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Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, oh, USA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | streets | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | REI on closeout | | Strengths: | THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE MESA GSX MODEL...
I love it. This is my second mountain bike behind a '97 Giant Yukon, and the difference is night and day, and the Giant wasn't that bad. It shifts great, rides great, came in a 21" framesize, and it even looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | These bikes have weaknesses that fall into two categories:
it's a 2001, therefore it hase square taper cranks. The stock cranks are Truvativ Five-D, and the '01 models flex a LOT.
Problems because it retailed for under $600: Bottom-feeder Manitou Magnum fork, Tektro worthless trash brakes, and some hellspawn toestrap pedals. Also, only the Mesa DISC has disc brake mounts!
One freakish problem, too- my bike was shipped with a 26.8mm seatpost, and it kept falling. I even broke the seatpost clamp trying to tighten it... I took it to an LBS and complained, and they measured the seatpost tube at 27.0mm... anyone else have that problem? | | Similar Products Used: | I've ridden a bunch of stuff test-ride style | | Bike Setup: | I'm gradually upgrading the parts I don't like. First to go were the pedals, because I crashed avoiding a car, and couldn't get my feet out to stop. I smashed my wrist so hard on asphalt that I stared at my pretty new bike for six months healing. I hated the brakes, and I've put on Avid SD7 levers and SRAM 9.0 calipers- they made a world of difference! I found a set of Homegrown wheel skewers for the Schwinn tribute, and last week I installed Oury grips on a new set of Easton EA50 bars to go with my Raceface System stem... On tuesday, my new Marzocchi MX Comp w/ETA will arrive, and I think I'll be set for a while! | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike. it goes where i ask it, and it doesn't complain. I can't believe how well it shifts, how much easier it is to ride- how much more MODERN it feels than a bike that's only five years older! I got it for $300 from REI on closeout after the bankruptcy, brand new in the box, and no other bike can compete with its quality for that price. I'm 6'3" and 275lbs, and I haven't broken anything yet, and the bike makes no strange noises. Other than the mishap with the toe clips, I've never had a problem with it. The frame is an excellent, strong platform to build upon, and is almost a dead copy of the 99ish Moab. If you're looking for a bike, look for the GSX model over the Mesa or Mesa Disc, unless you're looking at frame only, because, even with v brakes, the GSX was more expensive than the Disc due to 27 speed drivetrain parts. It's Deore all around, where the regular and Disc have lower line 24 speed stuff, and it just doesn't have the same feel of quality.
The GSX is all gloss black, the Mesa is bright yellow, and the Mesa Disc is flat black. If you're getting the frame only, look for the Disc, but as a complete bike, the GSX is the way to go! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from New Berlin, WI USA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Moraine Southern unit | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | West Allis Bike and FItness | | Strengths: | Great bike to get into the sport, As a begineer, i crashed, fell, needless to say i layed it down a couple of times and it has held up perfectly, the only thing replaced is second chainring, good shifting. Tough bike | | Weaknesses: | none are coming to mind right now, people think you bought it at wall mart | | Similar Products Used: | looked at tasajarra, treks and gt's | | Bike Setup: | stock deore except panaracer tires, shimano pedals, middle chainring is LX | | Bottom Line: | much love for the schwinn mesa GSX, better components for a price lower than fisher or trek, manitou magnum is decent for the price of the bike.
