Is this Walmart Schwinn MTB worth upgrading?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มี.ค. 2020
- With all the spare parts in my garage I couldn't resist pimping out the Schwinn Axum to see how far we can push this platform.
Note - I may get a commission on some of the links below
Mentioned in this video:
Shimano MT-200 Brakes - amzn.to/2wVdEyy
Schwinn Axum - www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-29...
Megatower protector - shop.santacruzbicycles.com/ch...
Geometry:
Head Tube Angle 67.8 (probably a full degree slacker now due to the longer fork)
Seat Tube Angle 73.5
Hoz Top Tube 645
Seat Tube Length 483
Head Tube Length 115
Chainstay Length 435
Fork Offset 46
Bottom Bracket Drop 67
Stem Length 60
Handlebar width 720
Other details:
Tapered headtube so standard forks should be compatible.
180mm front rotor, 160mm rear.
Internal width of the rims measured close to 30.5(!).
Weighed the following components - Tire 1090g, tubes 70g, front fork 2850g, front wheel 1490g.
Disclaimer - This bike was sent to me from Schwinn but this is not a sponsored video in any way. - กีฬา
The bike is noticeably quieter. Sounds like a bike that can grow with the rider. People need to keep in mind that not everyone can afford to drop even $1,000 for a decent entry level bike.
I'm doing fine, but I know people who don't have much money.
Try to have a little empathy for the less fortunate.
I wouldn't feel bad riding this $400 bike at all!
@@mtbsavant5414 Me either. I wish that sized frames were available though. I need a 21-21.5" frame, depending on the geometry. And 58-59cm for road bikes.
I have bike mechanic friends who can sometimes hook me up with used parts from riders doing upgrades.
I dont mind driving toyota, honda, nissan or ford instead of Mercedes, BMW or Porche 🥵 they all are made in china lol
Sheesh $1000 try over $8000 and that's just on OfferUp!
Bottom line, hardtails are super fun.
Says the dude who just sold his!
They are. I had a go on my mates, I've got an xcaliber I downgraded just to bike to work on. Just spent a fortune on it getting it trail ready again because it's far more fun on easy trails than a full sus
Full suspension bikes are 🤮
@@ianb2722 wtf hardtails are the worst started with one and sold it after 2 months to get a fully
@@Rasakson They're good for different things. My ass is reasonably rugged enough that the mild jostling it gets from our roads (and what passes for trails) isn't that serious. It's easier to pedal up a hill, too. Can also fit a full rack and double it as a commuter (or commuter first, have fun in gravel second, which is what I do).
However. If you ride REALLY rough level terrain, fast downhill, or jump? Yeah, then full squish makes complete sense.
This channels about to blow up. The algorithm brought me here
You were right!
Me too!
Me three. Time to start investing more time into your craft! I'll be there. I like your style.
The only thing that matters on a bike is the frame. Everything else is a wear item. Buying a new good frame alone is normally well over $500. So $400 for a rolling chasis that can carry the newest components on the market...... You really can't beat that.
Ride it until parts start wearing. Replace them with better parts as you go
I'm sure there's something out there with at least a thru axle rear around that price point. QR is a no-go for any bike that's worth keeping.
@@TheCrookedWheel if you find one let me know
@@mtbsavant5414 northwestbicycle.com/products/prone-29-frame-m-blue-b-oc1575
TheCrookedWheel totally agree with you. Nice bike but higher end frames will have a thru axle
One year ago, this video convinced me to get an Axum and start mountain biking. After a year of riding and upgrading 'smartly', I'm hooked. Mountain biking got me in shape physically and mentally and certainly helped me get through 2020. Still enjoying the Axum as I wait for an Ibis Ripmo on order due in July. Just wanted to share and say thanks.
Hummm Kev has some competition. This video was gooodddd.
Jun Boo umm no!
I think that the content this dude produces is much much better! Also he can actually ride and test his bikes and their upgrades!
Kev Central always upgrades using new parts and a smaller budget compared to the cost of the bike... In this case, just the fork costs more than the whole bike (even if used).
Challenge accepted.
