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Submitted by
Max Machicek
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | University Cycle Works | | Strengths: | Very good bike for beginers and the price can't be beat for a beginers bike. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is completly worthless when you become more advanced. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Mesa with kevlar tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for beginers to buy or if you have a son that wants to ride with you every once and a while. If you upgrade a few things it will last you forever and be a very reliable bike. Ive had mine since i was 12 and all ive done is put a new fork new clip pedals and tires and it is better than my dads Trek 4500. Can't be beat for the price!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joel kahney
a Weekend Warrior
from philly
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | pedal pushers ski and sport | | Strengths: | Very durable frame and components. Can't beat the bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou fork needed to have heavier spring installed. Too soft for 195 wt. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4100 trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock lx rear and front | | Bottom Line: | Great bike if you are on a budget. Bike performs almost flawless. If you weigh more than 185 consider a defferent fork. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Reitzel
a Cross Country Rider
from Evanston wyoming
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ehill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$352.00 | | Purchased At: | bingham Cyclery | | Strengths: | Everything on the bike is great..... | | Weaknesses: | The I bent the front rim after 4 wrecks... | | Similar Products Used: | Wal*mart bikes | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept the rims, stem, and pedals | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line for this bike is it is a great bike for any kind of riding. I have about 4,000 miles on it the Second chainring is almost wore out. I love it to death. I wouldn't sell it for anything. I got a giant Warp DS3 because I wanted to do harder riding and I didn't want to break anything on it. I ride it in any weather. Here in wyoming we get snow 12 months a year it does great in all weather. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey Bitz
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | To Many here in Tucson to pick a fav | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Strengths: | Solid Frame. Takes a beating. Great XC experience.
Definately a purchase for new riders, and riders who want bike now, components later. | | Weaknesses: | Low end components cause shifting deficiencies - Nothing that cant be lived with. Original shock is worthless after reaching Intermediate and advanced level riding. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Judy Race 100mm - Titek stem - Monkey Light bars - Easton seat post - Custom Saddle - XT mountain group soon to come. I have no need to purchase a new bike as this one will accomodate new components nicely. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for the price. It is my first MTB. I started 20 months or so to recuperate from an injury and shed some wieght (Then 250lbs - Now 180lbs). I have since added a heavier shock and customized certain components to meet my needs. I now ride this bike like a madman, and it has taken me anywhere I have wanted to go. From the smooth single tracks of Fantasy Island to the technical trails of Chiva Falls to the technical backwoods of Kentucky Camp. Not one component has failed on this bike. I have put over 2000 miles on it. No issues. 5 Chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Rozenfeld
a Weekend Warrior
from Livingston, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | art and northland parks, livingston | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | bloomfield bikes, NJ | | Strengths: | Great frame, nice soft tires (mynthos) good grip, very durable, pretty good components for the price, comfortable seat, amazing steering, very light | | Weaknesses: | the front fork is really cheap, at first it was soft, now on the max "-" it's still hard as steel (maybe because of the water), | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Frontier | | Bike Setup: | put on metal pedals and new shifters (both crashed into pieces after a fall), cycle computer | | Bottom Line: | A very nice bike for beginners and amatures. I bike to work almost every day and no problems so far, all in all after 700km (437 miles) I had no trouble with this bike. An advanced rider obviously needs a nicer fork and better equipment , the frame doesn't need improvement! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from GR Michigian
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | santos in ocala fl and boyne mountain in michigian | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Strengths: | Overall good bike extremely durable...its a good beginner bike eventually you'll want something better though the fork doesn't need any maintance | | Weaknesses: | steel frame is heavy i'd go with the gs or gsx for a just a little more you can have a light aluminum frame | | Similar Products Used: | shwinn frontier, mesa gsx, moabs, treck 6,000-8,000 fisher wahoo, and tassajara | | Bike Setup: | 2000 fisher paragon... | | Bottom Line: | great begginer bike ive had mine for two years and never had a problem...eventually you'll probally want more of a bike but until then the mesa is your bike very little maintence great bike for not a lot of money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Swanson
a Weekend Warrior
from Wausau, WI
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Nine-Mile | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$349.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheel's in Fargo | | Strengths: | Affordable aluminum frame, decent tires, lightweight, manueverable yet forgiving. | | Weaknesses: | Limited info on how to adjust front shock in manual, front derailleur can be stubborn. | | Similar Products Used: | Just about everything under $450 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I just started getting back into mountain biking after finishing college. I looked for about three months for a bike under $450 that would fit me. Tried them all: Trek, Giant, GT, Kona etc. The Mesa was the perfect match. Very lightweight yet feels solid. The frame is excellent. The components are good. Don't know too much about the wheels, but I do alot of bunny-hops and they have seemed to hold up well so far.
