|
Schwinn
2001 Rocket 88 Disc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Schwinng
a Weekend Warrior
from South Pasadena, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | El Prieto | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | trade-in at LBS | | Strengths: | Rear suspension is only 88mm, but travel is smooth & fully active. Frame is light-enough, but no way lightweight. Originally came with Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, but mine came with Avid mechanicals and I couldn't be happier. | | Weaknesses: | Travel is smooth & active, but limited. At 190 lbs., you're gonna get some bottoming-out on jumps and large ruts with only 3.5" of rear travel. Some people really like the stock Manitou air fork with its 4" of travel, but I found it to suffer from minor to more-than-minor stiction, and in cold weather the fork oil makes for a very stiff ride. | | Similar Products Used: | DBR V-Link, Mongoose Amplifier Comp II, Schwinn Moab 2. | | Bike Setup: | XT f&r derailleurs, Alex rims, Deore hubs, XT RapidFire brake/shifter combo, Avid mechanical disc brakes, Sugino Impel 600 crankset, Manitou Black Comp 120/100 fork, stock Fox Float-R air shock, Kore stem and handlebar, Haro bar-ends, Ritchey clipless pedals, Specialized Minkow Wedge Sport saddle. | | Bottom Line: | This originally sold in 2001 for over $2,000. The next year, I saw them being sold at Supergo for $999, then $900 -- Couldn't believe my eyes! I should've bought it then, but waited a few years later when I saw a used model at my LBS. I traded in a lower-end DBR dualie and threw in $350 and voila ... I'm riding a 2001 Schwinn Rocket 88 Disc. The bike handles well, there feels like a little torsional flex on corners (maybe due to my weight and the frame design), it climbs well enough, but depending on how you have the rear shock set up, if you pedal out of saddle, you lose significant efficiency ... the bobbing is noticeable. I like the fact that I have the last model year of this bike, which I believe was the last model that Schwinn manufactured in the good ol' USA. She's a collector's item now, and I plan to ride her hard, but carefully. I'm happy with this bike ... 'nuf said.
Re: value rating, I'm using the price that I paid for this bike, or the price it was offered at at Supergo. I would not have paid over $2,000 for this bike, not with Santa Cruz, Specialized Enduro, and others around for about the same asking price. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Veatch
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Payson Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo.com | | Strengths: | This bike has been nothing but good for me but it is time to move on to more travel. I have loved this bike so much and now that I am selling it I feel like I am betraying an old friend. Peddle efficiency is great on uphills and excelleration. I actually think that climbing was easier with this bike than with my GT hardtail. Confidence inspiring on jumps and downhill. I have launched off of large jumps with this bike and it has held up fine. I upgraded almost all the components on it. Easy and friendly to install disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | The chain does rub when in the smallest chainring up front but it does nothing more than scratch the alluminum a little bit. The compenents on the bike when I first got it were a joke. I quickly upgraded peice by peice. Integrated headset is not favorable. Can't upgrade it. | | Similar Products Used: | Only other bike was a GT timberline hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Psylo XC, XTR, Hayes mech., SID dual air, raceface crankset | | Bottom Line: | What a great bike for an agressive XC rider. Great on uphills and a blast coming down and on jumps. Tough frame-I have weighed as much as 230 and have been brutal on this bike with no negative consequence. This bike means a lot to me because I went from being a poser occasional rider to a trail lover on it. It inspires confidence just to look at and when you hop on, you are a better rider and are having a blast. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from park city
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | wasatch crest trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bingham Cycles | | Strengths: | Great out-of-the-box components. Climb and downhill-friendly geometry. Almost zero bob - I almost never lock out the back shock. confidence-inspiring | | Weaknesses: | A little chain rub but usually only when locked out. Had the handle bar cut-down from spec - way too wide. Titec X-Wing seat post clamp busted - mfg. defect replaced for free | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Fisher HooKooEKoo | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR, Avid Brakes, Edco racing hubs, Sid Front, Fox RS Rear | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I had to shorten the stem but other than that it's been a great ride. Climbing is very balanced and it's a blast on the downhill.
