Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from Tallahassee, FL Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
Got run over by an F-150 and still rides!!!! This is a follow up from my last post
Similar Products Used:
FUJI Mt. Fuji (don't laugh at the name, check the review)
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my last post. Since then, the bike has actually been run over by a Ford F-150 at about 60 mph. No Joke!!! It ran over the rear axle/dropout area. The back wheel blew up into about 8 pieces, the XTR rear deralliur bit the dust, the right pedal was toast, the chain sheared some teeth off the big ring, and the rear tire got killed. The amazing thing was that the frame remained ridable. I salvaged the hub from the rear wheel mess and built a new wheel around it. We straightened the frame a slight bit, installed the only 9 spd der. we had in stock (deore), and I raced it that weekend. that Schwinn freakin took it like a man!!!! Since then, I've got a new Fuji (21 pounds stock!!), and given the homegrown to my dad, and he's still racing. After getting run over by a truck. Wow. (no one was injured in the accident)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Ex-pat Brit in Maryland, USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dartmoor, UK
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Capitol Bicycle, Annapolis
Strengths:
Lightweight, best component fit for price, rides beautifully. Love the color and all the tomatoes!
Weaknesses:
None worth mentioning.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000, Gary Fisher Paragon, GT Avalanche 1.0
Bike Setup:
As stock with swapped out stem. The one fitted was too long for my reach so I had it changed by the shop for a sorter one with a slightly higer rise.
Bottom Line:
You can't get anything better for the money. Compare specs and all the competition comes off worse. The red looks great (much better than the yellow of the 2001 model). Ride-wise this bike is dreamy. Lightweight and dying to be ridden hard both uphill and down, the riding experience is pure pleasure. I can't wait to get it home to England and try it on my favourite Dartmoor trails. 20 miles across the moor followed by beer at the Plume of Feathers - way to go! If in doubt, and you have the chance, buy this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from Tallahassee, FL Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Razorback
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Depot
Strengths:
Light frame with good geometry, XTR where its important, relatively light for the price range, climbs great.
Weaknesses:
Bars too wide for XC racing, seat too hard for anyone, I'd prefer a tighter ratio cassette(I live in FL), dented top tube (freak accident)
Similar Products Used:
2001 Homegrown
Bike Setup:
Cut bars 1 inch off both sides, preload all the way tight, replaced TPC system with manitou's lock out
Bottom Line:
Straight up; this is the bike to have for a racer on a budget. My father owns a bike shop, so I have a selection of trick new bikes to choose from, but I continue to ride my 2 year old homegrown. The bike climbs better than any other xc bike I've ridden. I rode a 2001 Homegrown(same components except w/ Judy race fork) for a short time, and didn't like the judy. I've so far gotten a rock shox seatpost, a lock out for the fork, a different rise stem, and upgraded brake pads. I see that many people are complaining about the deore brake's stopping power. I think this might have something to do with the name printed on the brake, and not its actual performance. I did change the pads to a set of kool stop thinlines and can easily lock the rear and do controlled nose wheelies with one finger. Keep fresh cables and decent pads on them, and they'll perform. I actually prefer the deores to xtr's, which sounds really wierd. Bottom line is that the deores provide plenty of power without the extra weight of the parralell push setup. I've yet to try a set of lighter avids, which i think i will like.
Also, about the wheelset; I haven't bent it bad yet, and I have done a couple hefty drops (6+ft). The lacing on the rear wheel isn't the strongest(half radial, half 3X) but has held up to the moderate abuse that I give it. I have dented the top tube, the result of stupid riding. Amazingly, the rather large dent has not affected the bike's ride. It doesn't look pretty, but it gets the job done.
Overall, I think the bike is a great buy for a cash-strapped xc racer or serious trailrider. I'll be riding mine until the frame gives in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
fountain head
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
nice light frame, nice frame geometry, some good components that came standard with the bike(manitou SX-R fork,lx hollotec cranks, lx-front and XTR rear deraileurs, good grips) climbs pretty good, handles well in hairy situations, tomatoes galore!