great for beginners and anyone else that dosent want to spend thousands
holds up on pretty extreme trails | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a
from Marshall,MN
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | camden | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Strong frame and components | | Weaknesses: | FORK - Rockshox Jett is absolute CRAP!! | | Bike Setup: | Stock with shimano 646 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a Schwinn Mesa Disc. The frame is very strong im 6' and 200lbs and im not kind to it and stands up pretty well. Thing just needs a better fork. The jetts are absolute crap. The only thing that im gonna replace would be the fork. Im looking at a fox forx vanilla. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Wagner
a Cross Country Rider
from Glenbeulah, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bottom Line: | It's a good bike for just cruising and pretty good for XC. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Youdontneedtoknow
a Cross Country Rider
from Newman Lk. Wa, a little thing next to Spokane
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | lots | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Midway cyclery(Midway Rules!) | | Strengths: | Good frame, light setup. With a few upgrades can be easily used as a high intensity XC bike | | Weaknesses: | Tuvativ crank sucked, had it upgraded, middle derailer sucked, had it upgraded. Grips wore out quickly, upgraded them too. Not a moose | | Similar Products Used: | None, Nothing comparable | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades include Raceface Prodigy XC crank, Deore Derailers, IRC Mythos XC tires, Raceface good n evil grips, Kore lite 3 stem. Rockshox Duke SL soon to be. | | Bottom Line: | Really good bike for price. I am 14 and am just opening into the field of high end bikes and this is going to work for me till after college when I can afford a high end bike. I didnt like the upward riding angle so I got a 125mm 0 degree angle Kore stem which fixed it. Epicenter seat stays kind of annoying for finding chainstay protecot decals, after I got a new crank so the chainrings stopped bending I am riding as hard as I can and it is keeping up with me. I am going into racing this next year and am hoping to have it work for me there. Im gonna go ride now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SteveDave
a Weekend Warrior
from Swartz Creek, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North Country | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Not many so far. | | Weaknesses: | Problems with Truvative crank, rear Deore deraileur, rear cassette. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 850 No Suspension | | Bike Setup: | Wellgo Clipless, Pearl Izumi Bolders, Deore Deore, Truvative cranks, Manitu Magnum fork. | | Bottom Line: | Last year I bought a non-suspension Trek off a friend for $75. I rode the the pizz out of it training for the Iceman. I rode the Suberu Iceman Cometh and felt the pain, so I decided to upgrade this season. Since the second ride, I've had nothing but problems. First the crank falls off in the middle of a 12 mile ride. That was replaced twice. Next I had problems with the rear cassette bending when I was shifting up a steep climb. That was replaced. Then I had the bearing in the rear cassette seize in the right before I was to jump a log. I ride a lot of single track in Michigan. I need a bike that is reliable. Needless to say, I've only put 300 miles on this bike and I feel ripped off. At least I could ride that old Trek without it falling apart on me. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Maddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Wahkiacus
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | All over the place | | Strengths: | Frame very very strong | | Weaknesses: | crankset, can't stand square taper anymore | | Bike Setup: | nothing like it was originally. | | Bottom Line: | I hope people don't get anoyed with my many reviews, but I just love this bike. I got back on a bike for the first time in five years and just happened to purchase a Mesa. I haven't been sorry yet. I have recently been tempted to go to a fs but as I read more about the problems people are having with fs I get more into liking what I have. I have changed a few things since my last review. I put a truvativ husefelt dh triple isis drive crankset on it(probably a bit overkill) and have liked being able to slam on the bike more without worry. I have taken it off an 8 footer and it did great.Will probably not make a habit of it though. Anyhow for being a hard tail and me being 200lbs it take abuse like I've never seen. Very impressive frame. If you want a bike you can abuse while you are learning how to ride or ride better, Oh yeah this is it. I still feel the same about it, and I also cry for Schwinn's demise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Freeman's Bridge Sports (Scotia NY) | | Strengths: | i ride this 540 dollar BIKE on all the stuff guys with 1.5k plus bikes ride and I feel I do well. It takes a severe beating, never even winces...just keeps a goin' | | Weaknesses: | not for veteran bikers, beginner components (see below)best damned bike a new rider could spend their hard earned cash on though. | | Bike Setup: | I didnt see a 2001 GSX review, so I'm puttin this in here. hope you guys that want to know about thsi bike find it! I have the Mesa GSX. irc mythos tires, diore derailer, truvative cranks, tektro brakes, manitou magnum fork, shimano FR65 shoes w/ shimano 646 dx clipless (SWEET platform clipless) | | Bottom Line: | I don't think it would have been possible for me to buy a better first bike. For the price it really handles the toughest terrain and abuse I can throw at it. Been riding it HARD for over a year now and besides tweaking things I've bent or worn in, nothing on this bike has broken or been seriously dmgd (except for me when I take a good dive, which happens often) :) This thing is solid! Components are not anything that a veteran rider would want plus as its only a hardtail, but for a newer rider you can't ask for more. I abuse the bike, I abuse the bike...did I say I abuse it? and it takes it and likes it! Took it to Gore Mtn. for first time last weekend..was only one other guy there all day with a hardtail...and she handled great...I was able to take on all the same stuff as the FS guys. frame is rock solid. would like to have better components but to hell with that until I actually break whats on it now. I weep at the fact that Schwinn is no more...what a great bike company. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JoJo the Hobo
a
from Terrebonne Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | this is for the Mesa Disc-
good frame, good looks, good componets, the alex rims are tuff, disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | the shocks... came with Rock Shox Jett... horrible shocks, bottoms out of of a 4 foot drop and im only 130lbs!!!!!