This review is for a '01 Rocket 88 Stage 1 - no disc. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cornfed
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow,Idaho
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Silver Mountain Death Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Price, smooth riding uphill and down, bumblebee color (Stage 2), I can keep up with my boyfriend on the uphill now! | | Weaknesses: | Sorry ass light weight spring in the front fork, chain rubbing in low gears, ghost shifting. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant SE1 XTC, Trek Fuel, Gary Fisher Sugar, GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Avid mechanical discs, Hugi/DT hubs, all else stock. | | Bottom Line: | I adore this bike! It made going from the Giant hardtail (which was the best bike I've had), almost seamless. Although it's a little heavy when I have to hike it, I wouldn't trade it. I've even started to get over my fear of going faster downhill because this bike is so forgiving. As far as uphill, in a sick sort of way, I'm actually enjoying climbing! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from VAFB, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | On base | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$795.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Its a XC bike and I don't know much about it, but I would say its not a veryyy plussh plushhh ride for a full suspension, kind of stiff. | | Weaknesses: | Wallmart Bikes | | Similar Products Used: | XT/LX, Mantiou Mars Elite, Fox Float R, Hayes Mag Brakes | | Bike Setup: | LX, XT, Mars Manitiou Elite, Fox Float R | | Bottom Line: | I don't know a whole lot about bikes, but I've compared my bike to my friends 2400 dollar Giants and they just don't compare, they are much heavier, and the parts are just not as good, Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes, come on GIANT, nothing compares to the Hayes that comes on these. I give it 5 Flaming Turds for value of what I paid for it. Im very satisfied with the bike and I can keep up with all the guys on it, and not embarassed to bring it out like I was the huffy and other junk brands, plus Im different no one else has a schwinn only Gary Fisher and Giant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ernesto
a Cross Country Rider
from big bear, california USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | strong XC frame, 4 point pivot rear, Manitou Mars Elite fork, Fox Float R | | Weaknesses: | chain bangs on chainstay like a screaming banshee on the downhills, heavy bike 4 uphills, integrated ICBM headset(use a std one!) Its an ugly flat black--when did gloss black go out of style? | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Specialized, Mongoose, Trek , 4 rear pivot bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock except straight bar, XT frnt and rear d'raileuers, Maxxis wider tires, Avid mechanical disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will not win any XC races with its weight factor. Its a heavy bike made in the USA. The slapping of the chain on the chain stay is annoying(shorten the chain by 2-3 links) It cant be ridden on certain "odd gearings" or you will find the chain rubbing again, on the chain stay(fronts' 22 ring to cassette's smaller rings) With its weight, you can clean a downhill w/ confidence, but suffer on the climb. I found no flex like some others but some flex is most likely on most FS bikes. Its a "poorman's" version of the American Ellsworth Truth, Trek's Fuel series and some of the Kona XC bikes. However if you see one at a good price, pick it up, its a plush ride for the money. Just ignore the chain slapping noise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fatcat dj
a
from hollywood
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | used frame only | | Strengths: | plush ride, somewhat lightweight, not much bob on uphills | | Weaknesses: | Doesnt climb as well I hear people raving it to... | | Similar Products Used: | any full suspension XC bike | | Bike Setup: | Deore XT--frnt/r d'railers, levers, Deore mech disc, Maxxis 2.35 MOFO tires, Fox Float, RS Judy XC fork, Primo flats. | | Bottom Line: | The frame was used---kinda lucky to get it so cheap. Its my "beater bike" now. The climb isnt as great as ppl say it is--my Diamondback X20 climbs just as well for a FS. The bike descends just as well as my D'back too. Hmmmm...maybe just hype. Too bad Schwinns' not going to make this bike anymore, it was a nice rival to an Ellsworth Truth or Gary Fisher Sugar, with its complicated boneyass rear triangle doohickie. This is that ugly flat black and red stripped bike that used to be advertised all over magazines in '99-2001. Other than the ugly paintjob, its a nice bike and handles well on the turns. If you see someone selling a used one for $200-300 just for the frame, buy it...the 3 1/2" rear travel is well worth it. The next buy is a Truvativ or XT crank for this beat-up bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Kopec
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | National Phoenix | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$989.00 | | Purchased At: | Superblow | | Strengths: | Over engineered rear suspension design, Super bumblebee yellow color. | | Weaknesses: | I'm the only dude I have ever seen with one? Chain interference on rear end. Bike is spec'ed for feather weight wussies (see XC racer def.) | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar Comp, GT I Drive, ect. | | Bike Setup: | 19" Frame, Manitou X-Vert, Hayes mech disc's, Sun Ryno-Lites, Thompson stem, XT/XTR Drive train, Odi lock on grips, Selle seat. Kopec original upgrades (Powerpost Custom seatpost, circa 1994, smint conditions with modified quick release) Syntace VRO stem bar combo, Custom rider misting system, which aslo doubles as a spy hunter like smoke screen for pesky rear tire leaches.. | | Bottom Line: | The power post will improve any bike out there, I will sell you mine for $4,000.00... My fellow riders constaly make funn of the some of the complex componetry on my bike, being an engineer, I am the only one out of them with the mental capacity to understand how these operate. Overall this bike was a great value and I have had enjoyed riding it.. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great value in full-suspension | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve bridgeman
a Weekend Warrior
from manchester
