Submitted by
Matthew
a
from Plymouth, MN, USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Penn Cycle Minnetonka
Strengths:
Has held up to racing and thrashing. Several mods since new and the occasional part replacement due to normal wear and tear. Frame is very light and very rigid and still in race-able condition. Good balance of light weight and appropriate strength (when I say durable I mean it - this bike has been taken through the big city, races, and deep woods and seen the least forgiving heavy hits - I weigh 165 lbs). Came stock with all ShimanoXT, XTR, SID, Mavic 222, Time, Titec.
Weaknesses:
NONE> Although a nice safety feature the replaceable deraileur hanger and I have a love/hate relationship - However in retrospect I think the rep. hanger is a must have item for a frame this good.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for: 2003XTR RD, Crank Bros Egg Beater Candy SL Ped., Easton monkeylite carbon bars, glittery blue schwinn grips that are too sexy for their own good,tires. Under 21 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I owe many fond memories and successful outings to it and expect it to be a very long time before this bike and I part ways. Excellent frame. At $1200.00(pro rate) new it was a steal. Although I cant vouch for the current Home Grown frame this one is a smart buy for anyone needing a light weight race worthy set up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ROBERT PROCTER
a Racer
from SOUTHAMPTON,HAMPSHIRE,ENGLAND Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
QUEEN LIZ (THE GRIN FACTOR)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
20/12/2000
Strengths:
THE FRAME IS VERY LIGHT, GOOD COOUE,MADE VERY WELL
Weaknesses:
THE INTERGRATED HEADSET, MINE DIED IN 2 WEEKS AND IVE HAD 7 SINCE
Similar Products Used:
NONE COME CLOSE TO IT
Bike Setup:
FULL XTR HOPE HUBS NEXT LP CRANKS PACE RC38 RACE FORKS AND LOTS OF CARBON
Bottom Line:
THE BEST BIKE IN THE WORLD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Whit
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX, US Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Muleshoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$265.00
Purchased At:
ebay (frame only)
Strengths:
weight, color, and geometry
Weaknesses:
sticker adhesive, and Real Schwinn's no longer exist as of last year
Similar Products Used:
S95 .3, GT LTS-1, Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
XTR/XT driveline/brakes, Rockshox Duke race, KORE stem, Titec Hell bent bars and seatpost, and Michelin comp S light tires(green)
Bottom Line:
This bike was built from the frame up and has proven to be the best bike I've been on. It seems to do it all without weighing anything. I hope there will be something better out there when it comes time to build my next bike, so far it doesn't look promising. May have to keep this one awhile...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
math
a Cross Country Rider
from Québec Canada Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Valcartier
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Demers
Strengths:
Everything on this bike, very very light, super handling, excellent geometry, the fork is ameswone, stiff frame, cane Creek wheels are very good in all conditions, good Time pedals, super drivertrain, very very excellent price and it looks very COOL. The bike climb and downhills like a God!!!
Weaknesses:
The stock bike had deore hubs and brakes but I change them for XT and the wheels for Cane Creek WAM MTB, Ichange it before to buy. Except it the bike is too good.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpejumper M4 PRO
Bike Setup:
Stock except, Flat bar, XT brakes and levers, Cane Creek wheels, Python tires.
Bottom Line:
The Bike rocks.This is an incredibly quick handling bike. Super light which makes it an incredible climber. After all $1000.00 does not grow on trees.This bike is the lightest, fastest, best bike I've been on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Mundelein, IL, USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Head
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Arlington Bicycle Company
Strengths:
Weight, XTR rear derailer, weight, all around a great bike, and with a great color
Weaknesses:
decals, they are the worst decals in the world, for some reason they didn't pup a clearcoat over them and the start to peal, also the bars are pretty wide
Similar Products Used:
Trek-8000,7000 Schwinn-Moab 2 Gary Fisher-Hoo Koo E Koo Specialized-Rockhopper Pro, Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
stock except for I went with the cage clips on the pedals and I got a water bottle holder, I'm going to cut down the handle bars
Bottom Line:
This is one excellent bike the price was especially April 2001 if you can find one. The bike'll do anything. It's super light and super fast and super awesome, a lot of people complain about the seat but I didn't really notice it, I'm yet to ride on a seat that's comfortable anyway and deore hubs and brakes aren't that bad either, to get that on a bike anyway you're paying a lot more, I'm the on;y one that has even deore hubs that I ride with. The only thing that hurts it are the decals but that's not a s important as the fact you'll whoop all your buddies. Also if you live in the Chicago suburbs, Arlington Bicycle Company is the greatest, they have the best prices and service(FREE tune-ups for life)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a
from Pickering,on,canada Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
snakes and ladders
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
24 pounds with deora\225 (crap) frame,colour,price,not too many people have the same bike (i have yet to see one),minimal upgrades.
