
Strengths:
This is a follow up to my review almost a year ago. I still very much like the Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage one. The suspension design and frame are just plain awesome. I still like the orange paint job which has held up well. This bike loves to climb and does so very well with great hook up and power transfer. It is also a pleasure going downhill. The Suspension soaks up big and small stuff very well. My bike is still a joy to ride. I've put close to 800 miles on it- I'm shooting for 1000 this year.
Weaknesses:
My biggest complaint is chain slap on the chain stays (and the seat stays for that matter). This is a design problem for sure. The rear triangle pivots around the BB which is a great design to eliminate pedal bob- BUT in doing this they forgot or over looked the chain stays are almost in the chain line. This problem is severe, especially in the smallest chain ring. I ride 90% of the time in the middle ring and still have a ton of chain slap. I only use the smallest ring for killer climbs of doom so it’s not so much a problem. I did have to fashion an industrial strength chain stay protector: two layers of inner tube wrapped tight, then a lizard skin type protector on top. I see that I'll have to wrap my seat stay as well. Now that I have protected the stays I have no other weakness for the bike specifically just that pacific bought Schwinn and Its darn near impossible to get any replacement parts Derailleur hangers and pivot bushings and such. I am waiting almost two months now for a replacement for derailleur hanger.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky mountain fanatic - middle of the road entry level f/s bike. Cannondale hardtail
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z2 Atom Race up front (love it). Titec stem and Flat Tracker bar. Chris King h/s. XTR and XT hubs paired with Sun 0 Degree rims (great). Thomson post. Brooks B-17 saddle (incredible). SRAM 9.0 shifters and drive train. Cane Creek AD-12 rear shock (very good).
Bottom Line:
After I fixed the chain slap issue I can really enjoy my ride. I would recommend this for XC single track lovers who want a Full suspension rig. This bike carves the turns and loves to go over big log piles and stunts. Not for huge hucking drops (7-10 feet) but it doesn't weigh a ton like a free ride bike either. But it still likes to do some drops (3-5') and handles them well. I love the way this bike climbs and descends. If you can find one that has the plastic pivot bushing by all means get it. a great XC bike. My rating is 4 outa 5 I took one away for chain slap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevan McCallum Jr
a Racer
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Action Cycle
Strengths:
This is a very light bike with descent components out of the box. Holds up very well to major abuse. You will need to upgrade some of the components as time goes on.
Weaknesses:
The rims are a little weak, but I am also 210 lbs and love to jump. I was trueing the rims after every ride. Other than that, nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn S-10 Full Supsension
Bike Setup:
XT Crank and most other parts were middle of the road.
Bottom Line:
If you are are lighter rider, the rims will not be a problem. This is definitely the best bike I have owned to date, I am a pure Schwinn guy so that is all I have owned. I hope the company does not fall by the way side. The bike is very solid, the Rear Suspension is Awesome and smooth, the front suspension is a bit on the heavy side....but what is an extra pound ;-) anyway. Since owning it, I have upgraded the Deraillers, Rear Sprocket, and Rims to all XT/Mavic. I would recomend this bike to everyone. Feel free to e-mail me for rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Weight, suspension design, buttery smooth.
Weaknesses:
Schwinn...the name is becoming the biggest weakness. Also the bushing issue, however once replaced this becomes a "non-issue"
Similar Products Used:
Idrive, Trek STP
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for the money. Fantastic singletrack beast. Sweet sweet geometry. The rear both looks cool (unique design) and more importantly rides FANTASTICALLY!!!
This bike has gotten a bad rap, I'm here to set the record straight. It's a great bike once the bushing is fixed (warrantied).
Krate Orange color is fantastic. I like simple straight paint jobs. This fits the bill.
I've ridden alot of suspension designs. I really like the Idrive, but I love the Rocket's ride even more.
If you can find one used with the bushing issue fixed---buy it up. You won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Gaebler
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
much of Utah
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$920.00
Purchased At:
Local outdoor shop
Strengths:
Light weight, nimble handling, quality components where it counts, excellent rear linkage allows for near-neutral pedal bobbing on the drivetrain
Weaknesses:
As with most off the shelf bikes, several components are spec'd to save money rather than deliver optimal performance, but this is a minor issue on this bike ( and should be, considering the retail price!)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale 2000SL, GT I Drive 2.0, various hardtails
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for lighter and narrower handlebars, Wellgo BOX pedals (nice for rugged XC), carbon seatpost, and a Bontrager seat I prefer over the hard-ish SDG stock seat.
Bottom Line:
The Rocket 88 stage 1 is a wonderful XC machine built for efficient speed in most terrain except mud, owing to the original bottom bracket bushing design that looks vulnerable to grit contamination. In the dry climate of Utah, the Rocket is in its element. I have had no trouble at all, even though I am 6 foot, 190 pounds and am not built like the prototypical wiry biker. ( I ski and hike more than I bike). The SID air shocks are marvels which, once set up, perform to perfection and do not leak at all, even over a period of months. The XT/XTR drivetrain has been superlative, as has been the Avid Magnesium brakes, and I love the sturdy but superlight Hugi hubs and Mavic wheels. This bike can be made to weigh a mere 24.5 pounds by changing only a few components, especially the heavy and wide Titec handlebars and seatpost. The bike is not built for serious jumping; then again, neither am I! If you like distance riding and lots of scenery, then the Rocket 88 stage 1 is for you, if you can locate one at this late date. I was able to buy one for 920$ new at a local shop as a clearance par excellence, and Scwinns are still abundant on Ebay. Good luck! PS: as with any high-tech product, it pays to understand the design. Several reviews of this bike seem to have unwarranted difficulties created by mismatched bike and conditions, or unwitting abuse. I am a mechanic and I suggest that if you buy a full-suspension bike, you first undertake some mechanical training to upgrade your ability to enjoy and maintain such a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Middle Peak/Anderson Truck Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
MTBR.com
Strengths:
Durable, lightweight, great suspension.
