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Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Manitou Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Barr Trail and Captain Jack's | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Holland Schwinn - Michigan | | Strengths: | Durable frame tough enough to hit rocks, roots, and boulders at high speed & remain in control. The frame design is unbeatable through mud. Good for hard technical rides (with different tires).I love the components for the price! | | Weaknesses: | The Michelin tires that came with it. The granite trails of the Pikes Peak region wore the treds after 3 months of 4 days/week mountain riding. Had to buy a prostate friendly seat to replace the cheap plastic one. It hurts my feelings to see Schwinn now at Target! | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 Jamis Durango - rigid frame. I ride 'em til they die | | Bike Setup: | LX rear derailer, Deore front. Manitou SX shox. Deore rapid shift. Kore head set. | | Bottom Line: | Great affordable ride that can take the beatings of a racer or a clusmy racer-wanna-be. I can't say anything bad about the frame, but maybe I just need to stick to my loyal treds: Kenda tires, because I'm slipping up trails that are not the frame's fault. The mud-friendly frame allows me to rip through streams and mud with minimal paint-job scratches. It's lighter than my old chromoly, but not the lightest - possibly due to the rims and the prostate-saving seat. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stumonky
a Cross Country Rider
from Houma, LA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hooper/Comite | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$769.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Built to last, Schwinn quality, perfect in all conditions, I love the yellow color today as much as the day I bought it. | | Weaknesses: | Slim to none, what I have replced is due to wear and tear or spills. | | Similar Products Used: | Fishers, Trek, Haro, Giant, Diamondbacks | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup with Velo Plush saddle, TIME ATAC pedals, Oury grips, Race Face cranks | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding this bike pretty hard for about 2 1/2 years. Wrecked it many times and it has took the beatings and begged for more. I still have the Deore FD and LX RD and have had little no problems with them. I changed the cranks because I stripped my old ZuZus by not tightening them enough. This bike has superceeded my expectations by far. I plan to keep this bike well tuned for a very long time. Even if I step up to a FS I will keep this bike as a spare. I can't say enough good things about it. I researched the hell out of all bikes in this price range and no other came close. Too bad they aren't available anymore. Now days there not many hardtails at this price range with comparitive component packages. (only Giant comes close) If you happen to come across any Moab for sale (new would be extremely rare) fight to the death to own one as well. If you come across anyone who rides one, I guarantee they will have nothing but good things to say about these bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from monrovia (l.a.) CA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | south gab | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | helen's in arcadia | | Strengths: | geometry, sx fork, light yet strong frame, michelin, avid levers; it's yellow! | | Weaknesses: | flexy wheels, weak post | | Similar Products Used: | mesa gs, mesa disc, old d'back outlook | | Bike Setup: | deore/mavic 221 front wheel, flat and clipless pedals, xt chain, new post - otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike handles so sweetly.... I've used it for riding around town to riding xc in the foothills to light downhill at big bear. the brakes work well for their quality, along with the fork....and pretty much everything else. this is a great bike to learn the basics on. I would guess that this bike is light and fast enough to race on, but I haven't so I wouldn't know. anyway, if you are a beginner racer/xc rider, this is a great bike to intoduce yourself to mountain biking on. Have fun, I know I have! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Allover New England
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Aggie (any of them) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | maine sport | | Strengths: | Good price, nice paint (vivid Yellow), pretty light and a great ride all around. | | Weaknesses: | Schwinn. Damn I wish they hadn't been sold! | | Similar Products Used: | I had a Mongoose SX somthing that got destroyed in a year. an old Schwinn Sidewinder. | | Bike Setup: | Hayes HMX-1's, Deore/SunRingle Rhyno lite disc wheelset, WTB MP250 stealth pedals pretty much stock from there. | | Bottom Line: | A Great bike for the budget minded rider. Too bad Pacific didn't see fit to continue this line. Same geometry as a Home grown, so it climbs like a Goat, Forks have stood up to my 175 lbs of thrashing. The Tioga rims came out of true often but not to bad if you have a truing stand. I love this bike thoough. It's gotten me through a lot. I here Pacific Is trying to work things out with Independent Bike shops again, so lets hope for real schwinn quality (like this bike) to make a return! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYTHING TECHNICAL | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Tony's Cyclery(Dover, NH) | | Strengths: | 1.parts mix for the money.
2.Tires.
3.Very nice frame.
4.Silver paint job.
