Submitted by
Justin
a Racer
from SF, CA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Camp Tamerancho
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Stiffness, Geometrey seems to work well for a wide range of trails, fit is comfy.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, but fits so well I still can't give it up.
Similar Products Used:
A whole lot of bikes
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi fork is way stiffer than the judy is came with, newer XT components, xtr v-brakes, hollowtech cranks, thomson seatpost, etc...
Bottom Line:
If you happened to have purchased one of these, either a long time ago or recently, consider yourself lucky. Ride it till it dies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Arcadia, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Marshall Canyon, La Verne, CA
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Supergo brand new in 1999
Strengths:
Good geometry. It's not a butt thumper like most hardtails. Corners smooth, stops good (for v-brake standards) super light, about 24 bls. after I swapped the judy for a Manitou SX. Components are still up to date even after 4 1/2 years(Except the V-brakes!) This bike will last forever!
Weaknesses:
No Rear disc mount. $70 SGD Bel Air seat hurts my butt!
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC
Bike Setup:
XT, Manitou SX, Titec Hell Bent. Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Shimano SPD Clipless
Bottom Line:
Damn good bike, I still love and ride the bike even after 4 1/2 years. I like how all the componentry looks exactly like the 2003 components so the bike does not feel out-dated. The best hardtail ever built on a blue-collar budget!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
derek
a Weekend Warrior
from WA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dash Point
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
pHILS South Side Cyclery
Strengths:
Great frame and geometry, great parts for its age.
Great bike for the money, great stopping powetr, I wasnt used to it so i crashed three times and skinned my knee pretty bad./
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MARK
a Cross Country Rider
from MEDFORD, NJ, BURLINGTON Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
INDIAN LOOP - WISSAHICKON
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
FROM MY BROTHER
Strengths:
STEELY BUT NOT NOODLEY=SWEET RIDING FRAME GOOD TEMPREMENT TIME PEDALS ALMOST MAKE UP FOR B.B.
Weaknesses:
JUDY XC FORK ONCE WAS GREAT BUT NOW PISSES OIL EL CHEAPO BOTTOM BRACKET WITH PLASTIC CUPS DOES NOT BELONG ON THIS MACHINE THEY ARE BAD, VERY VERY BAD! SCHWINN SHOULD FEEL DIRTY.SHAMEFUL.STRAND ME ALL ALONE IN THE WOODS JUST TO SAVE SOME MONEY.GREEDY.GREEDY. RADIAL FRONT WHEEL JUST AINT TOO SMOOTH 3X IS THE WAY TO GO
Bike Setup:
LX/XTR DER.,AVID BRAKES,JUDY XC FORK,FRONT WHEEL UPGRADED TO 3X XTR/517, TITEC OUT THE WAZOO
Bottom Line:
FOR BIG 180 LB.+ IDIOTS LIKE ME WHO WANT STEEL BUT MASH UP HILLS... DIS BE DA BIKE. RIDES LIKE A DREAM. UNFORTUNATELY OUT OF COMISSION 'TILL I FIND A 1 1/8 THREADLESS RIGID FORK FOR SUPER DUPER CHEAP OR SAVE SOME MONEY FOR A SID.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stretch Payton
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago/Atlanta Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
fort mountain park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
independant retailer
Strengths:
bombproof frame perfect top tube length for a gazelle like me
Weaknesses:
It doesn't get ridden on a daily basis, yet.
Similar Products Used:
enough to write an online review
Bike Setup:
full XTR save for the levers(oops), CT-2 bar, '00 sid xc, XTR/Ti spokes/517 wheelset(try the Ti), Race face stem
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame after retiring my 830who hasn't had one) on which I learned the basics. It was the most beautiful treasure I had ever seen and working at a shop allowed me to build a hellion on knobbys with parts on hand. the first time I rode my Homegrown Pro it had LX stuff and a rigid fork but I could feel that there was something living in the stays, something that kept pushing me faster up hills(wherever you can find them in Chicago area)and harder into corners. This thing was never there when I rode one of the higher end shop bikes like the specialized or giants but every time I would hop aboard mine, despite the well adjusted turds that made it work, I felt like I could go anywhere and over anything. My bike and I have been together a while now and it has only gotten stronger since that damn steel fork came off. I take it out to the mountains every weekend, now that I live in Hotlanta, GA. and have the ultimate gruppo on it. I have not yet seen the thing that lives in my stays, but I know it very well, It is quality craftsmanship and it has homes in all regions of my bike from the hard rockin' head tube welds to the artistry of the bb/chainstay area. They say that the "S-Bend" tail end is "compliant" but my bike is as rock solid as a preacher in a booby bar. The addition of XTR brakes showed me one minor caveat, the brake posts will flex the frame minutely but that's not too noticeable when you're on the trail(problem solved with an arc de tri-oomph). If you like a hella trailbike, racing hardtail, or gitup & go performance there's nothing like a homegrown... ...well, a yeti will do I guess.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Spanier
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson A.Z. USA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001
xtr r der, lx f der, xt/517 wheelset, time atac allum, titec bars, stem, seatpost, bontrager racelite bar ends, lx cranks, avid arch-rival brakes 2.0 levers, lx shifters, selle italia turbotronic saddle.