Now, this is a bike for the beginner THAT KNOWS THEY WANT TO RIDE HARDER THAN AVERAGE. If you want to tool around your neighborhood, save your money and buy a steel bike. For those who want to ride trails, downhill etc. The Mesa is an excellent starting point. The frame is a definetly a keeper and all upgrades can proceed from there as necesaary. My only regret is that I didn't cough up a little more to get the GS model because I already want to update the shock. All in all, an excellent entry level bike for the serious enthusiast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Maddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Wahkiacus
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Death Trail Wahkiacus | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Life Cycles | | Strengths: | Excellent Frame. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork bottomed out alot, but I weight 200lbs. I replaced it due to my weight otherwise it was a good fork. | | Similar Products Used: | uuuuummmm. No. | | Bike Setup: | XT rear der. Rockshox Judy SL fron fork. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money if your not interested in more than 21 speeds the rest of the components are very good and don't need to be upgraded. I have the 2001 models with rapid fire shifters so that was nice. If you are just getting into biking I would say it is the best bike for the money you can get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry I forgot
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay City, MI
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | In Calorado | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bell's | | Strengths: | Durable, Since i put about $500 into it, it is hella sweet,but when i first got it,it was alright. | | Weaknesses: | not much of anything.Just alittle tail whip with it will fck your rims up. | | Similar Products Used: | A sweet huffy back water! | | Bike Setup: | LX,XT | | Bottom Line: | get it if you don't do tail whips or huge drop offs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Canton Mi
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | island lake blue loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Cycle | | Strengths: | comfortable seat, easy ride, | | Weaknesses: | havnt found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | my old piece of crap bike from 10 years ago | | Bottom Line: | ive only rode this bike for about 2 weeks, but ive rode alot in those two weeks, and i love this bike, its so much better than my other bike, and i love the seat. it dosent let me down, a definatly great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NANO
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan, PR, USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | MONAGAS | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$359.00 | | Purchased At: | Ciclo Sport, Borinquen Towers, San Juan | | Strengths: | PRICE, weight, rapid fire shifters, overall Schwinn Quality!!!
Stands up to torture from a 235lb gorilla. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap front suspension fork... that's about it...But don't get me wrong, if you are a "normal" person (under 210lbs) they are more than enough. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Frontier and varios K-mart types... | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus a gel seat cover... for the moment... | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price, as a broke Med student I was looking for the best bang for the buck. The entry level MESA was my #1 choice, the 2001 model has rapid fire shifters which are excellent. The more expensive models that my frinds have (Mesa GS and Mesa GSX) ride the same as mine and cost from $100 to $200 more... I'd rather spend the money on my books(a.k.a.wine & women).
TRUST ME... If your normal (do something else with your life besides riding a mountain bike)this is your best choice!