Weaknesses:
ghost shifting, weight of front fork......Avid brakes
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR-XC, Trek Fuel, Fisher Sugar 1,
Bike Setup:
Cane Creek WAM Crono-Ti wheels, Syncros stem, Cane Creek C-2 headset, Raceface Turbine Crankset, FSA Ti BB, IRC Mythos tires, Easton Monkey Lite carbon riser bars, Xtr rear derailer, XT shifters/brakelevers, Avid brakes, Ritchey Pedals, Rockshox Psylo XC fork, Rockshox SID rear.... that pretty much sums it up...
Bottom Line:
Overall the bike rides fantastic. It is very light and the suspension works great. There is very little bobbing that I can find with the bike except when I am in a big gear trying to muscle the bike uphill. The suspension design is great. It only has about 3" of rear suspension but it feels more like 4-4 1/2" when motoring downhill. The bike is still very light (no thanks to the Psylo fork) yet can handle the abuse that I have tortured it with. I love the feel of the Psylo fork and the adjustable travel but the weight penalty is a bit of a steep price to pay. I really cant say enough about the wheels. I would buy these Cane Creek WAM Crono Ti again in a secong. They are light, spin great and are NEVER out of true. (Unless of course you break a spoke and then you had better have a spare since your wheel is now unrideable.) I will be changing out the Avid 2.5 brakeset for an XTR set this year. These Avid brakes are absolutely weak. I live in San Diego and there is no reason to have disc brakes on a XC bike in this town. Overall the bike has been a gem There have been a couple of occasional problems with ghost shifting (though I think that I have worked those out). I will be looking to trade out the front fork for something about 1lb lighter singe these Psylo forks are just too heavy. (maybe a Duke). I also must say that the Mythos tires have been great for the terrain that I ride. I have had very few flats and they have tracked great since the day I bought them. If you are thinking about buying a Schwinn Rocket 88 be confidant that you are buying a quality bike. It did take a pittle while to work out some of the initial bugs with the shifting and the rear suspension linkage but once those had been worked out this bike has outperformed any of the bikes that my friends have. I am 5'8" and a solid 170lbs and I rid a 17" bike that has taken more than it's share of abuse. Ifeel that with decent componentry you will be on a fantastic bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris B
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Buttermilk
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
From bike mech at a LBS
Strengths:
I like this bike. It is nice and light! Really like the components. Not so sure about the wheels though-The guy I bought it off of switched them out to some older Mavic 238. Wich are fine but still older. I like the feel of the rear suspension -nice and stiff, but it soaks up any bumps you give it. Noticeable improvement in my riding style!
Weaknesses:
I have heard all about the pivot and bushing problems- but since I bought this bike from the bike Mechanic at a Local Bike Shop he had already switched out the metal bushings for the nice and slick ones- plus he gave me a another bushing repair kit for free to go with it if needed. But no problems yet. It does rub chain a bit on the chain stay if you put it in the small front chain ring then the big granny in the back then hit some huge drops. Not to bad but I will have to cover that with some plastic.
Similar Products Used:
I have an older(4-5 years old) Cannondale Hardtail That I love but actually seems heavy since I got this nice Schwinn.
Bike Setup:
I have mostly XT but just switched out the rear deraileur and shifter to SRAM ESP 9.0 and Half pipes 9.0 I love em!I also put in a Cane Creek AD -12 rear shock which is just plain awesome!
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike! It handles very well! Very responsive. It loves all the tight switch backs and sigle track here on the east coast. Haven't had any trouble with mud or wet conditions. I seems to glide right over huge logs and obstacles. This is my first Full suspension bike and I just love it! I have put about 100 - 200 miles on it. I might just have to sell my hard tail! Nice and light weight, this bike has made me a better rider. It climbs very well which is why I liked my hard tail for so long but this climbs like a goat. I really love it because I got it for such a steal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson,AZ Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
50 Year Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
mtbr.com
Strengths:
Overall good component group. Solid construction.
Weaknesses:
Make sure you get the "improved" rear pivot bushing that Schwinn had to change out due to problems with the original.
Bike Setup:
Stock except 135 mm Titec Ti stem and replaced the SID with a Marzocchi Z2 Atom 80.
Bottom Line:
A lot of bike for the money and with the Schwinn situation still up in the air the new 2001 can be had at large discounts. I had a Schwinn Homegrown Pro prior to the Stage 1. I miss the advantages of the hardtails but enjoy the added comfort.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Middle Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
MTBR.com
Strengths:
Lightweight, responsive, great geometry, handling, components, great all around bike
Weaknesses:
pivot areas....
Similar Products Used:
Scott Comp Racing HT, Trek 930, Specialized FSR-XC, Trek 700HT, Schwinn S-10
Bike Setup:
Cane Creek Crono wheels, Psylo, Raceface Crankset, FSA BB, Sid rear, Monkey lite riser, XT/XTR drivetrain... the usual stuff....
