Submitted by
Hans
a Cross Country Rider
from Allentown, PA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2004
Weaknesses: Decals scrape off too easy
Bottom Line:
I've been loving this bike since the day I picked it up! I bought it privately from a fellow mountain biker who was forced by his wife to sell off part of his bike collection. I really feel bad for him, he gave up a treasure... Every time I ride the bike, I say I want to save it and put it on the wall like a trophy. The bad part is that I just can't stop riding it. I love it! It's a perfect fit for me and came all hooked up (except for a few goodies I added when I needed to replace parts...)
It's too bad Schwinn chose to stop making bikes like this.
Similar Products Used: I've ridden a few bikes... none quite like this, though my brother has a 2002 Klein Attitude with very similar geometry
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Bomber (100mm travel), XTR front Deraileur, Sram 9.0 rear deraileur, XTR V-brakes, Race Face Crankset, Time Atac Pedals, Chris King Sealed Headset, plenty of other great components, oh yeah!... Sun 0 degree Lite rims.
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Submitted by
David Blankinship
a Cross Country Rider
from Erie, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003
Strengths: Very light, great components overall, and wonderful color scheme (I went with the glow-in-the-dark gold). This thing climbs like a dream.
Weaknesses: Deore wheelsets
Bottom Line:
I'm really not sure you can beat the combination of back-for-the-buck and performance in a hardtail bike. When I got the bike in May 2002 there were great deals on Schwinn's higher-end products like the Homegrown and hopefully you can find a good deal too.
Strengths: Frame is amazing, smart parts choices. Light, strong wheels (despite the hubs), and drivetrain is solid
Weaknesses: SRAM 7.0 cassette and Sachs chain caused major headaches. Also, Avid SD5 levers are crunchy and have been since last season... just got upgraded, so no worries. Also, the Judy Race is flexy as hell and has no real adjustments.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to a previous review. Over the past two seasons, this ride has treated me kindly. I had some problems with the chain/cassette last season which ended in a broken chain causing destruction of my (expensive) XTR rear derailleur, which prompted the upgrade to shimano. Also, while the Judy isn't too heavy and performs alright, there's no adjustments (external rebound adjustment my ass!!) that actually do anything, so I upgraded this week with the much stiffer Manitou Skareb Super with lockout. Along with the brake upgrade, I feel like it's a new bike, except that I don't have to adjust to a new frame.
Bottom line is that I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. If you have a chance to pick up a homegrown frame, do so while you still can.
Similar Products Used: Giant XTC SE1, Trek carbon team, Gary Fisher SuperCal, Specialized M4, etc
Bike Setup: Stock except: XT cassette 12-34, Dura-Ace/XTR Chain, just got Avid SpeedDial Ultimate brakes/levers and an 03 Skareb Super to replace the heavier Judy.
Strengths: Light, climbs like a mountain goat, great response on technical sections. Yellow. Classy subdued decals.
Weaknesses: Can be sketchy at high speeds and descents, decals scrape off easy, chainstay guard went MIA after a couple rides. Integrated headset makes me uneasy.
Bottom Line:
I've been a fan of the Schwinn Homegrown since it first came out. Being young and unable to afford one, I could only be an outside fan. Found a frame of the 2001 HG Comp at a great price, and built up the XC bike I've always wanted. My reward to myself for 4 years of college and landing a job. While I can't comment on the stock HG Comp setup (components, wheels, etc), I'll make an attempt to comment on the frame itself.
Onto the bike: As others have said, the bike makes a great platform for building up a great bike. The frame is insanely light and gives a great ride for an aluminum frame. Schwinn really hit it with the N'Lightened alloy in the tubeset. The frame geometry makes for a great XC bike that loves to climb, but can be a bit sketchy at high speeds and on freaky steep descents. Just little quirks that take getting used to as any bike would have.
This bike, even in the bikeshop setup (as I've read) is a completely race-capable bike, that won't leave you broke. There is plenty of room for upgrades from the base Comp bike, which can be made as skill/race class increases.
My only main concern with the frame is the integrated headset setup. It is imperative that it is always, always, maintained at the correct preload, as a loose fork can completely damage the frames head tube and render the frame junk. Also wondering how hard it is going to be to find parts for it when the bearings finally do let go (been fine for 6 months so far, I'm thinking years down the road...).
