Submitted by
phbike
a Weekend Warrior
from Forest City, NC, USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Big Rock/Cedar Rock/Burnt Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Bike South
Strengths:
WoW!! is all I can say...Nobody will probably read this since It's been almost 10 years since the bike came out...however this has been a GREAT bike!!!!! Yea I've had to replace the pivot bushing 3 times now and I just found out recently that Schwinn no longer has any bushings for it. So...I'm putting the last set on there and then the bike will be history in a year or so...This is more of a tribute to such a great bike. Over the years we've rode many miles from Elijay Ga, all the way to Bar Harbor Maine and most epic places in between. This ride is so light weighing in under 25lbs it climbs with ease. The bike has held up to serious pounding (as I ride my 220+lb butt mainly in Pisgah and Dupont State Forest)and has had no problems at all. If anybody finds or knows of a replacement bushing set, please post a reply!!
Weaknesses:
Bent the rear rim on the 2nd or 3rd ride...took it back and replaced it with a Sun Rhyno Lite. Not that you ever need to use it, but the chain drops if you use granny in front and anything smaller than the third gear in the rear as it then will rub the frame causing it to slip.
Similar Products Used:
Old retro GT-RTS team, Giant ATX 890 hardtail
Bike Setup:
Stock except the aforementioned rim and panaracer fire xc tires
Bottom Line:
A very light bike that has taken a beating over the years. Schwinn's last REAL mountain bike. I'm gonna miss this bad boy when it's all said and done...Time to start shopping around for a new ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
labrat
a Downhiller
from Calgary Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: September 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
used from a friend
Strengths:
beefy frame with great goemetry great shock with lots or adjustability
Weaknesses:
travle
Similar Products Used:
oryx desert dueller 99 2002
Bike Setup:
rocket 88 frame, rock shox sid dul air rear shock, marzocchi super t pro 2002, dual 28 spoke dee max's, fsa pic head set, fsa cranks and bb, maxxis high roller rear 2.35, front nokian gazzalodi 2.5.
Bottom Line:
this frame and my set up are great for dh the shock jumps well and has lots of adjustability but the only thing is if your an un-smooth rider the shock is going to die because you will bottom it out off like a 2 foot drop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Broomfield Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Bikes and Berries
Strengths:
Bike is an awesome cliber and excellent on the downhill. Great componentry. This bike rocks.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Super Caliber, X-Caliber, Klein, Haro, Specialized.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the stem. Getting Pauls's brakes and upgrading cranks to XTR soon. Changed to Shimano pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike if you can find one now days. The shop I bought it at had two left over. This bike has an incredible ride. Does not bob going up and bombs the downhill. Good selection of components. If you can find one new get one you will not be dissapointed. It is light and very responsive in the corners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from MI Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
The XTR rear derailleur delivers great performance, the Titec components(bars, seatpost, stem) have held up very well. This bike is very predictable to ride in the trails.
Weaknesses:
I have had to replace almost everything on my Schwinn... 1. The Mavic wheelset was shot after about 3 months of riding 2. The Deore brakes seem to only slow you down, not stop 3. The rear shifter broke 4. Had to replace the crankset 5. The steerer tube on the SID XC fork is no longer circular 6. The BB pivot wore out and it took forever for Schwinn to send the replacement parts 7. The seat that came on the bike was quite painful, way too much padding for a serious xc rider 8. Grips wear out after a few weeks 9. Derailleur hanger snapped for no apparent reason 10. The bike bobs way too much while climbing or just simply riding down the road, lockout would be a plus.
After replacing almost everything on this bike, I am now almost satisfied... I would still like to replace the fork because of the ovalized steerer tube. Do not buy this bike if you don't have extra money to dish out for replacement parts. The frameset is nice after the BB pivot was replaced. In stock form, not worth the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve bridgeman
a Weekend Warrior
from manchester Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
bonthrone bikes
Strengths:
the frame is really light and strong and the bike climbs and decends really well. the geometry is excellent and really gives you a bike you can throw around with confidence. overall the components are very good too. The suspension is highly adjustable for all types/styles of riding.
Weaknesses:
the irc mythos tyre have very poor grip and get pinch punctures. The wheels are weak too, i had my back wheel tweeked 3 times before getting rid of the wheels alll together. I managed to break shear one of the suspension bolts, but since having it replaced I've had no problems.
standard apart from mavic 219 freeride wheels and a specialised enduro back tyre.