also, if you crash hard the derailers get messed up sometimes, you may have to have them tuned. | | Similar Products Used: | friend specialized | | Bike Setup: | all stock, but looking for shocks to upgrade | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike, i think it cost $650 new, i got is for $300 used, all it had was one little scratch on it. Im hard on this bike, everything on its tuff but the forks. I do some pretty hard stuff on it. This bike is a great bike, its probably good to do everything on except drops (becasue of the bad forks) and hard downhilling. I do some stuff that you could say is downhill and it hold up fine (except for the shocks) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Roy
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Hills, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$335.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax Bike Shop, Long Beach | | Strengths: | Value. For $400 out the door (tax and accessories) I got Shimano Deore components, and the Manitou Magnum fork is adjustable. It's my 1st MTB and I'm 38, so I'm not fast (If I ever do anything that looks like "freeriding" call 911 -- I'm crashing!), but I am riding technical, rocky trails. Even though it's a hard-tail and takes a beating it's held up well and the bike always shifts well. The bike climbs and descends well. All bolts stay tight -- except the seatpost clamp. The wheels are still true. | | Weaknesses: | The seatpost clamp is weak, it's hard to use trailside. I didn't like the shape of the stock seat much. The cheapie plastic chainring guard and the clear plastic disc behind the cassette were round-filed as soon as I got the bike home... The rest of the bike is solid! | | Similar Products Used: | Old Trek 700 Hybrid | | Bike Setup: | Replaced clip and strap stock pedals with a set of Shimano pedals that are SPD on one side and normal platform on the other. These pedals work great! If I'm riding a technical, steep, slow, trail I stay un-cliped so I can put my feet down quickly. On faster, open trails I clip in for more power. I also replaced the stock seat, I didn't like the shape. I'm using a narrow, sprung, Brooks "Flyer" leather saddle. It's perfectly shaped for me. Since it's a sprung saddle it's like having a suspension seatpost. It helps smooth out the bumps. I also replaced the stem with one the juts up higher, but I may put the old one back on to help weight the front wheel more during climbs. | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner mountain bike with better component spec then similarly priced Trek or Cannondale models. The Mesa's not the latest, or greatest, but then neither am I! It's a low cost "real" MTB -- handles well, nothing breaks, shifts well, and fairly light weight too. I can ride it for 2 - 3 hours at a time over all sorts of terrain. With the 34t big cog on the cassette it climbs easily. The brakes and IRC Mythos tires keep me in control on steep descents. I commute on it somtimes, but it's a bear on the pavement with those knobbies! Keep it dirty though, and you'll both be happy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a
from So. California
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great Aluminum frame, Deore disc brakes, the Alex rims seem pretty tough, wtb raptor tires grip well in loose conditions, the Mesa Disc is kinda rare (and that's pretty cool), and a killer matte black paint scheme.
An awesome bike in this price range! | | Weaknesses: | Mine came with the Rock shox Jett fork. Didn't like that due to it's constant bottoming out. The stock pedals had toe straps and were prety cheap too. The seatpost binder QR ate up it's own bushing, which was less that a 16th of an inch thick. | | Bike Setup: | Mesa Disc with upgraded fork, seatpost, pedals, shorter stem and added Schwinn sc-13 computer. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a beginner and all these reviews said the mesa was a good bike for beginners. They were right! This bike's strength and quality give me a little added confidence on the trail as I try something new. You don't get the high end components as some bikes but you get a great trail/xc bike for around $500. This is a great value. My one gripe is that I've noticed lots of different spec's on the mesa's and I wonder if some of the better parts are being switched out. (I've seen the some bikes with Alivio/acero, and some with Shimano LX/Deore). I like the Mesa Disc and recommend it especially to beginners. Just make sure you're aware of what components you're getting and the value you're getting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Wahkiacus
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame is very much a keeper | | Bike Setup: | 2001 RS Judy SL,Tahoma ahead stem, brake boosters, Alivio Crank, FSA ultimax BB, XT Deraileurs, Profile SOS boxer bar ends,Salsa seat binder, Lizard skins. | | Bottom Line: | I have reviewed this bike before. I have not changed my mind. It is awsome. I hope that the company who bought Schwinn/GT doesn't make them into a pile of crap. If you have a chance at one don't hesitate it is the best bike for the money I have seen. Very strong frame. At 210lbs. and I'm not kind to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from new port richey ,fl
