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Submitted by
theroadmaster
a Cross Country Rider
from Round Rock, TX
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Brushy Creek Bike Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Rescued from trash | | Strengths: | Indestructible | | Weaknesses: | Age of components | | Similar Products Used: | Univega DS900, Trek 4500, department store crud. | | Bike Setup: | As found - mostly stock as far as I can tell. | | Bottom Line: | Last week I saw this forlorn bike sitting at the curb for Monday morning pickup - covered in barn and mouse dust - I couldn't resist, the sign on it said "very dirty fixer upper." One tire held air, a used tube fixed the other. Some serious de-scunging, de-greasing, and good lubing got it running and the more I ride it the more I am impressed with this old classic. It is about the same weight as my full-suspension Univega - but it feels lighter, and I guess, because of the steel frame, seems to absorb bumps as well as the full-suspension Uni. In its day this must have been one impressive bike - it has impressed me. If you find one, buy it/grab it/don't let it get away. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BlueGrassBlazer
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Livermore Cyclery, C | | Strengths: | Strong and durable. I bought this in '91 and it's still going strong. This was a daily commuter and errand bike I also used for training and exercise. It has survived all kinds of abuse. I have never cleaned this bike and it still shifts fine. I have had this bike for 18 years and it still does its job. | | Weaknesses: | I usually ride this on pavement and so handling isn't all that great. Most likely due to the huge knobby tires I have. Also, the thing is heavy...real heavy. I've ridden my road bike all summer but took the High Plains out for a ride the other day and thought I was gonna die. I obviously need more saddle time on it. | | Similar Products Used: | None other | | Bike Setup: | All original except the seat and tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I was offered a Stump Jumper at the same time for the same price but went with the High Plains. It just felt right. I rode that bike daily for years and it withstood all I could throw at it. I'll likely clean it up really good and then put some thinner hybrid tires on it...maybe new rims and try to bring the weight down some. I expect I'll be riding this bike 18 years from now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
flyin by
a Weekend Warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | NA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$5.00 | | Purchased At: | yard sale | | Strengths: | Fast and durable | | Weaknesses: | gears slip | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | what? | | Bottom Line: | best yard sale bike ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fiero Biker
a Weekend Warrior
from Death Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The Whole Desert | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Realative Gave It To | | Strengths: | This is one of those WOW! bikes. Dependable and Durable, This one NEVER! fails to get me Home. First Purchased by a Relative @ Ft. Bragg in '90 (After serving as a RENTAL! for ONE YEAR!) He used it for THREE YEARS up there, Daily, Three Miles each way to/from work + Lunch Runs & Weekend park rides> (all @ 6'4"210+Lbs!!!) Wheels & Frame took it! 3-4 years after returning to SoCal, he Retired it to me (6'0"190Lbs.) Over 2000mi later I still love it! Paint is Good, Derailment Still Good, Original Seat, Brakes, Dérailleurs, Cables, Bearings,Rims, Hubs & Spokes & Reflectors! Bike still looks good & a Pleasure to Ride, Handles Very Good (for No Suspension). I have a Great Mechanic that works on these shifters and keeps this bike in tune (he says you can't get any more parts for them?) Durable Bike! Everything is still tight and works fine. This will be the bike of choice for any self respecting Cockroach in the dark years to come ~ As they will be able to hand it down to THEIR Children! The Bio Pace is a smart idea, Aluminum Frame is well designed, This is a VERY well built bike and I am more than happy with it!
| | Weaknesses: | The stock handlebars ~ too low.