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rivington | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bonthrone bikes | | Strengths: | Light weight full suspension bike with an excellent level of components and amazing braking power | | Weaknesses: | front forks benefit from being set up quite stiff to counteract bouncing when climbing or out of the saddle. Also the bike would benefit from a shorter stem | | Similar Products Used: | scott competition bike with rock shock front sus and pro flex full sus. | | Bike Setup: | rock shock judys, shimano deore group set, fox float rear. | | Bottom Line: | A confidence inspiring full suspension bike which seems to float when jumped. The brakes are amazing, I can't understand why anyone would need hydraulic brakes, how much stopping power do you need! The ride can be a bit saggy if you don't set up the front forks quite stiff and I think a shorter stem would make the bike alot more chuckable. I got this bike at less than half price as schwinn have gone bust so there are some great deeals out there, this bike is about 6 pounds lighter than a GT Idrive for around the same price. The frome finish is also really good too and it's a great piece of engineering. BUY ONE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Bell
a Cross Country Rider
from Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shipley Glen | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls cycles | | Strengths: | Reasonable weight, looks good, superb handling, good climber, brilliant on singletrack, good downhill and with good stoppers to match. | | Weaknesses: | Lots of cheap own brand componentry, cheap taper fit cranks/bottom bracket, rubbish pedals and questionable tyres. Standard fork (Rockshox Judy C) is a bit of a letdown. Climbing and sprinting standing up may take some getting used to. Can be noisy on really heavy landings. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS + Specialized FSR. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Stage 2 with 2002 Rockshox Judy SL Air. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best handling bike I've ever ridden. You don't notice it's weight penalty over a hard tail unless you're carrying it or lifting it over something. On singletrack it just encourages you to ride faster and faster, until you start to question your sanity. The same can be said for going downhill although it is a bit noisy on really heavy landings and can ghost shift when the going gets really rutted. The biggest surprise though is how well it climbs, just stay seated and take advantage of the extra traction. If you've got it set up properly, riding standing up will induce some serious bobbing but that's only to be expected from such an active system. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Shaffer
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hermosa Creek Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Rocket 88 Disc is nicely balanced, plush suspension. Good climber and great at rugged technical downhills. Mars Elite and Float R perform great, just need a little riding time to tune for your riding style. Suggestion: Tune Float R to your body weight, 180lbs = 180psi. After riding with the Hayes Hydraulic disc brakes I'll never go back to rim brakes. The wildgripper tires are the best I've ridden. (been riding since 1990, several different bikes and tires). | | Weaknesses: | The Float R schrader valve hard to access. (turn shock 180 degrees). Fixed chain rub in granny gear by installing XT 11-32 cassette and shortening chain. Also replaced bottom bracket with wider 115 mm to get better chain alignment and eliminated ghost shifting. | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike. I'll never go back to a hard tail. Last bike was a full XT, RS Judy XC Yeti Sherpa hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except replacements mentioned above and Easton carbon Monkey Lite bar and Easton carbon seatpost. Also replaced deraillers with XTR. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, wish I would have known about Schwinn's impending bankruptcy. Bought bike in May, if I would have waited till September could have got it for $1299. At this price the bike is a steal. Buy it if your not a hardcore hardtail person buying your first full suspension bike(It will be to plush for you). The Giant NRS-1 is an easier transition for the hardtail crowd. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
t c
a Cross Country Rider
from rochester
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Moss Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Fits like a glove. Super light. Engineering Masterpiece. | | Weaknesses: | Handlebars. Grips. Cheap Seat. Iffy pedals. That whole chain hitting the frame thing. Wheels. | | Similar Products Used: | Moab | | Bike Setup: | My old Moab straight handlebar, ends, grips, and pedals.
All else stock. | | Bottom Line: | There are certain brands that for me at least just feel comfortable. A Rawlings baseball glove, a browning shotgun, and a Schwinn bike. This bike is truly a work of art, hats off to the guys at schwinn. It handles well in most situations and inspires confidence that a hardtail just can't.
If I had one complaint it would be that the bike just doesn't roll as fast as my Moab. Maybe because it is lighter, maybe it's the hubs, tires or the weight of the wheels. In any case, the increased acceleration and plush downhills is worth the trade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hank
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 50-Year Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$859.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Price, price, price | | Weaknesses: | Wide bars (cut'em), shock air valve access (rotate it), seat (lose the plastic chrome), wish that Manitou would ship shocks with heavier springs (really, how many buy this product in the <120# weight range???) | | Similar Products Used: | 1st FS | | Bike Setup: | Stock, 'cept for swapped to Yeti grips, and ditched the stock tubes for slimes | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS ROCKETT 88 STAGE 2 (no other entry options for '01 Rockets???)
Anyway - the Rocket set-up has a proven record of being one of the best systems out there. The bankruptcy prices make the deal even sweeter. Coming from 20-ish years of mountain biking, I thought I was a die-hard hardtailer. The Rockett 88 makes a *very* smooth transition. Frankly, my climbing is better as I can stay seated in all but the roughest situations (and even then, the "bob factor" is virtually non-existent). And the downhill??? How about tight swervy singletrack? SWEETNESS! I am extremely pleased with the ride, and can do nothing but smile each time I think about this bike costing the same as my previous hard tail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Tyler,TX
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyelr State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Bottom Line: | 2001 Stage 3 Review - Update
Now that I've had the bike awhile, I have a better feel for it.
The Good Stuff: No mechanical or frame problems; great XC bike for the cash; Will inspire confidence in your riding; The Hellbent riser handlebar; Comfy yet tough seat; Still love the Manitou SXR shock.
The Bad: The well documented chain rub in granny gears (you don't need them); Horribly thin stock tubes(replaced with slimys); Weak paint on suspension triangle; Width of handlebars(got them cut down to 24")
One thing that I've heard people complain about was the inaccessible valve for the rear shock. There is a very simple fix for this. Simply rotate the shock 180 degrees so that the valve is in the front.