Bottom Line:
buy this bike and ride it untill the wheels fall apart then upgrade, i plan too fit riser bars to mine as upgrading to slightly heavier wheels has made the bike a bit harder to lift on the front end, however the over all ride has improved 200%
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Karvelas
a Weekend Warrior
from Roebuck,SC, USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bent Creek, NC
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Great Escape
Strengths:
Bob free suspension, when working. The BB pivots failed after 1 year.
Weaknesses:
broken rear BB Pivot, on mine and my wife's. The local Dealer stopped selling Schwinns and parts. The next avaliable dealer is 200 miles away.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinns all my life including an Orange Crate in grade school. Schwinns Criss Cross and Cross Cut Hybrids have carried my wife and I all over the South East.
Bike Setup:
Factory standard, raised the handle bar up 3 inches.
Bottom Line:
Went to Lowes Home Improvement Center and purcahsed a 3.5 inch long x 5/16 diameter stainless steel bolt, locking nut and washers. ($5.00 cost) Pulled out the broken axle and slid the new bolt in. Works great!!!! I have heard a 61808 Sealed Ball Bearing will replace the factory ones too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from SF, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Cyco SF
Strengths:
Weight, XTR rear deralieur, LX cranks are decent, excellent suspension setup - rear shock easy to adjust on the fly.
Weaknesses:
Tires suck!!!!!!! Rear brakes don't do much of anything.
Similar Products Used:
Hardtails before this one. First FS to own.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I fell in love with the bike first time I saw it. I didn't do enough research before buying it, but I think I lucked out - the bike is everything I was hoping for. I haven't had the problems with the pivots that others are talking about, but I think that's probably because mine was made later in the year. The brakes kinda suck, but they're easy to replace and I wasn't expecting a perfect setup. Overall the bike is awesome. I'm not sure I got the best price, but that's alright; you win some and you loose some.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Annapolis Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any thing
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
bought frame only
Strengths:
I work at a shop at got the frame for cheap. I love the ride, it is fast and light
Weaknesses:
none really. The bb pivot that attaches to chain was recalled and I replaced before I built it up.
Similar Products Used:
Have a homegrown 4 banger, 2000 homegrown xc, moab elite cromo frame,
Bike Setup:
King headset, sid f & r, mavic wheelset,xt brakes levers shifters cass, xtr rd, lx hollowtech cranks, titec stem seat riserbar, fizik saddle, tioga xc tires, richey pedals, yeti grips.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome, The suspension is actually very nice and smooth, climbs very sweet, light xc bike. If you love xc and want a fast light active bike, buy a schwinn rocket 88.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Ont. Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Strengths:
Good lite fram suspension (sid xc forks and sid dual air rear) Good climer and acceleration
Weaknesses:
BB pivit mavic 221 rims deore brakes are a little weak
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The bike is great when it works but it has been in the shop more than i have had it . But when you get all the problems worked out it is an awsome bike it is lite, fast ,good accerator,good climber. The main problem was the BB pivit ,I sent the bike back to schwinn and they fixed it sent it back with no problems
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete
a Cross Country Rider
from cleveland, oh, usa Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
upper cascade falls trail, ouray co
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
mtbr.com
Strengths:
light, strong frame. good front shock(psylo xc). floats up climbs. sure-footed on descents, mostly due to 125mm of travel on the front.
Weaknesses:
bottom pivot problems did not appear, as they did for other people. However, an annoying squeak has manifested itself in this area - i think that schwinn needs to make a boot of some type for the bottom pivot as dirt keeps getting in there.
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher sugar 1/2/3, specialized fsr comp, gt i-drive 2.0.
Bike Setup:
stock except for bontrager wheels, as i taco'd the stock ones.
Bottom Line:
$1900 for this bike is a little steep. however, what you do get is a tightly engineered bike, no extra weight at all. rear pivot is somewhat high maintenance, though the pivot is probably 50% lighter than that on comparable frames. an excellent entry to the field of higher-end xc bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Merv
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth Western Australia Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Good frame
Weaknesses:
Factory parts are not up to my specific needs
Bike Setup:
Magura HS33, spinergy X spokes, psylo xc (rockshox), race face turbine, xt/xtr, monkey lite bars, ct2 seatpost
Bottom Line:
Good bike to ride around with. lite weight and smooth rode it for almost a year
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Bean
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Colorado USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Burnies trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Randys cycles
Strengths:
Good looking bike. Good componets. Seems to be well built and solid....can take a lot of abuse
Weaknesses:
Brakes are a little weak
Similar Products Used:
Trek 80000
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is a blast to ride. I can climb better than anything else I tried with no bobbing. The factory suspension is great for my awesome 120 lb 14 y/o body. I haven't really found too many flaws in the basic design yet. ...so I can say THE BIKE ROCKS !! I guess time will tell, but for now I am having a great time tearing up the country side with this thing. L8R. Good luck, I hope this helped.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave smith
a Cross Country Rider
from mammoth, california Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
rock creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
none (especially not the BB pivot)
Weaknesses:
BB pivot sux - every 2 weeks for the last 6 months this bike has been in the shop for work. It takes the fun OUT of riding. There has always been too much play in the rear suspension.