Bottom Line:
Well, at first the bike had a few flaws. Initially I had purchased the bike off of MTBR and found some small issues with the pivot area of the bike. I was told that it had been upgraded from the bushings to the bearing pivots.. this was true except the person who had put the bike back together didn't bother to put back in two washers that were holding one of the main pivot areas of the rear triangle. I noticed a ton of slop in the rear end of the bike when I was out of the seat pedaling and when I was in really hairy decents. I initially had to make some custom washers to try to alleviate the problems. Finally I had a Schwinn dealer install the correct new bushings which I could not duplicate. Once that issue was solved the bike has been fantastic. It has made me a much better rider and I now have a much better appreciation for the sport. I have been mainly a HT rider and now have seen the light. I have ridden a FSR-XC on occasion but noticed that the geometry was not correct for me. Now that I have the Rocket-88... Well, let's just say that EVERYTHING about my riding has changed for the better. It is a fantastic bike and has been an absolute joy to own. Once the pivot problem was worked out I had no problems with the bike at all. It climbs great and decends wonderfully (now that I have taken the painstaking steps to dial in the rear SID shock). The bike weighs in at a very respectable 25.6lbs and can take some pretty tough abuse. I would suggest it to anyone...... If you really don't like to tinker with your bike maybe you should bike a Trek Fuel or a Specialized.... But if you don't mind a little bit of grease underneath your fingernails, well then this bike is just for you... I would give it a higher overall rating but it needs a few months to break in so that I can give it a more complete review...... I'll see you in October with a new review....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andy
a Cross Country Rider
from richmond, vermont Date Reviewed: May 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
my state is my trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
a bike shop
Strengths:
this bike made me a better rider , this bike is made to ride in the mud , i blow every one away when going through mud when i peddle the rear wheel pushes into the ground
Weaknesses:
the wheels suck , the tires suck, 9speed sucks , and the breaks suck
Similar Products Used:
FSR , DBR , i-drive(gt just plain sucks) moab
Bike Setup:
LX 100% DH 2.35 rear 2.1 front tire
Bottom Line:
i have a stage four 2001 it has sealed berring in the pivot points mud does not get into this bike , i killed an i-drive in 2 hours in the mud , the fsr lasted me one week before the mud killed it , i rode this bike in the snow , in mud , 5 foot drop offs i have had no problems with the frame afer 4 months of abuse every one should have one , buy a frame and biuld it your self
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Rigdon
a Racer
from Houston, TX,USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Westside Schwinn
Strengths:
Climbs and corners well. I have never rode a full suspension that climbs as well as this bike. It almost rivals my hard tail in climbing. This bike is also very light weight
Weaknesses:
Wimpy wheel set. I broke spokes about every other ride and I only weigh about 158lbs. I replaced the wheelset with some cross links. Shimano 9 speed drive train sucks but that's not Schwinns falt. It does not work as well as the 8 speed. If I bust this derailer I will go to a SCRAM.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8300, 8500 hard tail MTB and Gary Fisher Joshua
Bike Setup:
I run a straight bar not the riser that comes on the bike, Continental Explorer Pros and a Mavic Cross Link Wheelset. The bike is all 100% XTR I removed all the XT.
Bottom Line:
I have used this bike in five races so far and it has held up. The bike climbs great for a full suspension and corners well. I have heard some bad things about the 2000 models but I have had no problem with my 2001. It took a lot to sale me on a full suspension because I love hard tails but this bike rocks.
The only thing I would change is the whimpy road bike spokes that Tioga put on their wheelset. These wheels would never make it through a race.
Value was great since I am on their team I paid the bike shop's cost so I cant complain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Phx, AZ Date Reviewed: March 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Elden Loop, Pemberton
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1599.00
Purchased At:
Valley Cyclery
Strengths:
This is an early review. Just got the bike. Efficient and smooth performer. Good climber and descender.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Sugar, FSR, GT-I Drives, Klein Mantra, DBR
Bike Setup:
Stock, but very nicely equipped.
Bottom Line:
Bought the bike because of the VALUE. Really like the way it performs going down hill on medium sized riverbed rock. Very stable and not twitchy. No tendency to pitch over the bars. Would recommend for the weekend rider who wants an efficient ride with good suspension for soaking up large hits. Not quite as stiff as the Sugar and other bikes with similar technology.
Can't give it 5 chilis overall yet until I ride it some more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Shreve
a Weekend Warrior
from West Palm Beach, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
K-mark (RIP), razorback
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Light, sweet, looks and rides smooth. Did I say light already? Bang for the buck. The schweet color. Why Schwinn changed the color to black for 01 is beyond me.
Schwinn Customer Service. Be very nice. This was my second try and everything went smoothly.
Weaknesses:
BB pivot needs alot of TLC to work smooth. Feels like a hardtail after a riding wet/muddy trails for a weekend (if neglected)
You have to dissasemble, clean, lube, (reassemble) the pivot after a weekend of wet or otherwise nasty terrain to keep the pivot smooth. This is my first FS so I dont know if this is common.
Customer service: only if you get nasty with them. I tried this approach first. Got nothing.
Similar Products Used:
First FS
Bike Setup:
CT2 bars and seatpost, selle italia flite,xt hubs on mavic. bontrager tires, bontrager stem...
Bottom Line:
After my BB pivot wore out a couple of times, I called Schwinn to get the 2001 frame. I got the revised 00 front triangle with the replaceable BB pivot-"insert", and it works fine. I also had them throw in a spare pivot linkage (l/r) and a spare BB pivot "insert". No complaints about the MAJOR complaints about the new setup. If it starts to be a hassle, I'll opt for the 01 frame.
I have had no problems with the shifting. If the pivot squeaks, then clean and grease it.
If periodic maintenance and TLC is a plasure, then you wont have any problems. If you like to ride your bike into the ground or neglect it, dont bother.
