Submitted by
Mike Varieur
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: January 25, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Razer sharp handling. Lightening fast. Climbs like a goat. Very cool disco paint that still looks showroom new after 8 years of riding. This frame is built to race and built to last. The last frame I will ever purchase (until my bone become too brittle to tolerate the hard tail ride and I finally cave and buy a full suspension).
Weaknesses:
There are no weaknesses. This frame is flawless.
I am not evaluating the components that came with the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing current because I have absolutely no desire to change my ride!
Bike Setup:
XTR, Race Face, FOX F80, Mavic
Bottom Line:
I am writing because after all these years and having rebuilt the bike likely 2-3 times over as parts have broken, the frame has remained flawless. The original disco paint job still makes this bike stand out in the crowd and even after the beating is has taken, is showroom new. The ride is amazing but note that it is a race frame and is not a relaxed ride like (for example) the Specialized M hard tails. I have raced this bike x-country and it is now used for adventure racing. It still kicks butt on the course, out climbing newer rides and out sprinting at the finish line. If you happen to come across one of these now discontinued and rare to find frames, pick it up. You won't regret it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
frame, parts mix, sid xc
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
trek 8500, giant nrs 1
Bike Setup:
koski riser, chris king hubs, salsa seat clamp, serfas saddle everything else is stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is perfect for a cross country racer or rider. Super light and very reliable. Have had some creaking from the bottom bracket but that it to be expected with an older bike. Other than that a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Strengths:
Awesome bike. Sweeeeet Ride! Light, fast very responsive, but yet not to stiff. Great for the weekend racer. Tried & rode jsut about everything before purchasing. Love the frame and the overall "feel" of the ride, For me that's why I picked the Homegrown.
Weaknesses:
Rode hard for the first 6-7 mths with no problems then started to have repeted issues with the hugi hub. Although on warranty, have had to "re-build" the hub twice. Once it self destructed on the trail and caused me to have a 3 hour walk out in 100 + degree heat. Have also experienced a lot of chain suck. In my opnion this has nothing to do with the frame. Replaced the chain and front chain rings no more suck...so far.
Also headset seems to take on more water than it should. It constantly feels gritty. And there's not a whole lot of water in the TX desert.
If the frame fits you (long top tube) I would recomend this bike to anyone looking for a light "race ready" responsive hard tail. The stock components are well suited for most riders. I only gave it 4 chilies mostly beacuse of the hub problem pissed me off.
thinking about changing out the cranks and the wheel set. 3 chilis for value because I see that the shop where I bought it from now has the new 2001 Limited's on sale for the same $$ that I paid for the Factory...Oh well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Downing
a Cross Country Rider
from Hattiesburg, MS Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain, Birmingham AL
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Awesome frame with great geometry. Lightweight and fast.
Weaknesses:
Can't find any here
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Killer V, Specialized
Bike Setup:
SID, XTR and Bontrager Race Lite crankset. Spinergy Spox, 1" riser bar, rear brake booster. Time ATAC pedals
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best bike I've had yet. Superior frame strength and still lightweight. The rear brake booster helped tremendously. After putting on Spox wheelset and semi-slicks we're down to just under 22 pounds and fast as hell. The bike climbs like a goat, yet holds a line better than any hardtail available. Great deal when I got it, but now some similar specs at lower prices are available. Great bike for anyone serious about riding XC
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bobo elmo
a Racer
from tulsa Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
turkey mtn.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
the 00' frame is very light and very agile, the sid fork is plush in travel
Weaknesses:
there are none this bike kicks ass
Similar Products Used:
your mama
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this frame is the best and everything else on it is too it is just awesome man
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Shannon
a Racer
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Camp Fortune Tim Hortons trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
VERY LIGHT GYRO FIZIK SEAT SID XC
Weaknesses:
I HAVE YET TO FIND ANY, AS I HAVE JUST RECIEVED THE BIKE IN THE 2000 GRASSROOTS PROGRAM