Bike Setup:
standard stage 2 seet up replaced stock tires
Bottom Line:
Do not buy this, even if you get a great deal ( i did but i wish i had paid retail on something that works).
It seems like the Santa Cruz Superlight or Giant NRS are the way to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Morton, IL, US Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Independence Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Colorado
Strengths:
light weight, tires, SID (both), drivetrain, climbs well
Weaknesses:
Deore brakes
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar 3, various Treks and Cannondales
Bike Setup:
Stock except upgraded brakes to XT, traded pedals for M545's
Bottom Line:
Great ride overall, suspension responsiveness just right, climbs very well, perfect geometry for me. Suspension held air all thru the winter. No problems at all with pivots. Perfect for my weekend warrior cross country rides. I'd buy it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Morton, IL, US Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Independence Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Colorado
Strengths:
light weight, tires, SID (both), drivetrain, climbs well
Weaknesses:
Deore brakes
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar 3, various Treks and Cannondales
Bike Setup:
Stock except upgraded brakes to XT, traded pedals for M545's
Bottom Line:
Great ride overall, suspension responsiveness just right, climbs very well, perfect geometry for me. Suspension held air all thru the winter. No problems at all with pivots. Perfect for my weekend warrior cross country rides. I'd buy it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sugarman
a Cross Country Rider
from Pontiac, Mi. Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1345.00
Purchased At:
Scarletts/Pontiac
Strengths:
The SID Shocks/XTR Rear Derail, Michelin Tires.
Weaknesses:
Everything on this bike has had to be fixed except the Rear Shock and Tires. So I consider the remaining parts of the bike weak!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar/Rocks!!!!
Bike Setup:
LX/XTR Drive train, Sid XC Front Suspension, SID Dual Air Rear. Titec seat handle bars and stem.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this bike sucks!!! Don't buy it. I wouldn't even buy the 2001 Rockets that Supergo has for very low price (obviously Schwinn can't give these things away.) If you want to be tired and work hard buy it. If you want a good XC bike get a Sugar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anders Holmberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Karleby, Finland Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
Nice ride, Climbs well
Weaknesses:
BB pivot bushings. Worn out with less than 150 miles of riding!
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR, Schwinn Twister ...
Bike Setup:
The usual
Bottom Line:
As it comes to the BB-pivot bushings I suggest a more capable upgrade then that of the manufacturer: Buy stock 61808 ball bearings (sealed) and have a new set of pivots machined. Send an e-mail for blueprints free of charge (andhol@mbnet.fi). What wouldn´t you do for the sport:-) It will save you a lot of headache.
If it hadn´t been for the bb-pivot it would have been 5 chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Essexville Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pine Haven
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Bell's Cycling and Fitness
Strengths:
SID xc fork, SID air shock, weight (25lb.) LX hollowtech crankset, saddle, XTR rear deraileur, Titec Hell Bent bars and Titec stem, Pedals,looks cool.
Weaknesses:
The brakes are not what I would expect on a bike of this quality
Similar Products Used:
Univega DS 900(Sucks really bad)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the price. Schwinn has done a very good job of putting together a quality bike with many top-of-the-line parts that everyone can afford. The only drawback is the deore brakes. This bike is going to get me around for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay City, MI Date Reviewed: March 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pine Haven
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bells Cycling and Fitness
Strengths:
The Suspension itself is great for crosscountry but not for much more than that. I must say so far it holds up pretty well. In jumping, climbing, mud, hills up and down, etc.
Weaknesses:
I think the rear suspension design were the rear shock is connected to the frame is going to be weak. I am not a downhiller, but I like to go a little crazy and I believe it won't last too long. The brakes need to go!