Great overall bike for the cash! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikey
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sourdough | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Galyan's | | Strengths: | Frame design, hi/lo pivot system, parts spec, SID SL fork | | Weaknesses: | Chain rubbing on the frame in the granny gears, Michelin tires (not too bad, not the best either) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Enduro, Schwinn Stage 3 88, GT i-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Stock, blew my money on the bike, can't upgrade for a while... | | Bottom Line: | THIS REVIEW IS REGARDING THE '01 SCHWINN ROCKET 88 STAGE 1:
This bike is one hellacious good deal right now. I bought it where I work, so with the current Schwinn clearances, plus my discount, I could not pass it up. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't. For the money, these are the best wheels around. I was thinking of transferring my '01 Psylo SL from my hardtail to this bike, but in the interests of saving weight and the SID being an a$$ kicking fork, I stuck with the sid. The Fox Float RC is a beautiful ride, and the parallelogram linkage is a dream to take on the flatirons with. I was thinking about upgrading to full XTR, but stick with the stock XT folks. The XTR is optimized for a standard chainring size (46T-34T-24T) and the XT was optimized for a compact chain set, such as the one spec'd on the 88 (44T-32T-22T). The only thing bothering me about Schwinn's problems are their frame coverege. Everything else you'll still be able to find parts for from after market companies like cane creek. As for the granny gear rubbing, you shouldn't be using those ratios anyway. shame shame! good riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Winston
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | THIS IS FOR THE ROCKET 88 STAGE 2
Excellent ride, frame, components for the price!! You can't get a better deal, or at least I can't find another. Somewhat light. Parts selection is great, and like the looks (yellow) | | Weaknesses: | wide handlebars - clipped a tree while riding fast, not so good
chain rub, but these are minor probs. | | Similar Products Used: | not much (only 13 yrs old) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, especially for this price. The thing is, that it may have a pacific logo on it soon, but should deter from the schwinn quality and ride. The only thing I'm worried about is the extermination of the warranty because of the upcoming bankrupcy.
Supergo will prob. run outta these soon, so get them while they're hot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ewa
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown's Camp/ deschutes river (Bend t.h.) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Active suspension, comfortable geometry, well speced part selection. The Hayes brakes rock. If you get the manual from the hayes site, is aint too hard to take care of them bad boys. This is my second bike with the Mars Elite, and I love it. This bike is great for exploring. Little power is lost on the climb once the sag is set correctly. It stands up to numerous endos. | | Weaknesses: | Rear triangle is too low. Allows for chain rub in the small ring. This can be lessened by adjusting the rear derailer angle, and shortening the chain a bit. The paint job is poorly done. No clear coat and no under coat. The positioning of the rear shock air valve is lame. I scratch the paint on the rear linkage when I adjust the air volume. Change the tubes and replace the lame rubber rim liners that come stock from Schwinn with cloth ones. You can not replace the sealed bearings, nor remove the rearshock yourself without voiding the warrenty. All squishy bikes, especially with discs, require a heavier maintenance schedule. If you are not rich and do not like to explore the guts of your ride, stick to a nice hard tail. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fischer Sugar 2, some lame old Y bike. I also own a Fischer Kaitai. | | Bike Setup: | Stock from box, minus the lame rim liners and thin little Taiwan condoms for tubes. | | Bottom Line: | I normally do not review gear until I have activey ridden it for six months. But some of the down sides of this bike could be a drag. The frame design works fairly well for me. The chain rub could screw the frame up, and the paint sucks, but those can be worked around. If you race, this bike is not for you. I have my sag set a little on the low side, but I think the design inherantly robs you of a little power. It is a small amount and does not bother me much, but I am not paying to ride. If you want something that climbs good enough, and desends sweetly, this is it. Over all I love this bike, but I do notice that my average speed is down on rides I do all the time.
PS. Make sure to buy a shock pump with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Tyler, TX
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$797.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | --------THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE STAGE 3--------
Suspension works when it's supposed to without excess bob.
Same weight as my old hardtail (27.5lbs).
Geometry is good for XC riding. Not to forward or to upright.
Manitou SX-R is a great shock. (Only 3.4lbs!)
9 Speed | | Weaknesses: | Handle bar width.
Chain rub on bottom corner of rear triangle in gears 1/6 through 1/1. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80 - One six mile ride
Raleigh M80 - Old trusty (Now the wife's bike)
| | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ a few exceptions | | Bottom Line: | I went ahead & bought this bike even though I'm well aware that Schwinn was recently acquired by Pacific. Right now I'm glad I did.
This bike has pretty much everything I (realistically) wanted from a bike. I wanted a light full suspension XC bike with quality components that didn't cost me an arm & a leg.
I have had the bike now for 2 days & have ridden it both of them. So far, so great. The trails I ride are a good mix of technical singletrack uphills & downhills with a few flats here & there (Tyler State Park). The bike ate up the roots, rocks and small drops that used to cause me a lot of back pain.
As for the negatives, the only biggy is the chain rub thing, but thanks to this site I was aware of that before I got the bike. I don't use those gears anyway. I don't like the width of the Titec Hell Bent (not a good fit for narrow tree lined single track), but that's just a personal preference & nothing a hack saw can't fix.