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | croom | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | brookesville bicycle center | | Strengths: | price,strong frame, good tires(mythos),handles anything i can throw at it, manitou magnum works good,handles great,deore components work good, | | Weaknesses: | seat twisted on its rails (my fault ? )pedals- take off the straps | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose switchback | | Bike Setup: | 2001 mesa gsx,deore component group,mythos xtc's,stock except for straight stem - dealer swapped no charge | | Bottom Line: | excellent bike for the money -shopped around considered trek- giant- univega- raleigh- specialized. but for the money you can't beat this bike!good for newbies or experienced riders. this thing has handles everything i throw at it drops, ledges, downhill etc. best bang for the buck in my area period. don't compare it to $1000 + bikes because it's not. but you will not get more for your $$$$ buy it and you'll have extra $$ to buy acc or upgrade with | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Carver
a Weekend Warrior
from Cooper City, FL
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Great frame, good fork, deore products are good | | Weaknesses: | pedals, seat | | Bike Setup: | 01' Mesa GSX Blue and silver | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike. The manitou magnum is very strong. I am 5 11' and 200lb so i am no small guy. on the softest setting i can put all my weight on the magnum and it doesn't bottom out. you can also jump of curbs and hit hard and the magnum holds together. the adjuster is kind of hard to change but that is expected. the pedals are very aggravating but you just slide the reflector over and you can unscrew them. after you take the straps off it is just like regular pedals. the brakes are very strong and stop the bike quickly. the seat is a little on the firm side but is fine till i upgrade it. The bike shifts very smooth. i took it out on the trails this morning and it was great! There were a couple drops that were 2ft and the magnum cleaned up with no argument. the deore derailleurs shifted through mud and water with ease. Most beginners would be very happy with this bike. you can ride it as it is and it will be a very strong mountain bike. Or for the more advanced riders you could buy this bike and upgrade it very easily. this an excellent bike i would suggest this bike to anyone. Also try and get it at supergo! I saved over $160 from them and it shipped very fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from mississippi
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | fitness choice/biloxi,ms | | Strengths: | Great all round beater bike. I have abused this bike and have yet to break it(besides crankset and dropout). It is continuously beening submerged, trashed, and gunked up with mud yet refuses to die. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy compared to my klein attitude. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn moab 1, klein attitude | | Bike Setup: | stock, up graded brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Great introductory bike(or beater). Not for racing but handles mud like none other bike i have riden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Deore components, Magnum fork, and light frame | | Weaknesses: | Clip and straps on the pedal. I plan to get rid of them ASAP. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Specialized & Giant | | Bike Setup: | Stock set-up no mods or changes yet. | | Bottom Line: | For my first MTB bike it has all I really wanted. I wanter good Deore set-up and a good ridgid frame I can build up as I get better and ride more technical trails. It is a good bike for any beginner like my self. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Downhiller
from Napa, CA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | skyline is cool | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Strengths: | Never had any serious problems with the bike. The best part about the bike was probably the frame: lightweight and strong. | | Weaknesses: | The rims were too weak being single walled. Should have been 24 speeds instead of 21. The shocks that came on it sucked too. | | Bike Setup: | I put on manitou spyders, firex cranks, alivio shifters(making it 24 speeds), rhyno lite wheels, and an azonic ORC stem. The stock stem was wayyy too long. | | Bottom Line: | This is the bike for the beginning rider like I was. When I bought it, the guy said it was a good bike for wheelies. Turns out he was right! I learned to master the wheelie on this bike, riding wheelies as long as I wanted too. But now Im gonna start DH, so I bought a bullit. Anyway I was very suprised how well the Schwinn held together. I took it to Northstar and went down all the hardest trails and there were no problems with at all. Great bike for the person who is just getting into mountain biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | BBC | | Strengths: | Good starter bike. Inexpensive for new rider. | | Weaknesses: | SYNC shocks are crappy seized up on me. Replaced with 98 Rock Shox Judy XC. The crank kept coming loose, replaced with deore LX. Pedals no good, replaced with platform pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | friends 2001 Schwinn Moab 1, and 2000 Kona cindercone | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for tires, crank, pedals, and shocks. | | Bottom Line: | Good starter bike, a fairly good bike for not a lot of money. Sync shocks are crappy. Next bike is going to be a kona. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from OH
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocky's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good overall light frame. Great stock seat. Decent Grips. Shimano Alivio gears are great for beginner riders looking to be experts | | Weaknesses: | Rear Derailler works great when it wants to. Rims to light being single wall. Rock Shox Jett bottoms out occasionaly | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for bar ends | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner bike for anyone who is not afraid to test their limits. Beating this bike up is fun because the bike will show up ready to ride every time. I've taken this bike into the shop one time for bending the rim on the first ride. This is a great first bike for anyone who looking to seriously looking into mountain biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Massey
