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Submitted by
Gregory Horn
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, Fl.
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | San-Felasco Hammock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Collecting dust in someones garage. | | Strengths: | Frame!!! Great feel, ride, and control. Love the blue paint on my '97 aluminum Moab. Couldn't beat the price at $200 bucks. Didn't know what I was buying at the time. Talked into it by a friend. Wow!!! Glad I did. | | Weaknesses: | Killed the BB after 6 months of wet/dry sandy rides and too much cleaning. A little heavy at 28 lbs. Forks were ok until I bought a real set of '02 Psylo's. Heavy but awesome. | | Similar Products Used: | Treks, Cannondale, Giant Rainer, Pro-Flex, more... | | Bike Setup: | Just added '02 Psylo U-Turn forks, XT disc hubs with Rhyno-Lite hubs, Hayes Hydro-Mag 8" front disc, Trek gel seat, Specialized chronometer, 40* risor, Ride-On Gortex cables, WTB "Kevlar" Velociraptor tires front/rear, grips, Raceface BB, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Loved the bike from the start. Sold a heavy dual suspension bike when I found this one and don't miss it a bit. This bike really rips now with the mods. Just did 12 miles today test and tune. Had to add the heavier front spring for my 185 lb. frame. Biggest problem is me being out of shape at 43 (married with children). Got into mountain biking to give me and my 10 year old daughter excersize. Does it ever work! Lost allmost 20 pounds and feel beter than ever.
I can't even begin to ride this bike to it's full potential. Working on it though. JAMMER | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Williams
a
from Kingston
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Jockey Hill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Private sale | | Strengths: | Frame is strong and good looking.Good mix of original components,just this year have I started udgrading.. | | Weaknesses: | Alittle on the heavy side,but after a few upgrades,it's slimmed down abit...That's more than I can say for myself.. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar LE(stolen off my front porch) | | Bike Setup: | Moab1 frame.Ryno lite w/xt disc hubs.XT front and rear der..Raceface cranks...Kore,hellbent,XTR shifter/brake levers and Avid disc on front... | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in 99 for 500 bucks and here we are in 2002 and it has been the best purchase I have made..It's quick and responsive.I've raced it...crashed it...jumped it...and everything else...I ride 3 to 4 times a week and it's still here....I recomend this bike to anyone....who can find one that is!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Amrhein
a
from Cranberry, PA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartwood Acres | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Gatto | | Strengths: | Solid solid bike. I have the original forks, seat, rear wheel, tires, brakes, and derailures and they are all working as well as the day I bought them. | | Weaknesses: | it is not my mom | | Similar Products Used: | Plethora of other mtbs.
| | Bike Setup: | race face bars, cranks, bottom bracket. LX front wheel. | | Bottom Line: | I ride hard, alot. I probably ride 3 times a week. Nothing has worn out, down to the drive drive train. I lean more towards freeriding and the bike has never held me back, but I have also raced in expert classes and it was light and quick enough. Plain and simple, the bike is my best friend. It is reliable, good looking, light, and tuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Dalley
a Cross Country Rider
from Sterling Hts. Mi (USA)
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontaic Lake, Waterford Michigan | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | from private owner | | Strengths: | Bought the frame for $50
smooth riding great response and handling, this bike really knows how to listen to me.
I rode an Ibis mojo for a while,but I like this one better, it just handles and rides nicer.(Mojo was kinda squirrly.)
they even had the exact same components, I just switched em,
I haven't bent a rim yet. | | Weaknesses: | no complaints here, except paint chips off really easily | | Similar Products Used: | Trek single track w/front suspension.
I think it was an 870 cromo. | | Bike Setup: | Nice riding cromo frame, all upgraded components,
raceface turbine cranks,race face bars,raceface system, 1996 Judy xc
built the wheels myself w/ ultegra 28 hole front hub single cross w/mavic 230 rim,97'xt cassette, shimano xt rear 32 hole hub 97'w/ mavic 230 rim, regular old alloy seatpost, 95' look clipless pedals, sram 9.0 v-style brakes w/ 9.0 carbonfiber levers. xt front and rear derailers,
| | Bottom Line: | Good bike couldn't beat the price (very happy with this product.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip
a Weekend Warrior
from Brussels, Belgium (Europe)
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | half-open forest singletracks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Moab 1 cromo (1997): great geometry, riding comfort, good components (LX/XT), nice paintjob AND A LOT OF VALUE FOR THE MONEY YOU PAY | | Weaknesses: | heavy tires, heavy rear wheel, frame could have been lighter, medium/poor LX-V-brakes, gearing to tight for high speed rides, hard saddle, paint scratches a bit too fast | | Similar Products Used: | Ludo Carson, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | new front shock and internals (RS Indy SL with Englunds), pedals (Shimano M535), brakes (LX) and levers (XT), rear brake booster, tires (Michelin Wildgripper XC front / Lite rear) | | Bottom Line: | OK, let me first say that I should have bought a 18" instead of a 19" (although I have raised the saddle significantly only a week ago and I rides even better than it did before - less BMX-style though). I also haven't had that much of opportunity to go offroad since I have this bike (time, transportation and physical contraints - severe knee injury) so I've used it more for long road trips and "urban assault purposes" than for MTB'ing.
But now, for the review: well, this is a great bike. It's fun (always wanted a BMX, now I think I got one), it's comfortable (beware: seriously consider a new saddle for longer rides)and it drives very easy. OK, the geometry took me a little time to get used to, but then...
good cornering, good climbing and medium acceleration (although the frame absorbs some energy and the rear wheel feels quite heavy). It's very easy to adjust a rear wheel or even a minor front wheel slide. The bike feels confident in downhill situations but rear braking could/should have been better (I'm considering Avid Arch). Do something with the Rock Shox INDY XC: replace it or put in Englunds. Elastomer/spring rebound nearly cost my teeth or neck (or both, didn't exactly want to find out). Also replace the tires: too heavy and not that great in muddy conditions.
The wheels are heavy too (Mavic 238 with LX-hubs) but can take quite a beating (thought I ruined them by hitting a sidewalk fast in the dark. Did nothing (though Englunds took the hit up front)!). The XT-rear derailleur is great and needs only minor maintenance. Also nice bar-ends for people with smaller hands like me.
So what it comes down to is that Schwinn - which was relatively rare at that time in Belgium - has gained my trust by delivering the best bike I ever had for a soft price. I recommend it for weekend warriors like me who like short fast trips as well as the longer rides. Riders who want decent performance coupled with comfort and... FUN. People on a budget who appreciate a good frame (and therefore upgradability) and a worthy component package. I don't easily give high marks, but the Moab 1 (1997) DESERVES: | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from Saskatoon, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | frame
shock
drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | wheels and tires | | Similar Products Used: | a few | | Bike Setup: | xt drivetrain
easton hb
irc mythos
ritchey 120mm comp stem
| | Bottom Line: | I haved used my MOAB 1 ALU for two years worth of sport class racing, and after some upgrade for expert level as well. I have found this to be an excellent bike (albiet heavy) for a hard rider or sport racer. My only gripe was with the wheels. I weigh only 140 lbs and continually had to retrue the rear wheel. I replaced the spokes with some DT's of the same gauge and have trued it once in a entire year. The originally tires were also very heavy and really didn't seem to grip anything well. I have cut about 2 pounds by replacing the stem, tires and rear cogset. Now its about 24 lbs and rides great. If you find one used it could be a good deal.