2 flammin chilies because of the hassle, and 4 flaming chilies because everthing worked out to my satisfaction as of now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Z
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Strengths:
lightweight; great grupo for the $$
Weaknesses:
phantom shifting couldn't be remedied with three re-cablings (my first XTR set-up - I thought XTR should be perfect, since my prior experiences with XT were that it was near flawless - of course this is Mert Lawwill's fault, not Shimano's); Hugi rear hub went out twice
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Schwinn gave me my $$ back after one polite e-mail to customer service (it did take three weeks to get a response). Now I am waiting for a Fuel 100 or 98, but after such a miserable experience with my first softail, my old hardtail is feeling nice!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jerome wadkins
a Cross Country Rider
from morgantown Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tea Creek (Mon Forest Wva)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Feels great on the trail, looks cool, super on downhills, four bar linkage is great
Weaknesses:
THIS BIKE WILL FALL APART!!! WARNING_ IF YOU HAVE THIS BIKE ROUTINELY CHECK YOUR LOW PIVOT!--- the bushings are terribley flawed! After aboput 20-30 hours of riding they will need replaced, and they will never be the same as when they were new, metal on metal at a pivot point does not work!!!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR's (enduros and m2/m4 models), Kona's, trek Vrx's(poo),santa cruz (heckler,sl,bullet),Ellsworth Truth
Bottom Line:
Do they guys at schwinn test their products? This design takes no time to abuse into an unusable state. poor r+d- I have personnally destroyed three of these bikes -- from new! not rebuilds- be friendly to your local dealer- maybe they will get you a new one-----pieces of coke cans work well for shims when it gets too rooted out that the bushings won;t snug up when you replace them. I think schwinn should replace their 2000's with new 2001's for everyone- if you spend that much money on a bike it should work for a while- Nothing against Schwinn- this design just plain sux I wi;ll say however as far as I can tell the 2001 models are excellent- good recovery guys........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Brinker
a Racer
from Wilmington, NC Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Creedmore
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1505.00
Purchased At:
new from SD bikeshop
Strengths:
Light weight full suspension bike. Looks burly. Air shock and air fork allows setup flexibility. Very reliable thusfar.
Weaknesses:
Light weight means it is a bit dainty, had to replace shift cable after 2 months, rear straight-pull spokes have come loose a few times. 9-speed requires some fiddling.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized
Bike Setup:
Bone-stock
Bottom Line:
I am a bit biased towards Schwinn, growing up in Chicago and riding them since I was 6, but as long as this bike holds up, it's my favorite bicycle ever (and I've worn out several bikes thru the years). I've ridden and raced it 125-150 miles and it has been competitive and reliable (I weigh 180lbs). Increasing the air pressure even produced a capable cyclo-cross bike. Per the comments, I changed to stainless bolts and torqued all the pivot bolts to 80inlb, with locktite...so far so good. Overall an excellent bike for a bargain-basement price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Chapel Hill NC Date Reviewed: January 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Amazingly fast and great handling in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
if i ever find one, i will tell ya'
Similar Products Used:
nothing compares!
Bike Setup:
Stock, except an easton CT2 bar and time Atac world champ. clickers.
Bottom Line:
First off, bottem line, Schwinn rocks. You just dont go out and buy a Schwinn and ride it once a week and not apresiate its quality. There is somthing in the sole of this bike that just makes it flat out rock. i have had some problems with the bolts getting lose at first, loc tight helped me out on that one. also, if you people just backed off on schwinn for a little while, im sure they would be glad to give you a '01 frame, they are infact very nice, untill you piss em off (but arnt we all like that?) bottom line. the schwinn rocket 88 stage one rocks, no matter which model year you have '00 or '01.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
geoff
a
from albuquerque nm ysa Date Reviewed: December 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2299.00
Strengths:
Light, Simple well speced
Weaknesses:
Some have complained of pivor issue. I have seen nothing worse than problems on G Fisher Sugars or FSR from Specialized. Light weight bikes just can't be ass stuff or durable as heavier stuff. Like the idea of all bearings for 2001
Similar Products Used:
FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock except for saddle, time pedals
Bottom Line:
Very nice ride, I am very easy on bikes so I have experienced none of the problems others have discussed. Bike pedals very very wheel and handles the best of any bike I have seen. Like the design of the 2001 bike with more standover clearance and the tweaked lower pivot.
My upgrade to that bike. Would also prefer the fox rear shock.
Great all around bike. I wonder how hard others ride thier rockets to have had the problems I read in this listing. You just cant ride any of these light weight xc bikes like a DH bike. I have seen everyone of them with a weak spot
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cazy
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynchburg, VA Date Reviewed: December 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hartman's Rock Gunnison CO.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2199.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Unlimited
Strengths:
Handling, component spec, no flex rear end
Weaknesses:
bushing around b.b. rear hub bearing
Similar Products Used:
trek VRX(sh*t bike), giant xtc nrs
Bike Setup:
shorter race face stem, shimano xt discs, rock shox psylo sl
Bottom Line:
Alright we all know that the linkage needed to be loctited. With that said I got mine before that was known about. I went to snowshoe in WV. totally muddy ride but I drove 4 hours to get there so i was goin to ride anyway. A week later the bushing around the bottom bracket started squealing like a pig.(VERY LOUD). schwinn sent me new bushings which did not last. Sent me more new bushings which did not last. I was a nice guy to the guy's at schwinn so now I am getting a 2001 frame. cool problem solved, no more bushing around the bb.
After this has been said the bike rode awesome. It handled tight singletrack really well. Descended great, climbing was great, no noticeable bobbing. did have to replace the housing that came on the bike because the stock housing was nowhere near as nice as shimano housing.(looked really cool though) Once that was done I had no more problems with the shifting. parts spec was nice, no need to upgrade unless you want chi-chi. I did have to replace the bearing in the hugi hub, not schwinn's fault. I also went to disc's and got new wheels anyway. with disc's the thing still weighs in at 26 pounds until I put on the psylo. I will be getting the 2001 frame next week, so i will ride that for a while and post that review also. Sorry to any other people who were unhappy, maybe if you didn't act like such a b*tch to schwinn, they would have given your money back for the frame, they did offer mine back. I decided to take the new frame instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stacy
a Cross Country Rider
from Wyoming Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000
Wheels too delicate for 180 lbs.+ Stem too long. Cable routing isn't great but who cares if a little paint gets rubbed?