Weaknesses:
frame's paint chips pretty easily,standard tires(Michellin Wild Grippers)don't grip well at all in various conditions and situations, Nisene seat is pretty brutal on your tush, deore brakes aren't too great,spokes kept getting loose after moderately tech-trail riding
good bike for the price. handles nicely, climbs pretty good, comes with some great componets to start with, but comes with some not so great components as well. most of the problems i had with the bike were some of the components that didn't hold up too well when it counted. also some components I had to replace because the original components were crap(tires, seat, brakes). the frame is nice, but paint chips easily. i've raced XC on this bike twice, and thanks to the mods i did on it, the bike got the bike performed nicely-corners nice, and navigates nicely when things get sketchy. if you want a good xc bike to do some mod to tec xc riding pic this jam up. or if you love tomatoes, get this bike. three and a half chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J-Dub
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bristlecone Pine
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Bike World
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to my previous posting. The Homegrown is, as I mentioned previously, an awesome bike. I've owned it for nearly a year now and have only replaced the brakes. Deores just don't cut it. I still love it! It's everything I said in my earlier post..plus, it has an added bonus. High-speed stability. I recently topped out at 59.2 M.P.H. down Mt. Charleston on a paved road and the thing was rock-solid. I'd trust it at 70. You probably won't find yourself doing 60 freakin' miles an hour any time soon, but rest assured you'll feel safe and secure on your Homegrown. Love this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Crystal Point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great frame - light, sturdy, clean weld-points. Good mix of parts for the price.
Weaknesses:
Rims (bent the rear on the first time out), saddle (bent my rear on the first time out), brake calipers (Deore), hubs (Deore).
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like this!
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, but added bar ends, swapped out the Fizik Nisene for a Titec Berserkr DH, and plan on upgrading to Raceface cranks and Avid brake calipers soon.
Bottom Line:
After doing extensive research, I ended up deciding on a 2001 Moab 2 for $800, but was upsold by the dealer to the 2000 Homegrown Comp for $1,000. I'm very happy with my decision. I don't race, and don't plan on it anytime soon, so for me, this is far more bike than I need. I have plans for several upgrades down the line, but it is nice to have a bike that is sound enough in the meantime, and a frame that is certainly worthy of high dollar component additions in the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mitchb
a Cross Country Rider
from longview, wa Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
stella
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
bymans bikes
Strengths:
the bike!
Weaknesses:
not thus far!!!
Similar Products Used:
cannondale f600sl moab disc sl klien adroit
Bike Setup:
its sweet. with splinedrive hollowtech bb and xtr, you cant beat. its got time atacs that are by far the best clipless ever!!! the forks sweet also, a sid xc air. everything on it down to the not so visable n-litened tubing is a sweet rider.
Bottom Line:
if you can find it under a grand, your stealing it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles area Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Marshall Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Beautiful frame, great geometry, XTR rear derailleur, wide handlebar
Weaknesses:
Rims, front derailleur
Similar Products Used:
Nasty old Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Bontrager Mustang rims with XT hubs
Bottom Line:
Replace the wheels if you're big like me. I bent the crap out of the front rim and I didn't even land that hard. The front derailleur doesn't shift too smoothly, so I may replace that as well. The seat is fine for about two hours, and then you realize just how hard it really is.
Despite these complaints, this is a really great bike for the money. They put XTR where it really counts and I'll upgrade as I break/grow weary of other components. I like the wide handlebar because I have broad shoulders. The frame is beautifully made and will last through all my upgrades in the next couple of years. This bike climbs great, and is super light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael olexy
a Weekend Warrior
from houston , tx Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bluff creek ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$847.00
Purchased At:
bay area schwinn
Strengths:
frame geometry, xtr rear, this bike really accelerates and climbs like a polecat.
Weaknesses:
front derailleur seems a little sluggish at times. if your hardcore you may want to upgrade to the comp or pro or whatever's next.
Similar Products Used:
trek 930 single track
Bike Setup:
same as purchased and still happy. could use xt fr der. and cranks, though.
Bottom Line:
besides getting adjusted to the clipless pedals this bike has been pure happiness on the trail, this baby feels right at home when you're pushing it to your limit. i think the bike can handle more than i am dishing out. it corners and climbs better than anything else ive been on before. the bike alone has made me a little faster on the trail because it handles so well. if you are considering buying this bike i say jump on and you are sure to be impressed. i was and i'm a bit of a hardass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Huntsville State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$760.00
Purchased At:
E-Bay
Strengths:
Light frame, long top tube. Good mix of components.
