Submitted by
jeffrey
a Cross Country Rider
from e'town ky usa Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
otter creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
schwinn fitness
Strengths:
Good looks,great fork, cool color, mavic rims are bomb proof rides smooth, xt everyhting, xtr rear derailer
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
trek 6500
Bike Setup:
mavic 222 rims,xt everything except rear derailer,rock shox sid xc,titec hell bent bar,titec stem and seatpost, fizik seat
Bottom Line:
the bike is cool. Lot of people like to knock schwinn because of the out of business. Great bike for the trails,real strong. A little on the pricey side but you get what you pay for. Beginner riders should not buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garcia MiGuEl
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan USA Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Potowatomi
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Mailorder
Strengths:
Paint is a work of art, bass boat blue. Very lightweight, 19" with King headset installed weights 3.4 lbs. Epicenter seatstays. Paint. Very responsive.
Weaknesses:
Other than company owners, none.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Mongoose (pre retail days), Jamis
Bike Setup:
Z.2Xfly, Truvativ Stylo, XTR hubs/Bonty rims, King headset, Attack shifters, Plasma r. der., Avid Arch50 brakes, SRAM levers, etc.....
Bottom Line:
I bought this frame through mailorder and built it from ground up. It handles superbly through the tight singletrack and great on the open trail. The epicenter seatstays keep the brakes from flexing the tubes yet it is more forgiving than other aluminum bikes I've ridden. The bass boat blue paint job is a work of art and very unique. I weighted the frame after the headset was installed and it still weighted in at 3.4 lbs for a 19" frame. I have been very pleased with the frame thus far but company support and stability is an issue. I'd give it a perfect 5 flamin peppers but the company's instability keep the score from being perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Howes
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Magic carpet
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Sprockets
Strengths:
Wonderful lightweight hardtail. The bike has a smooth ride but is stable under load. The geometry is roomy in the cockpit and corners like a dream. The bike weighs 23.5 pounds out of the box-super deal for the money.
Weaknesses:
This bike was spec'd a bit funny for 1800. Deore brakes and hubs? After upgrading these parts and swapping some others this bike doesn't leave much to be desired.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
Swapped the stem, Bars, Seat, and Brakes to easton EA70, and Monkey lite. Selle Max trans am. Avid sd7 brakes
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. If your looking for a lightweight xc bike look no further. This is a solid all around performer that is a pure joy to ride. If you can still find one of these, buy it, you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew McCarthy
a Cross Country Rider
from WYOMING Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Fine Edge Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great solid feeling frame at 2.9lbs!!! Feels like you are on a steel bike. Pretty good componet group-includes xtr rear derailure - although that is at the price of a Deore brake and rim package that sucks! This is my favorite ride that i have ever owned. Too bad Schwinn sold out to Gart Sports! Oh yeah and the ORANGE paint is awesome and durable (not blue as the above reader metioned that is on the 2000 model and it has a crappy manitou fork)
Weaknesses:
The only failure that I experienced is that the seat clamp somehow became fatiged and split (possibly one area that they should have added some meat) pretty minor stuff if you see what im getting at - oh and the decals suck -- they were rubbed off within the first two weeks!(but the paint rocks)
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the wheels (rep. crossmax) and the seat clamp haha!
Bottom Line:
Great bike in fact the best that i have ever owned. The frame is solid and probally the best foundation for the money! I am one of those riders that started on a hardtail and then rode many fs bikes before finally realizing that unless you ride the lift lines or have back problems there is no use for a full suspension bike~ and have since returned to HT's and can only remember this bike as my favorite. So if you are into hardtails and know what you want this is your bike. However if a fs is on your mind you should go buy one and learn for your self.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hao chung ho
a Cross Country Rider
from Taiwan, ROC Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
El Corte De Madera
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
MTB market place
Strengths:
Fast, nimble, light(relative) & stiff
Weaknesses:
the homegrown tomato mark looked wired on bass boat blue frame.
Similar Products Used:
Scott endorphine, giant MCM, GT Zaskar
Bike Setup:
Factory spec, XT allover, except Rear dera.
Bottom Line:
A smooth looking bike(not a badass), it's rare for a MTB, However, the red tomato looks funny on the bass boat blue frame, all and all, a sleek & smooth looking bike. when compared to Scott, it's faster & stiffer on the climb, but not as stable going down. it's much prettier than GT(my own opinion); however, if's interesting to compare this bike to MCM; i have to take it back home & compare them together, because they share almost the same score with totally different character. conclusion, it's a racer , not an easy rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andreas
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ, 85701 Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
fantasy island
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$625.00
Purchased At:
MTBR Classifieds
Strengths:
Awesome frame, 2.9lbs! Monster climber, agile, fast, speedy. Turns on a dime, keeps going even when the rider can't!