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks @#$%. Schwinn picked components to save cash but can be easily upgraded. The deore brakes and wheelset are pretty weak but will last till you can afford an upgraded set. The manitou SXr is a sleeper fork. It gives you a lot of adjustability and unbeatable durability. Supergo has a sweet price on this bike. For the price you can't beat this homegrown
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Parman
a Racer
from Fond du Lac, Wi, 54935 Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
baird creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Fond du Lac Cyclery and Fitness
Strengths:
Seatstays, rear triangle, welds, cable routings. stong and true frame, good clean welds, (not klein clean, but polished welds dont give a quality ride, just a quality apperance)
Weaknesses:
none. After growing, and maturing as a mountainbiker i have realized that my former comlaints dont exist, seatstay flex? what, they were designed to flex like that, that is what gives you a the "schwinn quality" ride, they do not hinder braking performance at all, take my word for it.
Similar Products Used:
klein adroit, adept, attitude, trek 8000, 8500, 9000, 9.8,
Bike Setup:
Schwinn homegrown, rolf propel wheelset, avid mag brakes/levers, moxy pro seatpost, time atac carbon pedals, selle italia flite gel saddle, Manitou Mars C fork, titec hellbent xc handlebar, icon sterling crankset, xtr cassette, xt everything else, wtb momentum aheadset.
Bottom Line:
yes, the factory fork is heavy, and yes, the front tire does suck, and yes, i have never loved anything as much as this bike in my entire life. Everything here was put here to stike a balance between quality, price, and weight. I think schwinn did an excellent job, every owner of a homegrown frame has an excellent trail bike, or a great frame to build a great quality racer. Do not take your bike for granted, I beleive it is the best frame ever. I have ridden the newer model homegrowns, and although their steering is a little more responsive, I think that this homegrown can be ridden more aggressively, and the frame is more forgiving, so, when you think you have flexy seatstays, think, are my chainstays flexing, no you say, well my friend, it was designed that way. ride on-
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S.S.
a
from Canal Fulton, Ohio Date Reviewed: July 15, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike rides beautifully! Spec'd pretty well for the price, although I changed out quite a few components and put the LX stuff and Avid brakes/levers on my wife's bike. Nice paint job, too.
Weaknesses:
Seatstays flex when applying rear brakes heavily. Front wheel is a knock off for LX.
Bike Setup:
Black Homegrown frame (of course), SID XC fork, XT derailleurs/brakes/shifters/levers/crankset, XTR hubs/Mavic 517 rims, stock Titec seatpost/stem, Bontrager Crow Bar, stock SDG saddle, Cane Creek S5 headset. 25 pounds total bike weight.
Bottom Line:
I tried full suspension (GT XCR), and there's still nothing like a good hardtail for feel and control! I should have bought this bike first, because it is a much better ride. If your local shop has any of these left, they should be discounted pretty nicely and I found it to be one of the best spec'd bikes period for the price. Everything was LX or better except the front wheel and brakes/levers (Avid). Five flaming chili's for value, but only four overall due to the seatstay flex and the stock front wheel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TsPoNs DeSiGn
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bruce Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This bike seriously ROX! Judy XC is a great oil bath shock Titec everything SDG Comp Bel-Air luv that LX/XT components (XTR is over rated) Black with racing strips Avid Single Digit 2.0
Weaknesses:
Judy is kinda on the heavy side (at least it's not SID blue) Paint comes off pretty easy (after doing trials) Front wildgripper (not bad, but could be better cause it sometimes slips) SCHWINN WEBSITE SUCKS!!!!!