5.Most everything else that has to do with this bike. | | Weaknesses: | ??Seatpost creaks some after long riding?? | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajarra, Gary Fisher something, Trek 4500, Schwinn Mesa GSX, Schwinn Homegrown(just for fun). | | Bike Setup: | 2001 silver w/red stripes. Thomson Elite seatpost, M536 clipless pedals, XTR V's and levers, Shimano Carbon brake boosters, everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | A very nice bike for the money. The Deore front and LX rear derrailluer have worked very well together and I am not planning on replacing them until I finally bash one of them off on a rock one of these times(I've come close). The seatpost creaked(couyld have just been a quirk with mine) and I replaced it. The seat, surprisingly, was found comfortable, and I still use it, a little over a year later. I added XTR brakes and levers because I was offered a very good deal on them and happened to have the money. The brake boosters were added on later, and I am not sure they have done much, because this frame isn't very flexy. The "long" wheelbase is very stable. I ride mostly very technical stuff and this so called "long wheelbase" has never given me trouble. The tires are very grippy, plus the mcihelin man is waving at you every time you pedal.
BOTTOM LINE: This bike needed no upgrades off the shelf. Great for the beginner to the expert who doesn't have a ton of cash. Raceable. I have done manty races on it, with success. 5 flamin chilis for both categories. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chesebro Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Chalet/Burbank | | Strengths: | Frame strength and design geometry | | Weaknesses: | seat, grips, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale V400? | | Bike Setup: | Shimano clipless pedals, Panaracer XC Fire tires, Specialized Body Geometry seat | | Bottom Line: | In the search for a sub $1000 bike that needed little off-the-shelf additions, I've found it in the Moab 3.
This bike was built for me. Being 6'2" and a former BMX racer I like a low center of gravity and a long frame and the Moab feels completely at home...I no longer miss my 20" GT Pro Performer!
I've ridden most of the typical single track trails around L.A., twice a week, and I feel totally confident on my Schwinn.
The addition of the Panaracers and clipless pedals compliment the bike perfectly.
I do need to get a new set of grips, though, as the stock Schwinn grips just ain't cuttin' it.
Hey, $700 and my only complaint is grips?...this bike RAWKS!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Cross Country Rider
from Loma Linda, CA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa, St. George, UT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Excellent value for the cost! Switched out clipless pedals for rat traps and an XTR rear derailleur for the LX and it runs beautifully. | | Weaknesses: | The Company the bought Schwinn! Bent derailleur hanger 3 months ago and still haven't located a replacement! Riding on jerry-rigged hanger. | | Bottom Line: | To someone thinking of buying a Schwinn nowadays, forget it. The company absolutely dropped the ball on customer service, warranty, and replacement parts. The value for the cost is far outweighed by the company that backs the bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stu
a Weekend Warrior
from Houma, LA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$769.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame, component selection, rims, fork, etc. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost, cranks, FD | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Diamond Back, Haro, Gary Fisher, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Oury grips, Panaracer Trailblasters 2.1, Velo Plush seat, Sunringle ZuZu pedals, LX FD, Tru Vativ Stylo SL cranks | | Bottom Line: | This is my year and a half review. Overall I am still very happy with my bike. A few things have had to be changed as the FD (went to LX) and the seatpost creaking got on my nerves, and finally I stripped out my ZuZu's in the Firex cranks - which could of been more my fault than the cranks - I stepped up to the Sylus SL's and have been very happy with them. I am totally and completely disapointed at the news of Schwinn going bankrupt. It disturbs me even more that the name has been purchased and it will become a Mongoose Wal-Mart type comparison. None of this however takes away from the quality and performance of my Moab. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat if I was shopping for a new bike. I was hoping to eventually step up to a FS Rocket, that will never happen now. So enjoy your Schwinn bikes - we are riding legacy bikes that are slowly fading in the wind. Even when I don't ride this one anymore - I think I'll hang it on my wall as a symbol of quality! We'll miss you Schwinn! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moabman
a Cross Country Rider
from NH, USA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fomba Trails, Manchester | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Tony's Cyclery Dover, NH | | Strengths: | Almost everything.
1.Good component selection
2.OK rims
3.Quality that comes with a Schwinn.
4. Frame(weight is OK and strong)
5. Holding up to 170 pound rider hard riding almost every day.
6.SEat - surprisingly, i find it comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | 1. seatpost-creaks sometimes after a lot of use but i havent replaced it yet.
