Submitted by
Dan Duray
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Paul, MN, USA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lutson Mtn, Theo Wirth Trails, The River Bottoms, and any place not paved.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Very nimble! Great for technical as well as down hill! My main use has been tight trails with a high technical level. She eats 'em up! I have also tried her on the downhill. ..same results! This is a solid Schwinn product that has served me well.
Weaknesses:
THE SEAT HAS TO GO! I've also had the bike in a few times for shifting issues due to stock parts. These are just some minor upgrades that should be planned for.
Similar Products Used:
First full-suspension
Bike Setup:
This is a 1999 model, purchased new in 2000. 100% stock minus THE SEAT!
Bottom Line:
Great riding. Minor upgrades suggested. This was a great bike when I bought her... and she still holds the trails with the the newer bikes of today. I would love to give an overall rating of "5 Flamin' Chilis', but that seat! Common!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
Frame, Components.
Weaknesses:
Carbon scratched farely easily, Pivot corrodes over time and is very hard to spot. Cable routing, be extremely careful when putting on rack as cable will eat the carbon
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Rocket 88 stage 2, Merida and mongoose hardtails
Bike Setup:
All stock except amoeba riser bars, spec seemed good as i was 14-15 when riding it, sold it mid 2000
Bottom Line:
Just keep an eye on the pivot, you can see the outside edge of the pivot without and removal of parts, corrosion will start to appear between this edge and the swingarm. If carbon gets scratched just wipe car wax over it and you shouldn't have any problems. Anyway it is a great bike to ride and could certainly be light if spec are upgraded
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Felix
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Orion MI Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Highland Lakes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Mountains Of Bikes
Strengths:
All around a great bike mine came with all xt componets judy c long travel front shock avid vbrakes so there wasnt much need to upgrade 24lbs stock no joke
Weaknesses:
wheel set needs to be upgaded seat needs to be switched also other than that the bike is very solid
Similar Products Used:
first full suspension
Bike Setup:
stock xt componets judy long travel avid vbakes coil over rear shock titec stem and bars just need a new wheel set and a new seat other than that i just fine
Bottom Line:
my bike is a 1999 i bought it brand new in dec 2001 ive rode it every weekend since i bought it and it hasent let me down yet this is a sweet bike for the $950 i spent on it with the list of componets that came on it stock id say it was a hell of a deal at $950 i would recomend this bike to anyone if you can still find a new one 5flamin chilies for value cause mine was upgraded before i bought it ride, fall, get up, do it again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Morse
a Cross Country Rider
from Chippewa Falls Date Reviewed: September 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
-
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
Eau Claire Cycle
Strengths:
Full Suspension. Price. Schwinn Quality.
Weaknesses:
Placement of Rear-shifter cable
Bottom Line:
Over all a Great Bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Napoleon
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Arrowhead Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any technical downhill
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
used, the bike's actually a 1994 model
Strengths:
Rock-solid, damn-near idiot-proof, takes a beating and comes back for more, definatly a great first bike
Weaknesses:
Front fork (a RockShox Indy C) gets a little spongy, the rear shock has not as much travel as I would like, and rarly engages. This may be both a good and bad thing, good for steep power-climbs, and technical descents (where it is used to keep the tail down, something it does exceptionally well), sucks for keeping your butt is reasonable condition. Get a new saddle.
Similar Products Used:
none, this is my first real bike
Bike Setup:
Added toe-clips, barends, and new brakes (Avid One's)
Bottom Line:
A great first bike, Schwinn tough, a trademark of theirs, a little touchy at first, but you learn fast. Also as you outgrow it, you can hook up with new components. 4 Flamin' Chilis only because of the minor weight problem and the picky shocks!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from T-Town (Topeka, Kansas) Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lawrence River Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1062.00
Purchased At:
Tailwind, Topeka
Strengths:
I love the Sweet Spot, Climbing is a breeze. The frame is beutiful in design and color. mavic rims! oh-yeah baby. I also hear that the bike is easy to assemble, good job Schwinn.
Weaknesses:
componets, but for the price its not bad. Carbon Scratches.
Similar Products Used:
only duely I've had.
Bottom Line:
Well basicly I just love this bike, the sweet spot is so invaluble. I mean who needs lock out when you can just stand up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david bridegan
a Downhiller
from rockford,il Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
shoshies
Strengths:
the frame is definetly one of the strongest parts on the bike, somewhat light weight. handles fairly tight. i personally love this bike.
Weaknesses:
components, front shock is a little weak, frame does scratch easily(but thats my fault for hitting trees), tires are soft and wear quickly. needs a better seat.
Bike Setup:
standard setup, straight from the box.