Weaknesses:
Manitou fork not setup for rider my size, 245lbs. Have stiff springs on the way.
Similar Products Used:
'86 Stumpjumper, 'bout time I got a new one
Bike Setup:
Factory setup 21" frame
Bottom Line:
I love the ride. Long top tube makes it feel like a limo while it'll still handle really well. Got it off E-bay, never ridden, what a deal. I have been riding and racing (not since '94) an '86 Stumpjumper with various upgrades. This is a nice change even though I still love my Stumpjumper. I test rode GT, Trek, Giant, Fisher, Specialized, Raliegh, and Bianchi in the same price range and the Schwinn had the best ride by far. Light, race ready bike, beautiful frame. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe
a Cross Country Rider
from steilacoom, wa, usa Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
lewis river ride, washington
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
awesome frame with incredible workmanship put into the details. very plush ride for aluminum.
Weaknesses:
mavic wheels. hard seat. wide handle bars.lx crank isn't bad.
Similar Products Used:
gtzaskar, specialized stumpjumper, kline
Bike Setup:
i put some rhino lite wheels on it. the mavic are weak. i bent the rear one and i wasn't riding all that hard. i also put a easton straight aluminum handlebar on it. it's a lot narrower than the hellbent bar and better for x-country.replaced the lx front deraileur with an xt after i bent the lx on a long ride.
Bottom Line:
fabulous frame and that's what really matters the most. awesome bike for the price. definitely race ready. don't worry too much about the lx components. they're not that bad and you can upgrade over time. very light and is awesome climbing. although, you can get it to climb a lot better if you take out some of the spacers below the stem and put a narrower, straight handlebar on it. however, if all you do is downhill then don't worry about it. the saddle is a little harsh. i'm still wrestling over whether i'll get a new saddle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001
Great frame and great ride for good price. Change the seat right away and the components as you tear them apart. Already bent hanger twice and taco'ed rear wheel. Will prob swamp out front rim and crank ths summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Hinton
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbellsville, KY Date Reviewed: February 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cave Run
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Dodds Cyclery
Strengths:
Light weight. Cool paint.
Weaknesses:
Crappy saddle. Poor cranks, fork, and headset
Similar Products Used:
Breezer Jet Stream
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I think it would have been a great bike if I hadn't torn my urethra by hitting the rock hard saddle. Freak accident that made me hate the bike. I got an employee discount on this bike. If you're going to spend this type of cash on a bicycle. Let's say the $1200 it lists for, get a Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race. You 'll be much more satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Indy Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gnaw Bone
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
work
Strengths:
Finest bike for the $$$. Super Light! XTR components on a six hundred dollar machine!?!
Weaknesses:
Wheels, Wheels, and ....Wheels. I had these wheels on my Spec'd, Trashed 'em in two weeks. These will be the first to go.
Similar Products Used:
Moab 2, GT, Specialized
Bike Setup:
As is, for now.
Bottom Line:
Great Bike. Got it on closeout plus employee discount so I couldnt pass it up. Havent seriously ridden since age 17(now 21) So i thought I would buy something halfway decent. Granted I am no pro, but this bike seems super quick and with a few tweeks, race worthy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny Underwood
a Weekend Warrior
from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything. It is light and has good components that last.
Weaknesses:
they could have put a little better brakes. they work but i would swap them out for XTR. the seat is also uncomfortable but can live with it.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
I swapped the brakes with XTR
Bottom Line:
I am a 15 year old rider who went from a huffy to the homegrown. what i do know from reading magazines is that the bike is a great deal and works well. I have rode some trails on my huffy but the schwinn is a world of difference. the trails are easy and now i can ride on way more difficult trails. anybody who hopes to race and doesn't have the money or any body who wants a good bike for half the price of the high end bikes should get it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: December 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
National, South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Ernhart's
Strengths:
The Geometry, propriatery alloy, response
Weaknesses:
zero degree rise stem, Deore crap hubs, breaks and other cost saving half ass junk to make it an afforable buy and oh yeah how could I forget the wild gripper Michelen comp tires cause watch out on turns it grips a little wild
Similar Products Used:
few
Bike Setup:
I didn't like the zero degree rise and shortness of the stem although the wide riser bars were made for gnarley Arizona rock gardens. Truth be known components are made to be broken and upgrades are nessesary
Bottom Line:
If you've bought this bike and havn't riden it yet bring an extra pair of shorts with you cause it could get a little messy when you realize the true joy of riding this great American made bike. Three words "What A Ride".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis Manochio
a Weekend Warrior
from Saratoga Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many to mention.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
The Village Peddler
Strengths:
This is a fantastic light bike from a great company. Very happy with everything about this bike - and it looks great!