Overall: If you're looking for a light full suspension XC bike with quality components that does't cost a bundle and you're not scared of the Scwhinn bancruptcy, you would be silly not to give this bike a shot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeremy schneider
a Weekend Warrior
from phoenix
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | national | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | good design confidense building ok components cheap price | | Weaknesses: | a little frame geometry and the lx derailers suck i could shift better by using a big stick | | Similar Products Used: | other rockets kona stuff lots of other kinds | | Bike Setup: | all stock new tires switiching to xtr hopefully | | Bottom Line: | great bike perfect for ur first full suspension front and rear shocks give u a good amount of travel and the gears switch ok theres a problem w/ the frame geometry or at least w/ my bike when ur on the smallest chainring in the front it doesnt matter what ur on in the back the chain rubs against the rear bottom triangle right through the lizard tape and against the paint eventually i think it will rub into the frame and could cause a hole and it cant be good for the chain either ive tried to contact schwinn but ive gotten no response so check this out before u get one but get one soon cause supergo is having a mad sale so buy it quick c ya
cuzz | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Home of the Pentagon, Va, Usa
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | schaffer farms, Fountain head | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Sweet bomb-proof frame, light, has taken everything I've done to it and keeps on getting | | Weaknesses: | Manitou forks suck! Lx derailleurs, I could shift better using a stick. Grips, and Tires. | | Similar Products Used: | this review is for a 2001 rocket88 stage three since there is only one 2001 rocket88 to choose from. Come on guys! | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox psylo sl, Azonic 45mm stem, Raceface riser bar, Yeti grips, Magura Louise discs, WTB rims, Hutchison python, platforms, XT derailleurs and cassete. and a new seat to replace the one I broke doing jumps. | | Bottom Line: | Buy the bike. In any of its configurations. This bike has been on downhill slopes, and homemade jumps and tabletops.In it's current form, this bike is confidence-inspiring. Maybe my bike was put together by Johnny, who was trying to rush out the door because it was Miller-time or something, I don't know. If your are looking for your first full suspension bike, get one now before Supergo sells them all. Man what a steal. Oh, and those guys at Mountain bike review? Have you noticed they don't like anything that costs less than $3000? Don't believe everything you read. Get one now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom (www.tomfranken.com)
a
from Denver
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Walker Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo.com | | Strengths: | Good combination of parts at reasonable price. | | Weaknesses: | Took some work to get it to fit. Is getting a bit heavy with add-ons. Needs a higher gear for road use. | | Similar Products Used: | A couple of cross bikes and a Fuji touring bike. | | Bike Setup: | Initially switched tires to a road tread. Plan to try and build a set of 700's with disk hubs. Also added taller handlebar post, fatter seat, rack. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike to use as a commuter. (Thanks to you guys for pointing me to Supergo.) I ordered smooth tires and swap them when I go trail riding. With the smooth tires, the bikes hits a top speed going down hill of about 35-40. My Fuji would break 50. The smallest rear sprocket is already only 11 teeth so I don't think I can get anymore gearing there. The next plan is to find or built a 27" or 700 rim with a hub that can take a disk, and add the smallest tire I can find. It should fit according to my premilinary tries. If anyone knows where I can find such a rim, shot me an e-mail.
With a couple of sets of tires, it makes a great all-round bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Truckee CA USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Cosco | | Strengths: | Suspension works well, bike is very light for cost | | Weaknesses: | Wheels come out of true very easily | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper/ Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a review on the stage 3 rockett 88.
The bike preforms well, suspension works nicely when tuned right.
About 1 week after I got the bike I noticed that it was not shifting properly when in the smallest chainring on the front. I investigated the problem and found that the chain rubs the frame on the bottom of the suspended rear triangle. The chain has to either go over this part of the frame or around it. This makes for bad shifting, bad wear on chain, and I would imagine it could lead to a whole in the frame. One 10 mile ride on this bike and I wore right through the lizard skin protector and a few layers of paint. I have tried to contant Schwinn but have ot been able to reach them. I will probably end up taking the bike back. I highly recomend that you check this problem before you buy any Schwinn rocket 88 bike. This is a serious problem! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney
a Weekend Warrior
from Climax, MI
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo.com | | Strengths: | A full-suspension bike that weighs probably a little more
than alot of hard-tails. The components are pretty good also:
Mars Elite fork, Hayes brakes, and Mavic rims are the front-liners. | | Weaknesses: | The handlebars, seatpost, seat and stem. (most of which are
Titec). And the frame does have considerable lateral flex...this may or may not prove to be a problem down the road. The front tire does seem to lack a bit of grip in corners also. The TItec stuff sucks. The seatpost keeps loosening after every ride, and the bars are way too wide. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 98, Klien Mantra and Cannondale Jekyll. | | Bike Setup: | Currently the bike is stock, but soon to replace all Titec
stuff with Easton Carbon seatpost and handlebars, and a Raceface SYStem. Later upgrades to lighten up the slightly heavy rear-end would be a lighter cog. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. I haven't had alot of time to ride it