Shifters are supposed to be hard to get parts for now. | | Similar Products Used: | Other two wheeled, human powered contraptions. | | Bike Setup: | 4" rise handlebars, Gel Grips, "Swiss Army" pattern tires, 65#psi Kevlar Tubes, Lights F/B. Aluminum "Schwinn" rack (rear), Aluminum Bottle Cage, On Board Air Pump. The rest to this bike is stock and is holding up VERY well, *20 years after it was built - and it still looks good! | | Bottom Line: | Maybe one of the best mass produced specialty bikes to have been mass produced in the USA in the late 80's??? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
drew2002
a Weekend Warrior
from Milford Ma USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Milford bike trial | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$98.00 | | Purchased At: | Toys R Us | | Strengths: | This bike is probably the best department store ever made has shocks 26 speed survived bmx stunts dont recomend it though when i first got i hated it thought it was uncomfortable and difficult to handle compared to my first bike (a pacific) fell in love though I love cycling though i prefer to keep on a budget and this invincible bike achieves that greatest cheap bike ever | | Weaknesses: | original seat is unconfortable | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 mitsubishi this department store bike can actually be fairlly compared in quality to the mitsubishi | | Bike Setup: | easy to control | | Bottom Line: | This bike got me into cycling and cycling kinda changed my life for the better I now i sound a little crazy and most who read this would not buy a cheap bike. Not to get into my life story but this bike was my 13 birthday present and got me started and has been with me every step of the way since. great valu has been to bike shops for repairs due to my on stupidity and was deemed the very minimal of a bike worth fixing my bike shop guy calls it the scwine as a joke because of being the only department store bike he feels is worth fixing sorry for being off topic | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from bound brook nj usa
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | towpath | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | schwinn dealer | | Strengths: | durable | | Weaknesses: | no shocks , hard ride | | Similar Products Used: | newer bikes | | Bottom Line: | cant kill it !!!(will outlast me ),had it for 17 years | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jerbear56
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City, Mo
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Blue | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheeler's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Reliability & Durability - like a Timex watch or an Energizer bunny | | Weaknesses: | Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M80 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I've owned this bike since new in 1990. It has never needed repair or adjustment (unlike the I-Drive,Trek, and C-Dales I've owned). It's durability and reliability are its strenghts. No, it's no Releigh M80 (I consider this one of the best hard-tails ever). The High Plains has never missed a gear, or had any drive train problems (I'm 5-9 and 220 lbs, so you can figure the stress it had to take). It is heavy and thus a little clumsy compared to today's standards. This is the perfect recreational trail bike (like the Katy or any of those type of trails). There are better bikes for thrashing, with better qualities. I got my money out of it. I am going to invest in a QR for the back wheel, that was the only item that irritated me. If you see one at a garage sale, it will be worth the cost. Bottom line - if you need an inexpensive, urban or flat-trail steed, that is reliable, cost little to maintain, and will always get you home - this was it. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Mc
a
from Nowhere Zen NJ
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Misery | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | My brothers' atic | | Strengths: | The cromo frame, plus the Bio-pace makes me damn faster for sure. | | Weaknesses: | Derailers held up, but not much else | | Similar Products Used: | trek 820, Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | new quil and handlesbar with shimano trigger shifters (ripped from a trash picked junker), Welgo peddles, new cables and a 9-speed sram chain, plus a whole lot of greese | | Bottom Line: | This bike was made back when schwinn still took itself seriously--early `90's--and its a shame I will have to look elsehwere when it comes time to replace my zippy rigid ride. If you happen upon one of these dinosaurs know that you are seeing a beast that will slay any living lizard, point out the rust, talk them down and lead the machine to a happy new life where it will die a proper death, out on a trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Dealer | | Strengths: | Bike is near indestructible and after all these years the paint still looks good. Solid cho-mo frame. | | Weaknesses: | Deraillers that were hi-end at the time are not so hot now. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin and Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock components. Upgraded grips and pedals. | | Bottom Line: | If you bought one of these dinosaurs back in the 90's it owes you nothing and you and me know getting rid of it would be like giving up one of your own children. Solid MTB for the money and full rigid setup is still worthy on some semi-fast single tracks and up-right ride is good for paved riding too. Heavy bike by today's standards but will take an armageddon like event to make this one extinct. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
j-bar
a
from philadelphia,pa