Weaknesses:
I was used to the Bontrager seat on my old Schwinn so I swapped it with the stock Fizik seat because it seemed too hard.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Specialized
Bike Setup:
100% stock right now, but I plan on getting a few goodies.
Bottom Line:
This is a very good quality hardtail bike for the price. The only problem is finding one, I searched all over the bay area and had to drive 60 miles to locate one. I called over thirty different retailers. Not too many Schwinn dealers carry the Homegrown in my area. I noticed that you can order this bike directly from Schwinn's web site, if you don't mind paying suggested retail plus shipping. If you do locate one, do not pay full retail, most dealers will discount this bike to make room for the 2001 models coming in mid December. I just love this bike!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob papp
a Cross Country Rider
from sumner, wa Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
Light & strong, great climber, perfect fit
Weaknesses:
lx cranks,
Similar Products Used:
mesa, mesa gsx, trek4500 middle of the road, low end bikes
Bike Setup:
avid 1.9 levers, hayes hmx1 cable disc front brake, mavic disc 517 upfront, 221 rear, stock everthing else
Bottom Line:
Wow! Bought the bike used for a steal and I am loving it. Climbs extremely well, stiff and strong, light, light, light tracks better than any bike I've ever ridden. Can't imagine why anyone would want anything less. If you can find this bike for under $1000.00 Buy it. It is definitely a quality product. Hat's off to Schwinn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scotty B
a Weekend Warrior
from PA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Powerline
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1166.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Power
Strengths:
Everything about this bike is it's strengths. It's light, fast, good looking, and brings out the extremly aggresive rider in you.
Weaknesses:
It's too perfect for the price I paid for it. When ever I crash (which is rare with this bike)I try to position myself while I'm falling so I can protect more of the bike than me.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is well worth they money I bought it for, I even would have scraped out a few more hundred if I had to. This bike will certainly increase your skills and ablities. I'm riding trails faster than ever and taking on trails with ease that I would have never have gone near with my old bike. It aslso makes me want to ride it every hour of the day. Just knowing I have a bike like that, which is just ready to ride makes me almost want to quit work so I can devote all my time to the bike. When ever I ride with my friends I'm always the guy up front now, which has it's ups and downs with this bike. The up part is making everybody eat your dust the down side is you spend alot of time waiting for them to catch up. Next bike you go to get don't even waste your time by looking at other bikes, just go for the Homegrown. The best way I can discribe it is a cross between a Hummer and a Dodge Viper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett Brevoort
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati,Ohio Date Reviewed: September 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
caesars creek
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Dicks Sporting Goods
Strengths:
For the price you can't beat the components on this sexy bike. Its simple, yet kick ass frame is worth the price.
Weaknesses:
I just cant get into the Manitou fork. I would like to see the SID XC on this version of the Homegrown as well.
Similar Products Used:
I own a Giant atx 860 that has been my only ride since i stating riding aggressivly for last year or so. My Giant is a mere dwarf next to the homegrown
Bottom Line:
The only reason i am writing this review is that i just couldnt believe my eyes when i saw this bike sitting in sporting goods store next to the many low priced garbage that people try to pass off as mountain bikes. And the price....oh my god. You just cant beat a price like that. If your thinking about geting this bike, shop around. I wouldnt pay of 1k for this sweet bike when you can find it for less. Happy hunting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J-Dub
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bristlecone Pine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1049.00
Purchased At:
Bike World
Strengths:
Frame, fork, components, price, hell, there are too many to list.
Weaknesses:
This bike is so freakin' gorgeous, I cringe when I think about the abuse I give it. Seriously, I cut 1/2 inch off either side of the Titec Hellbent bars because they were a smidge too wide for my liking. Also, the saddle is a little hard for long rides. Other than that, no complaints.
Similar Products Used:
I also considered the Specialized FSR XC. FUll suspension is nice but as far as performance goes, its Homegrown hands down.
Bike Setup:
Stock. If your seriously considering this bike you already know how its equipped.