yet but what I have ridden it, there are very few weaknesses. You hear the rumors about f/s bikes not climbing as well as hardtails, and they are false. This bike climbs like a mountaingoat. All of your pedaling energy is transferred to the ground and not bouncing all over rocks and roots like a hardtail. And for the price that was paid it was a heck of a deal. Also there is a great controversy about 'bob' on a f/s bike. I have noticed it slightly, but it is very slight, and that can be remedied with stiffer suspension settings. I would recommend this bike to a wide range of riders because of the
price/value. For experts and up, if they have no qualms with the frame stiffness then after a few upgrades they could be riding one of the lightest f/s bike out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great suspension action. Great stiff fork. Plush bike yet doesn't rob you of power. Superior fit and finish. Perfect geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Poorly designed seatpost. Terrible tires. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-drive. Yeti ASR. Giant NSR. Trek Fuel. SC Superlight. Cannondale. Klein Adept and others. | | Bike Setup: | SRAM 9.0SL setup. 5'10" height. 160 pound rider. A very fast accomplished rider (but there is always someone faster!). | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden a lot of bikes. I am 33 years old and I bought a GT I-drive last year. It was a good bike but I absolutely hated the geometry and I really hated the head angle because the bike always wanted to endo. Well I trashed the GT and was looking for another bike. I originally sat on the Schwinn and really liked the geometry but didn't buy it because of the first model year problems. In the time I had the GT I rode many high end bikes costing too much money. I never really came away impressed with any of them. Then I saw the Rocket 88 on sale at Supergo. I gambled and bought the bike not knowing how I would like it on the trail. My gamble paid off. I wondered about the bike because of the magazine reviews but this bike is perfect for me. This bike at $1299.00 is a better bike than the $4000.00 Yeti that I rode a month ago (in my opinion a lot better). The Yeti was too stiff. Don't underestimate a good suspension setup. Being an old motorcycle enduro rider and and a prorally racer I can tell you that a good suspension setup is very important. This bike is the most balanced bike I have ever ridden. If you buy from Supergo make sure that you can set up the bike. You will be unhappy with the bike if you can't set it up correctly...especially the rear deralliuer. If you are not mechanically minded have a LBS put it together for you. The only things I am changing are the tires (there is a lot of straightline grip but the cornering threshold is incredibly poor), the poorly designed seatpost and the change to gripshift. Now, if we can get rid of the chain and cog system (about a hundred years old now) I would be in hog heaven. Truly...this is the best bike around! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Juarez
a Cross Country Rider
from Westlake Village CA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Los Robles | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1075.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | This review is for the stage 2. Great value, fox R is incredibly awesome, XTR rear, well balanced suspension and light frame. I like that schwinn seat and the Tioga rims. | | Weaknesses: | yeah, the shock valve isn't in a good position but no big deal. Schwinn website and supergo said it came with a mars super but it just has the basic 2001 mars. Those titec hellbents are really wide and the michellin tires aren't so great No major weaknesses though. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS fxt pro, mongoose m50i, stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | stock, but i plan to put on easton bars and seat post in the future. Titec is great for now. | | Bottom Line: | The parallel linkage design is really plush. Mountain bike magazine reviewed the stage 1 and complained of a "mushy, sluggish feel." Those people have been riding too many titus and ellsworth bikes. I have noticed a little of this but the weight of this bike is so much lighter than my peice of crap mongoose or standard hard tail and climbing produces no bobbing. If they want stiffness pay some 2 or 3 grand for a litespeed frame or somethin. The thousand i payed for this bike gives me an all around great trail bike and full suspension makes down hill so much more enjoyable. I'm only 16 and i cant believe I have this sweet of a bike. I have the rear shock on a slightly stiffer setting then recommmended for my weight and it is still very sensitive but with the rebound at a quick setting there is no bob or "mush." Get it while supergo still has them for 999$. MSRP is somewhere around 1700 so this is really good savings. I give this bike 5 chilis for both value and 5 for performance too, considering the price I paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Weekend Warrior
from USAF Academy, CO
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere on the Academy | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1025.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | My review is on the 2001 Stage 2 (no disk). The bike is awesome. Light for its class, inspires confidence, climbs increadibly well. I've climbed sandy hills I could never get up before on my hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Fox Float R shock valve is a tight fit for the pump nozzle. | | Bike Setup: | Factory original with extra air in front and rear shock for my weight. | | Bottom Line: | Thrilled with the workmanship, fit and finish, components and the ride. The prices at Supergo can't be beat although you must do some assembly (not bottom bracket luckily).
I'm 6'1" 190lbs with 32.5" inseam. 44 years old...yup!
17" frame was perfect fit for me. Love the bike!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bret
a Weekend Warrior
from San Clemente, CA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo in Oceanside | | Strengths: | Unbelievable parts mix for the money. Hayes brakes, Fox Float R shock and Mars Super fork are all top notch. The Titec gear is nice and the Michelin Wild Gripper tires are the best I have ever ridden. I even like the Schwinn seat.
The Rocket suspension just works. Bombing at full speed or climbing up over rocky surfaces, the tires stay glued to the ground and you are in control. I have even had the bike in a high-speed two wheel drift and the envelope is smooth and predictable. It sucks up ruts and obstacles that gave me heart attacks on my hard tail and it doesn't even buck or shimmy. It's so fast and smooth that it's almost scarry. I'm trying not to get too cocky and eat it.