Amazing bike, climbs terrific, great smooth shock thats reliable (who cares about a bit extra weight anyway). Titec hellbent stem and post are amazing. Great bang for the buck. Very good bike, I don't have any complaints. 5 flaming hikers!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tristan
a Racer
from Maine Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Local mountain CC networks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Gotta love the stiff, light frame. The wildgrippers are awesome in the Maine mud. awesome with climbs, descents.
Weaknesses:
Judy XC fork is a little heavy
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar, Cannondale ??, Trek 930, GT Avalanche, Gary Fisher Big Sur, Specialized rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, a great deal for the racer, though it could be upgraded.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Parman
a Racer
from fond du lac, wi Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
im really starting to like ski hills!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
geometry blah blah blah blah blah... super stiff, super sweet, stays on track like stink on sh*t
Weaknesses:
some components needed to be upgraded because of particular riding style
Similar Products Used:
blah blah blah your average run of the mill bikes
Bike Setup:
sx-ti fork, rolf propel wheelset, xtr cassette, xt derailleurs, lx shifters, avid brakes, selle italia flite ti saddle, titec cockpit, bantrager jones 49/53 F, bontrager revolt super x, michelin wildgripper lite s, michelin wildgripper hot s,
Bottom Line:
avid brakes... trick lx components... not so trick titec hardware... trick heavy @$$ judy xc... not so trick frame geometry... trick wheelset... not so trick (after riding on propels... i could never go back, although the 221's are just fine) homegrown... super trick
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from Lehighton, PA USA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything, I have noticed the tires slip a little on the loose stuff. The front derailleur could be better for that much $$$$.
Weaknesses:
None other than the ones above
Similar Products Used:
GT, Kona
Bike Setup:
Stock( will put xt derailleur on front and upgrade fork later)
Bottom Line:
Best bike on the planet. Handles sweet, climbs like a raped ape, accelerates like Porshe. Will be getting a Schwinn Quality Tatoo also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim van Hemert
a Weekend Warrior
from South Miami. Fla. Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
The bike is outrageous. One ride on this bike and I was in love. I went from a no suspension 1985 Schwinn Cimmeron to the Homegrown. I did try some other's as mentioned above, but the handling and comfort sold me instantly. I am principly a road rider, but the Homegrown has gotten be on the trails. With the Hot S tires, the bike climbs with jack rabbit speed and she is stable and quick on the decents too. It is a pretty thing too, much prettier than the 2000, though the '99 does have a little more weight.
The Homegrown is a great introduction to the world of serious racing bikes, and carries a reasonable price tag for the performance you get. I'm no gear-head but I know a great ride when I feel it!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Indiana PA USA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ones made by me
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I think that the bike is all around very great and it handles nicely. I like the Titec that is on it and the drivetrain is descent.
Weaknesses:
The only thing wrong with it is the tires (wildgrippers)and the rims. The rims are bad but i put a huge bend in mine that i had to get fixed. Could have put better shocks on to.
Similar Products Used:
Moab 1
Bike Setup:
All Stock
Bottom Line:
I am pleased with the quality and overall GRRRRRRRRREAT bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DWAYNE
a Weekend Warrior
from ST.CLAIR SHORES MI USA Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
POTOWATOMI
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
GEOMETRY, WEIGHT, PRICE, COOL PAINT, NAME
Weaknesses:
PAINT THICKNESS ON SOME COLORS
Similar Products Used:
CANNONDALE BEAST OF THE EAST
Bike Setup:
MARZOCCHI Z2, RACEFACE, SYNCROS HEADSET, HAYES DISCS, U.S.E. SUSPENSION POST
Bottom Line:
MY FIRST HOMEGROWN WAS A 96. I SOLD IT AND BOUGHT A 98 FRAMESET. THE ORANGE PAINT WAS LIKE A PLASTIC COATING AND UGLY. THE FRAME WEIGHED 4.1 LBS WITH PAINT, AND AFTER I STRIPPED IT OFF, IT WEIGHED 3.4 LBS ON MY TRUSTY DIGITAL FISH SCALE. I SOLD THAT FRAME AND BOUGHT A 99 SO I COULD GET THE REAR DISC MOUNT. THE PAINT IS STILL KINDA THICK, THE FRAME WEIGHS 3.7 LBS, BUT THE BA**BOAT BLUE IS WAY TO COOL TO MESS WITH. THIS BIKE KICKS A**. THE TIGHTER AND NASTIER, THE BETTER. IT CLIMBS LIKE A CAT ON A CURTAIN, AND I HAVE NO PROBLEM POINTING IT DOWN SOME PRETTY CRAZY S***. UNFORTUNETLY, SOME NITWIT IN A PICKUP USED ME AS A CRASH TEST DUMMY LAST SEPTEMBER. THE FORK, WHEELS, BAR, STEM, BRAKE DISC, AND 2 RIBS ON ME WERE TRASHED, BUT THE FRAME WAS FINE. I'M REBUILDING IT NOW, I LOVE THIS FRAME!! IF I COULD FIT A HUNDRED BURNING HUFFYS HERE, I WOULD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from illinois Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
kastle wood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
2000 is the one i have and it is speced nicely with an xtr derailer and the new hollowtech cranks it also it has some nice jagwires that are smoother that factory schwinn cables.