Not crazy about the seat either | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Sennes
a Racer
from La Crosse, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Squeezer | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great frame, props to schwinn for making a cro-moly frame that is light, durable, quick and easy riding. The bike had good parts for the ones that are expensive, the judy xc front shock, mavic x221 rims, kore stem. Good avid single digit v-brakes | | Weaknesses: | It was a little bit pricey, and the drivetrain i disliked alot, the shifters and brake levers could be changed. Dislike the stiffnes of the seatpost | | Bike Setup: | Moab 1 98 | | Bottom Line: | Very good frame and key accesories, good bike to start riding on, has a few bad points but i think schwinn makes some of the best frames. GO SCHWINN!!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randall Baker
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville, CA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Brown's Ravine | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Awesome paint job, lightweight, mostly good components, handles well | | Weaknesses: |
PC-41 chain: please have dealer upgrade to 51 or 61 unless you enjoy racking yourself as the chain breaks on a steep uphill. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 820 | | Bike Setup: |
98 MOAB 1 AL After two years I have only replaced the brake pads with XT/XTR brake inserts, shortened the bar ends and put Lizard Skins on, shortened the handlebar, put a quick release on the seat post and put a Velocirapter on the rear. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a solid performer! Although I paid full retail-$1000 I still feel it was a bargain. Haven't had any trouble with the Moab (Velo) seat. After a 3 1/2 hr. ride the only thing that is sore is my lower back. All the components last well except for the chain (I weigh 160). The aluminum frame doesn't bother me although I am not a big jumper. No troubles with the Judy XC fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D. Williams
a Cross-Country Rider
from Provo, UT
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Bike feels quick and the frame is tough. Good Drivetrain and brakes. | | Weaknesses: |
Stock bars, seat, seatpost and rims are weak. The 98 Judy XC was a piece of junk. Stock chain was recalled because it kept breaking. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
Upgraded the shifters (XT), bar ends (Stubs), seat (Serfas), rims (Bontrager Mustangs w/ 99XT hubs), and tires (Mythos XC). | | Bottom Line: | This bike handles better than I could have hoped for it to. It is smooth through the corners and has a great feel for climbing. It is limited by some of its stock components though (particularly if you are a heavier rider). I have beat this bike hard and have ended up having to replace the bars, seat, seatpost, and rims because of this. With these changes, though, I'm not even thinking about buying a new bike. The only problem is that I still have the junk up front in the Rock Shox. I'm hoping it somehow dies so I can rationalize changing it out. Overall this bike is fantastic, and performs great for the price. Don't hesitate getting one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Valerie Newkirk
a Racer
from Moore, OK
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
New Draper Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Handling and comfortable ride | | Weaknesses: |
hate the seat! It sucks a#$. Stock shock also sucks a@#. | | Similar Products Used: |
schwinn mesa gx | | Bike Setup: |
LX/XT, Manitou FS ti, Continental tires. | | Bottom Line: | It's like sex with strangers. Cheap and fun. It corners great, climbs great, and takes crash damage well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chalon Furtado
a Racer
from Dallas,Ga
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Yellow river | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
frame construction,geometry, avid brakes | | Weaknesses: |
stock tires,wheelset, stock bar,seat,shifters | | Similar Products Used: |
Schwinn moab 3 | | Bike Setup: |
englund air cartriges, bontrager wheels and bar ends,ritchey pedals and bar, SDG comp ti seat and XTR shifters | | Bottom Line: | this bike rips! Stiff,responsive,strong frame,all you would expect from an aluminum frame. Ditch the stock fork guts (they're made by mattel). otherwise BUY THIS BIKE! IT's a true thoughoghbred racer that begs to be ridden,hard and fast.It loves to be put away wet. A great buy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross-Country Rider
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
value
looks
shock
most everything | | Weaknesses: |
ass numbing seat
stock barends
wheels?
tires | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized
Trek | | Bike Setup: |
98 Cromo, Judy XC, LX/XT, orange Profile barends, badass Onza grips - red w/porcupines, red Serfas seat | | Bottom Line: | I got mine for 799. Its really responsive on singletrack and climbs decently. After about 80 miles though, the cassette came apart. Don't really know what that was all about...Bike shop fixed under warranty. Put a new seat on before you ride any, unless you like not being able to feel your butt for the rest of the day. The tires are OK but not great. About a week ago, I bent the rear rim slightly. That was my fault really and the bike shop said it wasn't a problem. Other than that, I love my bike. It jumps over almost anything with no effort and likes to go very fast. Go find one on sale somewhere and get it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ace
a Cross-Country Rider
from CANMORE ALBERTA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules! I bought it for DIRT CHEAP. ONLY $1177 CANADIAN!!!!!!!!!! The only problem i've had was a broke a chain ring but warrenty fixed that. I used to hate the hard ass seat but i gave it some time to wear in and i LIKe IT!
FIVE flameing dogs!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
local loggin' roads | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Duribility of frame
I built MY bike from the frame up | | Weaknesses: |
I had to spend $$ to get rid of factory stock items | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Trek, Specialized, GT, Mongoose, Klein | | Bike Setup: |
98' Moab 1 frame
Judy XCRock Shox ( old fork)
Rock Shox SID ( new fork)
Shimano Components | | Bottom Line: | I built this bike from the frame up..after the local bike shop boys and I became friends..Sweet bike, and I'd ride it in winter if we didn't have soo much snow..It handles great in everything from Swamps, to forest, to sand, to flying throug the urban jungle | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Yankee Springs | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Just nabout everything,expecialy the looks. | | Weaknesses: |
None yet besides seat. | | Similar Products Used: |
Canondale,treck,specialized. | | Bottom Line: | I love it. got it about a week ago. The best bike I have ever rode. I got last years model so it was super cheap. I've been going around town to find the best bike. I didn't like the looks of the treck or canodales...i did like the looks of a specialized bike in the same price range, but it was heavy. I found the bike while looking at GT's and bought it on the spot. I've taken it trial riding once so far and it has been the best hill climber. street preformance has been a little scary cause of the tires, but i have gotten used to them. This bike was the lowest priced, best equipped, bestlooking...in its price range. I give it 5 flaming timales. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marco
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Similar Products Used: |
Bianchi | | Bottom Line: | I have a 1998 Schwinn Moab 2 Aluminum 23 (I'm 6'2). I got mine a little over a year ago on sale for $800. I love it. It's MUCH better than my old chromo Bianchi (which I truly loved dearly). This is my first aluminum bike as well as my first front suspended bike. I'm no pro, but I do tend to ride it pretty hard. I've replaced one of the crank arms, a full set of brake pads, and, most recently, a new rear rim(MavicX517 instead of the stock X221/spokes(14gauge instead of the stock 12gauge)/tire(ContinentalTraction) combo($135). I kept the original hub since it hasn't been a problem for me. For some reason, I kept tweaking my rear wheel and had to have it trued 3 times in a 6 month period. The front is all original since I've had absolutely no problems with it. Everyone seems to complain about the stock tires. I think they're OK, but maybe I've just gotten used to them. Overall, I think she handles like a dream, rides wheelies better than anything else I've ridden, and even though I've got the big 23 incher, she feels very light and nimble to me. Very cool blue/black paint job as well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hodglen
a Cross-Country Rider
from Up NORTH
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
snowmobile trails | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
looks good | | Weaknesses: |
tested
don't own (YET) | | Similar Products Used: |
Motiv Hardtail | | Bike Setup: |
Going to buy Rock Shox Judy XC 98' or 99' | | Bottom Line: | could someone please tell me what the big difference between the Moab 1 and Moab 3. My local dealer said the Moab3 is 678.95...Most people's review said that the Moab 1 runs about from $600-$1000. How long did it take you people to get used to the clipless pedals??? Are the cartigages and spings good quality inside the shox? Has anything broke on it??? And last...what kind of waranties do you guys have on the bikes? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Eagle Mountain, UT
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
South Fork | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Component mix | | Weaknesses: |
Tires, hubs | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher Paragon
Specialized M2 | | Bottom Line: | I bought a 98 Moab1 ChroMo in January (Schwinn discontinued the Chromoly frame as of 99). A steal at $600 U.S. Came with Judy XC forks, Avid V-brakes, XT-LX drivetrain (not the lightest, but very servicable). One of the first rides that I toke this bike on was Slick-Rock - I was imediatly impressed with the climbing abilities of this bike. One of my major concerns was how well this bike would climb, because I love a dificult climb. I was not dissapointed. I was able to make all the climbs (and a few extra). My first ride on single track however did not go as well. I nearly rapped myself around an aspen tree because I couldn't get the front tire to track. After experimenting with a combination of different speed's, body position and lines I was able to attack the corners a little more aggresively. I think that a change of tires would most likely make this bike a much more enjoyable single-track ride. Over all I would have to give this bike 4 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross-Country Rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Marl Ravine | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Everything but the seat | | Weaknesses: |
The seat hurts hurts hurts. AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 8000, which isnt as good. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best Ive ever ridden . Everyone I know wants a FS bike but Im very satisfied with this awesome hardtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sandi
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle WA.