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | schwinn dealer | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | everything | | Bottom Line: | piece of garbage death machine.Bad derailler. Bad pedal.Bad thumb shifters.Bad freewheel.Loused-up bottombracket with crappy cheap plastic seals.Cheap chain.Weak spokes.Non-durable saddle.By themselves, these weaknesses are mere inconvienences.Put together in a six month period -disaster! One year later schwinn goes belly-up.I wonder why. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Gainsville, FL USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$31.00 | | Purchased At: | Police auction | | Strengths: | Very durable bike that has required little maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy frame and a very upright (non-aero) riding position. This is actually good for building up my legs when riding my lighweight road bike. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock drivetrain; added fenders and a rack | | Bottom Line: | I found this bike at a police auction of property abandoned on campus. I had never owned a mountain bike before and this looked OK. Did I luck out! I have ridden it on the road and paved trails for 2500+ miles with no problems whatsoever. Personally, I really like the thumb shifter system. This has become my commuting bike (20 miles/day) and I couldn't be happier with it. After riding this heavyweight all week, my steel-frame racing bike feels like a $6,000 carbon fiber wonder! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | public streets | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | Team Schwinn | | Strengths: | A solid bike that has taken a beating back in the woods. It has gone through creeks, sand, gooey mud, snow, and ice. I love the 21 speed grip shift. It makes it so much easier than thumb shifters on earlier models. | | Weaknesses: | It is a heavy bike with wide knobby tires. This is good for off road stability, but it sucks riding long distances on road. | | Similar Products Used: | Other MTBs under $500 back in 1993. | | Bike Setup: | 11 tooth 7th gear, smooth street tires | | Bottom Line: | For a solid MTB that doesn't have a suspension, this is a good bike. If you are looking for a training bike this is what you need. After riding a heavy bike like this, you should fly on a lighter bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a
from Westchester
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop long out of business | | Strengths: | TOTALLY INDESTRUCTABLE!!!!!! Low mantainance, good handling.` | | Weaknesses: | Hard to replace shifters, excessive chain slap, really freakin' heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondales of same era | | Bike Setup: | XT cantis, new XT rear derailleur, seat post suspension | | Bottom Line: | If you need a commuter bike that will carry you day in and day out with little maintainance, this is the bike for you. It is the most durable thing you can ask for. I've owned mine for 12 or more years and I just started replacing parts on it that I use it as a daily commuter. I've also taken it off road and it handles really well for a bike with no suspension. I highly recommend this bike. It's a no brainer, easily upgradeable and like the cockroaches will survive the next impending nuclear war. Peace. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Downhiller
from Durango
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Star Wars | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | steel, great geometry for urban, 1'1/8 steer tube(yesss!) paint is versetile | | Weaknesses: | crappy derailers and cantis! (please) but back in the day that was best | | Similar Products Used: | independant fabrications steel deluxe,azonic steelhead and cannondale f600 | | Bike Setup: | high plains-psylo xc- e.thirteen-northshore cranks- xtr rear derailer-(frame modified for)xtr rear brake- azonic pedals | | Bottom Line: | This Bike was my pride and joy for 3 or so odd years and still is fun to get out and do some park trials or urban. I have almost out done it though.I was mean to it and it gave a hell of a fight. I can take it with pride and ride mx on it this year. If you ever find this bike, take it love it and trick it the hell out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Wasserman
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Elden Mountain (Flagstaff, AZ) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Schwinn Flagstaff | | Strengths: | A remarkably solid and reliable bike - I've had it for over ten years, and very rarely had to have anything repaired despite riding it steadily. Only the shifters failed over time and required replacement - the bike's paint is durable, and even ten years after my purchase, it doesn't look nearly ten years old. It handles very well on almost all surfaces. | | Weaknesses: | The bike is a little heavy (perhaps 35 pounds), but actually rides like it's lighter, and functions well on both pavement and dirt trails. Shifting is a problem - it has rapid fire shifters that aren't very rapid fire, to be honest, and replacements for those type of shifters are now impossible to find. The chain also has a habit of falling off when the shifters don't shift fast enough. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Sierra, Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bottom Line: | An excellent basic mountain bike, very useful and reliable on both pavement and dirt. This was top rated by Consumer Reports some ten years ago, and they appear to have it right, as very few mountain bikes from this year survive in such fine shape. Shifting is a little awkward and, now, difficult to replace - but other than that, this is an excellent entry mountain bike and well worth the money paid for it, either ten years ago or now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Benedict