It is a great bike for XC if you plan on upgrading alot of the bike. Buy it if you have the money to put into it and make it your own. Don't buy it if your going to keep itr the way it comes.I invested in a RaceFace Next LP ISIS crank, Race Face Stem, Race Face headset, Avid Ti brakes and levers, Time carbon pedals, and The a pair of Shimano wheels, It definantly makes a big change.
Get Ready to spend some x-tra money!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Bayne
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, Va., USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Cove
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1599.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Climbing, overall setup
Weaknesses:
Bottom Bracket Pivots!!!!!!!!! Brakes, which I replaced
Similar Products Used:
Sugar 2 and 3.
Bike Setup:
LX,XTR,Sid front and rear, Avid 2.5 Brakes, Percession levers.
Bottom Line:
Great XC Bike overall. I agreee with an earlier review that Schwinn must honor their frame warranty. The bottom bracket pivot was a bad design and Schwinn admitted it when they, sent out an upgrade and redesigend it for 2001. I have the upgrade but in my opioion it is worse than the original, bushings keep wearing out it's just a matter of time before it breaks. I already know one XC rider that wanted the Rocket after ridding mine but switched to a Sugar 1 because of this issue. Come on Schwinn live up to your reputation. Other than that I have no complaints. The bike handles well, climbs with the hardtails. What I like about it the most is after a hard ride your not beat up and tired. I won't recommend one to anybody until Schwinn makes good on this bottom pivot problem on the 2000's. That's why the low Overall rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, Illinois, US Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chubb
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Bike Tek
Strengths:
The SID XC fork, Rear shock, XTR Deliur, and suspension is awsome.
Weaknesses:
Something with my bottom braket is very loose after riding for a month, and the deore brakes!
Similar Products Used:
First Full Suspension...
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bike is a great bike. If you get ridd of the brakes and put new ones on it is good. The problems eventually work out, bike does not bob up and down going up hill and great on downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Watson
a Weekend Warrior
from Stratford Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Twin Peaks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Wheel Goods
Strengths:
The suspension when it works is remarkable,just wish that the bike was in my posession more
Weaknesses:
After a year of this bike and Schwinn I have an insight on this bike line that other reviewers haven't.It appears that their are 2 differet 2000 year frames.The earlier version has most of the problems.The latter version has an adjustable bottom bracket pivot.The noticable difference is two allen bolts on the underside of the B.B.Now since we are now snowbound I can't wait to test the later version in the spring.The Schwinn Canada rep has a great little idea for contamination in the B.B. pivot.Get an old inner tube and make a sleeve to cover it.It will take a little figuring to come up with your cutout.
Bike Setup:
Full RaceFace,XTR,XT/Mavic wheels
Bottom Line:
Schwinn goofed big time and were only making desperate moves to not replace half of the 2000 year frames.Time will tell,but my bet is they will have to swallow the bitter pill and replace our frames with 2001's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach Brin
a Cross Country Rider
from Pipe Creek, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: December 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
flat rock creek
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Light, components work well together, suspension works super, for a rider that is 5'6 115. lots of fun, climbs and decends well.
Weaknesses:
didn't find any, but i only used it for a few days so i couldn't tell you
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
THis bike is awsome, I took a biking vacation in crested butte, and my friend and i decided to rent some full suspensions for a day or two. These worked great. I was worried that climbing would be affected. I was surprised to find that i actually climbed better on this bike than my 200 kona muni-mula. This bike was great fun, and i feel that for it's price, it's well worth putting money the money up for it as long as you aren't planning on racing competitevley. This bike had plenty of suspension for my 14 year old body, but larger riders may look for more suspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Ferree
a Cross Country Rider
from West Columbia, SC 29172 Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lynches Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
Harrells Bicycle World
Strengths:
Good Design
Weaknesses:
Brakes, Schwinn (see below)
Similar Products Used:
none (first Full Suspension)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This particular bike has been nothing but problems. LBS has to constantly adjust rear derailleur. The rear shock (Rock Shox) blew a seal. And finally the bolts holding the bottom link for the rear suspension fell out. Luckly on a slight climb and not a fast downhill. My LBS has done its best to keep me riding. Schwinn's reply to my problems, via e-mail, was that this was more problems than "normal", but it would be covered by warranty. That's not good enough. Who wants their bike constantly in the shop for warranty work? It's sad that a good bike is built by a company that could care less about the people who buy their bikes, or more importantly, their safety. Good bike for the money, built by a lousy company.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Argo
a Weekend Warrior
from Hitchcock , Texas USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Jack Brooks Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
Rock Shok SID's front an' back.XTR rear derailuer.