Weaknesses:
deora brakes blow!!!!and the hubs are even worse.so i now have some arch rival 50, and next week i'm getting some 2001 spinergy's to help shave of some more weight.
this bike rules!!! aside frome the deora stuff it's almost perfect out of the box.and it has the best color around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chase marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Worth Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
grapevine north shore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
everything light climbs like no other
Weaknesses:
not much the deore was gay but thats gone now
Bike Setup:
cut the bar down an inch on each side so i could get throught the trees,cane creek T style bar ends(awsome),softer seat,xt brakes,took off the spds i put on and went with the stoch times witch are much better. I plan on geting a cane creak thudbuster seat poast and mavic crossmax ust wheels
Bottom Line:
ive had it for almost a year now and i still love it now that the crappy brakes are gone i like it a little bit more . YALL ALL NEED ONE OF THESE BIKES. it holds up well and i ride this thing veery hard i will still smoke my dad once he gets his fs bike
I would give it more fire things if it would let me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Brislin
a Cross Country Rider
from Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Humtini Forest - Southern Cape
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Coimbra Cycles
Strengths:
Light, Light, Light. Mostly good components - SID XC, XT/XTR, Mavic Rims, Fizik saddle. Schwinn backup service has been outstanding. I had fast, no hassle replacement response to a complaint of a stiffening steerer. This while in another country too.
Weaknesses:
Decals dont stick too well - who needs decals anyway!. Chainstay guard even worse, it was glued on and stayed on 30 mins into 1st ride. Deore Hubs & Brakes dont fit a high spec bike like this. Paintwork scratches deep & easily.
Shorter stem. Shortened bars, would prefer straight bars(will ghange that next change), Avid Arch Rival 50's Front, Avid 2.0's rear.
Bottom Line:
This is a beautiful bike. I have been through the softtail phase for 2 years. I know it's horses for courses but all round this bike is a beauty. Investment is in the frame, components will come & go. The geometry suits me to, so I will find it hard to part with this frame - ever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William
a
from Columbus Date Reviewed: December 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Caesar Creek Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Gettysburgh Bicycles
Strengths:
The bike is light and fast and it handles beautifully. It is such an awesome bike because it handles very well in all kinds of weather. I rode the bike in the snow the other day and it just cut right through it.
Weaknesses:
The bike is so well designed that it just a shame for Schwinn to put Shimano Deore brakes on it.
Bike Setup:
I replaced the the saddle because I want something soft for my rear-end. The next item to go is the Shimano brakes.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It took me a a long time to find this bike and it's worth the wait. Schwinn created a very classy bike. It handles great and it flies down the hill. It is unbelievable up the hills and it takes corners extremely well. I don't think that there is a better bike out there. Schwinn will always have my business. I can't wait until they come up with something better than this one(Pro). I doubted, not for a while because I really want to enjoy this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aaron
a
from bloomfield hills Date Reviewed: December 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
POTO
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, repsonsive
Weaknesses:
I have had the bike for almost a year now and have put some serious miles on it. It seems that the bottom bracket area is lacking in rigidity. It seems to flex when im really pushing it, and my friend who has a homegrown factory has noticed the same thing. It needs to be stiffened up. I think schwinn could stiffin it up while still keeping it under 3 lbs.
Similar Products Used:
Moab, Klein attitude, specialized stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
bontrager race wheels, avid arch 40's, cane creek thudbuster
Bottom Line:
The bike is fast fast fast. It fits me well at 6'4" and seems to be holding up. It is about as light as i can get a bike at this size while allowing me to ride in comfort and on a budget. What is nice is that the frame is no where near as harsh as a klein cannondale or stumpjumper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andreas
a
from Novi, MI Date Reviewed: November 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Strengths:
The geometry rocks - I am used to road race bikes and I prefer a flat, stretched position. The Homegrown give the exactly this - a long top tube, and still aggressive handling. I went with a very small frame size (16.5', I am 5' 10') and it fits perfect. The frame is reasonably stiff.
Weaknesses:
Parts - I replaced saddle, handle, pedals, brakes. But at that price I won't whine .... Other weaknesses: I am experiencing problems with the head set now (after only 3 months!), the sticker quality is poor, the bike was handed over to me from the dealer in a ludicrously poor setting - some screws fell out immediately, one brake cable was too short, the fork was low on air. The rear wheel is a bit flimsy.