Weaknesses:
although it too early to tell i wonder if the radial laced front wheel will put up with riding off rooftops.the only thing on this bike that could be refered to as a weakness is the avid brakes that will probly be replaced in time.
Similar Products Used:
98 bass boat homegrown
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
i have rode homegrowns for years now and i think that schwinn is the best factory speced bike out there. i am talking about the 2000 and it is a fine bike. i would recommend it to anyone looking for a good speced bike with a race proven frame. the frame has some differences from the 98 like headtube gussets and disc brake holes. the shop had it all messed up really bad but i fixed it as soon as i got it home, i am a barnett bicycle school grad. i would like to tell those people that say it has chainsuck or other probs that they probly dont know proper tuning. but mine works great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Parman
a Racer
from Fond du Lac, Wi Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the one i haven't ridden yet
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame geometry xt rear deraileur titec everyting sdg seat... luv that grips avid 20 brakes and 1.9 levers lx shifters are decent... nothing to compare to though
Weaknesses:
lx front derailleur & crankset seatstay judy xc
Similar Products Used:
different frame, vitrually the same components trek, gary, mongoose, specialized
Bike Setup:
stock except for: icon crankset for shimano deore lx xt f. derailleur for lx control tech. pulleys, for shimano xt's manitou sx ti for judy xc aheadset for tioga time atac thermo for clips... hey, at the time i liked clips, stupid was I. bontrager jones 49/53 front for michelin wild gripper... the gripper is just not a good front tireadd ons.. koolstop pads hell bent seat post... luv it! wicked little bell... chaaaa ching salsa brake brace onza bar-ends
Bottom Line:
the problem with this bike is definately not schwinn, it is the shimano lx drive components and the heavy judy xc.... if you can find one that has the alloy steerer instead of steal, take it! the front wildgripper doesn't corner well over rocks, not a good technical tire. Pulleys made out of plastic... nice! what the hell were they thinking, some of these components were just not meant to race on (weight over durability... how many people want to get screwd out of a race because $0.20 worth of components decided to take a crap) contol tech. anodized aluminm hold up well with minimal chain noise if adjsuted correctly. Brake brace because seatstay is not as stiff as it should be. kool stop pads... they just work better, and needed replacing anyways. Time atacs are awesome, i do not care what anyone says, i've tried many, and beleive you me, they simply are the best performers (a little heavy though, if your concerned about weight, i am not.. but i will shed a couple of pounds if given a coice, every little bit helps) I dont know about the tioga headset... tightened too much when it was put together and bearings were pitted. aheadset (tange works good... light too) Mavic 221 rims are great, i bent a railing on the rear because i was stupid and had my tires underinflated???? 20 .lbs, i must have been on crack that day.... Manitou Sx-Ti for RS Judy XC.. really, i dont like springs, and i would take a SID anyday, but one, they are over rated (says my lbs), and two, i am not good enough to really see that big of a differance anyways... so i took a tcp dampned sx-ti, one, for the weight, and two, for the piston in one leg and spring in the other, i think that that will provide a nice balance between the two. I get a bit more adjustability without having to change springs and i shed a great deal of weight in the processfinally, since all that really should be given a rating is the frame, because really, that is all that is different between most bikes out there, the selling point comes down to the frame... you can do whatever you want with you components, compare and contrast between bike manufacturers, but what it comes down to is if, for $900 i can get a trek, a schwinn, a gary fisher, and a mongoose, and they all have the same components, i would make the same decision today that i made 6 months ago. At first i was really ticked becasue my stuff kept breaking, but then i(with a little help from my lbs) came to the realization that i was expecting too much. I am not saying that you dont get what you pay for, you do, i am saying that although the bike is a racing bike doesn't mean it is going to last forever, or even a season... as with all high performance equipment there are a certain amount of kinks that have to be worked out... i hope i got all mine... except for the rear rim that still needs replacing that is.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Vara