Weaknesses:
I dunno'. I read the reviews here an had the brakes changed when I bought the bike, everything else seems ok.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Easton MONKEY LITE bar. Time pedals. XT shifters,brakes,and levers, Caramba cranks. Mavic rims with Nuke Proof hubs an Panasonic XC Fire tires.
Bottom Line:
Not as Quick or agile as my hardtail but much more comfy. This bike is really smooth I hardly notice the roots anymore. My hardtail has a USE post but FS RULES OVER THAT!! We have been in a drought here all summer so as soon as I get my new bike HERE COMES THE RAIN. I shold'a bought it sooner, I could have saved so many lawns.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave zeman
a Cross Country Rider
from kennesaw, ga Date Reviewed: October 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
bear creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$959.00
Strengths:
cost ! (i have a friend that got some kind of employee discount for me), no uphill bob, xtr rear
Weaknesses:
brakes, pivots (had two break on me), bike hurts my bike for some reason
Bike Setup:
stock, except for new brakes, time atac pedals
Bottom Line:
OK. the idea behind the bike is good, but something went wrong somewhere. im mainly mad that schwinn never informed me about the recall (i had to carry the bike for 5 miles when the pivots broke). i got such a good deal on this it is hard to complain about it, but it still sucked at the time. the rear xtr rocks, and the suspension works well. switched stock pedals out (lame). get rid of brakes!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Blecker
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockford, IL, USA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Rock cut
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1280.00
Strengths:
solid frame, good component spec., tires?
Weaknesses:
DEORE BRAKES, aluminum bolts in back where they should have been steel to begin with, wheels?
Similar Products Used:
schwinn S-20
Bike Setup:
stock except bar ends, avid arch rival 50 brakes
Bottom Line:
I love my bike, yes we have had our problems, but I still love the rocket. It is a great all around bike and after seeing next years model with all of the changes I expect that it will be even better. I did have problems with the rear end and BB, but they were resolved quickly and easily by my LBS(even though I didn't buy the bike from them!). I put the Avid brakes on after a bad crash and they helped out a ton, although a little late for the crash, but hopefully they will help me avoid the next one!! I have had problems with rear rim and broken spokes, but at 215 pounds im not exactly easy on the bike!! Great bike though, I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Wausau, WI Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
9-Mile Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Strengths:
Weight, All around SID shocks, Rocket 88 designed rear suspension. Nice ridding Seat too.
Weaknesses:
Brakes, Brakes, and Brakes
Similar Products Used:
Some Hardtails, Fischer Sugar
Bike Setup:
Stock except after first week got XT brakes~
Bottom Line:
Great riding bike, feels real nice up and down hills. Don't hurt after long rides. Climbs like a hardtail. Only bad thing is stock Deore brakes, I mean come on Schwinn XTR rear derailer and deore brakes!!! Very fast. Takes big and small hits. I got the recall kit installed before I rode the bike, so I have't had any bushing or suspension problems. Gto 300 miles on it so far. Great bang for buck, only thing I recomend is replacing brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Cross Country Rider
from B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sex on a Beach
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
local Schwinn dealer
Strengths:
When it works it works well.
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket pivot point.
Bike Setup:
Basically stock. Swapped out the Sid fork for a Z-2 Bam.
Bottom Line:
When I first purchased the bike it was great. After all I had always been a hardtail rider and now being on full suspension was great....for about 3 rides. Then things started to go wrong. First thing to happen was 3 of the pivot pins in the rearsuspension broke, all at the same time a 60 minute walk from home. Then it took 10 days to get the replacement parts. After bike was repaired the first set of bushings at the bottom bracket location wore out within another week. So another week of waiting for replacement parts. After those were replaced they too wore out quickly, after about 5 rides. So another replacement set was ordered, and you guessed it once again a long wait for parts. This time they sent the new and improved version of the bottom bracket pivots. They arrived after the usual 7 to 10 day wait and were installed. Well 3 weeks later the're done like dinner. I've since gotten rid of it and bought a Santa Cruz Superlight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimmy
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC, USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Morrisville Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Spin Cycle in Cary
Strengths:
SID frt and rear suspension, tires, light weight frame, great climber, price
I really like the rear suspension design on this bike. There is absolutely no pedal bob and the Rocket climbs better than most hardtails. The bike descends controllably fast as well. The only big problem I've had so far was with my BB pivot, which Schwinn replaced with the re-designed version at no charge. The Stage 2 is a great all around ride; equally suited for both the XC racer or the weekend warrior.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rocket 88 Bikerzzz
a Cross Country Rider
from Guadalajara, SPAIN Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
AlL
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
MMMm, from where i could start...... Light (like a HT), strong (like a HT), FAST (fater i would say), climbs like a HT (faster in stony trails).