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | C.C to Manyunk to Valley Forge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Keswick Cycle | | Strengths: | Rigid frame, love the matte black finish, and ohh yes the Disk Brakes, they stop on a dime, even in the wettest weather, seat isnt too bad either Price was great too, alot of bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | Shocks(Rock Shox Jett) I dont know if i need more distance or a stiffer suspension, or both, its at 65mm i weigh 200#,they bottom out on almost everything, from potholes to low curbs, an 18" curb will give a loud bang, im learning. the hard way, not too lean all my weight forward, when approaching rougher areas, in philly thats most places, and pedals are too small, need to change out to a 4" atb. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Idrive 6.0, Trek 4500, Gary Fischer Tassahara, Kona something. | | Bike Setup: | Basic setup, w/blackburn rack, Cateye rear blinkie, Topeak saddlebag, Barends...changed out the handlebars that came with it to a straight bar | | Bottom Line: | This is my 1st suspension bike, my previous bike was stolen, it was a Jamis Ukiah, loved it, now its time for a hardtail, i was told if i can get a disc brake setup,do so, this was the best deal for the money, i get alot of compliments on it, and a few looks, i like it, especially those discs, Riding in the rain, while everyone else is braking and still going, im watching them get hit by the cars,or the buses that dont care. In the 500.00 dollar range this a great buy.Discs seem to be the latest rage, get them, i highy reccomend it. Just hope Huffy doesent buy them and cheapen them | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fly
a Cross Country Rider
from Clear Lake MN
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Granit | | Strengths: | This bike is all right. For the price. It does have pretty solid frame and the rims take the abuse. The rapid fire shifters are nice. | | Weaknesses: | This is a pretty niftey bike but like anyother it has issues. After about 9 months of abuse I am needing to replace both front and rear dweller and chain. Although it is under warenty it still pisses me off.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ goin to be new shimano xc front and rear dweller and a new rs fork | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for beginners it is worth it. The disk brakes are smooth but squeaky. The fork works best if oiled regularly. I suppose I couldn't expect any more from it for the money. The dwellers work really nice and shift smooth, The chain is the only reason my dwellers broke. I would suggest updating the chain asap. I would by if I were you, but do a chain upgrade its cheap and you won't regret it. Like me. I know I'm at 180lbs but the bike w/ exep. of chain can handle anything. Buy it if your an inter. or beginer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maclyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgantown, WV
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | White Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Whitetail | | Strengths: | A nice looking bike with great breaks and a good front fork. | | Weaknesses: | weak chain rings, slow to shift | | Bike Setup: | GS stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm getting up and down in places I could never imagine taking my old Trek Antelope. The Mesa GS would be a great first "real" trail bike if it would stop breaking. It occasionally stutters between gears, and if I'm going up a hill when this happens, I usually bend a chain ring. My mechanic told me that he's seen several other Mesas with bent rings. It's not too difficult to get them straightened and other than that, the brakes are awesome and the bike looks good muddy. The seat is fine for the trail, but I wouldn't recommend it for long on-road treks unless you like a sore bum. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keenan
a Weekend Warrior
from clear Lake MN,
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | too many | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Granit City Schwinn | | Strengths: | Awsome light weight bike too good for the money. The mesa disk is hard to beat. great rims solid frame. | | Weaknesses: | Raptor tires suck. Fork bottoms out to easy. seat clamp broke. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike has a sweet frame. I beat the crap out of this bike and it takes it. I am not to impressed w/ the rock shox. I weigh about 140 and on the highest setting it bottoms out to easy. first trip out to montana the seat clamp busted. The brakes are awsome and the rapid fire shifters are too cool. I am getting a new fork asap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Shimer
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonds, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Japanese Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Northwest | | Strengths: | Strong, light-weight and really great disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Old bikes are a Diamondback Tapanga and Mongoose - both rigid and OK, but not as nice as the Mesa Disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock Mesa Disc | | Bottom Line: | Great bargain - limited edition Mesa Disc, and on sale too! Hope Schwinn continues to offer this bike at this price. Great bike for intermediate rider. BTW, I weigh 200 pounds, and have not bottomed forks (yet). Could find the Mesa Disc at this one store. Tried several others, but couldn't find it. Price of Mesa Disc at BNW was same as straight Mesa at other stores. Not bad for discs, upgraded rims and tires, etc. I'm a happy camper, but a little worried about what will become of Schwinn, now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Eaton
