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Schwinn
Homegrown Factory Team
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Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bens Cycles, Milwaukee, WI | | Strengths: | Very light, quick steering | | Weaknesses: | Aluminum frame sends every bump right to my spine | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond Back Ascent; Specialized Stumpjumper FSR (softail | | Bike Setup: | SID World Cup fork w/lockout, XTR BB and Cranks, XTR Front Deralleur, SRAM X.0 Rear Derailleur and Grip Shifters, Easton MG 60 Stem, Easton EC70 flat bars, AVID SL Ti brake lever and Ti brakes, Thompson seatpost, Selle Italia Flight Gel saddle, XT Hubs w/Mavic 717 Rims | | Bottom Line: | Fast and light; this thing climbs and accelerates great. The steering is very quick; a bit squirrely on rough downhills. It's a rough ride as every single bump goes right through that frame into my back, but I'm learning to find smooth lines. It's a great race bike but I wouldn't recommend it for casual trail riding or endurance racing (go with steel or carbon, or full suspension). | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fred shvetz
a Cross Country Rider
from scarsdale, ny
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | can't tell | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Danny's Bike shop | | Strengths: | Light, light, light. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a light bike for xc riding. It's a hardtail and I don't do big drops so I couldn't comment on it's durability as a downhiller. | | Weaknesses: | No longer available except used on ebay. Standard replacement components are readily available. The headset and dropout hanger can also be located on the internet. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Trek singletrack - their geometry is different so it is hard to compare the rides, but the Homegrown is much lighter and more responsive accordingly. | | Bike Setup: | New Sid Team fork, other components are original or replaced with same as original. | | Bottom Line: | Terrific bike, I bought another from Supergo for $1,000 when Pacific bought Schwinn. I use both, one as a backup when one needs fixing. Also bought another Homegrown frame off ebay just in case. I weight 200 lbs and never had a problem with it - wish they would start making them again so I could buy one for my daughter and one for my son - Schwinn seems to have a similar frame for the 2004 Moab HT White, but they don't release geometry specs or weights of their frames. I would love to see someone rate it and report on the specs/weights as it could be a potential alternative. A good buy from ebay would be worth it, but make sure you get the 2001 or later model frame that weighs under 3 pounds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Schrad
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | CO Front Range Trails | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, fast, incredibly well made. Stands up to alot of abuse - year after year. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode a few treks, specialized, fishers at the time. | | Bike Setup: | all XT, Mavic 517s, Truvativ Stylo cranks, FireXC tires, new RS Psylo up front. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike new in 1997, and have ridden the hell out of it for the past 6 years. I had no idea how good of a bike it was when I bought it - the frame was built by Yeti for a few years when Schwinn was passed from one company to another. The welds are flawless, the machined dropouts are beautiful, and the weight is incredible. Recently, I've considered buying a FS bike, and even when I do, I'll make sure to give this beauty proper respect for as long as I can pedal.
If you can find a frame (I've seen a few on ebay) pick it up. This is a classic hardtail. It just doesn't get much better. Now quit reading and get out and ride whatever you've got... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin A
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria, LA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1190.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light and Strong....I weigh 250lbs and it is still holding. | | Weaknesses: | Stock wheels...The Tioga rims were wayyyyyy two flimsy for a big rider like me. | | Bike Setup: | All XTR, with Mavic 517's, Easton Monkeylite SL, and Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike!!!!! I wish that I would have bought a replacement frame when this one gives up the ghost. Even Clydesdales can ride it! If you have a chance get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from kemptville ontario canada
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | junky bike shop | | Strengths: | very light, nice design, stiff, strong | | Weaknesses: | if your wanting sum wide tires 3'0 its not happening | | Similar Products Used: | nothing compares to it | | Bike Setup: | z3 light, xtr brakes, xtr derailer, avid brakes, axion post, fsa konix headset, profil handar barsa, rino abt ligth rims | | Bottom Line: | This frame is the best for urban riding or cross country. this frame is sick. its crazy light and i'll never brake it. been riding since 1998 and its perfect. my painjob looks like crap but thats what u get after 5 years. when new the paintjob is amazing. this bike is soo crazily sick. buy it, save up, don't be cheap, soo crazy light, urban riding is sooo easy, just a little long frame but its easy to adjust to | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Astoria, NY
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Extremely light, classic design, the welds are perfect | | Weaknesses: | top-tube cable placement, chain-stay disc brake mount (on this model) | | Similar Products Used: | too many to list | | Bike Setup: | XTR levers/shifters, XT front/rear derailleurs, XT cranks, mavic/XT wheels, titec stem/hi-rise bars, thomson seatpost, serfas seat, avid v-brakes, AMP short travel fork, azonic platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | got this bike for my girlfriend, ao it's a size 15" (could be even smaller) probably more than she needs but i am a freak and i can't have her riding around on garbage.