Bottom Line:
bottom line this is the best bike i could have got for the money, definetly no complaints from me. you do get what you pay for, so i am very pleased.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amir
a Cross Country Rider
from kuala lumpur Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001
easton ct2 bar and seatpost, thomson stem, ringle h/set, mars elite, cane creek AD-5, spinergy spox wheels, avid mag v brakes, real levers, specialized body geometry saddle (ti rails), XT cranks, fr der, shifters, bottom bracket, XTR rear der, 858 spd
Bottom Line:
A great bike once it has been put on a diet. The frame so far has acquitted itself in any sort of riding or trail conditions. The rear suspension does not bob very noticeably on climbs but a rear shock unit with a lock-out can take care of that. The bike comes alive in technical singletracks due to the stiffness of the frame. Five chillies for the frame. Two for the stock components but you get what you pay for. If you must buy this bike budget for component upgrades.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston,MA Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
It looks cool, and the front fork
Weaknesses:
where should i start? first of all the carbon scratches rediculusly easy, the rear shock is only active when sittinh down, the components are crap and the bike is on the heavy side for a carbon bike.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale super v's
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Don't buy it, it really sucks, if i wanted a bike that the rear sus. was only active when sitting i would have bought a sus. seat post. The crank and front derailer on a full sus. bike in this price range should be atleast lx or higher, instead of that cr*p they call alivo! it flexes and never shift properly. not only that i have bent my rim many times because of the suspension not taking any of the hit because i was standing up!
if your going to buy a full suspension bike go with a gt idrive or a vrx modle or something, you will be much happier!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Montgomery
a Cross Country Rider
from Indiana, PA USA Date Reviewed: June 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
trails that i find and make and local ski resorts in the summer
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I really like this bike a lot. It handles real nice in the rough areas and does great cclimbing hills. As of now my rims are holding up well which i was sorta surprised. the sweet spot suspension really does a nice job. This bike can take jsut about anything. The price is right to. You can get them for under 1000.
Weaknesses:
The componets it comes with are not to good. But you can always upgrade them thats what i did. They could put a better seat the one thats on it isn't very comfortable. There aren't to many weaknesses to this bike.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V 400, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC
Bike Setup:
I changed a lot of things on this bike to pretty much suit my needs. The whole drivetrain is LX, I put Coda bar ends on it. And it now does jsut fine.
Bottom Line:
This bike is all around and excellent bike it will hold up to anything you put it though and you don't ahve to spend a fortune to get it. You may hve to make a few changes on it to get it so its just perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leann Hoelscher
a Cross Country Rider
from Williams, IA, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Versatile bike! Rides smooth
Weaknesses:
Some of the parts are a bit heavy-but that's what upgrades are for. The seat must go!
Similar Products Used:
~
Bike Setup:
Stock (+ few minor upgrades)
Bottom Line:
Great Full-Suspension! Sweet Spot really reduces bobbing. Nice smooth bike for the price ($650)! If you do not like the components buy the S-10 or S-20. Otherwise the frames are all the same-pick a color and decide on what options you want. The bike handles real well. Try it, it is worth it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GREG HUNGERFORD
a Weekend Warrior
from LAIE, HAWAII Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Laie Falls
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
PRICE AND LOOKS
Weaknesses:
LITTLE HEAVY, BAD SEAT, CARBON CAN BE SCRATCHED EASILY.
Similar Products Used:
FS GT WITH I-DRIVE, MONGOOSE CHEAPY, KONA FS, AND OTHERS.
Bike Setup:
'98 MODEL-MOSTLY LX, SOME XT, AND ROCKSHOX JUDY LONG.
Bottom Line:
Somebody wrote that this bike pogo's badly- it feels perfect to me. With what I consider to be a fully suspended rear section, it is way better than any chain bender and this one feels great going uphill in and out of the saddle. It seems to me, on any bike where the crank isn't suspended with the rear swing-arm and wheel, the thing needs a motor-period! Who wants to be strapped to their saddle in the midst of an uphill mid-gully root jump because the bike just doesn't work while standing on the pedals. For $799 at Supergo, I get middle of pack components for 1/3 less than anybody's equivalent, and excellent looks. Scwinn could have charged me much more and forced me to eat the five flaming jalepenos that this bike deserves and I still would have bought it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Tosa, WI Date Reviewed: September 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
chemomeguan
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
nice shocks, great looks
Weaknesses:
bad crank, heavy stock parts
Similar Products Used:
giant rincon, specialized fsr, cannondale super-v
Bike Setup:
stock parts
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the price. I got it for $700 at Emery's. Parts are a little heavy, but awesome frame. Replace the crank and some others and get a perfect bike. Worth 5.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from H.B.,ca Date Reviewed: September 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light frame,good looking,stiff,strong
Weaknesses:
heavy with stock components, Alivio crank has got to go
Similar Products Used:
too many to list
Bike Setup:
S-30, full XTR w/Ti kits,Judy XC w/total air, Cane creek AD-10,Ti-WAM fnrt whl, King Rr. w/Valiant rim/DT revo spokes, Race Face Ti-BB, LP Cranks/racerings, Team SL hdst.,Altek brk. levers,Kore Elite stem, Easton Carbon Bars, post, Selle Italia Max flite Trans AM, Titec Carbon Bar ends,Salsa Ti Skewers,All Ti bolts,WTB Pads (Dual Cmpnd)
Bottom Line:
Well, as you can see, I,ve replaced everything but the frame. The stock rig rode well but was heavy (approx 31lbs.) You can call me a gram but I just like ( and can afford ) light bikes,components. I have to keep up with road bikes often and now I can with FS. I have a bad back so this is the only way I can ride for prolonged period. This bike is great looking (tons of compliments) and rides awesome (nimble, responsive)!! I think it is the best deal in a FS bike. The URT bobs very little while seated and none while standing. If you set it up with Total air and an AD-10, you can almost make it feel like a non-suspension bike ( if you're into that). By the way, my bike weighs in at 23.4 lbs. now, so it shows that this Schwinn's frame is light. At 180lbs. it also feels strong and stiff.If you don't want to upgrade, buy the S-10. If you like 60's Schwinn Stingray bright candy green, upgrade the hell out of it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jubbi
a Cross-Country Rider
from usa Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all tech trails
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Not sure
Weaknesses:
Design
Similar Products Used:
MANY other full susp
Bottom Line:
The floating drive train on this bike amounts to making it a high price seat post suspension system. The bottom bracket and pedals attach to the swing arm, and the distance between your feet and butt change as you ride. I can get a good susp seat post for $150, why bother with this horrible design? I think the only advantages might be when you climb out of the saddle to go up very steep hills. But you shouldn't have to do that much if you are a good rider and know how to slide on the seat to keep pressure on the rear.The homegrown dual susp (w/o floating swing) is better than any of the S-works. Don't be conned folks. Two chilies for carbon and front shock
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Minneapolis,MN Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great Frame, XC suspension does what it's supposed to. Nice rapid-fire shifters, smooth all around performance.
Weaknesses:
Small sparkly BRICK they used for a stock seat. Not the best bike for rough downhill attacks - but it will get you to the bottom.
Similar Products Used:
'96 ProFlex beast(FS), '99Marin RiftZone(fs), '99 Moab(HT), '99 Specialized FSR XC(fs), ETC. , etc.
This is a Great Full Suspension XC bike, the Sweet Spot frame works excellent for climbing and sprinting, virtually no bobbing at all. The killer looks are also huge plus. Nothing can touch this bike for the price (got mine at Bennetts-www.bennetts.com- for only $699.00), this is a great bike and lots 'o fun too. Deserves at least five wrinkly red flaming thingys. Oh yeah, lose the stock seat if you value your behind.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john gunn
a Cross-Country Rider
from littleton, mass. Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the bone breaker
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
good suspension all around, good looks, good price.
Weaknesses:
rear suspension not active when standing, weak stx components
Similar Products Used:
kona mano mano
Bike Setup:
indy c on front, rs deluxe on back.
Bottom Line:
great bike for the money, good for rolling hills. good job Schwinn!! this definitly deserves 5 flamin' ones!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pobbes
a Weekend Warrior
from LA, California Date Reviewed: May 3, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Paid about $800, should be very good value for the money.
Weaknesses:
Paint seems to suffer from the slightest scratch.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
Being new to mountain biking, I first had lots of reservations about the radical looks of this bike and almost didn't end up buying it because of the looks. But eventually I was convinced that this was the best buy for the money ($800). I can't say anything about the handling, parts etc, and I can't compare to anything else, but the looks seem to attract _lot_ of interest: The very first day I went riding downtown, I got at least 10 comments and countless long stares. The best one was straight out: I like your bike!!! :-)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louis
a Weekend Warrior
from Plantation, Florida Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park, Ft. Lauderdale
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
-Great Looks, probably one of the hottest looking bikes out there. -fantastic dual-suspension deseign (sweet spot) -nice components for the price
Weaknesses:
-none noticed thus far; however, I may upgrade to XTR comp/ by years end.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab Elite (1995 hard tail)
Bottom Line:
Due to the present mountain shortage, we do a lot of XC down here in Florida. However, some of the trails down here can get pretty technical, and there are numerous steep climbs and drops to test and thrill anyone. I've been riding a hardtail for three years now, and wanted to take the edge off those weekend rides. Tested a few models out there including a few from Cannondale, Specialized, and the new GT I-drive. I went with the Schwinn Carbon S-30. For starters, it is probably the nicest looking bike on the trail, but as the old saying goes, pretty is as pretty does. How is the ride? fantistic! The Schwinn sweet spot deseign really does reduce and/or eliminate that pedal bobbing or pogo effect. The frame is a lot stronger than I expected, and the bike handles great and is easy to control. Nice components package for the price. Overall a great value. You will not find a better dual suspesion carbon frame bike in the same price range. Check out the Schwinn web site for exact specifications and pictures.
Overall Rating:
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