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Almost Everything | | Weaknesses: |
The Seat Sucks, No name handle bars and bar ends | | Similar Products Used: |
TREK,CANNONDALE,SPECIALIZED | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn Moab A1 1998 15 | | Bottom Line: | For $750.00 bucks you can't go wrong..I am only 5'2 tall and the 15 frame fits me great!! In fact I liked the bike so well that when my first one was stolen from my house, my insurance co. gave me $1000.00 to replace it I just went out and bought another one! Spent the rest of the cash on riding shoes and accessories and stuff!! Excellent bike for the money!!!!! 5 flamers for sure
00 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
leech4077
a Cross-Country Rider
from oak park IL
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
lite ride good and stiff great shock awsome bike uses it weight well | | Weaknesses: |
heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
airborne ,trek ,lite speed,gt | | Bike Setup: |
aluminum mountain mix some bunch of crap stx- rc rear derailur I upgreated to total XT-XTR and now it kicks ass even more judy C | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks so much ass it isn't funny at 739.56 its a stealI upgrated the crap it came with to speedplay frogs XTR crank and XTR rear derailur with XT front breaks are XTR and sl shifting pods from XT a set of spinergy mags for wheels round off the package and this bike brings so much attention to itself it is not funny it is a real hot rod it kicks ass! and at only at 23 lb its a light weight | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
An xc rider from Colorado.
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Frame and overall quality. | | Weaknesses: |
Cheep wheels and hubs. | | Similar Products Used: |
Bikes with two wheels. | | Bike Setup: |
98 Al. Moab 1 Stock execpt for some wildgripper sprint tires and a giro seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules. Plus I got it for a smooth $700 I love everything about it execpt the stupid wheels and hubs. It's climbs great and rides like a dream.. also light. Go give blood or something and get one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Massey Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | Jelloman,A friend of mine also had the 98 cromo Moab1.His waterbottle mounts also ripped out.Schwinn warrantied the frame and gave him a 99 Moab1 aluminum.Sounds like a good deal to me | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
who cares
a Cross-Country Rider
from greatwhitenorth ab
Date Reviewed: March 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the widow maker in lethbridge | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
this bike ruled until it got stolen by some fucking basterd bottom feeder at the edmonton folk festival you know who you are you peice of shit queer. | | Weaknesses: |
the front hub is a peice of shit | | Bike Setup: |
put a rieser bar on this bike and a short stem for the ultimate freeride bike. | | Bottom Line: | If you stloe my bike and if i ever find you i will break every bone in your body with a baseball bat and feed you to my dog for breakfast. I rate this bike five bike thives burning in hell. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jelloman
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to 2 prior reviews.....I've had the 98' moab1 cromo for a while now and it has been great. Updates? Two problems: One of the crank arms started getting loose and wobbling - went to bike shop - had to replace the arm - i now know to check the arms to make sure they are tight, because i stripped that one out - had to replace it, but only cost $25. that's more my fault than anything. Problem #2 (which was not my fault): recently, the waterbottle mounts on the downtube broke off with water bottle cage attached- really sucks - moisture then got into the frame and it is slightly rusting around the holes where the mounts used to be - talked to an LBS (non schwinn) and they said that may be covered by warranty, so i'll be checking with schwinn soon. I'm keeping my prior 4 chilies on the bike pending my experience with schwinn service - hopefully all will go well and i'll get the frame fixed or replaced. peace. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a weekend warrior
from Louisiana
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is AWESOME!!!. I bought my 98 Moab 1 aluminum in november for $750.00!!!!. I've ridden this bike to hell and back. So far, not one complaint. I did upgrade the seat to a Serfas and put on IRC mythos tires. Stock tires are too heavy. This bike is the best climber of any bike in and above its class. It is perfect on the single tracks thanks to schwinn's ride tuned technology. Bumps are absorbed in the front by the veteren Judy XC, and in the rear by the Epicenter seat stays. I have not had to true the rock-solid Mavic rims yet!. Avid brakes are the best you can get, way better than shimano. The best thing abput this bike is how it steers. Its like you just point and click. For $750 I got KORE stem, LX cranks, XT front and rear deralliur,Judy XC, Mavic rims with machined sidewalls, and SCOTT clipless pedals. Mine weighs in at 23.5 pounds. If you can still find one of these, don't hesitate, buy it. Five flaming turdies for the little red(and yellow)pocket rocket. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from Ont Canada
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got the Moab 1 Alu '98. It is the best. I don't like Rockshox so my local shop put on a Manitou SX-R for a extra $40 Canadian. I only paid 1540 canadian. For all you Americans thats cheap. The only thing that I will change on it is the handle bar, seat post and tires. As for the ride and handling... its what dreams are made of. It has a long stem so I thought that the steering in tight single track would suck. Boy was I wrong. The bike feels comfortable in all situations. The geometry is perfect. Sorry for repeating so much that the bike is so perfect but the fact is, is that the bike is almost perfect. I have spent time in Treks and Specialized, I don't know if it is the epicenter seat stays but this bike seems to have a nicer, softer ride then both of those bikes.
I looked for over six months at different bikes in this price range and I'm very confident that I bought the best bike. The only bike that comes close is the TREK 8000. The SCHWINN has a better front fork and front der. as well, for me it was cheaper.