I HAVE CHOSEN THIS BIKE BECAUSE IT IS THE BEST BIKE OUT THERE THAT I COULD FIND. IT IS LIGHT WEIGHT,IT HANDLES WELL AND REBOUNDS GREAT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Racer
from Gates Mills,Oh Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Geometry...perfect for racers Very very light Beautiful paint job Epicenter seat stays Full easton tubing Parts selection is very nice
Weaknesses:
TITEC Seat post
Similar Products Used:
Yeti Fro GT Zaskar LE Specialized
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox SID XC Full XTR Kore and Titec mix CrossMax Wheels Michlin Tires
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing. I have never used such a comfortable yet stiff aluminum bike. It tracks very well decends nicely and climbs like nothing else. The rear seat stays are curved so when the frame flexs due to hard braking the force is directed back to the curve and the curve is right where the brake boss is. It just puts all the force back into the brake. The comfortable ride is because of the full easton 7005 fully butted tubing. It is as light as it comes while being stiff and comfy. I don't know what that guy is talking about chainsuck being the frames fault. The chain suck is because of the new 9 speed stuff . i guess he's just an idiot or something. I upgraded mine to xtr and nicer wheels and it has lost almost a pound and a half. I recomend this bike to any racer wanting the best aluminum frame you can buy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laszlo Toth
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mount Tremblant Sasquatch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Performance geometry Nearly lightest frame available Boss paint job
Weaknesses:
Paint vulnerable since quite thick
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back Apex Norco Team Issue Gary Fisher Supercalibre
Bike Setup:
XT parts, Judy XC
Bottom Line:
Finest frame I've ever ridden. Virtually no bottom bracket flex during hard efforts so exceptional climber, even though much more compliant than other Aluminum hard tails. Superbly fast in the twisty stuff, and not bad at decents give the georgeously curved seatstays. Extremely light weight. Perfect for recreational racing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jamie
a Racer
from ladysmith wi Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
rock lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
lightweight,quality,agility.
Weaknesses:
decals applied over clearcoat
Similar Products Used:
trek 8900 specialized s works
Bike Setup:
sid
Bottom Line:
climbs great with the addition of riser bars it now handles great on descents
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Spadachini
a Racer
from Toronto Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Croose Link Wheel Set. Cancreek Headset. Paintjob.
Weaknesses:
Frame Design, got chain suck and broke the chain every time I raced it.
Similar Products Used:
S-works M2 Team (Way Better Bike)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike was the biggest hunk of shit that I have ever had the miss-fortune or racing. Have never had a bike with more chain suck then this one.. If would not recamend this bike to anyone..
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Illinois Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
John Muir Trails
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame, Crank, Fork.
Weaknesses:
Seat stays a little flexy
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar LE Klein Attitude Race Ritchey P21
Bike Setup:
SID XC 80mm - XT/XTR mix
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I was leary of the SID (based on reviews of the '98) - but this '99 seems to be holding up fine - so far...The frame is great. It's not as harsh as most aluminum hardtails. But, the rear stays flex a little under braking. I might try a booster to help cut down on the flex. The XT V's are greatly improved - still squeal a little if not set up right. Overall - one of the best x-country races out there.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john powers
a Cross-Country Rider
from LaCrosse WI Date Reviewed: April 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
squeezer
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
this frame kicks ass, and the product manager at schwinn is a genius!
Weaknesses:
bass boat paint is cool looking, but it makes the bike difficult to assemble because it is so thick that it clogs the cable stops, had to use a dremel to clean it up.
Similar Products Used:
schwinn project underground
Bike Setup:
I swapped the sid for a bomber, and I ditched the shimano cables because that thin shit doesn't work well.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, it is by far the best frame design out there for cross country riding.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric N
a racer
from IA Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
This bike rules. The parts work wonderfully. I was disturbed to find that my bike didn't come with team stickers, and I hope to find some one day. This bike handles beautifully, and the fork (sid) works much better now that I put Harly Davidson oil in it.
Overall Rating:
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