this bike makes me wish i was smaller so i could use it for urban assault. the brakes are powerful, the frame is super light and stiff and the amp fork is perfect for the size of the bike and her weight. the shimano XT/XTR stuff is always perfect, and the orange frame just looks awesome. the bike climbs extremely well and has made my girl into a very competent rider. if you are lucky enough to find one (hint hint...EBAY) i definitely suggest picking one up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Infanzon
a
from San Juan, PR
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any one I can get to ride !! | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Incredibly Light Frame,responsive, definitely worth racing on!! | | Weaknesses: | A bit twitchy on the descents... nothing to worry too much about. ICBM had to be replaced... | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn MESA GSX | | Bike Setup: | XT & XTR drivetrain, Avid TI brakes, Duke XC 80mm, Shimano Pedals, Thompson Seat Tube and Stem, Mavic 517 and XT wheels, Python Airlight tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up for a Posting I made almost 2 years ago. Still using the same 2001 Frame bought at Supergo, and still in love with it. Only mishap was a bent derrailleur hanger while washing the bike (how embarrasing)got it straightened out by a local bike shop and still is as good as new, although I bought a replacement just in case. The ICBM needed replacing a while back but I easily found a new one through Supergo. Climbs agresively, and descends fast,but due to its responsiveness you have to keep all your senses on it. I'm a 160 pounds rider and have had no problems at all with the frame while roughing it down the trail. With my setup the bike only weighs 22.5 pounds, a better set up would take it down to 20 something easily, although I wouldn't bother with forking over so much cash for 2 1/2 pounds!!! Sticker problems we've all experienced with the frame are just that, get over it!!! Anonized gold paint is a bit tacky but looks as good as new nonetheless. Haven't had much experience with other frames, but I'm sure this is Hardtail heaven. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Racer
from Austin
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | does everything a XC racing hardtail should, and then some | | Weaknesses: | headset bearings are crap - but you can get higher quality replacements that last MUCH longer if you do a little shopping around at good bearing supply houses. | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line... '00-01 Homegrown Factory - in my opinion, probably the best cross-country racing hardtail EVER made. Nothing I have ridden even comes close to balancing stiffness, handling, and comfort in a frame that weighs an honest 3 lbs the way schwinn has (did). This bike really is the best of all worlds: razor sharp handling, awesome climbing ability, feather light weight, and a certain ride quality that you just don't get from many (if any) other aluminum frames. The black ano finish gives it that sweet stealth look, and after two years of hard riding and racing it has zero scratches, except to the stickers.
unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and mine did - cracked frame, and no replacement available, warranty or otherwise. I loved that bike - I feel like my dog died. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T. Crawford
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | Superlight! Stable and agile frame that performs awesome on any terrain. This bikes strengths have brought my own strengths, physically. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe the cables that run along the top tube.... ??? | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Paragon
Giant XTC | | Bike Setup: | An all XT setup, except for rear derailler is XTR. Wheels are Mavic 221's with Deore Hubs, which have stood up well for the abuse they have taken. XT shifters and V-Brakes have worked like a dream. Titec alum. seatpost and stem. Ritchey Zed Race tires. SID XC fork. | | Bottom Line: | I honestly believe this is the best bike that has ever been produced. My riding has not been the same since I purchased this bike. I weigh 180, but feel as though my weight does not affect the performance at all. It climbs like a beast, it corners extremely well, and remains stable and controllable on downhills. I hope this bike will last forever since they are getting hard to come across. I have purchased an extra frame just in case the one I have doesn't make it. Try to find one, if you can! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark-Daniel Houghton
a Racer
from Asheville, NC, bouncombe
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Side Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Hearn's Cycling & Fitness | | Strengths: | Great Handling (at low moderate speeds)= climes like a mountain goat= LITE= STIFF= A great preformance MACHINE= ICBM head set= supurb acceleration | | Weaknesses: | Stupid "ram air" seat stays...more like "Ram MUD" Crummy stickers, weak paint, bad cable placement, front wheel wobble at high speeds | | Similar Products Used: | Gunner Rockhound, litespeed | | Bike Setup: | XTR all around, Easton monkylite handlebar, cane creek thudbuster, factory seat, XT cranks & BB XTR hubs on Mavic 221 | | Bottom Line: | This IS my raceing dream Bike come true...and every other riders also. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | Very light and strong racing bike!! You can count on this bike to be around for a long time. | | Weaknesses: | Too Light??? | | Similar Products Used: | GT frame. | | Bike Setup: | XTR and XT | | Bottom Line: | Super bike!! Very light and strong!!! I'm a 210-pound, and probably shouldn't be riding a Homegrown, however, the bike is durable enough for even me. I love it!!! If you are looking for a very nice, high-grade race bike, this is for you. For beginners, I would start with something a little less quality, simply because you don't need something like this to learn how to ride. You don't need to spend the money until you become hardcore, then you'll really appreciate a bike such as this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Gully | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | light, looks tough, black anodized finish | | Weaknesses: | yeah right | | Similar Products Used: | Mesa GSX | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT derailleurs, Deore brakes, crank, shifters/brake levers, Titec stem and handle bars, Judy Race fork and Mavic 221's | | Bottom Line: | This frame is the awsome it has allowed me to do things I never thought I could. When I ride through campus on my Homegrown you wouldn't believe how fast the heads turn. So if you're a XC racer or just want a great frame get one while you still can. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Lazaruk
a Racer
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Alter Ego Sports | | Strengths: | Bombproof! Indestructible, light, responsive and gorgeous to look at. | | Weaknesses: | 1999 model had no disk mounts. High speed handling is twitchy. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing I've ever tried is even in the same category. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR. Mavic CrossLink wheels, Manitou Mars Carbon fork, Rock Shox seat post, Thomson Elite stem, Easton Carbon bars. | | Bottom Line: | I have the 1999 factory frame - from when Yeti made them and they were still painted. I am second owner and after 3 years of racing, the frame is still in perfect condition. Handles like it's an extention of your body and climbs like you've got wings. AWSOME! If you're a racer, then this is the frame for you. If you're not, then this frame will help you become one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Infanzon
a
from San Juan, PR