2. brakes-definitely adequate, especially for recreational use or even racing in dry conditions. I put XTR on because it gets wet and i race and do epic rides in the wet.
| | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa, Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Trek something, Fuji something, | | Bike Setup: | silver/red stripes Moab 3, XTR brakes/levers, ODI lockjaw rogue grips, lizrd skins headset/chainstay protectors, Mavic X517 with XTR hubs when i get the $$. | | Bottom Line: | A very nice bike for the money. I am very happy with it and am thinking about saving the frame when the parts where out and bulding it back up with new stuff. A lot more strengths than weakness. A good trailbike/cross country racer for beginner/intermediate class. With the right parts, you could use this bike for even higher-up racing. I didn't really have to upgrade the parts, just had the $$ and thought it would be worth it as I was going to build it up eventually anyway. 5 flaming chilis all the way around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Tan
a Weekend Warrior
from Brunei Darussalam
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$940.00 | | Purchased At: | TCT enterprise Sengkurong | | Strengths: | Geometry & Price | | Weaknesses: | After 5 months' abuses,
1. chain spoiled & replaced with SRAM PC99
2. Cog spoiled & replaced with XT
3. Rear Hub spoiled & replaced with LX
4. Saddle bent & replaced with Sella Italia Flite Titanium Gel
| | Bike Setup: | Upgraded (before left the shop) to RS SID-XC, XTR RD, VP Dual Pedal, Hutchinson Python Gold Tire. Plus the above replacement. | | Bottom Line: | This is my 2nd Review & my 1st review was on July-31 2001.
Despite the above weaknesses, I believe it is normal tear-n-wear especially I ride in mud/rain in Borneo Rain Forest!
Despite the frame is about 1.975Kg, a major upgrade can reduce the bike to < 11 Kg.
I don't have hard feeling abusing the bike cos' it is reasonable "cheap". Unlike those who have bought "Expensive" bike and don't like to ride "off-road" cos' "off-road" riding will "hurt" bike faster.
I still believe MOAB 3 is value for money. Highly recommend those who have tight budget. Buy it- just ENJOY the ride & go Everyway! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Bood
a Cross Country Rider
from kettering northhamptonshire United kingdom
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | palmer park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | grandwest | | Strengths: | stiff frame with a noble ride it preformence sweet shocks like the head set loves the brakes bacily every thing rules | | Weaknesses: | what the hell are you talking about | | Similar Products Used: | specilized rock hopper and trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | almost all deore parts manitou sx (4"of travel) michilen tires | | Bottom Line: | its a great great bike for advanced begginers nice stock aluminium wheels didnt change a thing on it I love this bike its my baby. if you are not in to riding dont buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Luevano
a Weekend Warrior
from Pacoima CA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | next one | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Chalet | | Strengths: | Nlitend frame with awesome finish(have recieved several compliments),Avid levers,LX/RD,Kore bar/stem,Tioga wheels,Manitou sx,Truvativ crank,Michelin tires | | Weaknesses: | Schwinn saddle,Schwinn grips,Deore FD,Pedals,Sram cassete | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M600,Specialized Rockhopper,Huffy Mano | | Bike Setup: | XTR pulls,shifters,and cassete(only because I wrecked the stock equipment)Wellgo pedals,WTB sadddle, the rest stock.(for now) | | Bottom Line: | Considering what I paid for this bike,everything on it rocks.I know the wheels are heavy but I have not bent one yet.I'm 6 feet 220lbs and this bike does not complain.Decent componnent package but totally worth upgrading.Great first bike for someone not looking to get in over their head or good bike to thrash on so you dont wreck your Homegrown Limited.Very well worth the measley $370.00 bucks I paid for it.Hopefully Schwinn quality wont die and well keep getting bang for the buck with the Moab's and Homegrown's.Five scorching chili's from me dude's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark B
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Apex peak | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Schwinn cyclery | | Strengths: | Sweet Frame, Manitou Sx Fork, Avid Levers, Overall solid components | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, Front Derailler | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cinder Cone | | Bottom Line: | I wasn't sure if this bike would have the bang for the buck but it proved me wrong. I've been fairly hard on it for almost a year and the only repairs have been on the front deraillur and the rear deraillur hanger (multiple times). The frame is my favorite aspect of the bike. It just has a good feel to it. I would definately recommend this bike to someone looking in this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ctg
a Cross Country Rider
from East Coast
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The next one... | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | A Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Above average components for the price, Solid frame. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals and seat (of course) and the FD is a bit sketchy, would have been better if it was LX all around but that's easily and cheaply fixed. I'd rather have a regular headset, but that's neither here nor there. | | Similar Products Used: | First bike a Giant Rincon, Tested a Gf HooKoo (hated the geometry), a Trek 4*** and a Giant Rainier, all 2001. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Aliums, stubby bar ends and a Terry Liberator. | | Bottom Line: | The workingman's bike, inexpensive, doesn't break, goes anywhere you point it and doesn't complain. I fall, alot, and so far the only casualty has been the LX derailer. Definitely suited for Cross Country, can't comment on anything else as that's all I ride. It takes the rooty, rocky east coast trails with no handicaps. And unless there's a miracle, it's a 2001 Schwinn, the last decent Schwinn the world will likely see. Warranty? who needs a stinking warranty? Get a Moab or Homegrown while you can if the name Schwinn means something to you. But then again, it's just a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stumonky
