Submitted by
Schwinng
a Weekend Warrior
from South Pasadena, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Mike Veatch
a Weekend Warrior
from Orem, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: Only other bike was a GT timberline hardtail
Bike Setup: Psylo XC, XTR, Hayes mech., SID dual air, raceface crankset
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Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from park city
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
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
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.
Similar Products Used: Giant NRS, Fisher HooKooEKoo
Bike Setup: XT/XTR, Avid Brakes, Edco racing hubs, Sid Front, Fox RS Rear
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Submitted by
cornfed
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow,Idaho
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003
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.
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!
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.
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Submitted by
Ed Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from VAFB, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003
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
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.
Similar Products Used: XT/LX, Mantiou Mars Elite, Fox Float R, Hayes Mag Brakes
Bike Setup: LX, XT, Mars Manitiou Elite, Fox Float R
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Submitted by
ernesto
a Cross Country Rider
from big bear, california USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002
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?
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.
Strengths: plush ride, somewhat lightweight, not much bob on uphills
Weaknesses: Doesnt climb as well I hear people raving it to...
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Daniel Kopec
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002
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.)
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
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..
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Submitted by
steve bridgeman
a Weekend Warrior
from manchester
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2002
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
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!
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.
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Submitted by
Chris Bell
a Cross Country Rider
from Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002
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.
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.
Bike Setup: 2001 Stage 2 with 2002 Rockshox Judy SL Air.
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Submitted by
James Shaffer
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
t c
a Cross Country Rider
from rochester
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Strengths: Fits like a glove. Super light. Engineering Masterpiece.
Weaknesses: Handlebars. Grips. Cheap Seat. Iffy pedals. That whole chain hitting the frame thing. Wheels.
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.
Bike Setup: My old Moab straight handlebar, ends, grips, and pedals. All else stock.
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Submitted by
Hank
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002
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???)
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.
Bike Setup: Stock, 'cept for swapped to Yeti grips, and ditched the stock tubes for slimes
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Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Tyler,TX
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001
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.
Weaknesses: Chain rubbing on the frame in the granny gears, Michelin tires (not too bad, not the best either)
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!