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Fischer Sugar 1
Bike Setup:
Stock with shorter stem and Bontrager wheelset
Bottom Line:
This bike IS a freakin' rocket. It is my first FS and I am impressed. Not only does it significantly soften descents, but also keeps great traction on climbs. I shortened up both the bar and the stem and the thing tracks beautifully. In the last 6 months I've raced, toured, and generally beat the crap out of that bike and it is still going strong (about 2,000 miles). I made sure the pivot bolts were loctited but replaced them with the beefier bolts just to be safe. No slop, no bob, none of the problems any of the mags or other reviewers have had. Go figure. Two minor flaws; cable routing DOES rub the paint, but nothing a little duct tape won't fix. Also the bike creaks more than I would like but there are no structual problems and eveythings works fine. I guess at 195 lbs. the bike has a right to moan a little. I got a great deal on this rig and I am very pleased with it's performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
groupo
Weaknesses:
I have replaced the sloppy swingarm 6 times now
Bottom Line:
after replacing the lower swing arm at the bottom bracket 6 times the bike still rides like sh!t. schwinn is now sending me a 2001 frame although i have pleaded with them to give me my money back because there is no way in hell that i am ever going to get on a schwinn again. biggest waste of money i have ever made. i will never once ride the 2001 "garbage 88". if anyone is interested in dealing with their bike mechanic and schwinn on a bi-weekly basis then this bike is for you. SCHWINN IS CHINESE FOR 'BULLSH!T'
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Fuqua
a Cross Country Rider
from Mt Holly N.J. Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill, Maryland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Strengths:
nice equipment for the money...nice ride..when it worked!
Weaknesses:
oh, um.....let's see...blown out left side rear hub bearing(hugi knows this problem well) paint rubbing off where cable housing touches, massive slop in b/b pivot, original pivots were junk. warranty replacements were better for 6 rides, then 1/8 " slop in all directions. I work at a local shop, and I'm telling you--DO NOT BUY A 2000 YEAR MODEL SCHWINN ROCKET! I have yet to ride a 2001 yet, should be better. Schwinn sent me out a whole new front triangle, with what was supposed to be a better setup on the lower end. Well, the bike went drom moving around in all directions(pivot slop) to not moving at all (too stiff, rode like a hardtail.) I called schwinn again and they took the bike back and offered me a new one or my money back. I took the money and bought a cannondale jekyll 1000sl. smartest move i made yet.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale jekyll, raven
Bike Setup:
stock with gore cables (awesome)
Bottom Line:
A true loaf of crap. If you like to waste money, buy this bike. this WAS my third hi dollar schwinn in 3 years, loved the first 2, had to let schwinn go. broke my heart.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luca
a Cross Country Rider
from Brussels - BELGIUM Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
many....
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Il Biciaio - Merate - ITALY
Strengths:
great handling; doesn't bob; scary fast in downhill technical trails with quick turns
Weaknesses:
it's my bro's bike, so I have to be careful not chipping away the colour when I fall (and I do fall a lot)
Similar Products Used:
FSR AIM '97 with Risse rear shock
Bike Setup:
Crossmax; XTR crankset and rear der.; XT shifters and brakes; Maxxis lightweight tires; Z-fly Marzocchi;...
Bottom Line:
Not one single mechanical problem after ~ 500 km off-road, pounding the bike at any possible occasion. I found the bike so much better than my FSR AIM that I could not believe how much the bike industry has progressed in only three years. I am sorry for those that reviewed the bike so poorly. By the way, no problem with the rear derailleur. My bro owns a bike shop and takes care of the tuning of his bike (of course!). I wonder what's the problem with the bike shop reported by some guy below. Maybe they need some mechanical training before thrashing a bike?
PS: my bro bought only the frame (Rocket Stage 1) and put the parts form his previous bike (Zakstar LE). THe frame is available at an incredible good price, far below than similar quality bikes.
I have seen the pictures of the bike coming out for 2001. Idon't know what they changed in terms of rear link and geometry, but the bike was already (very) good enough for my taste in its year 2000 edition.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Z
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: October 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Texas Hill Country
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Strengths:
Groupo - great componentry for the price - great wheelset.
Weaknesses:
Wheels are delicate for a 200 lb rider. The rear derailleur (XTR) can't seem to get dialed in. The LBS says they can't duplicate my probelm, but I get 3-4 gears phantyom shifted back there when I am hammering hard climbs. After re-cabling it twice, the problem may be resolved. The LBS guys say that the cabling to the rear derailleur has too tight a turn for the stock Kevlar housing. Very disappointing to thave the bike in the shop 4 times in the first 2 months of ownership.
Bike Setup:
Stock;Body weight in air pressure on the top; less 15 lbs on the bottom. Pedal bob is negligable - this is my first FS. I think my climbing has improved. I agree with a previous post about the bar width: 26" is too wide for singletrack - avoiding a snake meant eating a tree.
Bottom Line:
I only heard about the cabling problem AFTER the buy. The LBS guy said that it has turned out to be a problem with the Rockets. I was told about the pivot bolts, and mine were replaced gratis, before they broke.
When the rear derailleur is dialed in, it's a sweet ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Big Elbow
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Looks great, tracks like a mountain goat, Descends terrifically
Weaknesses:
Cables wear the paint off at contact points
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox SID XC, XT XTR components
Bottom Line:
I have one question for the people with broken linkage problems: Are you jumping this bike off your house? Its not a "freeride" north shore type bike. Its a lightweight cross country machine.It works great if you use it for what its for. Go get something with 8 inches of suspension and stop giving this bike bad press. No complaints here!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zenbone
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very good bike. Tracks well and climbs like a goat! This bike is a tank. It is great!