I have much respect for Kev. He's awesome
I just randomly found this channel and I’m shocked your content is amazing and absolutely professional it reminds me a lot of seths bike hacks I hope you continue to grow keep going man
Thanks Joel. I really appreciate it!
MTB Savant I really hope you can grow more man you deserve it keep it up
Just came across your channel. This video showed up on my home page (probably because I am a Kev and Seth fan). I really enjoyed the video. Quality is on par with the best. I like how you encourage people to ride, no matter what they can afford. Looking forward to watching your other videos. Keep them coming.
Thnx really appreciate it!
I love watching your content! You are really thorough and entertaining in your videos, and you are so professional considering how small your channel is! I’m a fellow east bay rider and love seeing you test/take these bikes and gear down trials like chap or Cindy. You have also established your own style and branding which is awesome, keep up the videos!
Thanks man, I really appreciate it. It's comments like this that keep me going!
Why aren’t big bike companies (Trek, specialized, giant) doing this? Tapered headtube on a $400 bike?! That’s awesome.
I know right?!
Agree. especially since the bikes you mention above are mass produced by cheap overseas labor.
The AL Comp from this year has a taper and is only $200!
playgroundchooser I am new to all this. What is the comp you are talking about?
@@keith070806 No worries. The Schwinn brand bikes: AL Comp, Taff, Boundary, and the Axum.
All of them have a taper & are all sold at Walmart! Crazy at this price point ($200-$400).
Also, the new Schwinn Boundary is almost identical but does come with a rear derailleur with a clutch.
The axum's geo is closer to what I'd prefer. But yeah, why they didn't put that derailleur on this bike is baffling!
I think the short answer is price target. Walmart are the ones who set those targets and limitations, and it's up to Schwinn to make it fit however they can. On the Axum, they decided to go with wider tires, narrow-wide chainring, and cable routing holes for a dropper post (also, the $500 version that has that dropper post is now available), so they had to cut corners somewhere else.
Jeez I can’t wait till my Axum arrives at Walmart so I can go riding already
Congrats!
New parts for the whole new front end! This makes it a totally different class bike!
Yeah I wouldn't go seek these parts. Much cheaper upgrades out there
A rockshox Recon would do just fine
I was hoping you'd do a follow-up vid like this one, awesome. A chain guide would've helped with the drops, there are some super cheap ones that would do just fine.
Chain guide otw!
how i didnt have this in my recommended before holy shit this video is good like really good
your voice is clear the camera work is very good too and just everything else good job my man
I know some will turn up their nose to this kind of bike...I personally really appreciate the fact you are showing absolute entry level mountain bikes that are perfect for people like me who just want a good bike for all kinds of trails, paved, dirt, gravel and nothing too crazy. I wouldn't even ride it as hard as you are in the video. I just want a fun bike to ride that is durable and I can do all my light recreational riding and commuting on. This bike I think would be a good one to consider and best of all, it is affordable.
This bike looks perfectly serviceable, for the average guy, that being me, I'm not John tomac, or Ned over end, good reference for the kids there, I don't have the budget for 4000 buck bikes, I ride what I can afford, it's about smiles for miles, not pretending to be a pro downhill rider, good vid very much enjoyed it,
This is a great bike with LOTS of potential
This vid makes me feel a whole lot better about my recent Axum purchase. At one point I had a single tear running down my cheek at some of the comments on your last vid. Redemption man!!! Redemption!!!
Right on!
Bought this 2 weeks ago! Love it! Love it love love love ❤️ I love my heavy tank!
love this trail. i used to ride this many times back in the day. thanks for the memories sir!
Glad you enjoyed it!
For a budget drive train upgrade, check out the Microshift Advent group set. 11-42 9 spd cassette, clutch deraileur, and sealed bearing shifter on Amazon for $118 . Toss in a $15 chain and you have a new drive train for under $150
Already in my Amazon cart 👌
@@mtbsavant5414 Nice. I got one to try to see what it was like. I put it on my Roscoe and it has been very good so far. Shifts smooth and positive. The clutch is quite strong and adjustable as well.
This was a great video. I'm a total noob. This was a very informative video. Thank you.