a Weekend Warrior
from Houma, LA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hooper | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Unbreakable light frame, good fork, base setup impressive (for this price range), attention to detail, yellow rocks! | | Weaknesses: | Tires, pedals, seat, grips (but don't you upgrade this on almost all bikes in this class?) | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Diamond Back, Haro, Gary Fisher, Trek. | | Bike Setup: | Oury grips, Panaracer Trailblasters 2.1, Velo Plush seat, Sunringle ZuZu pedals, modified quick release for seat post, everything else factory | | Bottom Line: | I've had my Moab since before Christmas last year and never for a moment have I second guessed my decision. I researched and tested just about every bike in this class and price range and nothing even came close! So I changed the pedals, seat, tires, etc. this is done on almost every bike I buy. Schwinn has put together a bike with a componet package that is exceptional, and a frame that contends with the Homegrowns, dependability that is second to none. I've used and abused this bike literally crashed at least a dozen times and it has held up with no physical damage. If you are in the market for something that is reliable and is a performer; look no further. Soon I hope to upgrade to XT/LX, possibly upgrade the brakes. I plan to do some light racing this fall. Although the current components have not given me any problems yet. 5 flames for value, 4 because I had to invest the extras. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John H
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oregon Logging roads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$490.00 | | Purchased At: | Copelands | | Strengths: | Killer frame, Nice detailing, Manitou SX fork, Avid levers, did I mention the killer frame? | | Weaknesses: | Corny paint job, Shimano brakes | | Similar Products Used: | GF Hoo Koo E Koo, Giant Ranier SE, Fuji suncrest, | | Bike Setup: | Goodyear wildgrippers, Wellgo clipless, stock | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the nicest frames that I have ridden on. I recently hit 40mph on a steep hardpack and I am not a careless rider. I feel like a better biker when I am on this frame. If you don't own them, get a set of SPD's- I think it is the best upgrade you could add to any bike. With a few simple upgrades, this could be a hardcore bike.
They did a good job making this bike look nice. The Kore bars and headset along with the Avid levers give the Moab one of the sweetest looking contacts out there. The braided cable covers are cool too. No cut corners on any of the components as well. Not the best, but none of em suck either.
Considering what you get for the money It is a great deal. My budget was much larger for this purchase so I was able to spend the extra outfitting the bike. I am very happy, I was leary to buy because of the low price, but this bike is the real deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JIMMYDEAN
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiea, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Still the Aiea Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$587.00 | | Purchased At: | McCully Bike | | Strengths: | Frame, bars, rear derailuer | | Weaknesses: | Wheels, front derailuer, front suspension fork | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Crossrides, Stylo Team Isis drive crank, XT and XTR derailuers | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a good buy after all. It is a great all around bike, and is even better since I went mad switching out and upgrading components. I think the next move is to replace a severly worn Manitou fork with a Sylo SL or Race or Z.1 or Z.3. Suprisingly, the bike has absorbed almost four months of my abuse and still keeps coming back for more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Cisek
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Forest, California
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Good, light and durable frame. All-around solid component mix. Great sale price $650 (retail was $899)! | | Weaknesses: | None so far! | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Trek, Gary Fisher....etc. | | Bike Setup: | Deore\LX components Manitou SX shox and bar ends. Disc brakes. No kickstand. | | Bottom Line: | Its a perfect bike for starters with disc brakes for around $650! You couldn't possibly get a bike with disc brakes for less then $650! Its better if you buy this bike with disc brakes then a bike with no disc brakes! Its more secure and safer with these brakes! The shox on this bike are better then certain Rock Shox! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a
from FL
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$669.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sports | | Strengths: | Good, durable frame. All-around solid component mix. | | Weaknesses: | I will need to upgrade the front shock eventually. The pedals were laughable. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Trek, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Kore platform pedals and Kore Lite 2 seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | This is an exceptional value for the money. My bike and I take a regular beating every outing, and, needless to say, the bike holds up much better than I do. This is my first mountain bike, and I researched all competitors well before buying. I found that Schwinn does a great job of spreading the money around the complete bike. Aside from the crap pedals, this bike is well-rounded for the beginner to intermediate rider. Now, if I can only stay on the damn thing... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Lush
a Cross Country Rider
from Willmar MN USA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | aby where theres stumps, roots, rocks, and dirt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Rick's Schwinn in Wllmar | | Strengths: | Deore and LX components, cofortable Schwinn seat, Michelin tires, and fairly light frame | | Weaknesses: | Crappy pedals, Manitou SX seems to have pretty slow rebound | | Similar Products Used: | crappy huffy | | Bike Setup: | Deore\LX components Manitou SX shox everything it comes with | | Bottom Line: | If you want a good bike for less than 1000 dollars this is the one to get. I looked at the Trek 6500 but it had all the same things basically except a crappy magnum R fork and the Moab 3 has SX. I would sugjest this bike to all intermideit and beginers. Thats why it's Five chillis for this one.