Weaknesses:
The breaks are the only black point. They are not so bad, but in this prize range...
Similar Products Used:
Some hardtails but none FS
Bike Setup:
European version: Judy Race, SID rear Shock, LX/XT Mixture.... (Check out the photo section)
Bottom Line:
This bike is AWESOME. Dispite other says: there is NO problem with de BB pivot (it could be some units problem, but it has been solved). This bike is exactly like a hardtail but faster and smoother. You will feel less tired doing the same trail as you did on your old hardtail. On plain terrain there is no bob, as long you have set up the Rear shock for your weight, and the same happens climbing. That is the best full suspension system ever. Sure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a
from York, South Carolina Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Clawhammer/Black Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Weight, suspension design, climbing ability, overall comfort, price and value (I paid 1400)
Weaknesses:
Brakes!!!, SID XC Hydroair, rear wheel
Similar Products Used:
old GT RTS team, Giant ATX890 hardtail
Bike Setup:
stock except rear wheel was rebuit with a sun rhynolite rim
Bottom Line:
This bike rules!! I could tell an amazing difference of performance when I took this bike out for the first time. I was able to climb better than I ever had, even better than my hardtail. The bike's rear end really sticks to the ground when climbing. When descending, It's better than any bike I've ever been on. I read all of these reviews before I purchased this ride and on my first ride I didn't believe what everyone was saying about how bad the brakes were, then I went to Pisgah and rode some real trails and I totally agree now Deore is weak!! First I'll try new pads before I get new brakes, but it is hard to slow down due to the brakes for sure. Also, the chain guard came off within the first mile of the trail, thanks to a good friend who was replacing a bridge on the local trail who saw it come off and grabbed it for me. I'll try superglue or something.
O.K. I'm over 220 lbs, and the SID XC fork does not cut it for me. The sag in the fork is almost 1 inch into the travel,and is supposed to be less than 1/2 inch, and it bottoms out easily. Your not to put any more than 100psi in the fork and I have it maxed out. Maybe they can re-valve it for me or something so I emailed Rock Shox about problems I was having with the fork and they never replied. How's that for customer service. I guess I'll call them now. Most people will not have this same problem cause they're not a true Clydesdale oh well.
The rear wheel became detensioned (two or three spokes completely loose) and developed two flat spots on the first ride. I had to take it back to the shop and had it rebuilt with a Sun RhynolLite rim. This has actually helped the performance of the rear brakes slightly also. Again this is probably a 200 lb. + problem that most of you don't have to worry about.
If the brakes were to stop the bike, and I could get my fork problems worked out, (both again possibly attributed to rider weight) then this would be a ranting and raving session for the Rocket 88. The problems I'm having are fixable so I don't think I should deduct too much from the ratings I'll give this bike. It is the fastest, most comfortable bike I've ever ridden!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Watson
a Racer
from Stratford,ON,Canada Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Secret at Lakeside
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The Rocket is the DREAM of the cross country full suspension bikes to date.The fatal flaw in the linkage has been rectified with a redesigned bottom bracket linkage that your Schwinn dealer will get you.True to their word they have rectified this problem and I highly reccomend this replacement package that is free.The 88 with a slightly reformatted linkage will be unstoppable next season.This years was sold out quickly and reccomend you reserve yours for next year.
Weaknesses:
The bottom bracket linkage and the compounded problems.Get your retro fit today.
Similar Products Used:
Intense Tracer,Gary Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
Race Face Stem,bars,bottom bracket,cranks And XTR brakes and leavers and Mavic/XT wheelset
Bottom Line:
Order yours for next year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slippery
a Racer
from Chelsea, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Multiple Orgasm, Red Cross, Hydro, Fortune
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great look and feel. The rear suspension makes those steep technical stints silky smooth. Schwinn itself. When tuned 100% it's a beautiful ride.
Weaknesses:
There are some significant design flaws that make maintenance a nightmare. Delore shifters if'y.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F900, F700, Homegrown Pro
Bike Setup:
Changed to Avid brakes, replace the front rim.