This bike is awesome! I bought one of the best bikes on the planet for the same money that would buy me a FS K-mart special... Anyone who can get a great deal on this homegrown tomato, don't even blink! BUY IT! SCHWINN ROCKS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry S
a Cross Country Rider
from Farnborough, Hants, UK Date Reviewed: February 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ceasars Camp
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1999.00
Purchased At:
Intension Bikes, UK
Strengths:
Killer looks, smiles per mile. Rewarding bike when you push it to your limits. Climbs so so well and encourages you to push to limit on descents.
Weaknesses:
Looks too good to tackle extreme singletrack for first month or so.
Similar Products Used:
Scott Endorphin, feels slow in comparison.
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Race-Lites, Chris King hubs, Easton Carbon bars with magnesium stem. XTR pedals.
Bottom Line:
This bike still impresses me 6 months after I purchased it. I am racing it for the first time next month after sidelining the Scott and can't wait. The quicker you go, the better it feels, especially through tight fast singletrack. Very rewarding when you get it right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremiah
a Cross Country Rider
from cleveland Date Reviewed: November 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
THE PITS
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Fairview Cycle and Lock
Strengths:
the frame material, shimano's components are flawless and hayes performance.
Weaknesses:
can u tell me what the word weakness is again?
Bike Setup:
XT and XTR SID XC hayes disc brakes
Bottom Line:
this is a follow up to my review over 2 yrs ago. the bike is GREAT and all my props go to Schwinn, Shimano, Rock Shox, and Hayes. ive ridden hard on this bike and the only thing ive done(which is a sin)is chiped the paint. D**n this bike is the best investment and the hayes upgrade was the second best investment. Agian SCHWINN IS THE BEST AND ANYONE WHO THINKS OTHER WISE IS A JACKA*S!!!!! people used to laugh at schwinn whos laughing now. haaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!! i would give this thing like a thousand chilis but theres only 5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mad max
a Racer
from NE, US Date Reviewed: October 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good geometry for racing. Nice, stiff bike. I like the bassboat blue (almost meaningless but I like it)
Weaknesses:
Can't think of any. It's a HT. It does what one should.
Similar Products Used:
various HTs
Bike Setup:
Bought the frame. Set it up with XT all over. Manitou SXr.
Bottom Line:
The bike is a good race bike. It is good for all else as well as long as you like the ride of an Al HT. Put a Moxey suspension post on it and you've got yourself one hell of a bike. It is superlative in so many ways it is difficult to write a review other than stating "It's really good!"
Who should buy: XC racers should like Schwinn, The geometry is "just right".
Who should not buy: People who really hate the ride of aluminum.
I bought the frame only from Supergo so value is a 5.
Overall, I feel comfortable with a 5. I've been pleased with it every time I take it out. I'm glad I bought it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikey
a Racer
from Florida Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any without Drops
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This is a sweet ride ...I doubt anything touches it for racing
Weaknesses:
i really cant think of anything other then the shifters for the money i would expect xt shifter pods
Bike Setup:
Factory ....looking for a good deal on xt pods`
Bottom Line:
I love this thing but i want a complete xt/xtr bike no lx involved but they did
So because i see lx it looses a flaming fart
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Ramirez
a Racer
from El Paso, Tx Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
High Altitude, Cloudcroft NM
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Best bike for the money, great climber and handler. Great bike if you like that stiff fast ride
Weaknesses:
A little afraid to scratch the paint the first couple of rides
Similar Products Used:
mongoose, schwinn moab
Bike Setup:
Pretty much all stock stuff, I'll probably change a few things later on, but out of the box it's great
Bottom Line:
All the parts work well for me, the sid is good, rims arn't the lightest, and the tires wore out fast on me. All in all the frame is sweet. For the money you can't beat it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jumpdaddy
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
World Cup
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Superior frame design and craftmanship. Stable in the air. Destruction riding aproved.
Mostly XTR, Spindley King wheels, Z2 BAM, Rockshox post, Berserker seat and other freerider crap.
Bottom Line:
Best Handling bike I've ever owned. I had a Moab before, and it was similar, but I wanted something smaller than a 19", A friend in my shop sold me his barely used metallic orange 17" frame. I'm 6'3" and a 17" doesn't even come close to fitting me, but handling is the name of the game. Instant superior handling over any other bike. Schwinn found the magic elixir of a hardtail. I ride street on it, urdan assault trials type riding, and I'm actaully taking the homegrown to my next downhill race instead of my FSR. If you require perfection in your bicycle you need to find yourself one of these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Tomah, Wisconsin USA Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hatfield
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, Fly-By-Wire Handling, Consistent
Weaknesses:
Stock Bars a little wide for me.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn S-10, Fisher, Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I have extremely pleased with the performance of the Homegrown Pro. It really does love to climb and is great in the tight singletrack. Only changes from stock I have done are to shorten the bars, change tires and plan on upgrading to Crossmax wheels this year. GREAT Product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Walter
a Racer
from Sacramento, Ca Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Redwoods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame geometry, beautiful paint, duperb handling, great climber too!