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotia, NY
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any and all offroad i can find :) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Freeman's Bridge Sports (Sch'dy) | | Strengths: | Alot of great strong quality components...strong and very light frame, can't believe what can be done with the bike..amazing. All for a very fair price...big bang, low buck | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet...and I'll be hard pressed to for what I paid. | | Similar Products Used: | First real mtn. bike | | Bike Setup: | Mesa GSX...7005 aluminum frame, manitou magnum fork, 27 speed shimano diore derailleur, tioga rims, mythos tires etc...etc...the standard setup for the gsx...very nice | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is I am still kinda new to the sport, but have not been shy about taking the bike through some serious terrain, climbs, jumps, dropoffs...and it has handled above and beyond what I had expected. I am continuously amazed what the bike can do and where is allows you to go...can't find anything to complain about...A great quality and value for a person looking to get into the sport and want a nice bike and price tag. Two words...Schwinn Quality...
enjoy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Miller
a
from Tijeras, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Systems | | Strengths: | Good frame. | | Weaknesses: | Anoying sounds. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon SE, Trek 4500, Haro ICS 4.0, Huffy | | Bike Setup: | Mesa GS with Koski Contour saddle | | Bottom Line: | All in all, this is a great bike if your doing cross country riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Monroe
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockford, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | EGYPT VALLEY | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$385.00 | | Purchased At: | ALGER SCHWINN | | Strengths: | Nice, middle of the road components. Upgraded in 2001 to Rock Shock Jett fork. Great Looking! Nice seat this year! Very stable and easy to control. Amazing for the price! | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are weak, but have the baskets, which is nice. The rims are off brand, nothing special. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. Gary Fisher KaiTai (2000) | | Bike Setup: | Mine is the 2001 GS. It is Racing Yellow. 8 speed (24 gears) Rapid shift (shimano alivio) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I really feel good that I didn't go with a pricier bike that would have been hard pressed to perform better. I go "serious" mountain biking about 5 times per year. Otherwise, I ride a few time per week on dirt paths and roads. The Jett fork only has 58mm of travel, but I am only 5'11" and 170lbs. I have not been jammed yet. It has a load setting, but may not be a good fork for a larger person. Also, the rims may be a concern at some time, but who knows. One thing, though, Schwinn could have sold me up into the GSX, if it was this racing yellow color! (i guess that's shallow, but i'm the one looking at it every day)- Todd | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tuttle Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Staders | | Strengths: | Frame, components, handle-bars, geometry | | Weaknesses: | seat...shocks not the best but usable | | Similar Products Used: | Moab, Kona Nunu, Raleigh, Cannondale, Specialized, Nishiki | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Capable ride for the money. Nothing else compared in components at the $500 price point. Mainly, I got this bike because Schwinns seemed more solid, and the shop that put it together was heads above other places where I literally had bike pieces falling off during test rides. Moab would be a bit better for a really serious rider, but it is almost double in price. This bike works well on roads and trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Athens, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tsali NC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | @TheHub. Athens | | Strengths: | Manitou Magnum fork, overall decent setup for the price, nice combo of midrange components bundled inexpensively,
27 speeds was what sold me. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Schwinn Mesa, 2001 Diamondback Topanga | | Bike Setup: | 7005 Aluminum Frame, Manitou Magnum Fork, 27 speed Shimano Deore front and rear derailleurs, Shimano Deore Rapid Fire Plus shifters, Tektro direct pull brakes. | | Bottom Line: | being a big rider (6'5" 330lbs) I was really searching for a solid bike that could take my weight plus the abuse of rough terrain. I was afraid 21" wouldnt be big enough, but this bike fits me well. I upgraded to all alloy toe-clip pedals cuz Ive ripped elastomer pedals clean off before with my legs, but I think I should've just skipped right to clipless. I havent had the bike long but I've taken it through some stuff, like the right loop at Tsali, and its handled real well. I need to upgrade the spring kit for the forks to the 140lb though, I bottomed those out a few times. After the reviews I read here I refused to go with any bike with RS-Jett forks, this was the cheapest one i found with manitou, and bikes with RS-Judy's were way higher.