Bottom Line:
The bike has good intentions. It's great on technical climbs and downhills. On long fire road climbs it has a little trouble keeping the pace - could be my legs. It also needs a more user friendly lockout on the rear Sid. Maintenance nightmare - bolts snapping, crank movements ... these cause chain effect on gears .... I doubt there are many Rockets left out there this year - but if you are a serious rider wait for next year's redigned model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Tur
a Racer
from Goshen Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
DAR
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Smooth, plush suspension, feels like a hardtail on climbs. Great fork and good read shock adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Brakes-deore, they suck, hubs-deore, heavy. Bushings around bottom bracket wear out too often, sore butt after long rides from hard seat.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Giant XTC, cannondale raven.
Bike Setup:
Sid XC, Sid Air rear, Avid arch mag instead of deore, and hugi 240 w/ mavic 517
Bottom Line:
This bike will climb well, race well and definetly decend better than all other FS XC bikes. But it needs a lot of attention so if you dont have the time to fiddle w/ the pivots (clean replace bushings) don't buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek Clement
a Cross Country Rider
from Endicott, NY Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Homegrown (no pun intended)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
awsome ride, great suspension, pretty light
Weaknesses:
Brakes suck, heavy wheelset both are Deore parts which are the cost savers, but hurt performance
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Fisher Sugar, Cannondale
Bike Setup:
XTR brakes Double the stopping power even if they are 5 years old now, Cut the bar down to 23" from the original 26". It was way too wide especially for tight Northeast single track. Salsa Skewers. Have Hugi hubset for races (drops over half pound). With 19 inch frame (which I had to wait 45 days for) about 27 pounds. I've dropped alittle off that and with race wheel set about 26 pounds.
Bottom Line:
My hardtail friends say its a flying marshmallow. Very comforatable. But it climbs very well. I had steel Fisher at 24 pounds the 2.5 pounds more isnt really felt climbing, but desecnding it kills the hardtail. Compared to other full suspension designs I like this one best, solid design and still a cross-country racable. MTB action rated it 5th against the others, BullSh_t, I tried them all. Their resoning little mud clearance (which is true) but otherwise beats the rest. Price very good as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Nepean, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Penguin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nice mix of XT and XTR, nice working mix of SID fronts and SID rear shock
Weaknesses:
Did not enjoy the Deore brakes, upgraded to LX, much better! Also, I broke the bottom pivot on my fifth ride, apparently this was a factory problem that Schwinn did not let us Canadians know about! 12 days later, I received my bike back with proper pivots. Also, I am having a difficult time with the the bike shifting on me when stressed on climbs....
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab
Bike Setup:
Sid front, Sid rear, Avid levers, LX brakes shifter and front, XTR rear, pretty much stock.....
Bottom Line:
Once this bike is set up it really is great. I love how I can get out of the saddle on long climbs and hammer away! For an all around fun bike it is a good choice. I find that after long rides I have more energy than with my old hard tail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rowan
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
I like lotsa them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great frame, components generally very good, suspension is awesome - like a hardtail to ride but better landings, no pogoing, overall weight is very good for a full suspension.
Weaknesses:
The seat is like sitting on a rock (man it's hard), but the worst part is that the brakes suck for a bike in this price range
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC-DS1, Specialised FSR
Bike Setup:
Still learning about setup
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is a joy to ride and it jumps beautifully. I can out-last others on a ride no problem - the suspension is superb. The thing that really sticks out as the only issue are the brakes - they're not good at all. But, I can upgrade those for not much money so it's not a big deal.
If you're into doing all types of MTB riding this bike will suit you no problems - you'll love it. I'm not an expert rider yet, but my riding has improved outta sight thanks to this bike.
Overall, I can't see me owning another bike for a long time - this one does it all!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Ascot Berkshire UK Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything thats dry,( we have had a lot of rain over here lately,for a change.)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great Frame, Shocks mix of XT/LX running gear and looks to me like a bike should look, purposeful, moody and ready.
Weaknesses:
Bar, Stem all wrong, it throws you too far forward causing the front to start lifting as it climbs. Brakes poor and the tyres, ( Tioga factory xc's,) tend to pull the bike into the ground (The add shown in the mags over here shows the bike with a Titec seat post and Sid forks, it came with Judy Race and no name seat post!) The thing that really gets my goat though is the fact that after one ride the cables had rubbed the paint clean off most of the contact points on the frame, after six or seven maybe, but just after one I feel is poor design.