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cambalache | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light as a feather, knife-like responses, climbs like a dream, awesome gold paint, beautiful finish. | | Weaknesses: | You have to put all your sense on the trail while going downhill since shell turn at the merest thought, stickers seem a little cheap. Don't know what will happen to Schwinn warranty,I hope Pacific honors it. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Schwinn Mesa GSX | | Bike Setup: | Duke XC fork, XTR derailleurs and shifter, Avid Single Digit Ti brakes & levers, XT crankset, Kestrel Carbon handlebar, Thomson seatpost & stem, Selle Max Flite saddle, XT hubs and Mavic 517 rims. | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike after reading all reviews and watching a report about the Homegrown Factory on OLN. Couldn't pass up on the Supergo bargain. Built it from the ground up in about two months, carefully selecting the parts. After riding it for the first time, knew I had a riding machine! It draws looks from everyone I meet. Since my previous bike had a less aggresive stance, it took me a while to get used to such a fast response, not to mention the rapid rise rear derailleur. This is it, no more thinking about upgrading, don't see a need to. The frame is certainly a work of art and if it holds up to punisment as well as my previous bike, I'm in for a hell of a ride. Seems light but holds up well to my weight (175 pounds). I'ts a pity schwinn went bankrupt, hope Pacific keeps the legacy going. I have to give it Five Flamming Chihuahuas!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Baker
a Racer
from Charlotte, NC USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All the Charlotte area trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1385.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | light weight, responsiveness | | Weaknesses: | Schwinn-no longer in business | | Similar Products Used: | Fat Chance Team Yo eddy, race bike for 10 years | | Bike Setup: | XTR front/rear derailleurs, Xtr V brakes, XTR Shifters, XT cassette, XTR Chain, Thompson seatpost, Control Tech stem, Bontrager Racelite wheels, Coda Kevlar/Titanium saddle, Truvativ crank, Raceface Isis bottom bracket, Time Atac pedals, Manitou SXR fork, Panaracer Fire XC pro tires, Salsa grips, Bontrager handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | After seeing the gear guide on Outdoor Life Network where they rated the best hardtails and the Schwinn Homegrown Factory limited was 5 of 5 stars, I decided to build a new bike. This is my first "INTERNET" only bike. Every part was bought through the internet and the total cost for this bike with the components listed is $1385.00. A STEAL compared to the money I spent on my Yo Eddy with all XTR back in 1991 ($1897.00) Racer wholesale for the shop I raced for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricardo
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$449.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo Fountain Valley | | Strengths: | Light weight, absorbs the trail & is reasonably priced. | | Weaknesses: | Cable positioning | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale CAAD 4, Klein Attitude Race, GT Zaskar Team, Specialized M4 Stumpjumper Pro | | Bike Setup: | Sun Ringle RPM Lite Wheelset, Rockshox SID SL, Thomson Stem & seatpost, Selle SLR saddle, XTR rear, XT front, XT Crankset, Easton Monkey Lite Riser bar, Shimano 858 pedals, XTR Rapidfire shifter/brake set, XTR V-brakes, XTR Cassette, Oury grips, Panaracer FireXC tires. | | Bottom Line: | 22.2 pounds and comfortable. Ascends quickly. The frame (Homegrown Pro Size 17) weighed 3.1 pounds at Supergo. Makes sense to build the bike up piece by piece rather than buying the factory bike. I can't say enough about this frame, it should provide everything you are looking for and still let you keep a little change for the componentry. It's the ideal frame for the cross country enthusiast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TMike
a
from Central Mass.
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | +Light
+Responsive at low speeds
+Craftsmanship | | Weaknesses: | -Twitchy at high speeds
-Headset | | Similar Products Used: | M2 Stumpjumper, Fisher Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | Built up with Sugar 2 parts | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because I got sick of Gary Fisher and the whole Trek line of products and their horrible support. Anyway, it's reliable (no swingarm - duh), extremely light, beautiful and a "classic."
For the riding I do, mostly slow, rocky East Coast, this bike is nearly perfect. I don't huck drops because I lack the skill, so this bike's intended XC fitting is fine for me. The agressive geometry makes for an extremely tight turning bike, devoid of the wheel flop that plagued the M2 over very uneven terrain. Descending takes a lot more finesse than the Sugar 2, but I wouldn't say it's any slower. Beside, descending on this bike will make you feel more like an expert if you're not just plowing through rock gardens. At higher speeds it gets pretty sketchy over loose surfaces. While you could just sit back on the Sugar, this bike takes an immense amount of concentration over 20 mph.