Did a similar thing with my first bike in a similar price bracket, but it was an old used Norco Bigfoot, around 2008 if I've dated it correctly. About the only good part on it when I bought it was a 160mm Fox Talas from around 2015. Bought new breaks, bars, stem, and my buddy was gracious enough to gift me a spare Shimano XTR 1x10 from his old bike to finish it off, and the old girl feels incredible now. The bike shop that did the drive train swap and tune up absolutely loved it when they tested it out.
Awesome man! My all time favorite bike was my Schwinn 4/banger, way way back in the day. Back when Schwinn owned Yeti.
Schwinn was the shiet!
I was surprised to see this bike considered as Walmart bike. In my country, this brand is closer to the mid-range quality category, and it`s more like something good to start with...
Same here, i was really surprised.
Best Walmart bike vid I've seen yet. This video is going to blow up!
Thnx!
Nice video! Thats what i actually did with my first scott aspect. Updated to an 120 fork new breaks and new bars!
New bike!
NBD!
Fantastic video and description of upgrades even if they were used one you had laying around, they did the job very well!
Thank you!
For the seat tube... raise it to your desired height and leave about an inch below the clamp and cut everything below that off. Then you can drop your saddle all the way down
One of my bikes is a 26" steel bike i done loads to it upgrading it through the years. And even though i have another bike, the 26" had to much work to it to part with and why not enjoy 2, plus the 26" fits on the indoor trainer. I have all the shimano parts to fit to it hydraulic disc brakes and groupset and going from 3 by to 1 by. Only problem with it is the 1" steerer which came with it. This has no settings just a stock zoom fork with no seals just a rubber ring lol to make it look good lol.. I can never it seems find a 1" suspension fork with settings and good seals but apart from that when i have these extra parts added it will look better and less weight. i also will plan to say adios to my new coil rear suspension for a air version. Good video, as someone said its very Kev Central type of video which is good and a good friendly manner in your video which is cool. i was also suprised with the cheap parts for shimano groupset and brakes which i purchased.
Appreciate the comment.
Another awesome one. Thank you so much for creating.
Appreciate the comment
The reason this is such a great way to go is a lot of young riders don’t have money to put into a good frame straight away and build a bike, but they most likely have enough to buy a bike like this that gets them out on the trails straight away, then they can slowly save and buy those upgrades. Also there’s nothing better than getting an upgrade putting it on your bike then going out for a test ride to see how much of a difference it makes.
Love it dude! Honestly if you plan to upgrade a lot of stuff just use that money and buy an amazing hardtail frame and build it up?
Thnx man. Yeah investing more up front is always smarter but at $400 people can get a taste of this sport and if it becomes a garage queen then the out of pocket expenses weren't too bad
Walmart helping rid the US of covid and offering affordable bikes that can rip..
And letting our people sleep in their parking lots lol
It depends on how you look at it... how many of their employees are spreading covid? Stay safe.
The least they can do for all the harm they have caused over the years.
Bikes have skyrocketed in price by like 33% but ok
@@mtbsavant5414 They don't even do that anymore. They put up signs saying you will be towed
Not only do you have a great value bike to begin with but upgrading it increases its capability massively.
Not only when you reach the end of it all you have a good performing hardtail! but you will have furthermore gained knowledge about your bike and how to build and maintain it leaving you smarter at the end.
This is the perfect entry level bike.
Agreed
Love those brakes I've rescued a hybrid from the garbage to save my good bike from work commutes. Fired those bad boys on it £34 including delivery so stoked. Also upgraded drive train rear wheel, grips n pedals. And gave it a fresh paint job using spray.bike paint. Done all the work myself for first time ever. So satisfying.
These brakes are the best kept secret out there
I’ve got the dropper model on the way (I think I got the last one currently in stock) along with WAY more upgrades then perhaps I should, however the debate surrounding should you upgrade right away or put that extra money into a more expensive bike to start with seems somewhat subjective to me. I started riding about a year ago using my 16 year old 26” full suspension Mongoose which was around three hundred dollars back in the day but certainly lacking by today’s standards. I put a couple hundred into it replacing nearly everything from top to bottom bracket and had an absolute BLAST fixing it up learning a great deal along the way and it turned in to a pretty decent bike. At age 55 this could very well be the last bike I purchase so I intend turning this in to a project bike right out of the box.