Other issues with the frame are nits: -Decals scratch off kinda easy -Chainstay guard came off on a ride and is lost forever -Yellow frame shows scratches easily
Don't buy if: -Decals make the bike for you -You have an aversion to superlight frames -You don't want to drop the competition, because you will on this bike.
Purchased At: Personally custom built - Various suppliers for the parts
Similar Products Used: 1994 GT Karakoram, was time for an upgrade in '02
Bike Setup: Custom built by myself as a college graduation present: 1998 Mavic Crossland Wheelset (X-fer from my old bike, sweet wheels) Race Face Next LP Carbon/Aluminum Cranks - Std. 24/34/46 Shimano XTR rear derailleur, cassette (8-spd) Shimano XT front derailleur, shifter pods, bottom bracket Avid Arch Rival Brakes, SD 7.0 Levers Kore/Easton Elite Handlebar ONZA! Ulles grips Manitou Six Deluxe Fork WTB SST.XR saddle Time ATAC Carbon Pedals IRC Mythos 1.95 tires Cheesy Blue Tomac Barends. They were cheap, and they work...
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Submitted by
Brad Schuster
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002
Strengths: Great frame, strong component set-up (Judy Race fork, XTR rear der., LX crankset, LX front der., Avid Single Digit brakes, Titec riser bar and seat post), GREAT price point
Weaknesses: Uncomfortable saddle, substandard wheels, too soft grips, Titec Hell-Bent Riser Bar a little w i d e and, well, Schwinn went bankrupt...
Bottom Line:
The Good Stuff: What a great ride! The bike handles like it is on rails and climbs like a mountain goat. Schwinn's Nlightened aluminum is very light without seeming quite a harsh as some of the other hardtails that I have ridden. The Judy Race fork up front gives plenty of travel for an XC bike and has gotten me through a number of technical, rocky downhill sections (good for lighter weight riders). The components are great - especially the XTR derailuer in the back. And, hey, let's just admit it - the bright yellow paint job with the red front fork just looks damn good!
The Bad: The fizik saddle is just about the most uncomfortable saddle I have ever put my ass on - gone. The wheels just don't go along with the rest of the package - gone. The Titec Riser Bar is way too w i d e - cut. I am little concerned about the integrated headset that Schwinn used on the Homegrown sicne they are out of business but I guess I'll worry about finding replacement parts when the time comes!
The bottom line is you just cannot buy a bike of this quality for this price. Unfortunately this was a close out after Schwinn went bankrupt and was bought out by Pacifica. Don't expect to see bikes of this quality coming out with the Schwinn brand again. Too bad.
Bike Setup: Stock except for new seat (Terry Liberator Ti-Race), wheels (Mavic Crossride) and tires (WTB Velociraptors)
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Submitted by
Nick Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Litchfield, NH
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002
Strengths: Very light, feels powerful in climbs. Love the Judy Race
Weaknesses: Sucky wheels, don't like saddle that much
Bottom Line:
Great cross-country racer with minimal upgrades, and with the super light frame upgrades are well apriciated but not nesicarily needed. You should buy this bike if you are seriously into mountian biking and even racing, but if you just like to screw off and have fun (there's nothing wrong with this) go with somthing a little more durable.
Similar Products Used: 2001 Schwinn Homegrown Pro + Mesa GSX
Bike Setup: 2001 schwinn homegrown comp
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Submitted by
Geoff Rice
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilton, Ct
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2002
Strengths: great bike! When i ride this bike it feels like its part of my body. XTR Rear deraileur. smooth brakes.
Weaknesses: Deore hubs. LX cranks + front deraleur shifters.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. Excellent building platform. love the pedals. Light weight bike. Good bike for cross country. Nice fork. Great buy worth every penny. Every one dislikes the tires well they really aren't that bad.
Strengths: Nice frame quality (and light too); price (go to SUPERGO.com or ask your local shop if they will sell this model for around $900 -- It's retail is around $1400, but don't pay that much). This bike is light. That being said, it should be riden as such. The wheels aren't
Weaknesses: Sucky grips (too thin), but you'll probably change those anyway. Hubs. Seat? (I like it - you may not. Test ride it before you buy). Riser bar on a cross country bike?!? Oh well, I'm not racing much anymore so it's cool I guess.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money (if you can get it for around $900). I wouldn't recommend it to larger riders (200+ lbs), because it's TOO light. The wheels aren't very bombproof. They have really light rims and spokes and, although I haven't done it, would probably taco on a hard landing. Speaking of the wheels, the hubs suck. I've never had a problem with Shimano hubs until now. The DEORE hubs didn't spin smoothly from day one. I'm pretty much expecting these hubs to blow out within the next year. But, when that happens you can upgrade to disc brakes. HEY HEY!!