The frame itself is 2.8lb (according to factory) and is a work of art. The anondized finish is much more beautiful than painted frames, and Schwinn did not resort to cheesy decals to try to jazz up the frame. It looks like a bike made for one purpose: to go fast. The yokes for the seat stays and the chain stays are very well constructed. The only problem with this package is poor seals for the headset bearings, which require diassembly every week. This is something a Lizard Skins cover would probably remedy.
The Schwinn (Huffy?) is now my favorite bike I've ever owned. It does everything that I want like a trusty steed, everything I've ever wanted in a bike. I'm smitten. If you can get it for $500 (SuperGo has really low prices and then raised them an hour after I ordered) this frame is an incredible find. This frame's construction easily merits the suggested retail price of $1000 however.
If you're interested in a do-everything bike (save "extreme" free-riding) and are fairly light take a look at this bike. It seems to have a classic geometry so it may be a bit too agressive for some though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TMike
a
from Central Mass.
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | +Light
+Responsive at low speeds
+Craftsmanship | | Weaknesses: | -Twitchy at high speeds
-Headset | | Similar Products Used: | M2 Stumpjumper, Fisher Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | Built up with Sugar 2 parts | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because I got sick of Gary Fisher and the whole Trek line of products and their horrible support. Anyway, it's reliable (no swingarm - duh), extremely light, beautiful and a "classic."
For the riding I do, mostly slow, rocky East Coast, this bike is nearly perfect. I don't huck drops because I lack the skill, so this bike's intended XC fitting is fine for me. The agressive geometry makes for an extremely tight turning bike, devoid of the wheel flop that plagued the M2 over very uneven terrain. Descending takes a lot more finesse than the Sugar 2, but I wouldn't say it's any slower. Beside, descending on this bike will make you feel more like an expert if you're not just plowing through rock gardens. At higher speeds it gets pretty sketchy over loose surfaces. While you could just sit back on the Sugar, this bike takes an immense amount of concentration over 20 mph.
The frame itself is 2.8lb (according to factory) and is a work of art. The anondized finish is much more beautiful than painted frames, and Schwinn did not resort to cheesy decals to try to jazz up the frame. It looks like a bike made for one purpose: to go fast. The yokes for the seat stays and the chain stays are very well constructed. The only problem with this package is poor seals for the headset bearings, which require diassembly every week. This is something a Lizard Skins cover would probably remedy.
The Schwinn (Huffy?) is now my favorite bike I've ever owned. It does everything that I want like a trusty steed, everything I've ever wanted in a bike. I'm smitten. If you can get it for $500 (SuperGo has really low prices and then raised them an hour after I ordered) this frame is an incredible find. This frame's construction easily merits the suggested retail price of $1000 however.
If you're interested in a do-everything bike (save "extreme" free-riding) and are fairly light take a look at this bike. It seems to have a classic geometry so it may be a bit too agressive for some though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Weber
a Cross Country Rider
from Federal Way, Washington USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dash Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle's West Sale | | Strengths: | I love the rigidnes of the frame, and the parts are the best for your money. Hell of a good deal for what you are getting! | | Weaknesses: | The stickers are put on cheaply in my opinion | | Similar Products Used: | Specialied | | Bike Setup: | Good bike, and like I said, good parts! | | Bottom Line: | Buy it now! Look for it on sale, cuz nothing beats and even better price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Racer
from vail co.