ROCK ON SCHWINN!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve poitras
a
from Blaine,WA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | galbrith mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | kulshan bicycles | | Strengths: | shocks,light frame, good componets | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8000......trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | same | | Bottom Line: | this bike is kick ass for the price...the componets are good..the frame is light...and it is a tight bike......i would recommend it for a intermediate to beginner who wants a good mountain bike without paying over $700 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Tan
a Cross Country Rider
from Brunei Darussalam
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any XC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$940.00 | | Purchased At: | TCT Enterprise Sengkurong | | Strengths: | Price & Reasonable Drive Components. | | Weaknesses: | Frame (17") & wheelset are/"felt" heavy, however I haven't measured them yet. US version Moab 2's "Gold Label" frame is only 3.5 lbs?!
Deore FD couldn't swift from middle chainring to small especially while climbing! LBS replaced it; excellent service from TCT LBS!
Rear Derailleur & cog are slow & delayed down-swifted.
Alex rims (front & rear) need to "tune".
Puntures about 4 times in six weeks! Tire pressure @55psi & 75kg weight? | | Similar Products Used: | Cann'dale F400/500/600, Speacialized SJ | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded (before left the shop) to RS SID-XC, XTR RD, VP Dual Pedal, Hutchinson Python Gold Tire. | | Bottom Line: | I compared Can'dale F400/500/600, GT Agressor & Specialized HardRock/RockHopper, Schwinn Moab-3 has better components & value for the money. If $$$ is not an issue, get Moab-2 which has a lighter frame (3.5lbs).
Going to upgrade the wheelset to x517/DT-Champ/XT. Question: is it worthwhile to upgrade lighter component on this heavy frame? Despite the 1st upgrade, the bike weights >13kg!
Red/white color frame is attractive; look-like high-end bike! Overall it is a good mountain bike for the value & for beginners. Highly recommend TCT LBS for their excellent support service!
I give 4 chilis for the bike & value. Reasonable bike for beginners; you can abuse the bike & build up your skills. Then get a better one later! Will send another review when this bike retires. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Downhiller
from Central New Jersey
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartshorne Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Strengths: | decent price value, shocks, brakes, light-weight | | Weaknesses: | SEAT!,i don't enjoy the standard schwinn grips | | Similar Products Used: | fishers, bianchi, treks (specifially 6500), many bikes in the beginner intermediate range | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Moab 3 stock .... so far | | Bottom Line: | This is my frist real mountain bike and the first time I road it, I didn't want to stop riding it. I'm 6'1" and weigh 180lbs and the 21" frame support me extremely well. It handles supurb on those fast downhills and climbs just as good on the steep uphills.
If you are also looking at the trek 6500 and any similar bikes, get on them and test ride them!!! I was looking at the trek 6500 but when I rode both of them around, the Moab 3 felt much more comfortable for my riding style.