I've raced using some pretty nice equipment. Now that I'm buying my own gear, I need to be thrifty. This bike isn't going to break the bank and I was quite surprised at the performance that you can get from a sub-$1000 bike. It's just as light as most $3000 rigs and the shifting is great. I didn't think I would like anything less than XTR, but I was wrong (except the hubs of course).
Now, a comment on the suspension fork. Rock Shox has made a nice multiple riding style fork with the JUDY RACE. It's light enough for most people (you don't have to worry as much about blowing seals like on the SID's ) and it gets up to 100 mm (that's 4 inches!) of travel. You shouldn't need more than that because this is a hardtail and shouldn't be doing any crazy downhill stuff anyway. Regardless of travel, this fork feels nice without having to play too much with the preload or the firmness settings. It does make a squeeking noise at the beginning few minutes of each ride which I haven't figured out yet. This is also the first fork I've ridden that didn't have mud boots. Supposedly, it doesn't need them because it's got a bunch of internal seals. We'll see.
Bottom line - This bike isn't perfect but it's the best bike for under $1000 by a long shot.
Similar Products Used: Stumpjumper with Future Shock Suspension (old), Specialized cromoly frame w/ XTR and Manitou TI (Shaun Palmer version) and SUN/Ringle RPM wheelset.
Bike Setup: Stock right now. Will upgrade the grips. I have thought about putting some Avid Mech DISCs on, but I'm waiting until these hubs/ wheels die (the current ones aren't disc compatible even though the frame and fork are). I also ripped off the ugly stickers on the JUDY RACE fork. It looks much better now.
Strengths: exelent tires, drivetrain, very light frame, durable, judy race forks rides very well, has great manoverability, shifts smothly, and the best bike for the price
Weaknesses: no complaints here, a great bike
Bottom Line:
great bike for your money. A very fun bike. if you need a good bike this is it
Bike Setup: xtr all around judy race fork titec seatpoast hell bent bars avid "v" brakes N-lightened frame and michelen tires
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Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2001
Strengths: Frame is superlight and super strong. Judy Race fork is extremely plush and suitble for all trails.
Weaknesses: Hubs are a little weak for the bike but cant complain for the price. same with Lx cranks and front derailer. Inner Tubes are crap. just popped mine the first ride. buts thats getting picky.
Bottom Line:
For the price you cant complain. Just have to upgrade parts when they brake, which wont be that soon if you keep bike in good shape. If youve been riding for a few years and need to upgrade to a better bike from your beggining bike its a great deal for the price.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Selle Italia seat. But the seat that came with it was fine cuz i dont sit much but if you do its a must to get a new one. Tires suck but anybody who rides a lot can deal with them untill they wear out.
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Submitted by
Ben P
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN.
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Strengths: This bike handles like a dream and clims like it's parents were a mountain-goat and a crack-addict spider monkey. XTR rear DR is unbeatable; essentially not found on rides in this price range. Time Atac-Alium pedals come stock. Despite what others say, I've come to like the Micheline Wildgripper tires, but they aren't for all conditions. The LX crank, if not super stiff, is at least light and is a fair performer overall. I actually think that as a cost saving measure, the LX shifters and front DR is a good idea, since they are lighter than the XT's and perform almost as well. The Judy SL is a great fork for the cash, light and adjustable, and looks super sharp to boot! I never thought of myself as someone who would consider the appearance of a bike, but this bike is a sexy XC racer and it knows it. It's the first bike that I've felt obligated to clean after every ride. Who wouldn't want their yellow 'n red schwinn to shine like new?
Weaknesses: Despite the smart cost savings, the LX components leave much to be desired, and beg for an upgrade. Speaking of which, Deore hubs?! WTF? Also, the fact that Schwinn appears to be going under for good leaves the availability for replacement parts for the integrated ICBM headset in question.