Bottom Line:
This bikes is Awesome. With a capital A. I just popped its cherry this weekend on the Bristlecone Pine trail and I'm just amazed with this bike. I upgraded from a Specialized Hardrock Comp FS A1. The bikes are in no way comparable. The Homegrown was born to be ridden hard and fast. I've ridden Bristlecone many times in the past (and walked many sections) but have never been so aggresive on it. Climbing is effortless and descending has never been so controlled. The Homegrown inspires confidence and truly has improved my riding skills. I rode the majority of the trail, getting off to walk only a few of the death-defying sections,(when you fall, you go bye-bye!)and rode several sections that I had never ridden before. In fact, the weekend had to be cut short, as my partner needed medical attention due to a fall while trying to hang with me. Six stitches in the lower lip/chin area and a nice golf ball-sized lump on the forehead. Thank god for helmets. He's looking into a Homegrown himself. If your serious about your riding and don't want to blame your equipment for your poor performance, GET A HOMEGROWN! You'll love it. Schwinn Baby!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Rosslyn, VA, USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
OK. So now I've had this bike for a couple of months, and well, I've been riding the heck out of it. This is a follow on to my previous posting. All that I can say is that it rocks!!! Downhill, uphill, techno-treking...crashing!! ha ha Love it.
Weaknesses:
I just have to note that the saddle is not the most comfy I've ever spent time in, but then it's not too bad. I divide my riding between single track and 40+ mile dirt/trail riding events. The enduro rides are a little tough on the Fizik. The Titec bar width has caused me a little concern at times amongst the trees and what not...Comp S Tread sure didnt last long! (???) My wife picked up a set of pyro's and they still look good! Not much else besides these little issues
Similar Products Used:
Ref earlier post
Bike Setup:
Still stock
Bottom Line:
I just wanted to follow up with this status report. This is one great bike. Can't leave without a trail byte: cruising along nice piece of single track, when out of the brush popped a healthy looking red fox just a couple of feet in front of me! Quick deflection to the left and I was heading down about 20 yards worth of rain-washout rutted decent....rear wheel in rut, front out....steep as all get out...and of course, rolled and tumbled, Homegrown looked amazing as it picked up speed, flying over me and down to the bottom...and I continued my decent to the bottom of the hill...dirty, roughed up a bit...bike was fine, once I managed to wrench the bars back over the cross bar...no problems w/ it even after a class A video quality crash!! Good Riding folks!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Rosslyn, VA, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame suits me perfect. Just about every aspect of this bike, when taken as a whole package, is awesome. Strength of bike is evident when you get in the saddle. It's tight, light, responsive....no real weakness so far as I am concerned.
Weaknesses:
None really.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F800/F700/F600. Trek 7000/8000. Gary F Big Sur/HKK. Giant XTC SE1/SE2.
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
I've been riding a mediocre at best, midline ($650) bike for the past couple years. I decided to move up to a better, more professional, bike and have spent more than 5 months shopping, reading and test riding. Went to Gary Fisher test trial roadshow, rented cannondales up in PA and rode/demoed repeatedly all the bikes mentioned above. I was fixed on the $1K +/- a couple hundred range. In the end, off road and on paper, the Homegrown became the standard against which I looked on all the others. Can't really put a finger on just why, it just suited me. Thats as subjective as all get out, but then isnt that just the case anyway. In the $900 to $1500 range, as a whole, this is the best bike in my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Myers
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose Ca USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Purisma
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Homegrown hand made, Schwinn Quality, Xtr Rear.
Weaknesses:
Wheels and tires lx shifters and brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher big sur, Giant se1, Specialized stump.
Bike Setup:
Dumped the wheels and put on Mavic crossrides, Xt cassete, azonic stem, xtr brakes, xtr shifters, Xt hollowtech cranks and last but not least changed the seat to specialized comfortech.
Bottom Line:
The homegrown frame I'm extremely impressed with; it's light and stiff and really for the price your not going to find a better frame (3.4 lbs for this version the other homegrowns are only 2.9). It's a simple looking bike which I like but performs better than some more expensive bikes I have tried. I dig the red paint and little tomatoes all over the bike in various places.