I know there's alot of kev central audiences down here.
How are you guys?
good
Yes.
Good, God bless 🙏❤️
Good. I finally have a bike to try getting in shape on.
It's a huffy parkside 27.5. yes yes laugh it up,but I honestly feel better after having been using it.
Thanks this video is very helpfull I’ve had a marlin 6 for about 6 months and been debating whether to get a better hardtail for like £1200 or just upgrade mine this video has made that decision easier for me to decide
Finally Walmart gets some decent bikes.. I used to go through at least four a year.. then I switched to the Roscoe 8 by trek.. then upgraded to the carbon chameleon. !!! But definitely keep up the videos great review looking forward to getting this one for my GF. !!
Thnx. The bar in this pricepoint has been raised!
You can get a ZTTO fork on AliExpress for less $200. I've had one for several years now and I would buy another one before I'd buy an entry-level RockShox fork. It's not quite as good as the RockShox but for how much money you save the difference in performance is negligible. And I own an entry-level RockShox and a mid-tier RockShox fork, so I'm speaking from experience.
just save up like 400 and purchase a high tier used fork that is 1-2 years old
There's a tapered air SR suntour with QR for $169 on Amazon.
Oh Yeah!
6x which is very high in the surprised meter scale lol!
This was a great video man! You showed why that Schwinn was such a good bike at this price point. It has modern, good geometry, and has a bit of upgradability; especially with that tapered headtube. Most people will not put a Fox fork on it but having the ability to put on one is really nice for someone who got hooked and is savvy enough to find used or close out parts like a decent Suntour or Manitou fork. I would personally buy one for my friends who want to ride and donate older parts I’ve upgraded on my other bikes. But I am definitely recommending this bike to new people to the sport. Just need to figure out a cheap rear derailleur solution.
Thanks that was the point of the video. The fun factor went through the roof with the fork and brakes. A more budget fork like a Suntour or Rockshox Reba is more appropriate for a bike like this.
@@mtbsavant5414 exactly. I have the AL Comp (which is basically this, with a 3x and 27.5" tires), and basically bought it with the intention to swap to one of the nicer Suntour forks some point. It'd still be a better bike then what I could find in my short-legged size for $400 around here (which would be 3 speed cruiser with old V-brakes at the LBS).
Sweet video! I want to ride that trail! Yeah, it sucks when they do tapered headtube but not a thru axle front but I know price was the goal. Not a bad bike for $400 and that's awesome you threw a 34 up front! Take care
There's some budget air forks with a QR so a new wheel isn't always necessary.
I put a Shimano Acera on the back of my mountain bike now that's a 9-speed derailleur and they got a pretty good cage no clutch but they got a pretty spring in them
Kris Payne
That’s what I was thinking along with a chin guide. I think the spring is just weak in that Axe derailleur.
Lol.when the fork cost more than the bike itself lol
I got lucky and found a Schwinn Taff still in the box at a Walmart in the suburbs of Chicago two weeks ago it's quite similar to the Axum (which was not in stock) I plan on making the same upgrades ASAP! Thanks for the information!
Really curious on the Box Four derailleur you ordered. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks.
Would love to see you review a Diamondback Atroz.
Agreed. A decent dropper post and suspension that isn't garbage have woken my Atroz 2 up quite a bit, I'd like to see his take on it.
Hmmmm
I’d recommend someone starting out spend $700-$800 range and buy a better mountain bike to begin with. Like the Vitus Nucleus- $749.99 which comes with a 11 x 46 Deore Drivetrain and better everything else. Why? Because a beginner can go ride it hard immediately with no immediate upgrades. For a beginner one of the most common things is to get discouraged and give up on the sport bc the bike makes riding not fun- kinda how the Schwinn is as purchased if you push it. And if it needs upgrades, then you have to consider costs, because a beginner will not likely have the parts lying around. So by time someone bought those upgrades, and then probably paid someone to put them on, they’ve already spent more than the Vitus and still have a crappy drivetrain. Look I get it, if that is absolutely all you can afford, get the Schwinn and upgrade later. But if you can swing $450 more, get the Vitus or something similar- they are out there. Some things are worth paying for.