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hudson, Ohio Date Reviewed: November 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the knob
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff frame, hell bent bars, wheelset is nice and strong, time ATACs
Weaknesses:
lx crankset, cheap headsset, wildgrippers blow, no discbrake tabs
Similar Products Used:
trek 8000, trek 7000, fisher big sur
Bike Setup:
stock except for chris king headset, magura hs-33 brakes, and panaracer smoke tires
Bottom Line:
this bike totaly rocks, its super strong and handles like a dream, schwinn overpriced it, but i got it for 900, overall, a totaly sweet ride
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Fredericksburg, Va Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the off-limits one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Agility Weight Looks Paint Quality in Craftmnshp
Weaknesses:
Paint is thick +heavy Decals coming off
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 Trek 830 GT XCR 1000 Voodoo Ti Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Judy SL White Industry 180mm cranks and hubs. Bontrager Asym Rim LP Carbon Seat Post Grip Shift
Bottom Line:
Most of the courses here in the region cover most anything you can imagine. Mountains, river terraces, rolling hills, and coastal flats. Rocks, roots, sand, rounded gravel. I only bought the frame, and with that I can say I enjoy riding this bike and as a result ride well. It is an aggressive geometry, your weight is forward somewhat and steering response is quick. The tapered chainstays give a bit of flex to the ride, making it almost Ti like in its comfort. Schwinn has always made a good bike. I know because the Stingray was my first bike ever. Truth is, as long as its a bike that suits your needs, its not the frame or components that make a fast bike, its the Power Plant and its Computer.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spiffer
a Racer
from Long Island NY Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mt Snow
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
STrong, not heavy, Great Climber, Corners great,Confident descender,survivor of extreme abuse, Really a perfect race sled, freeride sled(with a longtravelfork), climbing fool,and singltrak sled,in other words all around it is strong at everything. Also, you can pick this bike up for cheap through mailorder.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
trek 8900 (carbon mtb 1995) Klein pulse series cannondales konas stumpys alot of others.
Bike Setup:
Judy 100 (I even race with this axe on-its way confident & only affects the climbing performance slightly) all xtr/syncros/raceface/chrisking/mavic517/747's/easton/thompson.
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that can win a NORBA race one day, Confidently descend a mountain like few other hardtails(absolutely a better descender than any cannondales, stumpys,kleins,all of em,I know Ive sold over 500 highend bikes working at a shop for 2 years and rode em all) This bike climbs ridiculously, absolutely a ridiculous climbing beast. Summit mount snow no worrys straight up the downhill course, DH'ers stoppping to watch) FAbulous freakin' bike. Im riding a 97' so this review is for the 96-99 homegrown series, not for the new 2.9 pound frame. (im curious to know if the 2.9 frame is as confident of a descender and as tough as my 3.4 lb homegrown)Buy this bike and save a wad of cash while dropping the competition and chilling on the podium....unreal!!!!!email me xcspeed99@aol.com
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Fond du Lac, Wi Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
shebogan @ jaycee park, best race!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
frame is decent although rear brake brace is needed, for the seatstay is not as stiff as it could/should be, sdg bel air seat, hellbent handlebar
Weaknesses:
currently the following have been replaced because they suck: aheahset seatpost bottom bracket crank arms front chainrings front tire... yes wild grippers do suck, works well in the back though, it is just not a front tire chain cassette added rear brake braceplan to upgrade brakes, rims, and fork by mid 2000
Similar Products Used:
alot, but apparently not enough
Bike Setup:
homegrown, aheadset, titec hellbent handlebar and seatpost, bontrager jones front/wildgripper rear, judy xc, icon crankarms and chainrings, time atac ti clipless pedals, and this wicked little bell that i ring when i pass people!