Even though I am a novice rider I feel like I can put this bike to the test and I am quickly becoming confident that it will hold up. I think it was well worth the money for a beginner. After I bought this my girlfriend (super novice) bought the 2001 Mesa, same frame, crappier components, but easily upgraded to nearly the equivalent of mine. she has no regrets about her purchase and is quite happy with it so far. In all a big thumbs up and 2x5 flamin chili's. especially if your a big guy like me and want something sturdy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a Cross Country Rider
from Rome, GA USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | There are a few | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Cycle SHop | | Strengths: | I really like the way that this bike handles on rough single track and fire roads. Very good looking bike with rugged construction. | | Weaknesses: | Sometimes when screaming downhill it could use a little more stopping power. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek and GT | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Mesa GSX. I put in a Rock Shox telescopic suspension seat post with a Rx seat. Also replaced all steel bolts with Titanium and Aluminum Bolts from Poggipolini. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike to start out with. With a few modifications and a little bit of conditioning I can finally keep up with a friends Homegrown. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tosh Persons
a Weekend Warrior
from Brandon, MS, USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Rack | | Strengths: | Good for money, sweet discs brakes | | Weaknesses: | The front and rear derailuers are cheap. The Rock Shock Jett cant seem to not bottom out on everything from a big root to me bouncing the front end. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheap Wal-Mart Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Mesa Disc, added a wireless computer. No other mods. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. Disc brakes are the heart of the it. Once broken in, brakes never has to be adjusted or missed with.
The rims have taken all the punishment I have dished out at 250 pounds. Have had one pinch flat.
Front shock however is a piece of junk, upgrade it first before you get hurt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hat Trick
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Carter RD. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$369.00 | | Purchased At: | Temple Terrace Schwinn | | Strengths: | The only issues that I have had with it is going through the 3 rings. They are just not as Light frame. Rides well. Front shock is tweaked at full but supports my big B-hind. 6'3" 265lbs and it doesn't bottom out so far. I have landed some pretty good jumps and falls on it. The rear derailleur seems to be very smooth (when I can keep mud and roots out of it! :) | | Weaknesses: | The only issues that I have had with it is going through the 3 rings. They are just not as smooth as the rear one. It is still acceptable. Also the pedals suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Not many. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with exception to the pedals (aluminum w\ clips) and the seat (new soft sofa seat). | | Bottom Line: | Great, GREAT bike for the cash. The no name fork is even pretty good. I love the ride and how light it is. It rides like a STALION!!!! If you invest in one make sure you change the pedals though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JORDAN MOIR
a Cross Country Rider
from REDONDO BEACH, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | DON'T HAVE ONE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | PERFORMANCE BICYCLE SHOP | | Strengths: | GREAT FRONT SHOCKS, LIGHT ALUMINUM FRAME, GOOD SHIMANO PARTS, RIMS HAVE NOT BENT ON ME YET | | Weaknesses: | THE SEAT IS A KILLER ON THE OL' CHEEKS, OTHER THEN THAT NO COMPLAINTS | | Similar Products Used: | CRAPPY HUFFY, SCHWINN MIRADA, GIANT SEDONA, CANNONDALE | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | I OWN A REGULAR MESA. THIS BIKE HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR. I RIDE TO WORK EVERY DAY. IT IS ABOUT 6 MILES EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST MONTH. HANDLES HILLS AND OFF-ROAD NICELY AND GIVES A SMOOTH RIDE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Gifford
a Cross Country Rider
from Schenectady, NY
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | pinebush | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Freemans Bridge Sports | | Strengths: | i have the Mesa GS: Strong frame, decsent shifters/derailers for the money, good bang for the buck, | | Weaknesses: | chainstay pprotector is thin, rockshox jett flexes. cranks creak | | Similar Products Used: | gt bullet | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the money. very upgradeable, but dont get if if u want to get disc brakes because it doesn't have mounts for them. very good beginner bike because its cheap and easy to make it hardcore | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Scarlett's Schwinn | | Strengths: | I have the Mesa GS. Very Light Alluminum Frame, Price, Good Components, Good Rock Shox Fork, Awsome Paint Job. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap Teko Brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Highplains | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Shimano LX V-Brakes | | Bottom Line: | Outstanding Preformance for the money. Will last for years to come. Nothing beats Schwinn Quality! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Charles MO, USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Castlewood | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Granada Cyclery | | Strengths: | I purchased a limited edition Schwinn Mesa Disc and have had little regrets. It's not a common bike to see in shops as I am told. The Matte Black color is cool and disc brakes are great for a bike in this price range. As Andrew from MI mentioned the Alex rims and WTB Primal Raptor tires are really superb to have. | | Weaknesses: | None to say here... The Rock Shox Jett front suspension could be better but hey, that's what I paid for. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Mesa - I loved this bike! | | Bike Setup: | I have added the usual bottle cages, Cateye cyclocomputer and saddle bag. I have removed the pedal straps. | | Bottom Line: | I definitely recommend the Schwinn Mesa to any beginner or intermediate mountain biker. It has all the usual components in a bike in this price range so just look around for the frame and fit that you like. Then, by all means, buy it and enjoy hitting the trails! The Mesa Disc, an exceptional Mesa is the best bike I have seen in this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Maddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Wahkiacus
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Aluminum frame and rapid fire shifters. | | Weaknesses: | none worth mentioning. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Judy SL,XT rear der, Pazzaz carbon fiber brake booster, lizard skins chainstay protector, Profile Design SOS Boxer bar ends, and Velo plush seat. | | Bottom Line: | Awsome. The frame is plenty light for general XC and is deffinetly worth upgrades. I just love this bike. I am not sure who on earth put the specs for this bike top of the page, but they are fully wrong. It has a 7005 aluminum frame and a Post Moderne SL front fork. The fork was a bit soft for me (I weigh 200lbs.), but the would work fine if you weigh 160 or less. Just way bomber bike. 5 blazing farts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Flint, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Ann | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Assenmachers | | Strengths: | Great Deal, strong frame, relatively lightweight, shimano discs, WTB primalraptor tires are great, Alex rims are super strong | | Weaknesses: | Crappy Jett fork, mechanical disc brakes, Alvio derailurs, rapid fire shifters require a lot of maintenence, Brakes not compatable with manitou forks, clips and straps on petals | | Similar Products Used: | Wal*Mart Junk Bike | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Mesa Disc, upgraded the fork to a Judy XC before i left the bike shop | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for intermediate to beginning riders, its kind of hard to find, and was a late release from schwinn, so it's not in their catalog or website. Disc brakes provide superior stopping power, but upgrade the fork to somthing with damping and at least 80 mm of travel, also the disc brakes take some time to break in before they stop squealing. The seatpost is strong, and the seat is comfortable, the handlebars are comfortable, take the clips and straps of of the petals, or get new ones.Overall a awesome deal, the bike was stickered at $520, and the fork upgrade was another $100 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Georgiadis
a Weekend Warrior
from Durban, South Africa
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Dave Wiseman | | Strengths: | Solid Frame. Shifters work well. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals were throw-away plastic type. I replaced them with aluminum ones. Everyone complained about the seat on the 2000 mesa, but the seat on the 2001 model is fine. the rims tend to go out of shape, so i'm thinking of upgrading them soon. Also, front brakes make a noise, but that could be from a lot of things. As i get more into it, i will replace the brakes, shocks, shifters, seat and so on... | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock. new pedals | | Bottom Line: | great value for money. the frame is the same as that on more expensive models (except for the provision for disk brakes). if you're looking to get into it, but don't want to spend too much, then this is the one to go for. it also looks great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrea Eden
a Weekend Warrior
from La Crosse, WI
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Myric | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Michael's | | Strengths: | Comfortable seat, love the shifters which are very easy to use, light enough frame. | | Weaknesses: | None right now | | Similar Products Used: | Good ol' Huffy | | Bike Setup: | stock with water cage, pedal cages. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for just hitting the trails with friends. As I gain more experience, the bike will be easy to upgrade to fit my needs. For what I paid, I think that I will continue to be very happy with this bike. I was up in the air between the 2001 Moab, and the Mesa, but decided that the Mesa was just more my style. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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