Similar Products Used:
Previous bike Sunn Cross UN and before that a Muddy Fox Courier. I am a late 50's child so just in case you havent heard about them, they surfaced in the mid eighties, people thought i was mad going into the woods on a bike, what was wrong with the road? they would ask. I looked at Gary Fisher Sugars 2's but I don't like the design.
Bike Setup:
I have replaced the bars for Scott Octanes, same weigt as the Titec's but longer with a great deal more rise. The brakes I have replaced with Decore XT's. The tyres I have replaced with IRC no toss. I've fitted a lizard skin as I found the chain was banging on both the top and bottom of the rear arm and I have replaced the grips for ones with much more grip, (Salsa's.)
Bottom Line:
Believe it or not I really love the bike. I bring it into the house in the evenings just to look at it, of course it drives the Wife mad but I've told her I won't be taking it into the bedroom just yet, but she better watch out you never know, a man's got feelings as well you know. My previous bike was a Sunn hardtail, which was built like a French tractor and climbed hills like an Alpine Goat. The Schwinn is built like an American tractor but twice as light, I didn't believe a bike could climb like something from NASSA. I demo'd it for about a 40 mile trail ride and I felt very comfortable and was able to walk afterwards, something I didn't achieve on the Sunn. In my own view this is the best value (in the UK at least,) full suspension bike that gives you all the benifits of a hard tail. If you buy one, once you have replaced the inferior components you will have something to enjoy. I would probably have given this a 5 rating if the paint hadn't been removed so quickly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Klausen
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, Mn, USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lone Lake
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great suspension performance on the flats and the downhills. Sweet fork and frame. Very cool looking.
Weaknesses:
Crappy rear tire. Stem too long/top tube too short. Wandering front end on steep climbs. Brakes are weak.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Cool bike. By and large, the suspension works well in most trail situations and the frame, fork and shock are a sweet deal. Change the rear tire and stem, and you've got a great all around fun-bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Elatrash
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
harwood hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
really stiff frame, great response but with still a plush ride with absolutley no bobing.
Weaknesses:
nothing but the seat hard as a rock
Similar Products Used:
demo'd fcr xc, and rocky mountain instinct, as well ridden schwinn homegrown for about 4-5 years
Bike Setup:
all stock except xt shifter pods adn levers, as well as xt v-brakes, makes a world of difference in braking from deore
Bottom Line:
has to be the best full suspension xc bike on the market with weight being pretty low at around 26 lbs (not bad compared with others) good value from the stage 1 with few upgrades can make it better but with less price. This thing haaas to be one of the most responsive bikes outthere, you actually feel like your part of the bike. the hi/low pivot makes the bike feel like a hardtail but when you hit a hard bump or start jumping huge logs you don't feel a thing. This is my first full suspension bike and I still have a lot of fine tuning to do with the suspension setup but even without that this bike is trully amazing. it climbs anything a hardtail does but after a long ride when all of your biking buddies are all tired out you can keep on going with loads of fun because your body still hasn't taking a good beating. I don't know if I ever will go back to a hardtail but if your planning to buy a full suspension bike with reasonable components with room for upgrades (which is half the fun of changing things on your bike to suit your needs) the schwinn rocket 88 stage 2 is the way to go. Schwinn has reinvented mountain biking the make solid bikes and I know I will never switch and this bike has just proven that fact even more to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Blecker
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockford, IL,USA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gotta love Rock Cut!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Schwinn quality, component specs, beautiful bike
Weaknesses:
Deore brakes??? setup of fork/shock difficult, but sweet when you get it right
Similar Products Used:
demoed schwinn s-20, specialized fsr's, four banger, etc.
Bike Setup:
so far, stock with bar ends, but give me time!
Bottom Line:
Great bike. I feel in love the first time I saw it and that love was confirmed when i rode it. The best of both worlds, really smooths out the bumps with little to no pogo action. Also got a sweet deal in Chicago on bike $1280 Honest!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Hayman
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nobel Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike exelerates like a hardtail.
Weaknesses:
It took Schwinn over 100 years to finally deliver.
Similar Products Used:
Where do I start. Schwinn, Haro, Crap-in-dale, Diamond Back, Univega, Iron Horse, Trek, Fisher, GT, etc...
Bike Setup:
Stock -off the floor w/Yellow THE fender. "THE" fender makes it soooooo ugly it's COOL!
Bottom Line:
Just get one!!!! Good parts kit, How to get a hardtail to absorb the bumps?? Schwinn finally figured it out. Not to plush and not to stiff. Very light and this bike likes to FLY.
My rating is 4 chilies --- No bike is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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