While more experienced riders (and readers of this site) might scoff at anything that costs less than a grand, entry-level bikes offer an important path into the sport. So, I decided to test the $398 Schwinn Axum to get a feel for what buyers are getting for their money. It is also important to remember that even after you know what type of bike is best suited for you to also make sure it fits you properly. When the pedal is at its lowest point your leg should be almost completely extended with just a slight bend in the knee. Your feet should also not be able to touch the ground while you are seated on the saddle.
Some notable features include an aluminum frame with a dropped top tube for easy mount and dismount and a suspension fork with 100mm of travel to help absorb shock on rough trails. The Ridgewood has front and rear mechanical disc brakes with large rotors for enhanced stopping power. The 7-speed Microshift drivetrain with trigger shifters allows for efficient gear selection in any riding mode.
Faced with a downward sales spiral, Schwinn went into bankruptcy in 1992.[59] The company and name were bought by the Zell/Chilmark Fund, an investment group, in 1993. The brakes are rim brakes on the Mesa 3, but on the Mesa 2, you get mechanical disc brakes which give good stopping power. Mountain bikes below $1,000 with a suspension fork and between 21 and 24 gears generally weigh between 38 and 41 pounds. The materials used for the frame, fork, and components usually account for most of the weight variation in this price range.
This makes it much better for the user and does add a lot of control to the rider but takes away some top speed. The frame is aluminum, and it is designed to stay very agile and help the rider with harsh off-road terrain while being robust and lightweight. Schwinn Traxion is an absolute beast, and this bike has some excellent capabilities. Unlike the other bikes above, this is a full-suspension mountain bike and not only has front forks but a rear shock. Schwinn High Timber, like the Mesa, is a hardtail mountain bike and comes in many different models. The High Timber comes in two levels of performance – standard and ALX.
Mountain bikes were originally based on Schwinn balloon-tired cruiser bicycles fitted with derailleur gears and called “Klunkers”. A few participants began designing and building small numbers of mountain bikes with frames made out of modern butted schwinn bicycles chrome-molybdenum alloy steel. Using the standard electro-forged cantilever frame, and fitted with five-speed derailleur gears and knobby tires, the Klunker 5 was never heavily marketed, and was not even listed in the Schwinn product catalog.
One important thing to consider when mountain bike shopping is value. You also need to consider your experience level and the kind of terrain you want to ride. It’s easy to be misled by a manufacturer’s glossy imagery and captivating product descriptions. This review provides an in-depth analysis of why we recommend the Schwinn Boundary for someone relatively new to mountain biking.
Schwinn bikes will last years with regular maintenance by a professional mechanic and proper care at home. Frequently inspecting the suspension, inflating the tires properly, and lubricating the chain are low-cost ways to extend the life of a Schwinn mountain bike. Explore new bike paths and light trails with the Timber Trail AL mountain bike by Schwinn. Schwinn cruiser bikes are iconic for being ridden along the coast, on boardwalks, or flat, paved terrain. While not meant to be ridden long distances and best for paved paths, more and more cruisers are gaining speed.