Weaknesses:
Had to put locktite on the pivots. Easy and painless
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This ride is light and fast. I have read reviews about the pivots... sorry but it hasn't happened to me (I followed the instructions). The race team hasn't run into any problems?!? This bike is great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ravenshoe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
McBride Cycle
Strengths:
groupo
Weaknesses:
linkage Schwinn customer service
Bike Setup:
stock except tires/rock ring
Bottom Line:
the problem concerning slop in the rear linkage was finally fixed. The problem concerning slop in the rear linkage has come back. Please, just don't buy this bike, it is not safe. It should have been painted yellow to look like the lemon that it is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ont. Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
I bought this bike the first of May. Since then I have had to replace a bolt in the rear linkage (snapped), shifter pods (broken), rear rim (dented), and now it looks like there is some slop (1/8") in my bottom bracket (which is also grinding). I am so sad and disapointed. Please help me Schwinn. The bike shop is of no use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe
a Cross Country Rider
from la mesa Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
pretty bike
Weaknesses:
rear triangle suspension pivot bolt, inability to really adjust pressures in shock, not the best climber
Bike Setup:
as it came
Bottom Line:
Wake up folks, the rear suspension design does not hold up, keeps breaking pivot bolts. Buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sigle track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
A really sweet bike right out of the box. A good component group.The suspension can be set up tight to ride like a fast hardtail and still soak up the big hits at speed. The dealer loctited all my rear triangle pivot bolts per Schwinn and there has never been a problem. The machine is really strong over distance. The Michelin tires specd are very nice. They roll well, hold in corners and are good in the mud. There is little bobbing on climbs and the bike shines in tight single track. Acceleration is strong and stopping power is good.
Weaknesses:
The bars are delivered way too wide. I ate a number of trees on the singletrack and quickly narrowed them several inches. The rear triangle is a little close to the tire in spots and I occasionally encounter wet clay which jams everything it touches, but it has never stopped the Rocket. Something in the bike creaks under hard pedaling and I still haven't isolated what it is. The cockpit is set up a little long for the frame size but overall the bike feels like a dream. I replaced the stock seat, which was damn nice, and color coordinated even, with a Specialized Body Geometry Comp Gel, which in my butt-based opinion, is the best saddle out there for the long haul. The real weakness of this bike is that it works so well it will lure you to destruction. It goes too fast. It handles too well. You look too good on it doing crazy things.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn S10 Sweet Spot
Bike Setup:
Stock from the box. 17" Frame. XT/XTR. RockShox SID. Michelin. Mavic. Hugi. Cane Creek. Titec. Shimano SPD.
Bottom Line:
This bike is cross country specific. Don't buy it as a starter bike even though it says Schwinn on it. This is not the Schwinn you remember from your babyhood. It eats babies for breakfast. If you do ride cross country and know what you're buying I wouldn't even bother with Stages 1 or 2. Remember,those are the ones that fall off while the real rocket accelerates away. I might order disc brakes at the same time as the bike if I were buying it today. I'm definitly getting discs this winter. This is the first bike I've ever owned that I seriously plan to upgrade. It's a keeper. This is my fourth Schwinn. I paid a fair price. It was an expensive price. Relative to the other bikes I've owned it was a reasonable step up from what I paid before. If Speed is what you're wanting to buy, this bike is worth every penny you pay for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Parts package Weight bearings, not bushings at pivots
Weaknesses:
Mud clearance, Loosening pivot problem (easily solved)
Stock except: switched to flat bar & bar ends shorter stem Grip shift Bontrager revolt ST front tire
Bottom Line:
--Howzit ride?: Short answer..really really nicely.
Long answer... Shortening up the front end seems to have worked. Through the tight stuff the bike is fast and precise; the handling is on the quick end of the spectrum, yet not overly twitchy. The Colorado heritage shows up on the downhills and over technical stuff as the bike does not have any odd propensity to shoot off in random directions. The suspension works, period. I set up body weight in the positive chamber and subtracted about 15 pounds for the negative and have not messed with the rear shock since. There is a small amount of pedal bob, as should be expected on any fs (even URTs will bob a bit) but it is not enough to worry with. For out of the saddle climbing and technical sections there is no apparent flex (I'm sure there is some, but it isn't making itself known...yet) and the suspension feels nice and stiff. It is rather disconcerting in fact, the bike feels so stiff that I am usually surprised at how well it soaks up chatter bumps, roots and rocks at speed. This all adds up to a bike that loves to be hammered and is great for the long haul.
--What about the mud clearance??: While it is true that the rear triangle has fairly close quarters, the Michelin tires shed pretty well and on the rides I have done in which I have encountered mud, it has not been a problem. This my vary with location, but for most riders, it does not seem to me that mud clearance will be problematic.
--Is it raceable?? I think so. A technical course would be great on this bike, I wish I had it in time to do the Flat Creek race with. Obviously on a smoother course one will lose a bit to the hardtail crowd, but overall the bike fulfills the promise implied in its XC FS designation. Full suspension designed for cross country use.
--Did any squeaks or odd stuff show up?: So far none, the Hugi 240 rear hub has gotten increasingly louder, but that is the nature of the beast. The Sid makes the standard squeak at the seal, but it is of no concern.
--Is it the magical "best" full suspension?: Heck no, there is no such thing. I think that anyone looking at a dually would be well served to look at the Rocket, but rider types, preferences and such vary so widely that no one bike will be best for everyone. The nice thing about the Rocket line is that the same frame is used throughout the series, so the stage three can eventually be upgraded to the level of the stage 1. (nb., the three does not have the external rebound adjust on the rear shock, the stage 2 and 1 do)
As far as faults go...
