My biggest complaint with roller-cam brakes is that they are a real hassle to adjust. It took me over an hour to get the rear brake properly set up after taking it apart, cleaning it, and installing new pads. 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.
Take a ride with me into the mountain bike models of both Mongoose and Schwinn as we dive deeper into comparing the two brands’ current mountain bike model offerings. 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
. Even with the electronics and motor, the Schwinn Ridgewood weighs about the same as a traditional mountain bike.
Just put Stan’s in the tubes, if they’re removeable core, and buy some rem core tubes if not. Judging by all the comments about it, I’m in the minority but I find it’s a fun accessory. I did remove the reflectors and also the “pie plate” on the cassette, again, based on my own preferences for how I like my bikes to look / perform.
One minor bummer is that the informational stickers on the frame don’t peel off cleanly. To get the paper and gummy glue off completely takes some effort. There’s also a nut or something inside my test frame that rattles and rolls like a penny in a jar whenever the bike is moved. Everything on the bike appears to be secure, so perhaps it’s just an extra part or some welding slag that ended up inside the frame. Right away I noticed the dropper post remote wasn’t working.
Some bikes are able to support more weight than others. So be sure the bike you’re looking at is sturdy enough to support you—and any cargo you might be carrying. Since the bike is designed to be versatile, you can take it on an off-road adventure, on your daily commute, or both. I bought a Schwinn High Sierra in 1985 and I still have it. It does make a great touring bike with all the braze ons for racks and stuff, and mine has never left Alaska. To change them to something else would require a different bar, and I like the bar.
I get it; a decent mountain bike fork costs more than this entire bike. On the plus side, the fork takes some of the sting out of riding bumpy trails, but beyond that, it really doesn’t give the rider much control, especially at speed. Preload is non-existent, the rebound is slow, and beyond the lockout, it’s not adjustable in any way.
If you’re looking for a bike that’s built for speed and agility, then a Schwinn bike might be a better choice. Mongoose bikes are actually very affordable, especially when compared to other brands. In fact, you can often find Mongoose bikes for sale at prices that are significantly lower than the retail price. This makes them an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers. There are a few key differences between Schwinn and Mongoose road bikes.
You’ll also want to inspect the wheels to make sure they’re in decent condition. When buying a 30 year old bike, chances are there will be a couple of issues. You’ll want to inspect the High Sierra to make sure it’s in decent condition. Start by looking at the frame to make sure it’s not bent, dented, or cracked. The Schwinn High Sierra is not compatible with cantilever brake calipers due to the brake stud location.
It so happened the Washington-based company was founded just as the bicycle craze was starting to grip America. It grew once, and then twice, churning out thousands of bicycles a day from its 30 factories, a figure that grew to over a million
a year at the turn of the 20th century. At the height of its success, the German-family-owned company controlled a whopping 25% market share in America. For me a relaxing day involves riding my mountain bike to decompress after a long day.
I didn’t know anything about the High Sierra as I wasn’t even born yet when it came out. It fit all my criteria so I took a little drive to check it out. The bike looked like it had been sitting around unused for quite a while but was in excellent condition for its age.