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Harris Lake Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Ted's Bike Shop - Endicott, NY | | Strengths: | Overall the bike is very versatile. I've ridden it through all kinds of conditions and it's always performed well. For a 14+ year old bike it doesn't look as dated as most bikes it's age. | | Weaknesses: | Hard rigid frame doesn't absorb much shock when off roading. It's becoming harder to find inexpensive replacement parts of the same grade, however I've only had to replace the pedals, tires, and one shifter/break lever assembly. | | Similar Products Used: | MTBs.I currently ride a 2003 Gary Fisher Sugar 4+ mountain bike (full suspension) for heavy riding, but it's still fun to get the Siera out and put it through the tests. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Have a bike rack to use the baby seat with. That's coming off in a few months. | | Bottom Line: | This is one versatile bike. Great for riders of all skill levels. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Wong
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, California, USA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop the Pan Handle | | Strengths: | I like the Rapid Fire shifters, but the upshifts are kind of hard on the thumbs (even after lubing all the relevant components). | | Weaknesses: | The paint is still look pretty good on mine (for the areas that are not scratched or chipped), but it does chip and rust. | | Similar Products Used: | cheap MTB's and touring bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock, with the exception of the rear rack, water bottle holder, kick stand, and trip computer | | Bottom Line: | I bought mine in 1991...after crashing the cheap MTB I bought from what used to be Woolworth. I've put many miles on this bike going all different kinds of surfaces. I'm now on my 3rd saddle (about to go to the 4th). I've lost track of how many tires and inner tubes I've replaced. My setup is about 35 pounds, so it's not a light bike. It's a bit too heavy for those long rides-->I can't keep pace with those touring bike teams (can only keep pace for about 10 miles or shorter)... It's also not good for a lot of rough roading. As it doesn't have any shock absorbers, you end up being the absorber on all those rough trails. My rear gear shifter casing has cracked and in need of replacement (as the gears sometimes slip on power down). But I'm thinking about replacing the High Plains with a more sporty bike. The brake pads seem to last quite long, but then again I'm mainly a road/gravel/dirt trail rider than a real off wheeler, which would require more braking. The brakes have good holding power...unless you get the rims wet. I find it hard to adjust the brakes to be perfectly aligned with the rims w/o having a 3rd hand. All the brake and derailleur cables are still original (rusty looking), so I need to replace them. They've stretched out a bit over time, so I needed to readjust the derailleurs to minimize gear slippage or chain falling off. Overall, it's a decent bike for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Katy Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$390.00 | | Purchased At: | Creve Couer Cyclery | | Strengths: | I bought the High Plains in 1989, Have had no problems whats so ever. When I'm not on my touring bike the high plains gets the workout. This is hard to believe but the High Plains has never had any work done on it and looks like the day I bought it. | | Weaknesses: | It's not a stump jumper, it's more of a ATB or hybrid if you will. Treat it right and it will last a lifetime. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | All Stock, I did replace the tires at time of purchase with the Advocet tires which are still in use after 14 years. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been and still is a trust worthy friend which I'll not depart with. Respect the bike and it will take care of you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Hargis
a Weekend Warrior
from St Charles MO USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Katy Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Granada Cyclery | | Strengths: | Solid, easy to work on, great looks, comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | None if used within its limits | | Similar Products Used: | NA | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | We have three of these in the family. All have been with us for over 10 years. I think they are excellent bikes. My wifes is still like new (light duty rides), mine is in very good condition (medium duty riding), and my 19 old sons is near dead (completely abusive riding for last 10 years). It is all in how they are riden. Overall, I have to say that 10 years of abuse from my son to kill one says a lot! Mine will easily last another 10 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Forest Hills, NY USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 1/2 mile long driveway running between Austin St and Burns St. in Forest Hills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | "Splatter" paint job still 99% intact after 12 years and quite a few spills. I did wax it a few times in the first two years though. Stem/handlebars never got lose or moved during a spill. The up AND down thumb shifters are IMO the most ergonomic shifter of any style (except maybe the new Shimano XTR.) Schwinn USA was the Cadillac of bicycles. The wheels are in perfect condition after thousands of New York potholes and going up countless curbs. Gears work normally even when the rear derailer is dragging through 6 inch deep snow. Brakes stop quite good in the rain, albeit the stock pads are noisy when wet.