At the shop we have seen several come back with sheared bb pivot bolts. Schwinn has come out with a beefier pivot bolt, but in most cases, the customer has said something like "it came loose so I tightened it really hard." Schwinn sent out the first run with no loctite on these bolts, which led them to loosen, which led them to be (over)tightened. Mine loosened, I put loctite on it, and haven't heard from it since. Problem solved for a few cents.
Can we bag on the magazines now?
YES!
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about this bike are the magazine reviews. Most magazines seem to bag on it, but if you read the reviews carefully, they always say that the bike handles well and the suspension works well. In fact, in Mountain Bike Action's recent (6-00) full suspension shootout they gave it the worst rating of the bunch but said that it climbed and handled better than other bikes in the test. BIKE, who should (and used to) know better, said it rode really well, but they had a problem with the fork (IMO not the fault of the bike). Then their bike developed with the loosening pivot bolt problem, but rather than address the problem, they rode it until the entire pivot fell apart. Finally, BIKE, a magazine that shows pictures of test bikes mud spattered and trail scarred, actually whined about paint loss from cable housing rub. Another magazine review thought the parts selection on the stage 1 "ho-hum". Perhaps the only thing noteworthy than any magazine review has come up with is that the rear triangle lacks mud clearance. Fine and good; folks in the pacific northwest, or other notably soupy areas might want to take note. But for me, we rarely see muddy conditions around here, and when we do, I stay off the trails so as to preserve them. So the whole mud clearance issue is kinda moot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jumpdaddy
a Racer
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
noble or san juan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stout frame, just like any other schwinn. Good welds for a taiwanese bike. has a DH bike feel, but no monkey motion. Just like my homegrown HT, handling is priceless! It has better suspension than my FSR. Intense needs to copy this design instead of 4-bar. climbing, acceleration, downhill characteristics all superior. damned fast bike. I'm not a roadie, but this thing keeps a killer pedaling cadence so XC guys should be all over these bikes. Faster than any other bike on 90% of the trails down here. Awesome jumping capabilities due to the lack of mushiness in the rear (I still hate air shocks though). very solid everywhere.
Weaknesses:
people have been coming into the shop I work at saying something about bolts coming loose, but seriously who doesn't check linkage bolts after the first ride on a new bike! I sure did and I didn't blow up any pivots! schwinn should get some locktite mojo going there. also the chainline is WAY too close to the swingarm. I bet they'll redo it next year. Schwinn stocks this thing w/ a mile long stem which is lame for me bacause I always have to change out that kind of thing for customers. People were b*tching about this thing not being able to climb, but they just need to learn how to ride. this thing goes up walls and I've only got a 28T on my cassette!
Similar Products Used:
I'm currently riding an FSR, Homegrown HT (metalflake orange baby!), Bontrager Race, The Rocket, and a little bmxer. I've owned a moab too. I try anything and everything that comes into the shop.
Bike Setup:
nothing stock. I always go frame-up. Z-1 4", burly 521 wheels, RF cranks, lotsa XTR, some XT IRC/Mitsubishi tires (the socal special, same on the homegrown). 75mm stem, 2.5" azonics, 646 pedals. I built it burly like it should be.
Bottom Line:
Buy one. It's like a short-travel DH rig that goes up hills fast. Great trail bike. Seriously fast. Handles like a schwinn...beautifully. sell your crack-n-fail, idrive or T-rek to hook up on a real bike that can ride real trails and be in one piece in two years. Turn off your computer right now and buy one. I see what brands come in for warranty, and schwinns never do I swear. Always the bomb!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Fuqua
a Cross Country Rider
from McGuire AFB, N.J. Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill, MD
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Love the looks of the bike. Super smooth rear suspension design, climbs well for full suspension. Very well equipped for the $$. SID front & rear shocks are the very best. For a 17" frame, this bike has a nice, long cockpit length. Great bike! I keep tellin' you guys Schwinn rocks!
Weaknesses:
Paint rubbed off the frame in 1 spot after 2nd ride. Spokes came excessively loose on 3rd ride, but good now after a good tension / trueing. Chain comes awfully close to chainstay and chainstay yoke on drive side. Gouged already. Gonna have to cover that with something. I work at a bike shop, and we already got a bulletin to remove all of the rear suspension pivot point bolts and apply locktight to them. But that's no glitch the other guys haven't had, too. First year bugs is all.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jekyll 900sl, Cannondale Raven 700SX
Bike Setup:
Bone stock w/ chainstay protector.
Bottom Line:
This is MY first full suspension bike. I gave up a 23 lb '99 homegrown factory hardtail for this thing...this is THE full suspension bike I've been waiting for!! The first one that really wowed me. Really hard to get one, so get it while the getting's good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan Stuhr
a Downhiller
from Olivia, MN Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Little Crow Golf Course
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I like the orange paint because I ride Ski-Doo snowmobiles and I also like their yellow paint scheme
Weaknesses:
Michelin XL tires - why do their sidewalls blow out so easily?
Similar Products Used:
Moab, yadda yadda yadda
Bike Setup:
Stock with BMX peddles and FOX stickers.
Bottom Line:
I would rather have had some panaracer fire XC pro tires as the michelins blew out fairly fast while riding some river bottoms. I also cannot climb as well as I did with my MOAB, hardtails are the bomb for climbing - rock on homegrowns. I would only buy this bike again if it were in the 1500.00 range - can I still get a Homegrown Pro?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stu
a Cross Country Rider
from W.O. N.J. Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the sunny secret trails of SoMo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light weight. solid mix of parts
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket pivot S-U-C-K-S sucks! Had to clean and regrease after only two rides. After about twelve hours of riding the bottom bracket bushings had to be replaced. After talking to Schwinn, their response is, "oh. We're working on it." Seems they are working on a solution and will have a fix soon, they tell me. Not the answer I was looking for after investing this much money. The Avid cables sucked too. Had to replace those just as quickly. Alas, hail to gore-tex.