FIVE BIG CHILIS FOR THE MESA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Suzzie Qs
a Weekend Warrior
from Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All Flagstaff Mountain Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Schwinn Shop | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, good frame | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a little uncomfortable, but that may be fixed through trial-and-error adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Tested / demo'd Giant Iguana, Mongoose 40R, Marin Earthquake | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great beginners bike. The shocks absorb everything I have hit so far. It is light, and I climb hills I didn't think I could. The shifters work great, and are very easy to use. The bottom line? This was my very first "real" bike. It has a good frame, and if / when I get better it will be easy enough to upgrade the parts without having to get a new bike. If I don't get better, well, did I mention it was only $320? I would recommend this to anyone looking for a $300 - $400 hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Montie
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Local fire roads and trails (so far) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | South County Cycles | | Strengths: | Componentry, comfort, weight, rapid fire shifters | | Weaknesses: | Too much of a rookie to know any just yet | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Giant, Gary Fisher Wahoo | | Bike Setup: | Off-the-shelf setup, computer | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bike. I assumed I would dig it, but just in case I didn't, I only wanted to spend about $350. After reading all these reviews and visting all the local bike shops, I went with the 2001 Mesa. So far, I feel great about my choice. With the unusually crappy weather in SoCal, I haven't had the opportunity to really venture onto the (currently very muddy) trails, but from the few rides on the fire roads around my neighborhood, I love this bike. The rapid-fire shifters are way cool, and really make changing gears a snap. I can't wait until I get better and go to clipless pedals and such. I would highly recommend this bike to someone like me who is looking for a good starter bike, with good components and is more comfortable than a hard-core MTB. So far, absolutely nothing bad to say about this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from North Liberty, Iowa, USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sugarbottom Recreation Area | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheels (All Sports) | | Strengths: | Very good price for a new 2000 bike. Good novice front fork. SRAM 5.0 makes for easy shifting. | | Weaknesses: | Don't really care for the burgandy/white color. Would rather have the rapidfire shifters as opposed to the grip shifts. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab 1 | | Bike Setup: | Good setup for a novice person. | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike because it was a hell of a deal. Could have gotten a good deal on a Moab 1 if I had acted a week earlier. Would have prefered that more. Overall, the Mesa is a good bike. I will upgrade to better components as I need them.
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Submitted by
robert jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, Ca.
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | update to an earlier post | | Bottom Line: | i bought a used K2 razorback hardtail that was too big from a freind and stripped it. put all the good stuff on my mesa and now this bike rocks.....it's still a bit heavy, but it's just way bomber now and outhandles just about any other bike i've ridden. added xtr,xt, and lx stuff, truvativ cranks, noleen mega air fork, mavic 517 wheels, etc.........for the money.....great frame | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City, MO
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue River Parkway, KC MO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shack | | Strengths: | Price was a big consideration...I found a shop that would deal a little bit. This is very comfortable bike- and seems tough enough for me. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe not for the hardcore...I don't like the grips or the color...but don't really care, that's why it was a close out probably. I did change to a better seat. | | Similar Products Used: | I shopped around for a lot of low-end bikes...this wasn't 1st on my list...but couldn't pass up the deal | | Bike Setup: | . All Stock...decent quality sham 5.0 system...RST 281 R shocks...Alex rims..etc. Hopefully, I won't bust it...we shall see. I will replace the tires after they wear out (soon I will be on pavement everyday) and slap on a H20 bottle, reflective tape, and possilbly find some better grips... | | Bottom Line: | Keep in mind I am a novice...I feel like I got a pretty good deal- 2000 model for $220 and they threw in a really nice seat and lock! The shop said they would fix anything, too. I will try to not skew this review too much as I'm quite happy after my first ride today (30 miles or so)- you could have put me on a childs bigwheel and I probably would have gave it a great review- unfortunately, I haven't been on bike since college- 6 years. I will use it to commute to work every day- and some trails on the weekends. My limited experience tells me that this will suit my needs very nicely- but, I understand this bike may not be for the serious hard core- I did shop around and examined a lot of reviews- and I noticed there were better bikes out there for not that much more...but I couldn't find any local deals or closeouts until this one. I feel it's a good basic economical bike...and better than the ones in the "discount" stores. This bike has the twist shifting- unlike the rapid fire on the 2001 version and from what I understand this isn't preferred by most serious riders- but it suits me pretty well, and possibly less to go wrong. I examined a lot of reviews- and I was planning to spending a lot more to get what I considered a higher quality bike that will take some punishment and perform fairly well at my limited price range. After some consideration- I didn't see any logic in spending more than I did and thought I would go ahead and give this a try...I can add better junk and still be below what I was willing to pay...and have some dough for a bike rack. The bottom line- I think (hope) I got a good bike for what I will use it for and at a pretty good price. My first ride was a blast...very comfortable smooth bike. Decent bang for my buck...my advice shop around and find a store that will deal with ya. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, Ca.