The last thing that I would like to say is that SCHWINN and its 104 years of experience rule. If I ever need a new bike I'II be sure to make it a Homegrown | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Elliott Austin
a weekend warrior
from Blowing Rock N,C
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my '98 Moab 1 Alu. ! Ihave had it for 1 year and the only thing I have had to change on it were Break pads and tires. I did get a 63mm travel fork on it and had to boost it up to 3.5 inches so I could race dule slolum. But other than that it was a great bike. If your looking for a '98Moab Alu '98! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a cross-country rider
from Walla Walla, Wa
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Picked it up friday, two days ago. '98 Moab1, cro-moly. With tax, $600.00, and another $15.00 for changes made. Changed stem and handlebar to a 40 degree rise stem and 2 rise Club Roost bar. Did away with the clipless pedals for clips and straps. Put more steetable tires on, but kept the old ones for off road. got rid of the moab saddle, exchanged it for a saddle from a Mesa. Out of the box this bike came with an LX front derailer, I will be seeing my dealer monday to complain about that. One more thing, I put on a small seat bag.
After two days of major riding, mostly on the road,I think it is a very good machine. Off road it really shines, climbs easily up grass and dirt hills and flies down them. On the road it seems fast enough, but I think I could out run it on my old 10 speed. This is my first mountain bike and I won't ever race. I want to get my wife and daughter each a mountain bike and go into the back country and have some fun. I will change the Mesa saddle though, it also is very uncomfortable. All in all I think I made the right desision, espesially at the price.I will give the bike the benifit of the doubt as I havent riden it but for two days, and give it 5 chiles, but will update after I ride it more. Can anyone tell me the cheapest mail order bike parts and accessories place to shop? Is there a better saddle for someone like me at 200lbs? Thanks one and all, happy trails.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley CA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am an avid mountain biker, and just got rid of a 29 Ib piece of crap Schwinn I had for a year. I got the Schwinn Moab 1 CrMo for $750!!!!!!!! It is nice as hell. The judy XC came with my choice of springs, and the XT gearing won't need upgrading for a long time. Crankset could use a change, and stock posts and bars, but otherwise, this bike could be raced, without much change. If you can still find a '98 one, go for it. Its at 3/4s or less of the retail, and worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pikabike
a cross-country rider
from CO
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just rented one of these and found it OK (best rental I've ever used) but definitely not 5-chili material.The bars were waaaaaay too wide for such a small frame and the small riders who would fit that frame, the wheels were heavy, handling on technical trails was mediocre, the stock tires poorly suited to anything more than easy singletrack, and the front end was HEAVY. Trail conditions (climbing) that would merely be stimulating on my own bikes required wrestling with the bike; it didn't take well to body English. Sprinting it on pavement brought lackadaisical response. On the good side, it was stable on downhills.I was surprised to see here that it's a $1100 bike. IMO, it's too sluggish a handler for mountain-goaty climbing on rocky or tight stuff. For about the same price (but 3 years ago), I bought a Klein Fervor that responds markedly better to body language.Choose yer poison, I guess: I'd rather ride a skittish mount that I can make an extension of my own body (cliche, yes, but a valid one), than sit on something softer on downhills. None of the above means I think the Moab is a lousy bike; I just think it's not worth $1100 if you ride technical trails. I suspect that the handling aspect would have been improved with good tires and shorter bars, which are inexpensive fixes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Woody
a weekend warrior
from oklahoma city, OK
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 97 Moab 1 Al on closeout at the end of 97 (For $850). I have to say that I absolutely love this bike! I testrode just about everything in the Moab's price range (around $1000), and there are a lot of good bikes out there. But the minute I got on the Moab, I got this huge grin that wouldn't go away. Something about the geometry of the bike and my geometry made this bike feel SWEET! It handles great on the downhills, climbs like a goat, and still gives me grins. I did do some replacing, although pretty minor. The first thing to go was the seat, can you say OUCH?! Replaced it with a Serfas Tailbones. Also ditched the stock Moab tires with Bontrager Jones. (The rear tire lost about half its knobbies!) So far the LX/XT mix works great, but I'll probably upgrade those LX brakes pretty soon. The Indy XC (came on the 97) works great for my size (about 140), I haven't had any trouble. All in all, I haven't had any trouble with this bike, after 500 hard miles and several crashes (stiches and severely bruised ribs!). It's held up like a champ. All of my buddies have full-suspension (Specialized, to be exact), but I have no desire to give up my Moab. The next bike I'd like to have is Homegrown Factory, but I'm having to resist the pressure to go Full-suspension. Around here, where everything is almost pure cross-country (we have very few mountains in OK), I don't feel I need it.I give this bike 5 flamin' chile thingies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Oakley
a weekend warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got 1100+ miles now on my 98 Moab 1 Aluminum, so I thought it was time for a brief update. I still love this bike. No problems whatsoever. I've been thinking of upgrading to XTR, but after a really thorough cleaning this past week I realized the lx/xt components still shifts as good as new, so I'll save my money for now. Everything on the bike is still stock except the tubes. I switched to presta and put in some spinskins. In addition to the typical run of the mill stuff I've taken one major spill (cracked ribs, anyone?) and the bike took it like a champ. No major wear, and only a few minor scratches on that great bass-boat paint.Bottom line: I'm still 100% thrilled with the bike after all these miles. No doubt, there is no better bike for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from SF CA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had a Chromo Moab for a year, and have logged over 1500, hard, heavy miles. The bike, equiped with a low-end Rockshock Indy, LX bottom bracket, and Mavic 238's with heavy LX hubs was an OK place to start, however I immediately began upgrading. First though....the frameset: This bike does best bombing down fast doubletrack. If this is the type of trails you ride on, great. If you're on technical singletrack most of the time, then get something else. This frame doesn't handle well in tight spots. Climbing is ok, on wider trails, but can be a chore up steep, narrow terrain due to poor handling. In it's defense, never have I had so much fun going down the wider, faster stuff. Now the upgrades you'll need: The first to go was the LX bottom bracket, which was done by the 2nd month. 2nd was the terrible Rockshock Indy fork (replaced with a Z2 Atom Bomb), and then the wheelset (replaced with Mavic 515's and XTR hubs - - - what a difference!). The LX rear hub is very strong, but way too heavy. You'll need something lighter to really fly. Overall, it's been fun, but now it's time to upgrade to a better frameset. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael b
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I checked on several similar bikes as far as price and components and can only say that I am absolutely thrilled that I purchased the Moab I. The frame is really nice, its easy to make this a super light bike and if you are patient and take proper maintenance steps with the JUDY XC fork, the whole schabang will really please you. The geometry of the frame makes this a tight turner, plus it looks really sweet. The components are really reliable and perform well. Beware, this bike likes to jump high! I am only giving it 4 flaming turds bc the wheelsets are a little weighty, but they have stayed true on some really rocky stuff. Try one, you wont be disappointed, escpecially if you can get a '98 at closeout. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wish I was
a
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Moab is a really, really nice bike. Nobody can deny that. It has a great parts mix, a good fork, and a really nice frame, I would have to say that it is the second best bike for the money. The first best? Have to go with the Trek 8000. The 8000 has an equal parts mix, better hubs, a better frame and a comperable fork. Oh, and the 8000's seat dosent feel like it is constantly trying to shove itself up your ass. After a long ride on the Moab 1, you feel great, worn out, but good. All but your butt. It feels like you have been riding on a shovel handle all day (no joke!). After a long ride on the 8000 you feel great, worn out, well excercized and all warm an fuzzy inside. And you butt. Ahhhhh.......You arent afraid to get back on the bike! In summary, for the $$ the Moab is a great bike. But if you are like me and cant afford 2 bikes in that class I would (and did) go with the Trek 8000. Over all I give it 3 burning chilli things. They shouldda looked harder at that. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jumpy
a cross-country rider
from ca
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
bomb-ass bike. Sweet paint, sweet handling. The Schwinn's a wheelie fiend. This bike loves to bunnyhop. Doing gaps are no problem, and this bike seems made for drop-offs. Jumping the Moab is way more fun than jumping my 20 bike. This bike rules on singletrack and is unstoppable on downhills. The frame is great, and you can feel the butting and curving of the stays. I've crashed it super hard and it takes it like a champ. The components are fine, but this bike deserves rise bars, and better wheels. 636 pedals rock on this bike. After 5 months, I wouldn't ride any other hardtail (maybe a homegrown). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a cross-country rider
from Gorham, ME USA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased the Moab 1 Al two weeks ago for $900. I think I'm in Love! This bike has been fantastic, the LX/XT Components and Avid brakes have worked without a flaw. I have logged over 100 miles without so much as a misshift. This bike is the best thing money can buy for around $1000 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a good bike i got it used three months ago but i wouldn't buy it new because it isn't perfect. I would get it on sale if you are going to get it. Then it will be a good grab. You might want to change the seat because it really hurts. I give it a four because it is good but not perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cIRCitmage
a cross-country rider
from New Haven, CT
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ooops ... I meant to say 27 lbs, not 24 lbs ... but that doesn't change a thing ... I still love this bike ...It's making me think about getting a Homegrown factory racer ... now that would be a sweet ride ... I even rode a Litespeed LX equipped model and like this '97 Moab1 Cro-Mo better ... go'figah | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Werner
a weekend warrior
from St. Louis, Mo.
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Schwinn Moab I (aluminum)
I bought my Moab early this spring, having saved my pennies to replace my old, used Rockhopper. After doing a bit of research, I got down to the Schwinn and the Stumpjumper, both at about 1000.00. Went with the Schwinn mainly due to a long association with the dealer.
So far, this has been a fine bike. I just went over it at about 100 off-road miles, and couldn't find so much as a loose spoke.
It's light, agile, climbs well, and the epicenter seat and chainstays provide a bit of compliance in the otherwise stiff frame.
This is my first bike with any kind of suspension, and so far the 98 Judy XC is working just fine. No leaks, good response to even small bumps, and no adjustments needed for my 200 pound wieght.
I was a little leery of the stock tires, having had velociraptors on my hopper', but they seem fine. They really clear mud well, which is a big plus here in Missouri! ( we have our choice of mud, dust, or rocks on most trails)
I also let my WTB saddle go with the old bike, but so far the stock item is
O.K. It looks nice, and is reasonably comfortable, if not great..
As expected, the LX and XT shimano bits work great, and the Avid v's seem to work just as well as the shimano LX v's I put on the rockhopper. Plus, the Avid levers are longer.
One trail here features a long, rocky downhill that always left me with cramping forearms and exhausted hands on the hopper. The Schwinn soaked up all the nasties very nicely, and I was amazed at how relaxed I was in comparison.
Seems like everytime I go out in the woods I like it better.
I installed a Nashbar wireless computer, and so far it's been very reliable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Should be racin
a cross-country rider
from Windermere Valley, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I looked at a lot of bikes around the Moab 1's price range and decided to go with the Moab as no other bike could beat it's components for its price. If your looking for a great bike this is it. This bike is perfect for me. I have only a few things to note. As i'm only about 120 lbs the Judy xc's a alittle stiff. I got use to that and now don't have a problem with them. Another prob I had was shifting down to fast often caused my chain to flip up and get caught with the higher chain section where it meets with the front gears. Just be cautious or you'll find your chain laying behind you about 100 meters. My last point is that I found that the geometry for me was a bit wierd for steering. I found that it was harder to keep a straight line and keep the bike from getting a mind of it's own. If anyone knows what I should do to fix that could ya Eail me at 3rddimention@geocities.com. It might just need a bit of adjusting. One last thing is that I got jipped and got stx rc shifters instead of LX. If anyone knows if it is worth it to upgrade to Xt let me know.
I would recomend this bike to anyone but keep your eyes open for a deal and don't buy at regular price.
I'd give tis bike a 4.5 wiennie roasts if it was avaliable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jelloman
a weekend warrior
from College Station
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an update to my review below. I still love my bike, although I've discovered a couple of other problems. The saddle, which I found out is a Velo by looking at the underside of it, is still uncomfortable, but even more important, one of the rails bent slightly. It's still rideable but the slight bend makes the saddle a bit offcenter. I'm replacing it anyway, probably with a sweet orange leather Selle Italia Flite. Also, the bike weighed in at just under 28lbs., but what do I expect with Cro-mo, I know that high end Cro-mo can be light but that would be $1000 just for the frame. I examined the seatpost, which looks like the clamp onto the saddle is plastic, but is really powder coated aluminum, works for me so far. I've ridden it behind my neighborhood quite a bit now. The terrain is sandy and rooty with some steep washed out gullies. It cuts through the sand well, and the bike handles steep descents great, but I'm still not comfortable with steep climbs, but that's because I'm new to this, not quite adjusted to clipless pedals, and not too strong yet in my legs. I'm gonna go riding sometime with my uncle in Austin who has an Ibis Ti Mojo :-D !!!!! Sweeeeetest bike I've ever seen but also $$$$$$$$$$$$mucho mucho dinero(He got it cheaper, but I understand they run 4 or 5 grand!)Anyway, I guess I need to quit looking at the orgasmic mega chilie stain your shorts in the saddle bikes and just ride my super cool cro-mo. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a weekend warrior
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Tested a Moab 1 Aluminum. Nice bike. Real nice. Bought a GT Avalance instead. Why? $1100!!!!! The Moab is a crappy bargain. Good bike, but not worth that much cash!!! Just told this review needs to be 50 words long so I'm wasting words. For thrifty bikers--you can't beat GT! By the way, don't you get pissed when you see $1500 full-suspension bikes being ridden on pavement by rich f*cks who don't even know what switchbacks are? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jelloman
a weekend warrior
from College Station, TX
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Picked this beaut' up yesterday and it rocks. This is my first real bike and I think I made a good choice. At first looked at Gary Fishers. They are quite nice, the frames I know are of top quality construction, but the HooKooEKoo had a lot of upgrading to do to match the Moab. Not a very competitive bike when it comes to features. The aluminum Big Sur in the same boat. I also like the feel of cro-mo better.I seriously looked at the '97 GT Karokoram, and I think either way It would have been a good decision. It is spec'ed with LX parts and an Indy SL, but was also priced $150 cheaper. The deciding factor for me is that the manager of the GT shop in College Station is the worst salesman I've ever seen and doesn't know jack about bikes. I wanted a good hardtail and he started talking about a bottom of the line '96 GT full suspension with cantilever brakes. The rear shock was a cheap piece of plastic RockShox, and he said, hey man, it's RockShox, can't get any better!. Anyway, GT's rock but I wouldn't put up with that.I couldn't find anything else that would give me as good a value as the Moab1 Cro-Mo, so I got it, and I'm glad. Schwinn definitely put out some kick-ass bikes this year, and the Moab fit right into my price range with the components I wanted. Complaints: the saddle is absolutely buttnumbing, the seatpost is cheap, the bar ends are too thin to fit in my hands nicely, but all minor stuff. It rides great, so overall I'll give it 4 Chilies, because it rocks but ain't absolutely perfect. I'll put some miles on it and I'll be back. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
damdam
a cross-country rider
from mississippi
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I know it's a good bike once you upgrade half of the components. The real reason for this review is to knock this poser's review, that WAS on the end of the list, out of my sight! Poser's beware, it's time to run your bike and not your mouth! Just go ride. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Arnold
a weekend warrior
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Moab 1 Cro-Moly and love it. Schwinn had a great deal in May on the bike (Approx. $829) I am a big 6'1 225lb guy and was really concerned about the weight and strength of a cromo frame. The Reynold tubing is incredible and has performed excellent. Light (as most Alum frames), strong, and for those guys out there that are tired of the teeth chattering feel of alum, this is the bike. Judy XC, Avid adjustable Vs, and LX/XT equiped. For guys with an ass the width of a dollar bill the stock Moab saddle is fine, however for the rest of us 30 plus waist bikers, go buy the WTB SST Leather saddle..THE Most comfortable bike seat I have had the opportunity to sit on, and its designed to be friendly to your buddies down under. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a cross-country rider
from Los Gatos, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It is a great bike. I have had it about a year and it hasn't let me down. I am 200 lbs and it works supprisingly well. It is bit sluggish on the uphills and I am replacing my tires for some lighter ones. Everything else works like a charm. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Barinaga
a weekend warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Moab 1 Cro-Moly and love it. I paid $829 for it at
a local shop, and have been very impressed with what I got. No
other bike at this price can touch the quality of the components
or fork. I really like the Avid brakes, and the adjustment
knob on the brake allows you to change sensitivty in a flash.
This hardtail rocks and is a great value. Check it out!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Huffy Lover
a cross-country rider
from Cedar Springs, MI
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 1998 MOAB 1 Cromoly.I have had this bike for four months now and have logged roughly 400 miles on it. This bike rocks! In depth review as follows:I finally got the hang of clipless pedals and have had to set the tension all the way to max with the Scott clipless Pedals after coming unclipped doing bunnyhops and hard turns. I always come unclipped when needed, having burned into my head how to unclip after a few stupid stop sign falls ( nothing is a better incentive to improve than public humilation). These pedals , although not the best, have performed VERY well having been smashed into rocks and such many times. They provide consistant entry and release when cleaned and lubed regularly with White Lightning. I found the stock store geometry a bit cramped and too low so I made the following changes:
- Kore lite 25 degree riser bar (shortest length I could get)
- Titec HellBent 1.5 Aluminum riser bar (looks cool as hell)This setup provides a more comfortable up and back position that still allows for maximum handling in tight, twisty singletrack. I swapped out the butt plug that is supposed to be a saddle ( I swear the stock saddle rammed right up my butt) for a Wilderness Trails SST plain black leather model (they dont make an orange kevlar model yet). A local bike shop that normally doesn't carry the saddle sold it to me off a bike for $24 bucks! HA! It is the comfiest saddle I have ever ridden. It is almost like it isnt even there, you become one with your bike. Even with the comfy saddle, rough terrain makes my butt sore so I broke down and bought a '98 Thudbuster Unipivot suspension seatpost. Wow, this thing is awesome. After fiddling around with the preloads the seatpost is very plush without being annoyingly boingy. It allows me to stay seated and hammer over terrain I would normally have to stand up and coast over. Very Very valuable addion to the bike for only $80 mail order. I swapped out the stock bar ends for profile Boxxer OS double bend bar ends which are ALMOST the exact same shade of orange as the bike (It is really close). They look great and the work great. I also swapped the stock grips with Yeti HardCore's they are OK but are red and yellow, I have some OURY orange grips on backorder with Nashbar, I can't wait to get them. I also got a Specialized speed zone Wireless cyclocomputer as running the wire from the Trek Radar I have on my huffy would be a pain in the butt and just plain look bad on the Judy XC fork. It works OK but has lousy buttons that dont provide reliable switching between functions. Function wise the computer never misses a beat and is very accurate. Setup was a snap and It works great when wet.I swapped out the crappy tires for two sets of new tires: Jones for off road and Revolt SS for road and hardpack use. I want to get some Revolt ST2's for racing but my LBS keeps selling out before I can scrape together enough dough to get 'em.The Mavic 221 rims are great, I only had to true them once after a 13 mile race over incredibly fast, rough terrain (I dented my huffy rim on the same course going much slower a year earlier). I did however break the little plastic spoke protector doing bunnyhops in the parking lot. No great loss as I always keep my deraileur tuned up. I only threw the chain into the spokes once on a bridge dropoff over a stream and I dont think the protector would have helped there.They bike over-all handles very nicely. I had a confidence problem at first leaning into rough, sandy, pot-holed corners as doing so on a huffy leaves you picking thorny vegitation out of your face. I have been slowly been leaning the bike more and more under me through switch-back turns and it is very stable. You can tell when you start to slide and drift and the bike takes very little effort to correct for this. It is stable at high speed decents (32 MPH down a VERY rooty local downhill with two 3' drop-offs on it and a toppled tree you have to duck under). Even at high speeds you can steer accuratly around obstacles and land off drop offs at speed very smoothly, no wobble. I have only been riding high speed technical terrain sice getting this bike so I know it's not my technique. The added goodies like the riser bar and suspension seatpost make the bike slightly heavier that stock, but the bike still climbs very quickly. After getting my pedaling technique down pat I found I could clear VERY steep technical climbs that I had only been able to hike up before with my huffy. It can climb up and over stuff that I had problems walking up! Overall this bike is a fantastic value for the level of componentry on it. I paid $899 for my bike and the closest similarly spec'ed out bike came in at $1200. I have only two gripes: First the big SCHWINN stickers that were on the down tube started cracking and peeling so I took a blow drier to what was left and I now have a brandless bike (It looks really cool now though). And Secondly It is very hard to find ORANGE bike accessories! I liked the 1997 fire engine red paint job better.Five flamers for a solid FUN bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Satan
a cross-country rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought this bike (cro-moly) after looking at many bikes in the $900-$1000(US) range. Got it for $829. As most reviewers say, this bike is hard to beat
for the money. The seat was not very good so it was swapped out along with the
seatpost. Next some lighter bars and bar ends and better tires and this will be
a great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a racer
from oklahoma
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a moab 1 alum, I swapped the shock for the judy xc,(97 version}
My dealer was the best to help with everything,including no pressure sale.
I have had the bike 1 year, This bike is strong,and light,I have crashed several
times and this bike shows no signs of injury,I ride and 4 times a week and race
once a month (when work allows) and I am very happy with the way it always
runs thumbs up, | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cIRCitmage
a weekend warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First off, kudos to MTBR.com!! ... awesome site ... been a daily visitor for some time now ... this is my second post on the '97 Moab 1 CroMo I bought last year (Nov '97), so yoou can consider this a long term review ... This was my first Mountain Bike having been a long term road bike guy (Reynolds 53, Shimano 600, Campy Chorus, etc...) ... I did a lotta research on Mountain Bikes, and determined that price-performance wise the Moab/Trek 8000/Cannondale ?/etc... were ion the same range ... Lemme tell you the Moab 1 has been the best buy of my lifetime ... got it for US$ 700 ...spec'd out like a $1200 bike ... Scott clipless pedals took some getting used to, and had more than my share of spills because I had the tension set too tight ... but I'm dumb and ride hard at the wrong spots ... geometry and weight suit me just right (I'm 5'9 140 lbs) ... the bike has bounced back from numerous spills with no problems ... every rare once-in-awhile, the chain locks up, but a simple 1/2 reverse pedal takes care of that - I have no idea why that happens, but it has caused me too spill occasionally ... the brakes are incredible!! I can control my very steep descents with one finger on each hand!!!! ... the granny gear is a little high for some of the hills I ride, but I suspect that will improve with my fitness level ... anticipated upgrades will occur only when a part blows up or fails - Front fork to Judy, Kore Elite stem and seatpost, Spinergy wheels/lighter Kevlar tires/XTR hubs ... this bike is awesome ... I'm considering racing becasue of its stability, tracking, carving and responsiveness ... I don't believe in perfection, but I have to round up from my 4.5 chilis to FIVE FLAMING HABANEROS for this bike... BUY BUY BUY BUY | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a weekend warrior
from BC Canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Very Nice! I scored this XT LX equipped ride for just $1100.00 Canadian, two months ago. Love that frame! this bike is fast. Needs Presta valves and kevlar tires, also plan to upgrade the LX shifters to XT, (LX are cramped on my riser bars), also I'll ride the XC Rock Shox until they die, then go with Bombers, Z3's look good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Moab1 is a good bike, however Love the bike is wrong. Both bikes are mostly XT/LX, making much of their componentry similar. Moab1 has better fork. Trek 8K has better handlebars, & hubs. Brakes are a matter of preference...maybe slight advantage to Moab1. Both use Avid 1.9 brake levers. I believe Trek 8K is lighter. The angle of the headset & fork give the Trek excellent handling.
Both can be bought for around $850. Try them both, I am sure they ride pretty different. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Doesn't ride that well. Components good for the money, but frame isn't great. No matter how you look at it, the bike is still a Schwinn! Better off with Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo(If you want Cro-mo) or Trek 8000 (If you want Aluminum). The Trek is the same $ for same level of components and you could upgrade the HKEK for about the same price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Love the BIke
a racer
from Frederick, Maryland
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Love this bike, I routinely race with it and have had no problems. For the money this bike cannot be beat (Trek or GF). The only components the Trek 8K has of equal or better quality is the handlebar! As far as the frame goes- it depends on the individual, but Schwinn has proportioned theTop tube length and standover height for an excellent aggressive fit. I'm not a fan of RockShocks but will ride the XC's until they blow, then upgrade to the Marzocchi Z3! This bike is very hard to beat! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Upchurch
a cross-country rider
from Cleveland, OH
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is AMAZING. There is no other way to put it. I own the Cro-Mo Moab, and love it. Upgrades are great, returns and repairs are a snap. There was a ding in the rim when I bought it and I ended up with an upgraded rim as a replacement from Schwinn. The bike's lightweight, strong, and fast. Amazing piece of equipment without spending the extra money for a homegrown. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Oakley
a weekend warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'll have to join the chorus of praises to this bike. I've had aluminum Moab 1 for a couple of months with no complaints (paid just under $1000 for it in late February). The bike truly is the best value for the money IMO. I did a lot of research before buying and couldn't come up with anything better. Well, if you like steel the cro-mo version is an even better deal. I really wanted a C'dale, but the Mo' was cheaper, had better components, fit me better, and rides like a dream. Plus the guys at the local Schwinn dealership were extremely helpful. Of course, it was snowing when I took the bike for a test ride, so I was probably the only customer they saw all day.What a fantastic bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Miller
a cross-country rider
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am looking at purchasing a Moab 1 but it is hard to find anything that people say is bad about the bike. That in itself is not the problem. The only question I have is, has anyone had any experience witht the factory and retruns or repairs. If so please take a minute and tell me how it when. Thank you so muck and happy riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike johns
a cross-country rider
from slippery rock, pa
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't have a moab mountain bike as of yet. But I have been looking at the Moab3 aluminum. Cost of this bike from a dealer is $600 after dealing with him. IF any one has any information on the quality of this bike. Let me know what you think. thanks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Smith
a cross-country rider
from minnesota
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike rules!!!
Absolutly the best bike for the money. Just got back from Moab, and this bike is perfect. The geometry is perfect for me; it keeps a line perfect. This thing also climbs like a jeep. I didn't have to walk up any hills(this can probably be attributed to my superior skills). Everything rules, and I got it on sale for $800. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mista Stinki
a racer
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey. I'm a racer that likes to race. When i got my shwinn moab A1 for 1250$ canadian, I was astounded. Never will you ever get a better deal. XT/
LX parts are very very rare at this price range. The 98' judy xc is also unheard of below 1500, and the frame is sweet. the only not top of the line parts are the hubs (front) and the handle bar. But who cares about the handle bar anway? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Beau
a weekend warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the first actual mountian bike I have ever owned, and I love it. The judy XC is the smoothest fork in it's price range, external dampening too. The LX/XT component work great. I've owned the bike for three months and have yet to experience a severe misshift, chain derailment, or other such hazard. I'm dumb, and ride hard, so I crash alot. The frame and parts take all the punishment I can dish out. Only one upgrade; No name handlebar to Bontrager comp, other than that, I has been perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: March 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Value, great bike! Junk the tires, they have no lateral grip. No name seatpost, handlebars and bar ends cut costs. The XT and LX components are perfectly balanced. Great rims with ho hum hubs. Comfortable saddle. You could do much worse than this very fast and extremely beautiful machine. I have never owned and aluminum bike and find nothing here, comparing to steel, to complain about. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan (aka Puff Daddy)
a weekend warrior
from Santa Monica (aka Compton)
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, at least this bike has a good paint job, because if it didn't, it would be decorating my closet rather than my garage. It's Avid breaks are sub-par to say the least. Its sloppy steering and bottom of the line tires had me falling down six foot cliffs the first time I took it onto single track....Actually I love the bike. Its breaks are fine and so are the tires. Its light weight makes it perfect for climbing and flying down hills with the wind in your hair. It is one of the best hard tail values for its price. It was actually the crappy pedals that locked me in that made me fall off of the cliff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Carpenter
a cross-country rider
from St. Albans, WV
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Schwinn Moab 1 aluminum is absolutely the best speced bike at its price point(especially for me, I'm a mechanic at a Schwinn dealer and got mine for
$534). I loved pretty much everything about mine right out of the box, but
I did make a few upgrades:
>swapped LX rapidfires for Grip Shift 8.0 Attacks
>added Club Roost Hardcore XL rise bar w/ Yeti HC grips
>although the Scott twincams work well (better w/ Ritchey cleats) I'm
swapping them for Time A.T.A.C.'s
>traded oem Moab saddle for WTB SST.98 (comfy!)
Complaints: the gold darts on my frame look more like mettalic orange
schwinn didn't send me a parts box (darn, no cool reflectors), but this
was made up for by the newer Kore Litestem 3D w/ the removeable faceplate
that came oem.Specs for Moab 1:
>Butted 7005 aluminum frame
>XT derrailures, LX cranks and shifters
>98 Judy XC fork
>Mavic 221 wheels w/ STX-RC rear hub and Formula front hub
>Moab Leader XC kevlar bead, black wall tires Rating: overall I give it a 4, but considering the $1000-$1100 price I
think it deserves a big, hairy fifsky. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean cannon
a weekend warrior
from Monte Vista, Co.
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The schwinn moab al 1 is a great bike for hte money. it has a good frame and very nice componets. the new 98 judy xc is much better than lasts years. it has real oil in it and feals much smoother and more responsive. although the travel looks less than 63 mm. it really isn't and has a respectable amount of travel. this bike is good for anyone who wants quality and quantity all in one package. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtn. muse
a weekend warrior
from the bitterroots
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
When I'm reading a mtn. bike 'zine I take an analytical look at the latest hi-tech frames, and they look interesting. But, my Aluminum Moab 1 need not fear. I have no desire to replace it, for I'm in love. I built it up from the frame, selecting only good components previously used to haul babies in their trailer's. (no bull!) While Mo' was waiting to roll I was riding a Redline aluminum framed bike, and it was okay. And before that a Schwinn Sierra. It was okay too, but it's rear dropout cracked. This provided my means of upgrade. Schwinn generously stood behind it's product and allowed me a straight trade for an equivalent frame, or and upgrade. Guess what, I upgraded. Thank goodness.
ps. I took Moab to Moab UT for it's first birthday. silly huh? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Leenen
a weekend warrior
from Belgium (Europe)
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the Schwinn Moab 1 (cromoly version) last summer. Had to choose between the Trek 970 and the Moab, the Moab was much cheaper... Well, I haven't had any regret of my choise (yet). I had the pedals, braking system and front shock replaced though this was just because I had to have LX V-brakes, Shimano peddals and a lighter Indy SL. This bike is just pure fun and FAST. A pitty the ALU-version was sold-out, but then again the cromoly comes under 12,3 kg with an INDY SL, so... Conclusion: my first Schwinn, but certainly not my last! By the way, Schwinn is fairly unknown in Belgium... so I do not ride a bike out of a dozain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a weekend warrior
a
from longmont, colorado
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Picked up my '98 moab 1 al a few weeks ago after much research and many test rides on other bikes in same price range. This is one great ride! Since MY frame is dangerously close to forty years old I was somewhat concerned about the beating it would take on an al bike. Not so with this machine. The expected light weight, stiffness, and responsiveness is there and yet the bike doesn't beat you up like other aluminum rides. Possibly due in part to the much improved Judy XC, and the so-called epicenter seat stays. Maybe the geometry and the gauge of the butted tubes. There are many terrific bikes in the price range, particularly the Jamis Dakota. But when all is said and done the moab 1 al gets the nod. In exchange for the shock you get a no-name front hub. That, and the somewhat sloppy LX shifters are the only items that a serious rider might want to upgrade. The Taiwanese know how to weld, the frame is a work of art! No bike, however, is perfect. If half-chilies were available I'd go 4.5, but in this rating system four is the number. Check out this bike after riding the sexy brands! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Huffy Lover
a cross-country rider
from Cedar Springs, MI
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I usually enjoy the simpler things in life, mostly because I can't afford the finer ones. Riding a cheap Huffy bike through the woods has always given me much enjoyment and I have never given a better bike another thought. Riding hard on a huffy, however, will soon demolish it. After shopping around for about six months and considering hardtail versus Full Suspension and everything from specialized stumpjumpers ,Trek 8000's , Klien's, Gary Fisher's, VooDoo's, Soft Ride's, Proflex's, Cannondales, and many others I chose the Schwinn Moab 1 CroMoly for many reasons. 1. Extensive Dealer Network.
No bike, no matter how exotic and fast, is not worth the cost of waiting weeks and weeks if it needs service. Schwinn has been in business longer than I have been alive and has an huge dealer network in place. There are at least five dealers within half an hour drive from me. Instant service is available from at least one at all times. 2. Frame Geometery
Comfortable, agile, aggressive and FAST. The frame itself has a lifetime warantee and the welds are so beatiful they would make a grown welder cry. The Reynolds 525 cromoly frame is lightweight and smooth , yet extremely quick on sprints and climbs. Why get an aluminum frame when this is just as light and not as harsh? Need I say more?3. Component Package
98 RockShok Judy XC with dual rate springs and oil damping, same setup as the 98 Marzocchi Z2 Bam. It's not a Zoke, but hey, It rides the same at no extra cost. If you really want a Zoke, order some stickers and slap em on. Moab 1 also includes Avid Single Digit 20 brakes and 1.9 levers, XT derailers and rapid fire shifters (real men use rapid fire, gripshifts are for people that dont ride hard enough to have to shift and brake at the same time). No other bike in the same price range comes close to matching the components on this bike.4. Fun Factor
This bike is a blast to ride. It is very fast, very comfortable, and overall VERY FUN. That's what mountain biking is all about after all isnt it? I still enjoy riding my huffy around but you have to pry me off this bike with a stick once I hop on. I have never raced before but I plan on racing this year in the beginner class. I think This bike is one of the best choices for racing in it's price range.
Five flamers for this bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Johnson
a weekend warrior
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just picked up this bike in December. Paid $700. This bike rocks! Light and smooth. Can't touch a bike in this price range with XT/LX components and the weight of an aluminum frame. The black piant with red looks cool. This bike needs no upgrades. I'm hooked...riding this bike is FUN! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Schaffer
a cross-country rider
from Allentown, Pa
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike in Dec of '97 and am really pleased with the overall
performance. The component combinations are great and the 98 JUDY XC fork
in the front really improves the handling. This years NORBA racing will be
a lot more competitive due to the superb quality that Schwinn produced
this year. For an all out racing bike the price is great for all that you
get in return!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Freefall
a weekend warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is one sweet bike, just purchased my Schwinn Moab Aluminum 1 a few months ago, came with LX and XT componentry and Indy XC front shocks. I'd recommend this bike to anyone. It's a fairly light bike and pretty durable. For $1100, this is the best bike for its price | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DM-SC
a cross-country rider
from SC
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up my Moab 1 Alu. on Christmas eve. It's good to buy yourself a toy now and again! It replaced my Schwinn Frontier GSX which I had upgraded with an Indy XC fork. It goes without saying that the Moab is light years ahead of the Frontier (not knocking the Frontier, but a $300 bike can't compete with an $1100 bike!). This bike is speced quit nicely (LX - XT). the '98 Judy XC is much improved over over the '97 and makes for a really nice ride. I might replace the handle bar and seatpost with RaceFace parts. Otherwise, I'm going to leave it alone! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Mayfield
a cross-country rider
from Laurel, MS
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased this rad machine, and it is awesome. I was riding an old Giant Iguana and since this
new bike I am probably 10 times better! This is also the first bike that I've had with clipless pedals
and those help alot too, but they take practice. If I were you and I was looking for a new hardtail for
around $1100 this is your bike. I really like the Judy XC on the front and the LX-XT mix is great
also(I think I'm the first one in MS to own one).
| | Overall Rating: |
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