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | incredibly strong (i had the misfortune to test this recently), super light, mine is a 98' with beutiful metal flake red and gold paint. | | Weaknesses: | none found. the closest thing i can think of complaining about is schwinn SHOPS. by far the worst mechanics and service i've ever dealt with. | | Similar Products Used: | i've ridden just about every major manufacturers frame and some of the lesser known as well. the homegrown even handles better than my fisher, wich WAS the best handeling bike i've been on. | | Bottom Line: | great frame! easily the best i've used, and i've used a lot. handles as good or better than anything else out there, and i only know of 1 frame thats lighter. if you can hook up with a new one for $450 or less i'd jump on it. since frames don't wear out, a used one for $300 or less is a great deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Danville, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$595.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Lightweight, not too pricey, superb handling, great climbing and a suprisingly compliant ride for an aluminum hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Specialized, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Factory, Mars, XT Cranks, 9.0sl shifters, 9.0 rear Der., xt front, subIV, XC riser, Tektro v's. | | Bottom Line: | You don't take a beating on this bike like most other aluminum hardtails. It is an amazing climber and accelerates like a rocket. Cornering is effortless - this bike does exactly what you tell it to do. Schwinn has built a bike that is incredibly stiff yet forgiving at the same time. I highly recommend it to anyone in search of an ultralight XC machine. I give it 5 for value because other bikes in the same price range don't compare, and a 5 overall because of all the strengths I listed above. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
k-gee
a Downhiller
from B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | all seasons | | Strengths: | Super light climbing machine. Very nice bass boat blue paint job too. Yeti built, and very responsive. | | Weaknesses: | when I first bought it none, now I wish it had disc brake mounts. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn homegrown(tomato red), Norco Rampage, that's about it for hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Dialed in for the occasional x-c ride with Marz Atom Bombs, King head set, Syncros hubs(when they were made in Canada), Mavic 517's, Syncros cranks, post, stem, Profile carbon riser bars, Raceface B.B., fire xc tires, XTR derailers. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is my baby it took a couple of years to get were it's at. the only thing is I've been neglecting it lately. I've been having way too much fun freeriding on my dually. Maybe I'll turn it into a single speed, atleast I'd ride it more | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Thorpe Buchanan
a Weekend Warrior
from SAn Mateo, CA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Waterdog Lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$544.00 | | Purchased At: | Talbots Cyclery (Employee Purchase) | | Strengths: | Very, very cool looking. Light. Fast. The Integrated Headset
makes installation much easier. | | Weaknesses: | one of the stickers are starting to peel off, otherwise NOTHING. | | Similar Products Used: | Hardrock Sport, blah. | | Bike Setup: | Homegrown frame, XT/Mavic 221 Wheelset, XTR Ti Cassette, Thompson Elite Seatpost, Judy Race, cheap SRAM Shifters, Derailleur | | Bottom Line: | Very cool frame. lightest and best XC hardtail i've seen or ridden. If you're gonna get it, get good, light stuff. I'm still building it but I'm going to deck it out with some Next LPs, Sid SL & SRAM 9.0sl Shifters/Derailleur.
Very cool. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Binghams Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light weight, great paint job, Epicenter seat stays, Made in USA | | Weaknesses: | Short head tube, smaller frames have a hard time fitting water bottles in cages | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond Back V-Link 3.0, Cannoncdale M800, Corex AL7005 9if anyone other than me has one of these, let me know) | | Bike Setup: | '98 Marzocchi Z-2 Atom Bomb, Easton CT-2 bar, S-Works stem, Chris King headset, Thomson seatpost, SDG saddle, '98 XT v brakes, STR/517 wheelset, XT 8 spd drivetrain, XTR shifters | | Bottom Line: | This frame absolutely ROCKS!!! I ride a lot and prefer the smaller frames. I should actually should be riding a 19" frame but mine is 17". This frame is quick on the trail. All you have to do is think of turning and it reacts. The fork I have on it is a little on the short side so this may have something to do woth it. I am planning on upgrading to an Atom 80 so this may help. My setup is not the lightest, I am just barely under 24 lbs but I am not a gram counter. Everything on the bike has proven itself to be very durable and lasting. I am getting ready to try a set of Fire XC Pro's cause I have worn out two sets of tires already. I have over 1500 miles on road and trail conditions of all types and I am still amazed with the performance of the frame. The color and finish are sweet and last very well. Two thumbs up!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Sarasota