DADventureTV
Yep. Then when they realize they’re not that much into mountain biking, that $800 bike will go on craigslist for cheap. Then someone else will get a good deal. Happens all the time.
shwndh exactly. They get to give the sport a better chance of success with a better bike. And if it doesn’t work they get some of that money back (probably 50%) and someone else gets a sweet rig at a good price. Or they could find someone else’s sweet used rig.
Love the look of this bike. Looks really cool.
Right now I want to take my hardtail to JMP, nice video dude.
Bit too wet right now lol
5:18 but really you need a chain guide too, if going on the rough stuff, or riding stairs.
Yup, ordered
Yeah just a chain guide will help.
I bought a chain tensioner on amazon for $10, put it on my sons bike and the chain never drops. It just zip ties to the chain stay and pulls the slack out of the chain.
I have 3 mtbs. 2 with clutch derailleurs and one non clutch with chainguide. Its the only one that doesnt drop the chain.
@@johndef5075- do you have a narrow wide chainring on the front? If not that’s why the chains are falling off.
That was awesome. Thank You. I don't know if the have a fully suspended bike that you could do that to I am to old to ride a hard tail. But I am going to upgrade my forks on my MTB thanks to you.
And here I was being told that too much travel increase on the front fork is taboo ! You just gave me hope !
No issues yet
remember when schwinn, mongoose and gt were good bikes?
Do those shimano brakes come with pads?
YES!!
Yes
Worlds best bike youtuber, prove me wrong.
Wow quite the compliment, thnx!
The cool thing about cheap bikes is that they are a lot. There is a vast variety of hardtail frames to choose from and finding the right size for you is a piece of cake if you know what you want. So I got Trek 4900 from 2012 and its a beast. It was my first bike that I built and rode since my childhood. To be honest it was never holding me back until I went to a lift accessed bike park :D
right on!
I have a similar XC 29er hardtail from 2012, and I was thinking about upgrading it, but ultimately decided against it. I just measured the angles and it was really weird. Also fork and new wheel costed more than the whole bike. So I just slapped a new Suntour XCR fork for now.
I'm really impressed with the geo on this bike. Way better than most entry level hardtails.
La suspensión vale 2 veces más que mi bici😭
I always believed that as long afd the frame was good and good metal, you cam upgrade. Upgrades as you can afford them. Good learning experience both as a rider and mechanic.
Yeah I don't recommend someone upgrading this bike off the bat, but replacing worn parts with better quality stuff as you go is a great way to learn.
Honestly not a bad bike at all! Especially finding a used set of forks for a deal and buying parts from amazon this could be a great bike! I ride a fathom 2, and this looks great
I thought DHR means "DOWNHILL REAR" and DHF means "DOWNHILL FRONT"
Many use DHR in front. In fact some bikes are spec'd that way. See Pivot.
God dang it I thought you were sending it to me. 😢
Still waiting for that Enduro security deposit l)
I love the content, you made a new sub
Welcome aboard!
Thank you for mentioning the geometry. I was very curious about that
Happy to help!
Who has a Fox fork layin donw in the garage
THIS guy lol.
I had one until i sold it because i quit 27.5 and joined the 29 gang.
just ordered the mt200 brakes for my hardtail, excited to see how they are!
Enjoy!
You'll enjoy them. I found them plenty powerful enough for most trails. There was only one time I wanted more braking power. It was on a very long and steep descent. I use 4pot brakes now (Hope Tech 3 E4), but for what I do most of the time it's likely overkill. Modulation is nice, though! The mt200 are great and simply work!
Keep up the great work
I just bought a £350 own-brand bike from halfords (outdoor equipment store in the uk) and it's quite similar to this. It's already got hydraulic disc brakes, it's got tubeless ready tires, and nice comfy grips. I was already half thinking about upgrading the forks (suntour xcm 100mm) since they have a nice warning sticker saying not to use them on downhill trails lol. This vid has shown me the potential of what I thought was just a cheap bike to get me around. Cheers!
Very cool!
I had a spare Yeti SB150 frame sitting around so I bolted that to my hardtail. Just changing that 1 part completely changed my hardtail.