Bottom Line:
if i knew then what i know now, i would have bought a gt zaskar le, but hey, cant win 'em all, it is a decent bike though
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ole
a Weekend Warrior
from AArhus, DK Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Moesgaard
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Smooth ride Hell bent,makes it handle like heaven.
Weaknesses:
Avid, but they work.
Similar Products Used:
Focus - Black raider Costum built - XT
Bike Setup:
Out of the box
Bottom Line:
Tried the Moab, tried Trek 9500, tried GF. But one ride on the HOMEGROWN, and I was addicted. Sweet.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
epinephrine
a Weekend Warrior
from ottawa, ontario Date Reviewed: September 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
canada cup, camp fortune
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Awesome super-stiff frame, very responsive. Love it all around.
Weaknesses:
Not much to complain about, just the front derailleur, sometimes not as responsive as i wish it was.Wildgrippers suck.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Pahoehoe, Schwinn Moab 1, Klein Attitude Comp.
This bike kicks ass after you've made a couple modifications. (like dropping the Judy.. it brings the weight down).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Batman
a Weekend Warrior
from calgary, alberta Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
price $850 (msrp is too high) everything else...
Weaknesses:
Wildgrippers suck!! kinda heavy not a fan of avid....
Similar Products Used:
trek specialized
Bike Setup:
stock except for xt brakes
Bottom Line:
great bike!! buy it at supergo cheap...that is all.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ROBMCRAW
a Cross-Country Rider
from R.I. Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
SHELTER TRAIL
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The most comfortable mtb. I've ever ridden.Climbs like a raped ape. handles greate in the rough.
Weaknesses:
hate the wildgrippers!
Similar Products Used:
trek 7000 diamondback z-tec comp. stumpjump
Bike Setup:
stock, changed totioga pshycho tt rear.upgrading to a raceface crank this fall
Bottom Line:
AFTER MY FIRST RIDE I WAS A HOMEGROWN JUNKY!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ozzy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arcadia,Ca. Date Reviewed: July 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rincon-Red Box
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Paint Job,USA Made,Titec Hell Bent bars,Weight,Handling,Value Per dollar
Weaknesses:
Michelin Wildgrippers don't live up to their name, annoying brake clatter on decents.
Similar Products Used:
Haro Impasse,Giant XTC,Specialized Stumpjumper.
Bike Setup:
Basically stock except Specialized Team Control in front,Panaracer Smoke in rear,Manitou SX,and Shimano DX pedals.
Bottom Line:
A heck of a bargain considering I got mine with an Sx for $900! Handles superb,very fast,decent braking,and cool graphics. I feel that everyone should try this one. Mines 25.5 lbs with the SX. I rate it at five flaming ponies...(P.S....Ford Mustangs SUCK!!!)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Berkeley,CA Date Reviewed: July 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
frame geometry
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 GT Avalanche Specialized Stumpy
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I don't know if it's the riser bar or the geometry but this is one of the best handling bikes I've ridden. In looks, the geometry reminds me of Konas & Voodoos, bikes Joe Murray helped to design, but I haven't ridden those bikes on the trail. I got the Schwinn on sale at Supergo for $899. The Times take a while to get used to--just keep them lubed and they should be fine. My 17 weighs 26.5 lbs (measured on a scale at the LBS). Good bike for the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B C
a Racer
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The local mall
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame, Parts, Vibe,
Weaknesses:
Too Cool of a bike for most to appreciate
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, RockHopper. My Stumpy got ganked, but I also loved that bike (the Homegrown is better though)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
If you get this bike, you will need to change your underwear after you experience what this bike is capable of. If you get it on sale (I got it for $790: unbelievable), the woody factor goes up even more.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trever
a Weekend Warrior
from Sandy, UT Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Silver Fork (Big Cottonwood Canyon)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff aluminum frame Riser bar Time ATAC pedals Made in the USA
Weaknesses:
Upright geometry Avid Brakes
Similar Products Used:
Stumpy M2
Bike Setup:
Homegrown, Judy XC, LX/XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. Beacause I've always ridden Specialized, I am used to the more aerodynamic body position. I felt like I was riding a cruiser when I took this bike out for the first time but eventually, I got used to it and now my back gets pissed if I ride my old stumpy. Great bike, I give it 4 flaming turds.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john B.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: May 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Great bike, Got it on sale for $999.00. It weighs exactly 26 lbs. It has Great components, this bike really flys!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Thompson, Tsali
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Price, performance, race ready out of the box.