I made the following changes/additions: Flite seat, straight RaceFace handle, SPD pedals, Avid SD7 brakes, Schwinn end bars.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, it is fast, light, and aggressive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Kreft
a Racer
from Traverse City, MI Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
VASA Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
City Bike Shop
Strengths:
Everything!!!! I love this bike- I moved up from a 30+ pound Raleigh and everything about it is perfect!! I Had to tighten the bottom bracket on the Hollowtech crank a couple times, but that would happen on any bike. the ride is SO smooth, and the SID saves my arms- I shattered my wrist earlier so my left arm is very sensitive to such things- do NOT hit your front brake too hard.. oh well, three months of the bike was misery, but I made it. Oh- by the way I am 6'2", and ride my bikes HARD and it has held up incredibally well- If you love flying up the hills and ripping up the single track, get this bike!
Weaknesses:
The only thing is the adhesive holding some of the things on, such as the chain-slap baurd was almost non-esistant, but some heavy-duty double sided foam tape took care of that.
Similar Products Used:
Tried some Stumpjumpers and a K2- none were as nice, but all were as expensive.
Bike Setup:
All Stock excepr for deraillers- these are SRAM 9.0 ESP- I am partial to Grip Shift
Bottom Line:
A great bike at a great price- buy it if you can, but they probably are now all gone- I had to wait five months for mine. If you live anywhere in the vincity of Traverse City, go to the CIty Bike Shop on Union Street- Steve will give you a great deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
duckpantboy
a Cross Country Rider
from bothelll, wa, usa Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
dash point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything, I could go on and on.
Weaknesses:
cheesy hubs and brakes that come with it. but i'm not complaining.. kept the price down and let me upgrade to what i wanted.
Bike Setup:
stock except for the following: monkey light riser bar, easter riser neck, selle flight saddle, mavic crossrides with panaracer fires (for dirt), stock wheels with michelin wildgripper city slicks for street riding. arch rival brakes
Bottom Line:
This bike RULES! I'm in freakin love with it.. i could go on for hours about how awesome it is. just got done making two laps down Preston RR and the thing is freaking amazing. The dude below that said i climbs like a mt goat, or something like that, and decends like a freeride is right! My HG 4-banger is going into storage if I'm not riding lifts. I'd give it 100 flaming turds if i could!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chase marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from ft wort, texas Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ze boatz, joe pool
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
every thing. i love this bike. Its light, responsive but not twitchey and it will do every thing like a champ
Weaknesses:
deore hubs arnt too bad and the deore brakes work but not as well as others i would replace them but theres that money thing. also the seat SUCKS BIG TIM. i like my under carage and so i swiched it after one ride
Similar Products Used:
trek 7000 , trek 8900 and alot of crapy bikes
Bike Setup:
stock exsept seat and i added bar ends and a computer mabe a light i the future
Bottom Line:
well i finaly got the means and i got it and i love it great bike for all hours of fun and joy will shurely emerge from this bike for all who mount it GET ONE trust me good for the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomfield Hills Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
POTO
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike is scary light. I got it for well under 1700 and have not seen it priced over 1600 anywhere. The frame is awesome. It feels amazingly soft for an aluminum bike. Schiwim did something magical with this new tubing. I plan on doing more racing with this bike. It flies up hills and feels great on steep down hills. If you want a light bike that is very responsive and really cool looking than this is the bike for you.
Weaknesses:
Umm what the hell was schwinn thinking putting deore on this bike. I never expect to see that crap on a bike that costs this much. I also disliked how wide the handlebar was. It just felt to wide for me, so i cut them down. Just a personal pref.
Similar Products Used:
moab 1, klein attitude
Bike Setup:
stock except for the wheels. I upgraded to some bontrager races. Man am i glad i did that. I will probably change the brakes to avid 2.0 or xt in the future. I also got rid of that rock hard fizik saddle. It killed the twins.
Bottom Line:
This Bike rocks. Its light, responsive, and relatively cheap. If you can find another bike that is this light and this cheap let me know. I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants to go fast.If you want to do trials i would try a little heavier duty bike. My cranks didnt like it when i climbed stairs or did tail hops. Im giving full chilis for the value and docking one on the overall cause of that deore crap. Do yourself a favor and replace it before you take it home from the shop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vince Barrett
a Weekend Warrior
from Duluth, Ga. Date Reviewed: April 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
To many strengths, and I cannot type well enough to list them. I have to say that the frame is a work of art.