So far, it seems like a bike which is great for beginners/intermediate to ride!!! If you're more advanced, you probably shouldn't even be reading this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cristian
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Strengths: | Frame (homegrown geometry), fork, rear der. Michelin tires | | Weaknesses: | hard saddle, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | GT Tempest 97, Trek 6500, RockHopper A1 2000, Giant Iguana 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | For 650 dolars you can't find something better. The frame is light, the fork works great (I'm 160 lb.). Front derailler needs some adjustments and tweaking to make it work. I've heard that the truvativ crancks doesn't work for some people, but for me works fine. A lot of bikes in that price range look "cheesy" and/or use one or more cheap components. The Moab 3 looks great and is very good balanced in terms of components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | So far...the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It's close and a good place to pick up chicks or guys | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Frame, Manitou Fork, Shimano shifters, Bail-out gear (I'm sure most bikes have this now days, but my last one didn't so it's a strength to me) | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is like sitting on a sharp rock. Toe Clip pedals suck, especially when your trying to start a climb in the middle of a steep hill (who knows, maybe I just don't know how to use them). Gonna switch to clipless. | | Similar Products Used: | 1991 Schwinn Mirada | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | It's the best bike I've ever owned so far. Used to go mountain biking all the time when I was younger. Just decided to get back into it. I love how light it is and how easy it is to climb with the Nlitened frame. My old Schwinn had the old crank shifters. I love the rapid fire shifters. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tristan Limbaugh
a Cross Country Rider
from Eden Prairie
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Hills network | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Priarie Cycle | | Strengths: | Light and fast shifts pretty smooth even when you are cranking through river bottom sand. Suspension eats up stumps like nobody's business. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is rock hard. Grips are too small esp. for large hands. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Karokaram, Specialized Rock Hopper, GT Backwoods | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new grips, seat, and bar ends.
| | Bottom Line: | Great bike for anybody who can't justify spending any more. Best bike in it's price class and then some. Did a lot of research before I settled on the Schwinn It just felt more solid than anything else. Fits tall riders well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arlo
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrisburg,Pa
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | In Gear Cycling & Fitness | | Strengths: | Suspension, frame | | Weaknesses: | pedals | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. Takes abuse well. The only things I plan on doing is ditching the pedals and going clipless and maybe a bash guard. I beat this bike religiously every weekend and it's holding up great. Ascends easily and tackles the technical stuff handily. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk Pedrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Sicklerville, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Camden County College | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$719.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Wheels | | Strengths: | Great frame and finish, Manitou fork, Kore stem and handlebars, Advid levers | | Weaknesses: | Seat, pedals, seatpost, crank | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Rolf Dolomite wheels, LX frt/rear, LX v brakes, Salsa seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because all I read about was how good the frames were -- and after six months, it takes a licken' and keeps on tickin'.
This bike tracks tight lines very well and acclerates with ease. The Manitou shock, along with the frame, makes riding over obsticles a joy. Keep in mind I have some upgrade parts; there is no substitute for a good wheel set/components.
I have gotten more comments on hot great this bike looks, the silver finish is awsome, but it's how it rides is the true beauty. A Homegrown geometry frame at a great cost, you can't go wrong.
Buy this bike, love this bike -- then, upgrade the parts.
5 Chilis for the Value of the frame alone, a 4 overall because some parts should be swapped at purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Hamilton
a
from Amherst M.A. USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | powerlines in leverett | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$664.00 | | Purchased At: | Laughing Dog Biyciles | | Strengths: | nice levers, riser bar, suspension, LX derailer, pretty light. its a nice quite smooth ride. | | Weaknesses: | pedals are pretty bad, stupid plastic thing on the rear wheel, frmae could be a bit stiffer. | | Bottom Line: | its smooth and climbs hills well, but coming downhill in the mudd is bad because the brake pads suck. Over all i think it's a pretty nice bike and it's worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy Dean
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiea Hawaii
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Aiea Loop and Aiea Lani Estates | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$587.00 | | Purchased At: | MCCully Bike | | Strengths: | Aluminum Frame, Kore lite 2 neck and Kore lite bars LX rear derailuer, Schwinn Saddle, Michelin Wildgripper XL's, Manitou SX 01' | | Weaknesses: | Seat post, cause I broke it. Pedals, cause they suck and I had to change them. Wheels, because they are slow and heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | None, I'm just getting back into MTB riding after a five year hiatus, and man has stuff changed. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano LX amd XT, interloc seat post and redline-proline pedals | | Bottom Line: | The bike is several steps away from being an ausum bike, just need to get rid of these tioga wheels. Although they're heavy, they're very durable. I'm looking at Mavic Crossrides for replacement and I'll probably also invest in a new headset, cause the ICBM doesn't look like it will last a summer of downhill and trail beating. I'm also waiting for the Manitou Black to come out, possibly a front fork swap in the mix. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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