Finally, the weight is great. At Supergo we weighed the bikes I was looking at and I couldn't believe the Rocket with disks was lighter than the Sugar 3 without disks. | | Weaknesses: | Just a couple minor annoyances. I would have liked to see a quick-release for the seat post, but I guess I can just buy one. The Shimano SPD pedals were so tight that I fell over twice and ripped my seat because I couldn't get my feet out. After a month, they are starting to loosen up. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Joshua F2, Crusty Old Raleigh Hardtail with no Shocks | | Bike Setup: | Bone Stock Right Now - In the future, I want to go XTR with the chain and derailers. | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike without hesitation. It's a great bike and a smokin' deal.
I went into Supergo looking to buy the Stage 3, but as soon as I looked at the Rocket Disk, I knew it was a way better bike. That's the best extra $400 I have ever spent.
I was scared to buy this bike at first because Mountain Bike Magazine said it sucked. I have no idea what they were thinking because they were just plain wrong. Instead I listened to you guys and I'm glad I did. (Shawn had me worried at first, but then I saw he bought a hard-tail, so I figured he may just be anti-FS.) Thanks a bunch guys.
Thanks Mr. SuperGo for hooking me up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Kings Canyon, CA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Buck Rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Balanced suspension, disk brakes, smart component spec., reasonable weight | | Weaknesses: | Could not fit a FOX pump onto the rear shock because the suspension linkage gets in the way. I had to grind the area out a bit to allow the shock pump to fit onto the shock. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Specialized FSR, 2000 Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades from stock include: XT 11-32 cassette, Easton Monkey Light rise bars, Selle Italia Flite saddle, Bontrager RE-1 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I read the magazine reviews and they were not very positive, yet the actual riders I talked to said it was a good bike. I rode a Specialized FSR this summer and a Klein Mantra last summer (both loaners) and was not impressed by either. Out of all the bikes I test rode, it came down to the Schwinn and the Giant full suspension. When Supergo put the Schwinn on sale, my mind was made up. This bike ascends reasonably well, but really shines on the way back down. The suspension feels balanced and smooth. The disk brakes work great, I'll never go back to rim brakes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenneth
a Racer
from NLR, AR
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | CARP Trails in NLR, AR | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Arkansas Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | Disc brakes- excellent- no more v-brakes. Manitou Mars Elite fork- excellent. Fox shox- above average. | | Weaknesses: | Fox shox- needs rebound adjustment. Rims exploded- Mavic very poor customer service in replacing the rim. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab Aluminum | | Bike Setup: | Conti Double Fighter tires, 180 psi fork, 240 psi rear shox | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike in spite of it's initial teething problems. Bike shop has taken excellent care of me and this bike. Handles small to big hits very well. Very quick handling on tight single track. THIS BIKE CLIMBS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL. I could not believe how well this bike climbs for a full susp bike. Disc brakes will be on any new bike I buy from now on. No 'grabbyness', just smooth good braking. Bike is comfortable on long rides (2+ hrs), layout is good.
Buy this bike if you are serious about riding, this bike wants to be ridden hard. Excellent where there are rocks, ruts, roots, bumps, etc. It's a bit heavy to carry around, but you don't notice it when riding. I think the weight stabilizes the bike. Probably weighs 26-28 lbs, I'm not exactly sure. But don't let the weight be a factor. I would, will race this bike with confidence. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Cross Country Rider
from richmond vermont
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | foot of the notch | | Strengths: | this bike rocks , i ride in mud all the time
and the sealed bearrings keep the mud out
this is the best bike that i have ever ridden , it does not po go at all .
this bike made mr go faster , and going uphill is a breaz | | Weaknesses: | the fork sucks it makes all kinds of noise , i am going to get rock shocks | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher sugar, treck fiul 80 , | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks , it is worth what ever you pay for it , but it sucks that Huffy owns it now | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Cross Country Rider
from richmond vermont
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | foot of the notch | | Strengths: | this almost the best bike ever biult , no bob ,this bike made me go faster | | Weaknesses: | the fork sucks , it makes noise | | Bottom Line: | bye it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Boynton
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, MI
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | TK Lawless Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo.com | | Strengths: | Super smooth. One of the best full suspensions I have ridden! I just sold my trek fuel 98 and thought I would go with a hardtail but changed my mind and picked this bike up for cheap, what a steal at 1299. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing, maybe could xtr in the rear | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel 90, cannondale jekyll 900sl | | Bike Setup: | It’s equipped with a Fox Float-R rear air shock, and
matched to an 80mm travel Manitou Mars Elite suspension
fork with externally adjustable TPC damping, making it
easy to fine tune the suspension to your riding style and
terrain. The Shimano Drivetrain is highlighted by XT & LX
derailleurs, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes for phenomenal
stopping ability, and Mavic X223 disc-specific rims laced to
Swiss-made EDCO cartridge-bearing disc hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike while they last for this price they are a great deal for any level of rider! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | B & J Bikes | | Strengths: | It has front and rear suspension. Thats it! | | Weaknesses: | Flex. The bike does one thing good, it robs,and drains all your power. It also Bobs ALOT. Even will the front and rear suspension really stiff. I could go on and on about it but take my advise. DON'T BUY IT. Buy a Jamis Dragon instead. I did and its awsome. Full XTR , Cross Max, 23 pounds ..... | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike with Rock Rhox Sid SL, 517 Rims | | Bottom Line: |
Don't Buy It !!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moodz
a Cross Country Rider
from Vero Beach
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Bepot - Sebastian | | Strengths: | Strong frame with nice welds. Pretty stiff for a full suspension rig. Low standover height (easy to fit larger riders or guys with long torso). Well equipped (XT, LX, Titec stem, seast post, Hayes Hyd. brakes, Mavic rims etc... Great looking, Black, red, silver, black rims, spokes , hubs | | Weaknesses: | Only one so far, Manitou mars elite. Great fork but a b**** to set up and tune. If you are 180 or over you will need the extra frim ride kit and 10wt. fork oil, also bump up the air to 180-200. Sh*** saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | My Fist Full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | 300lbs in the Fox R shock, 110mm Titec stem (shorter than stock), Specialized Body Geometry saddle. Dial in the Fork for a heavy rider. | | Bottom Line: | So far so good. I like the ride. Coming off of a Zaskar, the Rocket feels plush but fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | South Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bought it "used once" from a shop owner on E-bay | | Strengths: | Light, (about 27.5 lbs) considering it has discs. Handles very nicely - not too different from my carbon hardtail as far as steering precision. Climbs incredibly well. Fox Float R shock: set it up once and forget about it - even in Pennsylvania muddy spring weather (guess I should take it apart soon though). Hayes hydraulic discs are also low maintenance, high power stoppers. Suspension is just enough to smooth out everything - feels like much more than 88mm of travel.