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | lots | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great frame | | Weaknesses: | forks are'nt the best | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike pretty cheap for an 01 model...put lotsa new parts on it.....rims, rear dreailleur, seat, etc. Seems to be holding up pretty good and works as well as my buddies GT Zaskar as I can keep up with him on about anything......handles really well, it just needs come better stuff on it to be bomber. I love this bike for the money!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Rose
a Downhiller
from Fletcher, NC, US
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sidehill@Bent Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Hearn's Cycling and Fitness | | Strengths: | Very light for its price. Brakes work very well. The rear derailleur works pretty good and is quite light. Great tires, and the rims are ok. | | Weaknesses: | The front derailleur is crap, and so is the front reflector. I broke the reflector running into a barb wire fence. The pedals are also very pooey and are plastic. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Trek 820, Toys'R'Us bikes nsuch | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for water bottle holder | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike for its price. The 7005 Aluminum frame is extremely light, and as far as I know, pretty strong. The front shocks, (Post Moderne SL w/63 mm of travel) are pretty good, but don't put WD-40 on them cause they'll squeak. I bought the 2001 model, which has finger shift instead of grip shift. If you are in a low budget and, but want a good bike, this is a great choice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Raids, Michigan
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ravines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Strengths: | Decent components for the money, good looks, good frame, upgradeable | | Weaknesses: | Seat, plastic pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Mesa | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I wasn't looking for anything real fancy. Just something I could ride to campus during the week, and go out and ride trails on the weekend. This bike fit right into my budget and had all the things I was looking for. The 2001 has better shifters than the year before. Great bike for its price, if you want to spend about $350 check this bike out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biker Sherlund
a Weekend Warrior
from Lansing, IL
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 Ravines, Palos Hills, IL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Weaknesses: | Despite being a lower end product, the only thing I don't like are the pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | This that and the other | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Any bike that can survive the Palos Hills trails with a 230 lb maniac in the saddle must be a solid ride. Had one wicked spill and the only casualty was the front reflector and my ego. I bought this computer with the money I saved on by not buying a higher end bike. This bike is a good Bang for the Buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin
a Downhiller
from Ontario.Canada
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bruce Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Nice frame, fairly light, good overall as a bike, | | Weaknesses: | Needs some upgrade from stock, rims just OK | | Bottom Line: | It's a nice bike. I upgraded the orignial plastic pedles, the seats, the grip, and added lights. I like it. I think the rims could be better. It's not to expensive. You can just upgrade it if you want more better stuff. I reccomend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Vero Beach, FL
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali (left Loop) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Sturdy Frame, somewhat upright riding position | | Weaknesses: | Sram rear derailuer,and incompatability of shifters to anything else | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | I have 2 one is stock (wifes) and one has a few upgrades. LX rear derailuer, STX/RC rapid fire shifters, Tektro quartz brake levers, Specialized BG Saddle | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad bike for the money. Not much of a serious mountain bike. The Sram rear derailuer is composite and sucks. I broke mine off in about 2 weeks and had to upgrade everything because the grip shifters were incompatible with anything else. Overall I like it fairly well, it is good for poor folks like me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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