The components other than the rear kind of suck but you didn't pay an arm and a leg for it either. I upgraded everything other than the rear ( ya I should have just bought the frame.) The lx cranks and bottom bracket suck; they creak just like lx always has and always will.
The bike overall though handles awesome; very quick and tight in corners and climbs like a goat on 'roids. (I was actually able to climb some steep ones in the middle chain ring) I would recommend changing at least the breaks if you are aggressive cus the regular deore just doesn't cut it.
The sxr is a decent fork but once again if you are aggressive I would recommend changing; my hands hurt when I fly down rough stuff so I'm changing to a Marzocchi fork.
Overall I would recommend the bike I paid just over $1000.00 and have put close to another $800 into it. If you have patience and resources I would recommend buying the frame and building up. If I was rating just the frame I would give it 5 chillies but do to other going to 4.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Tx Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
UUUMMMMMM
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The homegrown frame is a plus, along with the XTR rd, Mavic rims, and Titec parts. The seat is not bad if put at the right angle. The Manitou SXR works great and the Time ATAC pedals are flawless.
Weaknesses:
Shimano Deore Brakes
Similar Products Used:
none worthy
Bike Setup:
Stock Homegrown
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this, go out and buy a Homegrown today. You can not go wrong with this bike as long as it is a good fit for you and you can put up the money. It is fast on the single track and climbs like a beast. The bike is so light and nimble you can attack any trail. If you are new to the sport and would like to cross a few finnish lines than look no further than the Schwinn Homegrown. I have only had this bike for a few months so I will keep you informed on how the bike holds up in the long run.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorge Castro
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan, P.R Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Canbalache
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The Frame.The xtr upgrade.The sx-r front suspension. a superb bike for the price
Weaknesses:
lx shifters and wildgrippers
Similar Products Used:
trek 7000
Bike Setup:
titec hellbent bar. easton ct2 seatpost.lx/xtr drivetrain mavic 221 rims with deore hubs.
Bottom Line:
¡great bike! fast climber with a very comfortable ride. buy it if you want a pro bike that dosen´t cost more than your car.best bike in its range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach G
a Racer
from MN, USA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Afton Alps , Murphy Hannerhan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Well its homegrown so you know alot of work went into it. Also the frame is very responsive in the tight stuff and can fly down a hill well for being a hardtal. By the way the Manitou (learn how to spell it makes you look smarter) fork is just fine its got the TPC damping for rebound and compression it is also relatively lightweight like 3.1 pounds or so. The parts mix is a good one as well all LX with an XTR rear derailuer which is nice. All around a good package.
Weaknesses:
The wheels must go. I upgraded mine to WTB paradigm hubs and matching WTB rims. The wheels that come stock on the bike are heavy and just STX-RC quality. The stock Deore Mavic wheels are tough but they are much to heavy.
Similar Products Used:
I work at a shop so i Have demoed bikes like , Trek 8500R and last years 8500LT , Moab 1 , Stumpjumper.
Bike Setup:
Stock w/ WTB Paradigm Hubs laced to a set of WTB Speedmaster 11.3's.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. You own a homegrown so it can't get much cooler than that. As well as a good parts spec and realy nice responsive ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David LaGarde
a Cross Country Rider
from VA, usa Date Reviewed: February 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead Park, VA
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
This bike is light, sleak, and very responsive. Although it isn't the most attractive bike, with its red....well just red paint job, it is covered up by its precision welding work, alloy metals, and upscale parts.
Weaknesses:
The bike has a part on it that I myself am not a big fan of, that being Manitue shocks. The are light, but have little rebound caving in my oppinion of the bike. It also isn't a very sporty looking bike, or all around comfortable one at that.
Similar Products Used:
I am looking at all kinds of bikes right now, in the $1100 range, and i have to admit that contrary to its reviews, out of six bikes it cam ein the low middle. I have tried all 2000's in Gary Fishers, Specialized Stumpjumper m2's, Trek, and Connondale, and the bike did not show very well for me. It has top of the line clipless pedals, but the Manitue shocks just don't do it for me.
Bike Setup:
Very light hardtail LT bike with a nice set of Manitue SXr forks, LX derailers, and Performance clipless ped's.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that if ur a fan of shwinn, this is the bike for u, along with u fans of high performance bikes that use Manitue shocks and upscale parts. For me, it just doesn't beat the Gary Fisher Paragon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 1299.95
Overall Rating:
