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Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Town Park Run | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$238.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal-Mart | | Strengths: | Pretty Good Frame - Shimano Shifting System - Looks - Weight | | Weaknesses: | If you buy this at wal-mart - Its not going to be put together very well | | Similar Products Used: | All kinds | | Bike Setup: | Stock (aside from a frame pump and new seat) | | Bottom Line: | - Good Bike for the price
- Comfortable ride off the trail and on the trail
- If your getting this bike BE SURE TO GET THE MODEL WITH THE SHIMANO SHIFTERS AND DERAILLURS!!! - After schwinn decided to take off the shimano equipment - The bike turned to junk - SO BEWARE -
- Another thing - If the friendly folks at wal-mart have pre-built the bike - Be sure to go over the whole bike and tighten all the alan bolts (espeically the handel bars)
- I also had to get my front deraillur and gears re-alligned b/c of wal-mart
- Other than those few issues - the bike is solid - Fairly light weight - An over all good buy !
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
george
a
from martensburg wv. usa
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$238.00 | | Purchased At: | wal-mart | | Strengths: | frame is tough and not real heavy with stylish look great bike for the money . Alot of aftermarket upgrades available | | Weaknesses: | needs alot of upgrades. must be gone over if the dumb #@&*% at wal-mart puts it together | | Similar Products Used: | to many to list but alot of junk | | Bike Setup: | rock shox SID shimano alivio compact drive cranks disk brakes front and rear alot of others that needs to be changed | | Bottom Line: | when you buy the bike your buying the frame because everything else needs to be changed. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Grant
a Downhiller
from Springfield, VA USA
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Whatever looks scary | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$237.00 | | Purchased At: | WalMart | | Strengths: | Huge range of parts availability.. including aftermarket. | | Weaknesses: | Don't like grip-shifters! | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Cross-Link wheels front and back.
ProMax front disc brake conversion. | | Bottom Line: | Note: this is not the 98-older model, obviously.
Anyways, after rebuilding alot of it, it turns out to be pretty durable. Have gone across and down most trails that have torn up other quality bikes. I don't get into running 50mph down a mountain, but I still ride through harsh enough areas to sufficently test it. Very smooth gear transition, good braking (now), front suspension is a bit stiff though. Rear spring also a tad stiff, but I'm a lightweight rider, so that's expected. Weighs more than expected also, but less than some others I've had. Overall, not too shabby! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chriss
a Cross Country Rider
from pinellas park
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | alafia/belview | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | action | | Strengths: | frame/frame/frame/suspension | | Weaknesses: | parts almost all need upgrade | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr/ rocky mountain element | | Bike Setup: | now set up with sid/xt/xtr/mavic | | Bottom Line: | come on you still ride an s30....yup and i will outride you anytime this bike has sit in my garage through 3 new bikes and just because I was bored one day I put all the parts from my stumpjumper pro onto my schwinn s30 and thank you god cause it weighs 26 lbs and is better much better than that new {technology} called epic and jeckyl so there please ride it if you got one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Drapeau
a Downhiller
from Metropolis IL, USA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | what ever the f**k i see | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$227.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal_mart | | Strengths: | Suspension, works great even when updated! frame looks awesome and is durable. Anything fits the thing. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy parts, everything. The derailleur hanger keeps breaking on me even on 3 foot jumps??? Im gonna get me a stainless steel one. STX just plain sux thats the bottom line. wheels sux. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS three, Specialized enduro uhh. | | Bike Setup: | Deore parts (hye im only a 13 year old and i dont rely on my parents). Azonic fender the rear fender, sun ringle zuzu pedals, azonic stem. The deore derailleur and shifter shifts faster then anything u seen on this bike, i can stand up and shift. My best part Rock Shox SID (hows that for a 13 year old huh). | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike but need lots of upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cris Orozco
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Forest, CA USA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | good climber, handles very good on trails, awsome look | | Weaknesses: | cheap parts, had to upgrade almost everything | | Bike Setup: | started with original parts, this is how is now
psylo sl, sun ringle lite wheels, xt components, selle italia max sadle (original has to go), race face riser bars | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike for beginers, i have used this bike in most conditions, mud, sand, snow, and it handles very good, exelent going up or down.
The bike is worth it.
i hade ride this bike for a approx of 1000 miles, some times over 25 miles per ride and it never complained.
Paint it's nice but a little weak.
There are out there better bikes now, but it is still worth it.
As a original bike is great, just get a new saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schwinnaphile
a Weekend Warrior
from Fargo, ND, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheel's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | This bike is rock solid. The rear suspension works flawlessly, and I have never had a problem with any of the mechanics on the bike. | | Weaknesses: | The seven speed drivetrain is outdated. The original wheels were crap (luckily someone did me a favor and stole them for me), and the Avid 1.0's could use a little help. The Indy fork wasn't up to the quality of the frame. | | Bike Setup: | Sun rims w/XTR hubs, SID XC, Thomson Elite post, Time Clipless, Avid Arch Rival 50's, Panaracer Fire XC | | Bottom Line: | This was a great bike for the beginning rider (which I was). The value of the bike was unbeatable at the time. Requires upgrades with time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger Pihlaja
a Weekend Warrior
from Sanford, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Midland/Mackinaw Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Price/Performance Ratio, Sweet Spot (tm) rear suspension works very well - makes hill climbing much easier, Frame is well engineered, HD Construction, Beautiful Fit/Finish, Transmission Shifts Very Positive & Stays In Adjustment | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shok Indy-C front fork could use more travel (75 mm) & better damping, Sometimes wish the transmission had more than 21 speeds, Araya TM-820 alloy rims seem a little soft & need frequent TLC to keep them spinning true, The stock saddle is too hard, Avid Single Digit 10 brakes need more stopping power, especially when wet | | Similar Products Used: | Demo tested comparable models from Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, & Mongoose before I bought the Schwinn S-30 | | Bike Setup: | Bike is stock with the addition of a Cycle-Pro Rear Rack, which is designed for using panniers with a full suspension bike. I also installed a Schwinn Soft-Gel saddle to replace the torture device which comes stock. | | Bottom Line: | I have been a recreational on & off-road rider for over 35 years. I like to ride in the woods to enjoy the wilderness, not tear up the trail. I bought the 1998 Schwinn S-30 primarily for trail riding & off-road camping trips with my Boy Scout troop. I paid about $800 for it. In the Spring of 1998, when I bought the bike, the S-30 was head & shoulders better than anything else in sub $1000 price category. The Sweet Spot (tm) rear suspension is very impressive & essentially makes a rear suspension lock-out unnecessary for hill climbing. You must develop a riding style where you stand up & lean forward for hill climbing in order to make the rear suspension stiffen up properly. But, this is the proper way to climb a hill anyway & the bike rewards you with much more efficient power transfer to the ground. Every other full supension bike I tested in this class tended to compress the rear suspension & "squat" down, thus wasting a substantial fraction of my effort when I stood up & really cranked on the pedals.
At 72" height, 32" inseam, & 230+ lbs; I'm a big heavy guy. In addition, it's pretty common to load 40+ more lbs of gear aboard for a trail riding camping trip. The bike has withstood nearly 3 years of this sort of use very well. The full suspension keeps me from getting beat up & allows me to stay on the trail at least as long as my Scouts. My Scouts refer to my S-30 as "Mr. P's Orthopedic Bike". Of course, this usually after I'm one of the first to cover a 30 mile trail & arrive at the campsite with sufficient remaining energy to set-up camp & start dinner!
The Schwinn S-30 was my first full suspension bike, having used a completely rigid Trek mountain bike up to that point. Now, I'm a believer. The full suspension technology is wonderful & literally permits older riders to stay active in the sport without spending a ton of money. The S-30 is good equipment - period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpine, Tx
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban Assalt | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Price
performance | | Weaknesses: | cruddy stx components, 7 speeds?, wheels | | Bike Setup: | Now has 8sp (who needs 9??) proshift front and rear, raceface cranks, nuke proof hubs, profile carbon bar, etc | | Bottom Line: | I really like this frame, the stock componts were great until I out grew them and needed better stuff. I have done anything with the front or rear suspension. The wheels suck, and were replaced soon after I bought the bike. I think Schwinn could have given a better component group, but the frame rocks. The stock bike is great for beginners, but if your are any good, plan on spending money to replace stock components, or buy a higher level S series, if they are still avaliable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby12many Adams
a Weekend Warrior
from Delafield, WI
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | emma carlin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great Welds, Good Handling and braking. Unbelievable Value. | | Weaknesses: | A little Heavy for those weight weiners. Low Level components. | | Bike Setup: | Cane Creek AD-5, JUDY XC, all XT | | Bottom Line: | Great Entry Level to Novice bike for those who take it off road. Had to give it *5* big flamers for the overall value of this bike. It was well worth every dollar I payed for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike rescigno
a Weekend Warrior
from pawling,new york
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
making my own | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
braking and handling on downhills | | Weaknesses: |
weight, low level components | | Bike Setup: |
rox shox judy, | | Bottom Line: | having been riding for more than 5 years this is a great entry level bike as it is. As you progres change the components to a better quality and a little lighter and you can shed at least 1.5 lbs off this bike with no problem. At times this bike seems to be able to take more pain than the expensive bikes and keeps on going.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont CO
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hall Ranch | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Braking
Fit is fantastic
In the saddle, takes bump out like an iron
Out of the saddle, you should be using you legs anyway. | | Weaknesses: |
Just a few pounds heavy.
No where for a air pump or rack to be placed. | | Bike Setup: |
Only modification I've made is to put on road tires during my commute to work. | | Bottom Line: | For the money the bike is sweet, looks great, handles well. Can take a severe beating on the downhill. Front shocks could use a bit more travel. Rear again, would be great to have effect when out of the saddle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Jensen
a Cross-Country Rider
from Edmonds, WA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Snoqualmie Pass #12 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Good brakes | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy, low-quality suspension travel, crappy components, probably the worst suspension design I've ever seen/ridden, and - what's this?- you spend a grand and you only get a 7-speed in back?!! | | Similar Products Used: |
'96 Trek 830 SHX
'98 K2/Proflex 2000
'98 Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp FS
'98 Trek 7000 (current bike, SWEET!!) | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | Why are the reviews for this vile peice of crap so good?!! Shifts worse than my previous '96 Trek 830 w/Alivio/Gripshift. Try to shift with even moderate pressure on the pedals and BAM! Your feet are jarred off the pedals as the bike attempts to make the roughest, hardest shift possible. Suspension design is idiotic - it only works when you're climbing, bobbing up and down, up and down, but then when you descend, it DOESN'T work because the pedals (which you're weight should be resting on) are in the same triangle as the wheel. Do NOT buy a full-susp. bike unless you're spending at least 2 grand, cuz the added cost gives you crappy components and shocks and added weight. Do yourself a favor and spend a paltry $700 on a '98 Trek 7000. I did, and it shifts way faster, is WAY lighter (25.2 lbs.), has a nice ride, and has an actual 8-SPD!! All for less dough than this load of crap. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIKEE
a Weekend Warrior
from Marthasville,Mo
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of them | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
I really love the feel of the bike.The Sweetspot suspension kicks ass.The frame is built like a tank. | | Weaknesses: |
The only thing i am not to happy with is the stx components...which i will be upgrading in the real near future. | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized,k2,gt | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is the bike is very tough and extremely fun to ride.It can take anything you can dish out and come back for more.I have been down many trails with it so far,haven't had any problems....SCHWINN RULES!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leif
a weekend warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am 30 yrs. old, 150 lbs. (175 when I bought the bike), have ridden my 98 S30 for 5 months and have approx. 400 miles on it. I consider myself an intermediate rider. Positive: good deal for the money, reliable, excellent dealer support in Tucson. Negative: shifters need to be adjusted weekly, cables route behind the front tire underneath the bike and quickly get sticky from dirt, rims get knocked out of true easily, front sprocket bends easily, stock tires and tubes are useless, fork is worthless for downhills. Keep in mind that the trails I ride are steep and very rocky. The rear suspension is not active unless you are sitting on the seat and forks in this price range are pretty much hyped up springs that have virtually no damping, so this bike is not a good choice for people who love bombing downhills. The rear suspension delivers more power to the ground than fully active rear suspension designs, so it is preferrable for beginners or cross country hardtail lovers with sore butts. The bike climbs and corners respectably. I gave it a rating of four stars because it is a relatively inexpensive introductory bike that never brakes down and got me completely hooked on mountain biking. The negative comments I mentioned can be eliminated with a few component upgrades. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Klingenberg
a cross-country rider
from Tokyo, Japan
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I`ve now put on 750km in the time I have had the bike. Here are some suggestions.-On the rear v-brake if the wire protrudes there is a clip on the inside of the brake to hold the wire back so it won`t rub agaist your legs while peddeling.-The rock shock delux in the rear needs to have rebound dampining if you don`t like getting rebounded the same distance the shock travels after hitting a bump.-Not many rear racks availible if you want to carry a load for an overnighter.Thats all for now.Try it and compare agaist the others you ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Klingenberg
a racer
from Tokyo, Japan
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought the `98 S-30 bike from a local store here. It was on sale here for 95,000 yen or about $800 USDA. I mainly use it to get back and forth to work a distance of about 40km eacg way. The full suspension sure helps on the bumps and curbs. The bike weighs in pretty light around 25lbs and the componets are mostly STX entry level gear. It is a good beginners bike for the dual suspension entry rider. Acceleration is good same as a stiff tail, but to benefit from the rear suspension you have to have your butt planted firmly in the seat. So far I`d recomend this bike to an entry level person with a limited budget. I can`t giver a Five till I`ve put er firmly through the Wash and the test of time. Another review in 6 months will be more beneficial to those of you looking to buy this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Niko
a downhiller
from springfield,il
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had 97 s30 for about a year now. Have owned raliegh, bianchi, (bad sp i know), and played heavily on trek and canondale. Of course when i first got the bike i thought it was the boom. chased a horse down one handed on uneven gournds while talking on a radio!! go FS!!! a year latter. The bike still kicks. had to get used to riding it and avoiding the pogo effect got some new parts to fit my riding style. but hey for 1000 or 700 dollars this is the best fs buy around. Dont go any where else, buy the schwinn. Even against giant and of schwinn hardtails my s30 eats them up. Once you get past the hype of all the other bikes, you will need to come back to schwinn. But above all else avoid the y-frame design. I sold those bikes, and felt horrible telling the fake hype about y-frames. It is a lie!!! trust me. go schwinn, or somewhere else. If you want a bike that can go the distance, and feel like it is part of you. Buy a s30 ride hard for a month and you will be happy. 4 stars | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a weekend warrior
from chicago
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride my s-30 to and from work everyday and it is great. I paid $700 for it and I am happy with my purchase. Any more than that is too much. The stock parts hold up well to city riding but i don't think they could handle hard trail riding. The brakes suck. The indy front shock is too soft. The bike is very comfortable to ride around town and sokes up the bumps. With just a few upgrades the bike could be awesome. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WAYNE
a cross-country rider
from WASHINGTON DC
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Having bought my 97 S-30 for $700 on sale, I'm happy. The Rock Shox Indy works well, STX rapid fire are great and under certain conditions the Sweet Spot design and rear shock are worthwhile. My problem with the Sweet Spot is that it is not active when i'm off the saddle going downhill, when i'd imagine i'd need rear suspension the most. This design is best on rolling hills or flats with lots of roots and small rocks. going uphill, the sweet spot design is nice, but the S-30 is heavy. also, brakes and wheels are pretty cheap and need upgrade. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Leitner
a weekend warrior
from St. Louis
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 97' S-30 after riding several hardtails from Trek, Specialized,etc. What a difference the Sweet Spot design makes! A plush ride that doesn't leave you sore shouldn't cost $1,500 as it does with these other manufacturers. And the component replacements are so cheap these days anyway, why would anyone pay the 3X market value to get them included as original equipment. If you're looking for an unbeatable frame with a plush ride and super durability, the S-30 is by far your best bike dollar for dollar. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Lowrey
a downhiller
from Lake Oswego OR, USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have recently purchaced a brand new SCHWINN MESA. I think it is a great
bike since a can't get a really good bike since I am only 13. I paid $530 for it and is is great. I just wanted a bike that was lite,had ROCK SHOX, and
was a good quality bike. I have had a wonderful time with it. Thank you SCHWINN!!! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tachi
a weekend warrior
from TX
Date Reviewed: August 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've always enjoyed my Specialized Stump Jumper. This pas weekend I happened to be in Aspen, Co and demo'd a Schwinn S30. I've never ridden any type of suspension, especially full suspension. I was greatly impressed with the S30. However I did find that the brakes were NOT as sensitive as I would have liked them. Also, I did not like the cable tips tickling my legs, rather distracting. For the price, I feel is is a very good bike and that I would difinitely improve on the brakes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wes
a downhiller
from Poconos
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It takes a good amout of shit. I have problams with the gears there to slow and at high speeds it cracks up. It recovers air well. Well you get what you pay for. Its a good bike but it should have more features like V brakes. It can do triks well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leif
a cross-country rider
from Missoula, Montana
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my new S-30 it is great well almost some things like the brakes
can't stop for shit but I got some new ones v-brakes those are much better
and the shocks I did not like them very much not enoght travel I like something a little more zap Judy xc but for the price you can't bett it it bouse what I need . OUT!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Salo
a weekend warrior
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my '96 Schwinn S-20 (came with AD-4 rear shock, rockshocks Quadra-21 fork) back in 1997... It was a good bike overall. But there are few problems that I had in a year of owning the bike. First of all, the grip shifts s------! I had to constantly readjust and fine tune these grip shifts after each and every ride that I could remember. Second of all, the brakes that came with bike... S-----! I had Shimano lever brakes (I don't remember what I had, but it was made by Shimano)... BOY!!! I could not stop the damn bike.... I could only stop it with my bare shoes. I eliminated that problem by adding LX rapid fire shifters and LX V - brakes.
I also had a HUGE problem with chain suck... until I changed my riding styles... The best way to prevent chain suck is to keep the chain in a straight line!!!! For example, in a 7 sp rear derailler and 3 sp crank (21 sp), you would have the crankset set at 2nd gear, and the rear derailler set at 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear... go and c for yourself... It works VERY well... especially when the chain gets all muddy.
Over the course of one year... I think that my bike has given my needs, but I had a problem with cornering the bike. In addition, it feels like a TANK when cornering in tight turns and the rear suspension felt like ppppphhhhttttt.... like mushy when there is light rocky terrain, and my front shock held up well over time. I liked the smooth ride it delivered over rocky terrain, but in light terrain... it was not what I would like. If you have any questions pertaining to the 1996 Schwinn S-20 model feel free to email me at mudman04@juno.com =)-Eric (aka Psycho) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GEO
a cross-country rider
from York Pa
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my s-30 for about 2 months now and I LOVE IT!This thing is sweet,compared to my old rigid bike it is like riding a Cadillac on the trails. I really haven't replaced alot of stuff on the bike, except the seat and the handlebars.I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants an entry level FS rig. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Campbell
a cross-country rider
from Rockville, MD
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The people I ride with are very serious about the sport. When I decided to buy a full suspension frame, I needed a product that would effectively handle hard-core conditions. However, I only had $1000.00 to spent at that time. When I discovered the Schwinn S.30, I was impressed with the frame design, the same frame as the higher quality Schwinn bikes. I bought the bike on sale for $750.00. It came equipped with Shimano STX components, a Rock Shox Deluxe rear, and a Rock Shox Indy C front suspension. After approximately 15 intense rides, the pedals, bottom bracket, rear derailleur, and chain were completely trashed; however, I love the frame,therefore I completely rebuilt the bike over the last 8 months. It is now fully equipped with Shimano XT, Raceface, Ritchey, Syncros, Kore, and Chris King components. The bike is totaly phat, what a $1200.00 difference! I am about to install a Bomber z.2 Atom Bomb suspension. Does Stratos make an on-the-fly adjustable rear shock that will fit the S.30? Anyways, the Schwinn S.30 is a great value. Eventually you can replace those low end components with what ever you desire and built your own S.30 ultimate riding machine! Swallow some mud and take it to the edge. Schwinn, VICTORY never tasted so Schweet! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from West Bend, WI
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 97 s-30 used with about 10 miles on it, upgrading from a trek 930. WOW, what an improvement! I looked at diamond back, gary fischer, and specialized all in the 1000.00 to 1500.00 price range new and ended up with the s-30. Very nice bike for the money. With some minor component upgrades, you will have a super bike at a super price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a racer
from tampa,fl.
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought an S-30 for my fiancee and I am very impressed with this bike,as is she! Schwinn really knows its stuff. The bike handles like a hardtail with all the comfort of a softtail. The frame is worthy of any upgrades that are desired.I will stick with my HG factory xtr hardtail for hardcore riding,but wouldn't mind the S-30 for the more recreational type of rides. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Lincoln Nebraska
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Wow!! Just purchased a '98 Schwinn S-30... I took a test ride and have just gotten off it long enough to submit this review.. I traded in my '96 GT Pantera,
Nice bike, but The S-30's Sweet Spot suspension is unbelievable! Smooth accurate
shifting. Great speed...Strong, sturdy, build and feel..And awesome ride...
And best of all: NO GRIP-SHIFT!!! YES!! I put my Oury grips on and its ready to
Rock'n Roll... If you get a chance... Test ride an S-Series bike at your local dealer... You wont be sorry.... I give it the Highest rating.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is to follow-up with my previous review for the S-30. At that time I had not had the opportunity to take it for a ride. However, now that I have put 35 km on it I feel that I can now give it the review that it deserves, so here it is.THINGS I LIKE:
-full suspension is great
-shifting is smooth and precise
-very reliable and tough
-fit is absolutely perfect
-top speed on a straight is 43.8 km/hr (so far)THINGS I DONT LIKE (mostly trivial and adjustable):
-won't stay in 5 and 6 (rear gears) adjustable on spring check-up
-those little wires hanging off the rear break catch on my pant legsWell, that's it. I'll be putting about 20 to 30 km on this bike everyday. I guess I'll be finding out if it will withstand the test of time and maybe the 24 HRS OF ADRENALINE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased the 97 S-30 before Christmas. I looked at the components and just the bike in general and found that it simply wasn't possible to find a better bike for the money. Without really having a chance to ride it yet there is no way I can judge it on riding characteristics. So, judging on asthetic appearance only and that fact that it looks like it is built better than anything else in its class, ( I don't much care for little pieces hanging off my bike that could get damaged ) I'm going to have to give this bike 5 chillies. Until I ride it of course, but looking at the majority of these reviews, I won't be disappointed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a cross-country rider
from York Pa
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am thinking of buying a new bike,I have a couple of choices,I am looking at a Trek Y-3 or a Schwin S-30.Does anybody out there have any opinions about my choices? I ride about 10-15 miles a day mostly on dirt trails.I have about $1000 to spend I would really like to hear some intelligent opinions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark S.
a weekend warrior
from chgo IL
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
the S-30 is a great buy for the money. the conponent
stuff is good. not the best, but if you are a rec. rider,
the difference is slight. i feel its a good performer.
for this, I give it 5 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Rode the Trek, rode the Cannondale, rode the Specialized. BOUGHT the Schwinn. I tried the S-20 and S-30 and banging curbs and stuff at the dealer didn't show any real difference. Hey, wadda I know? Got the S-30. It is GREAT!! I've got maybe 75-100 miles on it now and I am only more impressed every time I ride it. I am at a total loss with this bullshit about URT's being crap. No flex, nothing to wear out, climbs like goat even with my lard ass on it. And it is no heavier than anything else for less than $1500. Even the low line components work fine - not much big buck ego pump tho. I figure the upgrades will be ok when the stock stuff wears out...someday. At 10-15 miles a day in the dirt that could be a long time. Five Big Ones for the off road bicycle buy of the century. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus Extremus
a racer
from New Mexico
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had previously ridden a Schwinn rigid bike, it was fairly well set-up, but after long rides, well... I'm sure you've all been there. After riding a friends S(9.six) , I found out what i'd been missing.Talk about point & shoot !! I rode Trek Y's, Specialized F/S's etc. Couldn't find as good a ride, So I purchased an S-30. A nice mix of parts, and has really impressive performance and ZERO problems. (I ride this bike hard) As far as URT's versus Multi-links.... well, usually the more pivots you have the more chance for stuff to go wrong. I'd give this bike 10 chilies if they'd let me. This bike is like a hot rod just begging for minor up-grades. STX-RC hubs and maybe a Indy XC would make it 'bout perfect. PS. got mine for $850 and change... pays to shop around. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ralph
a weekend warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the 96 3.0 used for $600. It came with stx deraillers and shit Acera hubs hubs and brakes. The grip shift also is lame. Quadra 21 front shock is great. Listen up, the rear shock the Cane Creek(Dia-Compe) AD-4 sucks and will rocket you out of your seat. They have had problems with this shock so Dia -Compe will trade it in for one of there top of the line shocks, ADX-8 for only $40! So, after upgrading the shifters to XT Rapid Fires and V-Brakes and getting the new shock (total about $200) this is just about the ultimate machine for the price.I just can't see spending all this extra dough on a big name bike that gives shitty components and performs about the same. From what I understand, the new models have greatly increased the component quality. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Miller
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this thing for my girlfriend and she loves it. She opted for the more comfortable seat though. good entry level bike. I would give it 5 stars but it is worthy of some upgrades. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Cannon
a weekend warrior
from Monte Vista, Co.
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 96 Schwinn S-30 and am very pleased with it. It climbs very well and
and decends like a madman. Although the bike is somewhat heavy and the componets are not the best, the bike is worth what I paid for and can work fine if they are properly adjusted and frequently checked. I would recomend getting some componet upgrades as needed. But otherwise this is a very nice bike!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: April 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
If you want a great F/S bike at 1/3 the cost of the pricey (but way bitchin') Homegrown, buy
yourself an S-30.....same frame as the more expensive S-10...and then slowly trick it up as your
checking account recovers.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Qualls
a cross-country rider
from Chicago, Illinois
Date Reviewed: April 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Schwinn S '96-3 is my very first mountian bike. I paid $800 dollars for it and it has been
worth every penny.
It's new design has one tube where the seat stay normally splits into two which gives it much more
control and also makes it lighter.
The component grouppo is fair, and I think that it's only downside is the fact that it comes with a
quad five shock. If you are looking for a fairly inexpensive bike with good handling and
components, I would reccomend it. | | Overall Rating: |
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