Weaknesses:
Could offer size between 19 & 21
Similar Products Used:
Specialized M2 Stumpjumper, Klein Pulse Comp
Bike Setup:
'97 Manitou SX Ti fork, Mavic crossland wheels, Race Face cranks & rings, mix of LX, XT Shimano parts
Bottom Line:
I've put a ton of time in on this bike in the last 2 years and I am about to upgrade to a Homegrown Factory. In fact, I've worn out and replaced every single part on the bike but the shifters and levers and of course the frame. This bike offers a typically stiff aluminum ride, but the chainstay yoke provides nice compliance. It is a nice compromise between stability and nimble handling, not real extreme on either end of the spectrum. To answer the Yeti question, I don't think the regular Homegrown is made by Yeti, it is hand built by Schwinn with 6000 series, however, the Homegrown Factory is built by Yeti with 7000 series aluminum. For the money and parts pick, you can't go wrong.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Leonardson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Eau Claire, WI Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
-Made in the USA frame -Time ATAC pedals -Low relative price -Titec Hellbent riser bar
Weaknesses:
-Finicky Avid 20 brakes -Poor tires for mud
Similar Products Used:
-Gary Fisher Big Sur -Trek 8000
Bottom Line:
I just purchased this bike a few weeks ago but I have already put on a few hundred miles. I love the frame, the great paint job, and the Time pedals although the ATAC's do take quite a bit of getting used to. I got my bike for less than a grand because of Schwinn's great sale pricing. Most other bikes with comparable components cost hundreds more, even with frames mass produced in Taiwan. Unfortunately I have to adjust the brakes after almost every ride because one side or a the other will begin to rub. Also the Michelin Sprint tires are not good choices in my opinion. They're performance in mud and sand is poor. This may sound stupid but leaves are constantly becoming stuck on the tread and rubbing against the fork or frame. Very annoying! I still give this bike five stars because of its low weight, excellent manuverability, and overall value. Tires and brakes are easily upgradeable. Buy Schwinn, ride tuned!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JT
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoma Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Made in the USA Beautiful paint job Time ATAC pedals
Bottom Line:
A black shining beauty is the first thing I though when I first saw this bike. Its competition was the Schwinn Moab 1. I chose to go with the Homegrown since there was only a $200 difference between the Moab 1, which is basically the same bike. What I did get in return was a USA made bike, better brakes, seat post, rims and a better looking paint job. The Time ATAC pedals are awsome, although they can be hard to get out of sometimes.If you have the extra $200 dollars, go with the Homegrown.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RAMBO
a weekend warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999
Bottom Line:
THE BIKE IS GREAT, HARD TO FIND A GOOD HARDTAIL WITH ALL THE PLUNGER BUTTS OUT THERE. nOTE TO THE PIMPLY FACED POSERS THAT WRITE THE GARBAGE ON THESE PAGES KNOCK IT OFF, IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY THEN GO FOR A RIDE, PICK YOUR NOSE WHILE YOU'RE DOING IT! HARDTAILS FOREVER, PLUNGER BUTTS SUX
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddie
a weekend warrior
from chicago illinois Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999
Bottom Line:
hey sup.... i am very interesting in buying this product but want to know what you think ....EMAIL me w/ some info. please.. i normally ride some rough terrain but don't have enough money to purchase a good full suspension bike or so i am told .. if you know of any good ones let me know ASAP..i hope somebody retuns this review so that maybe some day i'll see you at the starting gate...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a cross-country rider
from USA Date Reviewed: January 2, 1999
Bottom Line:
I was wondering if YETI makes the frame for this bike? If anybody knows could you please E-mail me. ThanxI was wondering if YETI makes the frame for this bike? If anybody knows could you please E-mail me. ThanxI was wondering if YETI makes the frame for this bike? If anybody knows could you please E-mail me. Thanx
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
assman
a cross-country rider
from ASSMAN Date Reviewed: December 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
This bike is sweet. Stiff good clomber with good specs and nice frame. I also like the Klein attitude comp, about the same price with a better frame, but worse parts. The paintjob o the homegrowns is awsome though!! Cant go wrong with this bike. Does anybody know what company ownes klein? e-mail me if you do.
Overall Rating:
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