Weaknesses:
Too nice to beat on!!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Trek, Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Maitou SX forks, XT group throughout, Raceface sySTEM, TruVativ team cranks, Shimano 232 pedals, Specialized racing saddle and Team Master Tires,
Bottom Line:
Can't say enough good things, I built the bike from a frameset, all custom. I love the high speed stabiltiy, it climbs like an F16! It is light and very fun to tear around in.... I am in love!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross-Country Rider
from Edmonton Alberta Date Reviewed: December 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anything challenging
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
handles amazing,climbs likeyour on an escalator (almost no effort).one of the best looking bikes anywhere!
Weaknesses:
it looks so killer you almost are afraid you'll scratch it.
Similar Products Used:
my old paramount PDG30 and tested aslew of bikes before purchasing but nothing quite compared to the homegrown.
Bike Setup:
switched cranks to raceface turbines in team white, as well as the stem also team white because it looks to good. also raceface BB,easton CT2 flatbar,michelin compS tires(which ROCK).schwinn saddle to match the paint job.SID fork is very sturdy, i'm 210 and love nasty technical and had no problems
Bottom Line:
this bike has made me faster and helped me to develop the skills needed to get a whole lot better. AMAZING!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron Hudson
a Racer
from Melbourne Victoria Date Reviewed: December 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything you could want on a bike been my dream bike until abou 4 months ago when i bought it!
Weaknesses:
the titec bars are a bit wide
Bike Setup:
out of the box
Bottom Line:
An awsome race bike with go hard or go home handling
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
1
a Racer
from 2 Date Reviewed: November 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
OH MY GOD!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buddha
a Weekend Warrior
from oakland Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ENDOR,REDWOODS
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
stock components rule excellent climber quick and loose paid 1500.00 new
Weaknesses:
nothin' ya cant get used to
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher mt.tam
Bike Setup:
stock out of the box XT/XTR,mavic,sid,titec
Bottom Line:
best bike i have ever owned, super fast on every climb, a little loose over 40 mph but i love it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a Racer
from Philly Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon Valley
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Responsive frame, great components, quick geometry, lightweight.
Weaknesses:
RockShox disc brake
Similar Products Used:
You name it.
Bike Setup:
Replaced Titec bars with Crow Bars
Bottom Line:
Killer bike for the money. Don't let the Schwinn name scare you.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a Racer
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
i dunno the name, but it was in crested butt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great price, awesome parts, lightweight, stiff, cool paint job
Weaknesses:
it's too good for me.
Similar Products Used:
stumpy, trek.
Bike Setup:
i have a bomber on instead of a sid (the sid requires too much maintence for my lazy ass)
Bottom Line:
this bike is soooo awesome!! It just begs to be ridden fast and hard. This bike has seriously made me a faster climber, faster on the down hills, and faster on the flats. The only thing i'm slower at because of this bike is my sprinting (cause of the bomber). The stock parts on the bike are superb; i did change a few things though (handlebars, wheels, tires, fork, and want to change the seat, but i don't have the cash). If you are looking for a bike in this price range, look no further, cause you won't find a better bike at this price.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TOMMY
a Cross-Country Rider
from EAU CLAIRE, WI Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
I've just purchased my Homegrown Pro. Have coveted them since first laying eyes on last years model. Simply from an aesthetic standpoint, you'll be hard pressed to find a better looking bike. From a performance standpoint- great mix of quality, mainstream components- tried and true XT/XTR goodies; love the Rock Shock SID XC (my previous bike had an ancient Mag 21, which has been flawless for me since day 1).
Weaknesses:
I swapped out the Time pedals for some 7478's , and also dumped the curved handlebars for some flat bars, but this was just a personal preference thing- most people would probably be happy with the bike as is.
Similar Products Used:
Paramount series 70 and 90, couple of GT bikes
Bottom Line:
This is a sweet bike that can take a lick'in and keep on thrasn'in. It will take my beating and smile back.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam
a Cross-Country Rider
from madison Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
I have last year's xt version same as pro but has xc w/ alum steerer and rcok shock disc in front: great climber, light, great single track performer.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
haro escape, alum;
Bike Setup:
lower end comp. except judy xc. very fond of its performance. I like the alum. steerer in my hg xt b/c it saves on weight
Bottom Line:
although i have last year's model, this bike has the sweetest frame i have ever ridden and laid eyes on (i have the bass boat orange). At less than 25 pounds, for a stronger rider and heavy rider, its a rocket and comes fully stocked with xt. (xtr rear helps you have flawless shifting) I am happy to hear how much everbody likes this year's model. Goes to show how consistent the homegorwn series of bikes are. Looking forward to racing it this summer back east.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremiah
a Cross-Country Rider
from cleveland, ohio Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
off road
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
The bike is soooooo light and versital great on cornering
Weaknesses:
THERE IS NONE!!!!!!!!!
Bike Setup:
This kick a*#$ bike has full 1999 XT and for a treat it has the 99 XTR rear der. The shock is the BOMB, its a new revamped ROCK SHOX SID it is fully ajustable and not as much tear down as 98
Bottom Line:
What can I say the paint job is THE BEST out there the components and the shock are great. It is way worth the BUCKS. I'd give more chilles but there's only 5. sssssssssssweet!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
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