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | everything- epicenter seatstays, replacable derailleur hanger, stiff, nimble, stable, fast, responsive, you name it... | | Weaknesses: | as if | | Similar Products Used: | a bunch | | Bike Setup: | 17" bassboat red- full xt/xtr, with a sun mammoth rear rim | | Bottom Line: | hey, this frame rocks. it you have any inclination to a hardtail, don't look anywhere else. i use it primarily for trials, thats why i have the huge rear rim.. this frame lets me kick farther than my mod bike (monty x-lite) and feels incredibly stable. on the trail it handled beautifully. nuff said. get one. you'll love it. i guarantee. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Silver
a Racer
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ewok village | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This bike is the most responsive and most nimble bike I have ever ridden. It decends like nothing else on the market. And it climbs as well as a Klein. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness I have found is that the seat tube water bottle boss is not attached to the frame. It just spins around in the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Name a bike and I have tried it | | Bike Setup: | The sweetest frame in the world,sid XC, monkey lite,
raceface lps', XTR rear and XT front deraillers, Avid arch
40s, Real Brake Levers, Flite ti seat, Raceface seatpost,
and I am waiting for my Chris King hubs to go with my 517s
| | Bottom Line: | Bottom line this is the best frame on the market and the way I have built it up I could not ask for a better bike. Despite the problem with the water bottle problem if I could give more than five chili's I would. This bike or frame would be great for any body that wants a light do anything bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Niceville, Florida
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Screaming Death | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This frame is actually made by YETI. That should say enough. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, GT, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Judy 80mm, XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | Supergo.com had these for under $400 and I picked one up. I have no complaints at all. I can honestly say I don't know what they could do to make the frame any better. With the cable routing up top dirt is not an issue. Fast climber with an easy downhill flow. The paint rocks in the sun. Mounts for discs if I ever win the loto. I will ride it until it breaks which I don't think it ever will. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kelley bronaugh
a Weekend Warrior
from garland,tx
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | rowlettcreek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | the frame is super light and well built.with my component mix it weighs in right at 22 pounds. | | Weaknesses: | have yet to find any | | Similar Products Used: | only every hardtail i could get my hands on.stumpjumpers,khs alite 4000,cannondale f2000.many more | | Bike Setup: | full xtr drive and brakes,manitou sx fork,kore stem,syncros post,homegrown saddle,cooks bros cranks,mavic 217's, | | Bottom Line: | fast bike,stiff,great climber,almost propels itself on fast flats.no worries with fork,dependable and tough.this bike kicks!just point and go.never stressed about the price after i rode it.if your a seriuos weekend racer and need a top level ride,this is your bike.perfect for smooth singletrack with alot of twists and technical sections | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Palo Alto, CA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | On this bike Stanford University | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The geometry. For trials this bike is the best i've ever ridden. Beautiful paint | | Weaknesses: | headtube is a bit short but it dont matter to me | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stump Jumper M2 15" | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Judy DH '97-'98 mix, XTR brakes and Levers, SRAM ESP 9.0 Shifters/deraileurs, Cook Bro's F-Series cranks w/ XT BB, LX Silent clutch rear hub w/Mavic D-521 rim, Sun Rhyno Lite front rim w/LX hub, Answer Alumilite bar, Diamond Back caged pedals (similar to black widows only $21), ODI lock on grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike is 10x the bike that the Specialized was. It is a trials riders dream come true. 2nd to none and a great value now that theyre on close out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Giancarlo