Integrated Headset - pretty neat idea and it works very well so far.
Good looking bike.
Not much that I would want to change on this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Mars Elite fork is a b*tch to dial in, I need to get the firm springs from Manitou and I weigh 160 - thought forks were made for that kind of weight. It is nice once you get it set up right though. Wasn't too thrilled with the Michelin tires, especially the rear - not much traction on steep braking or climbing.
CHAIN RUB! - in the granny ring, if you use anything higher than the biggest 2 or 3 rear cogs the chain rubs the bottom corner of the rear triangle - apparently a problem with using the 11-34 cassette - Schwinn told me to switch to 11-32 (and shorten chain) to alleviate the problem. Also said that they would replace the rear triangle if it became too stressed. Pretty cool.
Some "ghost shifting", but that may be from drivetrain wear or I need to adjust the derailleur better.
Heard of problems with the Titec X-Wing post clamp, Titec will send you a new version of the clamp if yours slips. Think schwinn now specs a different post. | | Similar Products Used: | '96 Diamondback WCF 6.0 (hardtail) , '97 Cannondale Super V something-or-other (full suspension) | | Bike Setup: | 19" frame. I am 6'0" with about a 33" inseam and usually ride an 18" hardtail. The 19" Schwinn fits just right. Stock set up, except I switched to Panaracer TrailBlaster tires and Shimano 545 platform/clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I have had it for about 4 months and I ride it every chance I get. So far no problems with the suspension pivots or anything like that. So many parts make it a chore to clean up after muddy rides though, but maybe I am just lazy and used to a low maintenance hardtail. This is an excellent all day ride kind of bike. Pretty light, very comfortable. I don't come home nearly as beat up as I used to. Could probably race on it on rougher courses like Seven Springs or other rocky, rooted type of things where a hardtail would not be the best choice. Handles precisely, climbs well, glides over the obstacles especially at speed. The Rocket 88 does like to go fast. Looks cool too, semi-flat black paint, black wheels, etc give it a mean machine look, but doesn't scream "look at me" like a Cannondale or those awful Y-bikes.
The chain rub thing looked like it would be a problem, but Schwinn was helpful and I took a link out of my chain (still using the 11-34 cogs) and now it doesn't rub unless I use gear combinations that shouldnt be used anyway (small ring smaller cogs) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, Va
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Schaeffer Farm | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Schwinn shop | | Strengths: | This bike rocks! Rode to 2000 Rocket 88 last summer in Vail and waited until Schwinn had worked out the glitches to buy the 2001 model. It soaks up small hits so well that you don't even notice and can take it share of the big hits when needed, but not like a downhill bike which it isn't. The handling is great you just point and shoot and it tracks great. Rode other full suspensions and when the suspension kicked in in turns the steering went south but not with the suspension on the 88. The components on it for the price are great and the Hayes hydraulic disc brakes have awesome stopping power and I like the modulation on them. Overall this is one of the best FS bikes I have ridden. | | Weaknesses: | The Titec seatpost broke my first time in the woods and I replaced it with an Easton. Swapped out the Titec Hell Bent Bars and Titec stem for Azonic bars and stem, major handling imporvement as I like the bend in the Azonic bars. Scrapped the stock pedals as I run platforms, so that is just personal preference. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Raven, Gary Fisher Sugar-1, Specialized Enduro Pro | | Bike Setup: | Running the 21 inch frame. Swapped the front rubber for Continetal 2.3 Vertical Pro, changed bars and stem for Azonic, trashed the Schwinn grips and put on ODI Ruffian lock grips. The Fox Float R is great and adjusts really well, had to change to firmer springs in the Mars Elite forks. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike and at the price it is pretty hard to beat, I priced all the components on this ride and could not believe the value (also my friend owns the shop I got it at so I paid pretty much his cost). My advice is try a few bikes and find your fit this was the perfect fit for me but may not be the best for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 2169.95