LMAO
Nice review most MTB reviewers thrash a Walmart bike just to do it. I like the review
Awesome review !
Thnx
I like how he puts a half bottle in the cage, all that space unlike my pivot mach 6
I got the slightly newer version of this bike. The only thing I did was pimp it out with accessories like lights and then tightened the brakes and replaced the seat with a spring version so it's more comfortable. That's pretty good for me. The last thing I'm going to is replace the pedals with metal ones. This is actually my first modern mtb because I've been using a 1st gen bike from the 80s that was also a Schwinn
Awesome video you put together! It's a sexy looking bike, nice upgrades! Think you missed an "Oh yeah" haha
lol, thnx
As a 21 year old Schwinn Moab 3 rider, I like this.
Love budget mtb, love them upgrading❤
This is awesome. If you want to upgrade the drivetrain and u can get a different and microspline hub, the best deal right now is the 1x12 slx groupset on Merlin cycles.
Yeah saw that too, might go even cheaper with Microshift
Nice video man 👍👍
Thanks 👍
Great vid! Man last time I rode cindarella a month ago it felt pretty tore up and needed some maintenance, looks like it has not changed.
Yeah braking bumps galore
7:50, finally said it. It's about the geometry of the frame and your body. Since it can handle the upgrades, I think you can build a great bike on the cheap if you like the geometry.
Thanks for the vid! Definitely useful.
Glad it was helpful!
I like the big front triangle for bikepacking potential.
There's another pair of bottle mount bolts too
Good upgrades 👍🏻
Thnx.
Its a nice looking blacked out frame. Looks like a Specialized Rockhopper
I think it looks great too!
Great video brother!
Dang bro. It's been a minute
MTB Savant lol it has been! Brother you make such great content. Keep it up!!!
MTB Savant I’ll come back one day
Great channel, thanks!
I've been running those brakes on my bike for a few months now and I gotta say, for how cheap they are they're incredible!
In gentle to medium braking they're fantastic, but I do think they're a little lacking once you really start digging in.
Which means I went back to my old (from 2004) noisier and less reliable, but more powerful Hope mono M4's
Seems ok for me so far. I'm running the stock 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors.
If you have a Fox 34 with Kashima stanchions as a leftover fork, you're living the dream.
Or have a YT channel ;)
Awesome video, nice upgrade... Deore 10 speed (w/clutch) should do for a non super expensive upgrade and a Sunrace Casette 11-42t or 46t... and you good to go...
Got my eye on the microshift 9 speed setup with clutch. Cassette derailleur and shifter for $115. I'll wear out this drivetrain first
Currently upgrading my Schwinn Taff. Throwing on The Sram GX deraileur and matching trigger shifter, with a Sunrace MX3 10 speed 11-42T cassette. I also had to upgrade from freewheel to freehub ofcourse, rolling QualityWheels Deore on the rear and the front. Any suggestions for a new fork, preferably not a coil?
I love this, and am actually kind of surprised that it handled that big a fork travel and still retained a 73.5 seat tube angle!?!?
STA not as important on hardtails because they dont squat while climbing.
What we learned, a frame is a frame and if it’s upgradable it’s good. If you find a frame that looks good you can make the bike good if you have the parts
An upgrade is always better than buying a pricey one as a beginner. First thing you'll notice the changes , you'll learn about the parts you are riding with. As a beginner this is also something you have to an idea about.
I’m watching this today, scored an axum dp for 150$ brand new in the box. Not even built yet.
So some would say it’s not worth upgrading for the cost, but at what I spent on the bikes. Leaves a big budget for upgrades
Great vid! God loves you 🙏❤️
New sub here i will be waiting for the full upgrade of that bike
In time...
I couldn’t find an Axum in stock anywhere, so I wound up buying a Schwinn Boundary for my gf. Gave $250 for the bike and all the rest was spare parts I had taken off of previous bikes. I upgraded it with a shorter stem, Odi grips, Shimano mt420 4 piston brakes, 180/160 Sram rotors, and a KS dropper. My only complaint is the fork. But it’s right there with a Trek Marlin 7 for 1/3rd the price. The Boundary actually has a clutched derailleur, idk how that didn’t make it on the Axum.