| | Weaknesses: | The 7-speed thumb shifters are also impossible to find today and not the most durable. The available replacement products are really lame. I have worn out the current shifter unit and shattered a previous one. Derailers perfect shifting was short lived (a few hundred miles,) but despite that, I have been riding on the same derailers along with the ticking noises and occasional chain-slippage for the following 7-8 years regardless. Teeth on the chainrings are almost half the height they were new. In order to get into (and out of) low gear on the front sprockets I will need a new derailer and shifter as they are both worn beyond repair! Front brake Y-bracket is too close to the stem and removed some paint as it makes contact over bumps if you are not riding the brakes. Older model schwinns ran the gear and brake lines inside the pipes, making for a cleaner look, they stopped doing that in the 1990s when the High Planes was made. Enamel on pedals worn off in the first year as the side of your feet rub it on each pedal rotation, cosmetic issue only, did not rust or effect function in any way. Rubber handle ribbed design requires gloves (or provides major discomfort.) | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Sierra | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock. Replaced seat with ergonomic (for men) style. Worn out original tires (2 inch width) and worn through replaced Panaracer kevlars (2.5 in.,) now it has Specialized kevlars (2.2 in.) in all black (prior two had beige sidewalls.) front brake pads are "Madison", originals made too much squeel, could not be adjusted to avoid it. | | Bottom Line: | If it wasn't that the gears (and just about all related components) were so worn beyond repair I would love to keep this thing another 12 years. It seems buying a new bike may be more economical though.
When I got this bike, there was exactly one front suspension bike in the entire bike store and it cost a cool grand. Compared to what was available in 1991 in the price range, this bike rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Merrimack River trails in MA | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | A Bike Shop in MA | | Strengths: | Price, Components (compared to similar priced bikes in 1992), Comfort | | Weaknesses: | None at the time of purchase, but I sure wish I upgraded to an 8 speed before those components became obsolete and hard to find. (Thinking of going Deore LX 9-speed, but have been turned off by the reviews.) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock, Bridgestone CB-1, Trek 820 | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock components. Upgraded to a Gel seat, upgraded grips, rear rack, power straps (since removed due to more 'burbs rides than trail,) and a cyclocomputer | | Bottom Line: | I started riding a Schwinn Highplains back in 1992 and have no complaints. I bought it while I was in college and was looking for a good quality Mt. Bike that was inline with my budget. It came down to the Schwinn Highplains and the Trek. It was a tough decision, but I went with the Highplains so I could spend the difference in price on a helmet and the other necessary items (car rack, gloves, bottles, shades etc.) I had a great trail system along the Merrimack River in MA to ride and really put the Highplains through the wringer for the first few years. After 9 years in the Mid-west and now living in Florida, the Highplains has not seen a true mountain in a decade. Now resigned to bikepath duties, it is still a great bike. The bike is in excellent condition, but updagrades are hard to come by. I am still debating upgrading the drivetrain and derailers, but am having a tough time finding what I am looking for. If you could find one used, I would highly reccomend it to anyone starting out with their first Mountain Bike or looking for an economical option for suburb cruising. If you are interested in racing or serious off-roading, look elsewhere. With today's technologies in weight management and suspension, you would not be well served on a Highplains. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hagg Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This bike has a strong, rigid frame. | | Weaknesses: | The drivetrain components on the bike deteriorate drastically quick. Shifting is definitely a thumb workout. The brakes are outdated and definitely underqual'ed for any serious off-road biking. The frame is stiff, but the weight is a poor trade-off. | | Similar Products Used: | Walmart specials (any) | | Bike Setup: | XT brakes'n'levers, Jagwire cables, kevlar tires. The rest is stock, and I'm not entirely sure why I upgraded any in the first place. | | Bottom Line: | If there is any possibility that you will be going off-road, then fork out another $150+ and get a decent-quality bike. This bike is a hip replacement to the cruiser, that's all it's good for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Sioux Falls, SD US
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Centennial trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding the bike for about 10 years. I lived out in the Black Hills for 3 years and the bike did all sorts of trails there. It took everything I could dish out. I have recently replaced the drive train because of the all the miles put on it. It is an economical bike for its current use on the bike trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Cox