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Luge, Lake Forest, CA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | The frame is top quality...what the pros use. You can't beat the price. But best of all, the ride. | | Weaknesses: | None encountered. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Stumpjumper, Griffen hardtail, Trek OCLV. | | Bike Setup: | Marzzocchi Z2, Raceface LP cranks, Magura hydraulic brakeset, Hugi hubs, Ringle Moby Deuce seatpost, Azonic shorty stem, Titec Hellbent hi-rise bar. | | Bottom Line: | The first time I test rode this bike I noticed a big difference compared to the other bikes I've ridden: it is very responsive. The turns feel heavenly. Very light compared to all the other frames I've ridden. The blue paint job looks awesome. The ride is so good that the disc brake mounts are just waiting to be used. Compared to the Trek OCLV, the ride is alot more comfortable. The geometry makes it very nimble...I could throw it around on demand. Top tube clearance is ample. As a hardcore rider, I have yet to scratch the frame. Chainstay is covered with bat grip. Also, you can't beat the price of the frame. I couldn't be any happier with this frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt white
a Racer
from navarre, fl
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | cool paint
stiff
tracks well at all speeds through corners
top tube routed cables keeps the cables out of the crud | | Weaknesses: | short head tube
measured center to top...order larger | | Similar Products Used: | caad 3 | | Bike Setup: | xtr/race face | | Bottom Line: | Building the bike was a dream. Somenone at schwinn deserves cudos for final frame prep. Clean threads, and faced surfaces make building a bike less of a hassle out of the box. When buying, make sure you know your frame size center to top, instead of center to center like the rest of the bike world(minus italy). Mine was very close to being too small. On the other hand the small frame rocks for handling so it worked out. The head tubes are a little short also, which means you either put lots of spacers in, or make the plunge in cutting the fork knowing you will never put it on a different frame. You will not be dissapointed in the performance of this frame. This is what you should expect in a top dollar frame, eventhough the 99's are at rock bottom close outs. As a side note, my 17" frame weighed in at 3.6 pounds. And if nothing else sells you the bass boat blue finish will rock your world. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam pickman
a Racer
from north kingstown RI USA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | breakheart | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | super stiff, extremely aggresive geometry and is also very light. Not to mention a brilliant paint job | | Weaknesses: | nothing yet | | Similar Products Used: | specialized m4 frame, cannondale caad4, and other industry giants top frames | | Bike Setup: | homegrown frame with a marzocchi Z2 superfly and full xtr drivetrain, crossmax wheelset and titec goodies like seat post and stem | | Bottom Line: | this is the aggresive and fastes frame i have ever ridden. Cerain set backs come with the territory of a high end aluminum frame, for examle it is very stiff. This bike should not be ridden by someone looking for comfort, but if all out performance is the only thing you are looking for than i recomened this frame | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
c2
a Cross-Country Rider
from pa
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
narrows | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
super fast in the twisty, great for agressive riding, looks so sweet | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
no other hard-tail has come close imho | | Bike Setup: |
sid xc, monkey light riser, rs seat post, xtr drive train, white/valiant wheels | | Bottom Line: | This bike is just a freakin' razor on the trail for me anyhow, fast fast fast. It's super stiff so if you live in the terminally rocky you'll with out a doubt need a suspension seat-post. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Plainville GA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Macintosh reserve race course | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Looks, weight, | | Weaknesses: |
It hurts when you crash and scratch the paint | | Similar Products Used: |
Moab | | Bike Setup: |
Rockshox post and Judy XC, rapid rise rear, XT front, hand built wheels | | Bottom Line: | This frame has improved my riding far more than expected. The bike climbs much better and suprising goes downhill as fast as my friends FSR XC! Rides much better than the Moab but has identical geometry. Great product! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Wild
a Cross-Country Rider
from Grande Prairie, Alberta
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Paridise mine trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
This bike is the best. Going uphill the bike never spins out and the front end doesn't want to lift up. When I first jumped on this bike I couldn't believe how easy it is to go fast. My racing times have decreased since I have got this frame and I am a more techniqual rider. The paint on this bike makes your mouth water with the sparkling gold and black colors. | | Similar Products Used: |
I have owned a stumpjumper and a cinder cone. With these bikes I was spinning out on the steep stuff. They are were still great bikes but the schwinn is much better. | | Bike Setup: |
I do not even have worthy parts (lx/xt with a Judy c) and the bike still out performes every other bike that I have road. | | Bottom Line: | The bottem line is this is an awsome frame with a spectacular paint job. I recomend this product to everyone who love climbing the steep stuff!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
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