Swapped the wheels for some stronger ones and upgraded the cranks and BB to XTR
Bottom Line:
It's unfortunate that the bike is so lite and works so well, because the rattling suspension pivot so early on is a real heart breaker. It is clearly due to a poorly designed lower BB pivot that is over stressed and under developed. If Schwinn could just appease me with some concrete information about a fix they might be developing I would feel much better about the bike, but for now they tell me I really just have to live with it. For this kind of money I coulda bought twelve crap bikes at Costco, and they would've probably lasted longer- albeit a little bit heavier. Come on Schwinn- What's the deal. Help a brother out! Three flaming turds to make me feel better about the $2400.00 I dropped on this pos!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego, ca Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
all purpose bike
Weaknesses:
the rear wheel spokes have come loose twice
Similar Products Used:
first fs
Bike Setup:
_no parts changes _rear suspension setup seems to require lower pressures than most bikes to make functional
Bottom Line:
_comfortable do all xc bike, light, never get tired of looking at it or taking it out _rear wheel problem pisses me off, don't trust it now _9 speed rear needs more adjusting than my old 8 speed _cable routing rubs paint in a couple of places _front cable routing hits fork on bumps (i think this is what i am hearing) and makes annoying banging sound
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Whitmore
a Cross Country Rider
from Keedysville, MD Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
I LIKE ANY & ALL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light Weight/Good Parts Selection/Looks/Smooth Ride/Price/Bearings in Pivots
Weaknesses:
Suspension needs some break in time/Chain will rub stays & part of Swingarm(WRAP THEM)!!!
THIS IS AN AWESOME BIKE!!!/EACH RIDE GETS BETTER(SUSP BREAKING IN)/CLIMBS WELL/NO NOTICEABLE FLEX/BEST FS BIKE I HAVE RIDDEN YET!!!/BUY ONE IF YOU CAN FIND ANY LEFT!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T M
a Cross Country Rider
from Mpls, MN Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Same as previous review. The bike rocks!
Weaknesses:
Paint has worn through at cable guides after only two rides. I don't really fuss over looks so I don't care.
Similar Products Used:
See previous review.
Bike Setup:
Stock with N.P. Superfly wheels, speedplay frogs, and WTB SST saddle.
Bottom Line:
I have done a couple good rides on my rocket now and must say the bike absolutely kicks anus for XC riding. After getting suspension dialed in the way I like (1/2" sag front, 1/4" sag rear(meas at shaft) and damping set towards the plush side, the bike tracks through all sorts of bumps and udulations in the trail. I am using nearly all my travel in back but have never bottomed out. I cannot detect any pedaling induced bob unless standing and even then it is less than the old "sweet spot" No squeaks, play or rattles yet (knock on wood). Once set up right, the Sid is less flexy than I though initially. The bike is light, climbs great and the handling is quick.
Compared to I-drive: the Rocket is not as cushy on big hits (1" less travel in back) but handles much quicker and seems more efficient, and weighs 2-5 lbs less depeding upon I-drive model. I have absolutely no complaints or regrets. Bought it at the Bicycle Chain in Roseville, a great shop!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T. M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Mpls, MN Date Reviewed: March 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light. Great component spec. 100mm Sid SL. Firm, controlled ride (no bobbing).
Weaknesses:
Chain rub on low chainstay. Lotsa pivots will equal more maintenance. Flexy (but light!)Sid SL
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn "sweet spot". GT LTS. GT I-Drive
Bike Setup:
Stock w/speedplay frogs.
Bottom Line:
Have not ridden it much offroad yet but it appears to be a fast xc mount. 19" bike fit me (5'10") right out of the box. All parts are top shelf, no need to upgrade unless you go for the boutique stuff. I am unsure of the durability of radially laced wheels but will find out. The F&R Sid setup is infinitely adjustable. Buy it and be the only guy on your block to own an (OEM-only?) Sid SL 100mm fork.
Will post more when I get the suspension dialed in and put some offroad miles on.
5 bloody stools for now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Reinhart
a Cross Country Rider
from 2026 62nd Street North Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tray Extreme in GA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything about it! This bike is real light and real smooth. Hugi hubs, Sid air front and rear, kevlar cable housing, widegripper tires and it looks sweet!
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
Tested C'Dale Raven, C'dale Jeckel, Trek 8900, FSR, FRS Enduro (I work at a LBS)
Bike Setup:
Stock (See Above or visit the Schwinn Website)
Bottom Line:
The bottom lie s this bike is the fastest, smoothiest, lightest bike that I have ever seen. It looks good and rides GREAT! If you are serious about buying the suspension of the future look no further. And that is the bottom line! I wish there was a special rating for the best of the best cause this bike deserves 10 flaming chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Coffelt
a Cross Country Rider
from Rifle, Colorado Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
a trail you never heard of or will find...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I am really impressed at how light the bike is, the quailty of components that come on it as well as the responsiveness of the bike and how quick it seems to be. The suspension configuration really works well to prevent any pogo-ing when climbing, and it eats up the bumps amazingly well.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any thus far. I am still messing with the fimness and softness of the suspension to get it exactly how I want, but you would have to do that with any bike.
Similar Products Used:
Cannodale Super V, Specialized FSR, Giant DS-2
Bike Setup:
SID SL - front suspension, SID Dual Air - Rear Suspension, XT shifters, derailers, cranks, cogs, etc. Avid Speed Dial Brakes, Mavic X225 Rims, Hugi 240 Hubs
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a great XC full suspension bike, I reccomend this one with no reservations what so ever. I ride in the desert, rocky conditions in far western Colorado, and the bike has performed very well for me. The bike flat out rocks...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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