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Vernon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$349.00 | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Strength & comfort, black marblized paint still looks good after lots of scratches | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, shifter hard to keep in adjustment, brakes weak, crank bearings wore out early | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought it at a good price in 1989 and have been riding it steadily ever since. It fit me better than others at the time and I liked the looks. Actually, mine was stolen and my next door neighbor had an identical model which he gave me for free when he upgraded. Karma, I think. I believe the High Plains was a terrific buy but I am now looking to get a new lighter weight model to ride to work every day and do trails on weekends. I will tune the old one up and let my wife ride it on weekends for another 10 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing, Mi
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | hard and fast | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Cro-moly frame, decent components | | Weaknesses: | none, if you use your head and use it right | | Bike Setup: | upgrades: v-brakes, aluminum handlebar, specialized crossroads ex tires, suspension stem | | Bottom Line: | Not as good as a new bike, but a good, dependable, and affordable bike for streets and relatively smooth trails. If you want to jump off cliffs get something else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Norman Leung
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Line, DE | | Strengths: | Durable design, great entry level model | | Weaknesses: | Low grade components,
Heavy frame | | Bike Setup: | Only original parts left: hubs, bottom bracket, rear der, rims, handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding this puppy for more than 10 years. It's a little clunky, but rides and handles well. At $300 in 1990, it was an excellent value. With a few upgrades, a few layers of paint, and whole lot of care and loving this sucker will last another 10 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LANCE
a Weekend Warrior
from SAN ANGELO,TX
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Weaknesses: | NO SUSPENSION, RUSTS, AND PAINT FADES | | Similar Products Used: | DIAMOND BACK | | Bottom Line: | I HAD THIS BIKE FOR 7 YEARS, AND IT HAS DONE THE JOB EVERYTIME ON THE LOCAL MTB TRAIL. SURELY IT'S NOT ONE OF THOSE FULL-SUSPENSIONS OF TODAY, BUT IT HAD ITS TIME. IT'S SOLID, HAS FAIR TRANSITION GEAR SHIFTING, AND PRETTY GOOD BRAKES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cspu
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, AL USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Durable and Reliable! Never had one problem! | | Weaknesses: | no suspension... too old to cost justify adding any | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock Sport | | Bike Setup: | Stock - Grip Shift, Chro-mo frame and forks. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding this bike since 1993 and it has never let me down, not even once! I put a whole lot of miles on this bike in WY, GA, and AL. Never found a trail that could best it. I got it in 1993, I was going to buy the rockhopper sport, but the schwinn was on sale... plus it is one of the last USA schwinns. I am glad I bought it. It would still be my everyday bike if I could have found front suspension that would fit it for a decent price. I have gotten to old for the rigid forks. It is a great bike for someone that doesn't care about the suspension... any buyers? Great bike!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phildo
a Cross-Country Rider
from peoria, il
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
jubilee st park | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
durable, dependable | | Weaknesses: |
cro-moly
center pull brake hard to calibrate | | Similar Products Used: |
everything | | Bike Setup: |
stock, toe-clips centerline tires | | Bottom Line: | great bike. i've been way mean to it, and it stands up to it all. its got well over 3500 miles on it, and i've only replaced the tires from wear. ( i replaced the fork once too, but like i said, i was mean to it.) i've taken it off road into the harshest of terrain and its stood up strong to the beating it was served, and then road smooth again when i too the streets home. it's a great bike to get to love the sport in. road or off, it's a wonderful starting bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Atkinson
a Weekend Warrior
from Daytona Beach, FL
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
whatever I can find | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Frame and fork are incredibly solid.
Cranks are half decent.
Rapid-Fire shifters | | Weaknesses: |
Components suck. Pedals got all wobbly, plastic cantis. Lot's of steel to rust out.
Frame and fork rust.
Crushed rails of big dumb seat.
Rear rim bent riding on the street. | | Similar Products Used: |
Balance, Mongoose | | Bike Setup: |
Upgrades:
pedals with sealed Peregrines.
DK padded sead w/oversize rails.