Bottom Line:
Unbelievable handling and supurb climbing are what you pay for when you buy this bike. Schwinn picked some very smart components, and the resulting value surpasses the other bikes I considered. While the XTC-SE1 sports a SID shock and hydrolic disc brakes, it handles like a beast and has a garbage drivetrain, comparatively. I am saddened that this will likely be the final eddition of a great frame. I'd say this is probably the nicest frame I've ever ridden, and I plan to love and race this bike until it can race no more. Racer or fun loving performance XC rider, this bike rules.
Strengths: Stiff Frame Good components Light Great climber Fast on the downhills
Weaknesses: Tires (Wear out fast) Schwinn being bought by Pacific
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, I am very pleased that I bought it and at $899 you can't beat it. I had to replace a few basic things but nothing major. I will replace the crank to a raceface when the LX breaks, and upgrade the rimms when they are shot.
Bike Setup: Stock exept Panaracer fire xc pro tires, new stem (5 deg), new pedals, new handle bar (flat), New seat (ouch)
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Submitted by
daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from north dakota
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001
Strengths: this bike is super lite!!!!!!! it is super fast too. the frame is solid and it climbs like a champ.
Weaknesses: why the deroe hubs?? that is my only complaint. schwinn cuts corners to keep costs down and some places it shows. brakes are fair as well as the hubs. the seat post ring is hard to adjust (need an allen wrench to loosen) cheep cranks too.
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is this bike rocks.... i got a steal on it and i am loving it. with a few minor upgrades this is a kick ass bike. i saw the same bike at a shop in Bozeman for about $300 bucks more. put that back into it and you are set. great bike for the money...
Similar Products Used: i am a schwinn man and always will be!!! moabs and mesas.
Bike Setup: i haven't got a chance to upgrade yet. but i plan on a new set of hubs and brakes. also the tires won't last long. also needs xtr cranks.
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Submitted by
Ben Kennedy
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Ga. USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001
Strengths: OK, first of all, this frame is amazing. Very stiff and confidence inspiring geometry. XTR rear, Rock Shox Judy Race, and TIME clipless pedals come stock. The Judy Race is great! Avid brakes are fair.
Weaknesses: Seatpost has a cheesy clamp mechanism that is a pain to adjust. Riser bars and zero degree rise stem? That kinda defeats the purpose. Don't get the Deore hubs wet. Seat is rough but most people change them to fit specific anyways. Although the Michelins are sticky and fast rolling, they don't last very long.
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a awesome bike for about a 1000 bucks, then this is THE bike. It's a great platform to build on. It's not likely that you'll find a bike in this price range that's gonna come EXACTLY how you want it. Just tweak it out to fit YOU and suit YOUR needs. If you're looking for a bike that's gonna be perfect the moment you buy it, then look elsewhere. While you're looking, we'll be riding! 5 flamin chilis all around!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper, multiple Gary Fishers and Treks
Bike Setup: Full XTR now except cranks(soon to be RACEFACE ISIS). Swapped out the stem for RACEFACE system 130mm and 5 degree rise, and swapped riser bar for RACEFACE straight bar. Selle Italia Gel Ti saddle (very nice)!
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Submitted by
matt dinsmore
a Cross Country Rider
from richmond VA US
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001
Strengths: Frame geometry is UNPARALLELED! XTR rear der.! ATAC pedals! Friggin' weightless bicycle... decent shifters and more than sufficient breaks! The front suspension is incredible! This fork eats everything! It's fast and handles like magic. What a beautiful bike...
Weaknesses: TTEC X-WIng >TERRIBLE seat post< Faulty design. I broke two of them I weigh 161 lbs. TERRIBLE tires. I destroyed the Michelin "Wild Grippers"(what a bad joke) within the first month... I rock a pair of velociraptors now- muuuuuch better... upgrade the front deraileur and perhaps the shifters, seat is a little hard.
Bottom Line:
This bike is an amazing build. Absolutely the most satisfying thing I've done in a long while was purchasing this bicycle. Anyone looking to have a fantastic time on a bike wthout spening too much money is the right person for this. Looks great, feels even better! Buy it!
Similar Products Used: Trek Singletrack, Giant ATX 890(?), Klien,
Bike Setup: Currently stock with exception of a Ritchey replacement stem, Velociraptor tires, XT shifters, soon to upgrade to XT front deraileur and new seat. Sawed about 3/4" off of the bars. It's lovely. no real need to upgrade too much. I do want disc brakes...