Weaknesses:
Just a few... For an $1800 bike, it would be nice to get something nicer than Deore brakes(these came from the bottom of the barrel) and hubs. Fizik seat is a real pain in the ass(it does look good though). My main complaint is that after all of the time that somebody took to handbuild the frame, I cannot understand why they let someone's two tear old apply the stickers. They are badly crooked and have ripples all over them. On a related note, I bought my wife a $600 Mesa GSX and her bike has very nice stickers... and a clearcoat over them! Also, the frame has a nice little plaque on the seat tube which says "Made with ??? proprietary alloy" and a chainstay protector, If you like these items, TAKE THEM OFF! otherwise they will wind up lost on the trail as they are held on with an adhesive comparable to scotch tape( these too are crooked). But, this bike is so nice overall, I can live with these minor issues.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab Disc, GT Zaskar, Various Cannondales, Trek 8500LT.
Bike Setup:
Still stock so far. Except for a Cateye Enduro 2 computer.
Bottom Line:
This is an incredibly quick handling bike. Super light which makes it an incredible climber. Throw on some good brakes and a more comfortable seat and this bike will be perfect... If you really like orange(luckily I do). I have to give this 5 chilis. The bikes weaknesses are too minor to warrant the loss of a chili. This bike is perfect for Racers and rec riders alike. I highly recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oyvind Aas
a Racer
from Oslo/Norway and Sydney/Australia Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ostmarka in Oslo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
It is very light for the cheap price. I am used to steaper angles but the geometry fits great. Wide bars. Climbs like a monkey. Downhills like a freerider compliant and stiff at the same time
Weaknesses:
The deore brakes and hubs seem cheap. Hope to change to Avid or XTR and Chris king.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dragon 94, Cannondale f700 96, Scott pro racing 97/98, Merida Matts Team Norway ltd 99
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for Hutchinson airlight tires
Bottom Line:
Surprisingly awesome bike. I am a pro class xc racer on a student brake and budget. The Schwinn is a great bike for me. Goes like a dream both up and down. Can't wait to race this orange beauty. With slicks or knobbies this is a dream bike with even more potential to go. New wheels, brakes, shifters and a titanium seat and you got yourself an unbeatable dream machine. It's nice to have something to work on.
My best bike so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chase
a Weekend Warrior
from texas Date Reviewed: April 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
light fun good "flickabilty"
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
trek 7000
Bike Setup:
stock except for spds
Bottom Line:
awsom bike planing on buying as soon as i get the means. good bike for any one period, good prise cause its a schwinn and you should at least demo it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale Davis
a
from Traverse City Mi Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very light frame,light wheels/nice looking bike,climbs like nothing their. Best bike I ever have had
Weaknesses:
xt crank a bit creaky //better now that dealer worked on it but not 100%///rock shok, poor owners manual//dealer not knowlegable
Similar Products Used:
klien// and trek 8000 and m2 liked this homegrown best
Bike Setup:
have grip shift 9.0sl shifters/and rear Del. changed pedals for spd everything else stock// also purchased another set of mavic wheels and put 1.5 irc metros for commuting.
Bottom Line:
Would recommend this bike to anyone handles beautifully great bike.Would like to see Schwinn offer another color though.Gonna give 5 chilis for value over all 4 cause dealer a little attitude problem.After all $1700.00 does not grow on trees.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor Sutton
a Racer
from Milford, MI, USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Highland, island lake, north country trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This is THE lightest bike ive every swung a leg over. Sid xc is very light and good working. Time pedals are the best. Frame is to great to put into words!
Weaknesses:
nothing at all except the color isnt the best
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 2
Bike Setup:
19", sprint s tires
Bottom Line:
If you want to look fast even if you arent, this is your bike. If you are fast and want to go faster this is your bike. If you race THIS IS YOUR BIKE! if you are a grandma with a cheap, slow, sissy bike in mind, this isnt you bike. This bike is the lightest, fastest, best bike ive been on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve quinn
a Cross Country Rider
from livingston, nj Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000
none so far, except for a slightly bent derailleur hanger due to shipping.
Similar Products Used:
mongoose hilltopper, litespeed obed, klein attitude
Bike Setup:
built the bike up myself with xt/xtr, mavic crossland, manitou sx-r, carbon seatpost and handlebar, chris king headset, 747's
Bottom Line:
my bike before the homegrown was a 30+ lb mongoose so moving uphill on the schwinn was like having a 50 foot helium balloon attatched to my waist as i climbed. i ride pretty technical trails with some steep uphills and even steeper descents and the homegrown was surprisingly stable and would basically go where pointed even with the quick handling. rode other aluminum frames like the klein but nothing matched the homegrown's combination of super light weight, responsive handling and stable demeanor in tight situations. this bike looks good zooming down a trail and looks even better standing still. the frame (when it's clean) is a work of art. i don't know how long the paint will stay beautiful but it still looks too gorgeous to ride. maybe i'll get another litespeed so i can hang my homegrown on my living room wall!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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