AL handlebars | | Bottom Line: | Not worth the price due to crappy components, and I have the Team version. Expect to pay at least another $200 when parts fail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from Naperville IL
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had this bike now for 3 years and i am totally satisfied. Its very reliable and i enjoy riding this. I upgraded to a suspension fork and am now happier than ever. Its the best bike you can buy if your a weekend warrior. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Broers
a weekend warrior
from Mason City, IA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought mine new about 5yrs ago. Mine is the 23 frame with Alivio R.Deral. and
C-50 front, Rapid Fire Alivio shifters too. I'm 6'5 215lbs and this was the best big frame bike I could find. Have been pleased overall with it. The freewheel went out in the 2nd yr. and it
creaks plenty, Also the cogs are gettin pretty chewed up. But It doesn't get babied. Now am seriously considering getting a Schwinn S-20. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a weekend warrior
from North Dakota
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Picked this bike up at a police auction for $50. Took it to a car wash, tuned it up, now I have a good second bike to my aluminum. It does sit more upright than my other bike which makes for better road trips. Even though its the same height as my aluminum, it feels bigger from the more uprightness. WELL worth what I paid for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian N
a weekend warrior
from MN
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the High Plains used. I cost me around $200. I believe that it was the biggest waste of money that I spent. The chain keeps coming off, even with frequent adjustments. The shifting on it is horrible. I just bought a new Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, and love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sofian Abdul Rahman
a cross-country rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Tested and rode a freind's High Plains for a week. The steel tubes provide great comfort for long rides. Doesn't feel as heavy when ridden. Riding position is fairly upright. Personally, rapid fire shifters and a lower stem will be a priority upgrade. A good beginner bike that will take the rider well into the intermediate levels. Beyond that, get a better frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Rizzo
a weekend warrior
from Pompton Lks., NJ
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought my High Plains for $300.00. It was only ridden twice and is like brand new. I have wanted to get a MB for the past 5 years and just never had the cash. I was very fortunate to get this deal. I am very satisfied with this bike and would recommend it highly getting into this great passtime and not a whole lot of money to spend. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tucker
a weekend warrior
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just picked this bike up second hand, so I had to fight the oxidized seat stem and replace it and saddle, in all came in under two bills.So far enjoy the ride, did find the front gear derailer needed to be adjusted due to chain dropping.Using for transportation, and weekend warring, have eyes on new rock shock front end.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cripple
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had this bike for three years and it went through a lot of beglect cause I was just beginning to ride off-road. It's still in my house and after three years of riding, the additon of 40lbs, an increase in height of 10 inches, I'm just beginning to replace parts. The only major replacement I've encountered, was a broken freewheel. This occurred very recently, and I'm now a very skilled rider, too skilled for this bike by far. If you need a beginner's bike, you CANNOT BEAT THIS ONE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey Lombardo
a weekend warrior
from Fairfield, CT
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I would have to disagree with all of you four years ago I purchased a Schwinn high plains when I weighed 150 lbs and the fork split in half the third day that I rode it and the chain kept falling off. Now I am the Happy owner of a 1996 Specialized stumpjumper and I would recommend that bike over any bike. Except maybe the litespeed! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Carroll
a cross-country rider
from Ann Arbor, Michigan
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent bike. Got mine for $359.00 stock, plus $20 for rapid fire. Lowest price for a full cro-mo frame anywhere. Not bad components either. I would recommend this bike to anyone shopping for something to tone your skills and see if you really are serious. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Walker
a weekend warrior
from Batavia, IL
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Obviously (from reading the other reviews), this is a weekend warrior type of bike. Yeah, I'd rather have a $2000, aluminum frame bouncer, but this is a good bike for all around adult riding. It is comfortable enough for commuting or long rides, and can still perform decently in the woods. For the price, you can do worse! If you are shopping this price range, but serious about riding, find a good full service bike store close to home, get a bike like the High Plains that will take a lickin', and save up for your dream bike while you hone your chops! And, don't let those posers on their Killer V's and such psych you... the engine is the most important part. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger Monaco
a weekend warrior
from New Castle, PA.
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had this bike for over two years. Bought it on sale $309.00 best darn bike
my money could have bought!!!! No problems at all. would recomend it in a heart
beat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Sprinkle
a weekend warrior
from Winston-Salem, NC
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had two of these bikes for the about fours years now.
No problems on either of them. They ride great, and feel better than most new bikes.
I had smaller tires put on, so now I can ride it easier on the road, and off. It may be a bit heavier than most new bikes, but I would recomend it to anyone looking for a comuting bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a weekend warrior
from missouri
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike is a totally awsome bike and i woul recomend it for any type of rider.
| | Overall Rating: |
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