As an entry-level hardtail, the Schwinn Axum is best suited for easy to moderate trails. The bike weighs a hair over 36 pounds which is on the heavy side, but I found it doesn’t suffer for climbing, and getting it in the air doesn’t take too much effort either. In fact, despite schwinn mountain bicycles the short knobs on the tires and limited gearing, the Axum climbs steep, technical trails well. The 67.8° head angle is reasonable for a hardtail and the seat tube angle keeps the front end planted, while the rigid, aluminum rear end transfers pedal power efficiently.
A growing number of US teens and young adults were purchasing imported European sport racing or sport touring bicycles, many fitted with multiple derailleur-shifted gears. Schwinn decided to meet the challenge by developing two lines of sport or road ‘racer’ bicycles. One was already in the catalog — the limited production Paramount series.
They became common on high-end bikes during the mid to late 80s. Roller cam brakes were designed to reduce brake arm flex to improve braking accuracy and performance. The Schwinn High Sierra was produced from around 1984 until around 1996. Most frames were made by Giant in Taiwan and sold under the Schwinn name. The High Sierra was Schwinn’s top-of-the-line mountain bike model from the time it was introduced until 1985 when Schwinn introduced the Cimarron. Schwinn mountain bikes have always been a reliable option for those looking for a high-performing and durable product at an affordable cost.
From top to bottom, they’re designed to help kids in motion stay in motion. Forty-five pounds lighter I started working at bike shops and raced every race I could find. It’s been 33-years since the car ride and proposition that altered my life. I sometimes wonder where I would be today if she had just asked to go out for a cheeseburger, beer and a couple cigarettes. I could not get up this mountain (hill) even with a triple chainring up front.
Suntour released a special tool to help with this job. The tool keeps the calipers properly spaced while you tighten the pad in place. As the pads wear, they hit the rim closer and closer to the tire. If you’re not careful, they can start rubbing on the tire and destroy it.
(I usually ride full rigid)
Left the kickstand on, made a ton of noise, but never deployed. Small diameter grips not comfortable almost immediately. For a $500 budget, the Schwinn Axum is tough to beat. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone willing to spend up to $1,000 though, since spending more will get buyers better suspension and brakes for a more enjoyable trail experience overall. Schwinn also has a reputation for providing good customer service, which is another reason why consumers choose to purchase their products. If you have any problems with your bike, Schwinn will be there to help you resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.
They provide excellent stopping power and stay adjusted. I have not had to touch them since installing the new pads. I like how the brake lever snaps back when I release it. With a Schwinn mountain bike, you can get any of the three brake designs, such as linear-pull, mechanical discs, or hydraulic discs. On the other hand, bikes with multiple sizes are offered in small, medium, and large frames, which is the case with Schwinn Mesa and Schwinn High Timber bikes.
This bike is suited to shorter people than the Traxion, so Schwinn has given it smaller wheels at the size of 26″. 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 geometry is comfortable, and this bike is going to be a pleasure to go on and off-road with. These bikes will suit users from 5’0″ all the way to 6’5″ depending on the frame size. I’ll echo Gerow and say the biggest advantages are fewer punctures plus improved ride feel and handling. New riders will especially appreciate the potential for fewer flats!
At that point I asked the budding photographer to pull over into the parking lot of the local Schwinn shop. Back in those days most towns had a local Schwinn shop. In the shop, I hurriedly purchased a Schwinn High mongoose excursion Plains mountain bike for $335. I wrote a check (remember those?) And so began my cycling career…well, not really. I actually called my sister and had her come and get me and the bike in her Chevy S-10 pickup.
Right away I noticed the dropper post remote wasn’t working. It turns out the cable and housing weren’t long enough. So, I installed a fresh cable and longer housing and also flipped the direction of the cable so it could be clamped at the lever instead of using the included barrel nut at the post. It’s a pleasant surprise to find the bike not only ships with a one-by-style dropper remote, but that the cable can be pinched at the lever for easier installation. 1949-Schwinn first started becoming mainstream with the Black Phantom, Tank Cruiser, which could be recognized by its balloon tires. Schwinn’s complacency resulted in them being forced to file for bankruptcy in 1993, and in 2001, Pacific Cycle purchased the Schwinn brand.