9 Best Schwinn Mountain Bikes Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Schwinn Mountain Bike Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

Are you looking for the best Schwinn mountain bike but have realized that the task is harder than you have initially thought? While the good news is that there are lots of Schwinn mountain bike options on the market, that’s also the bad news since there are so many to choose from. To make your purchase easier, we’ve looked at some of the most popular among them, checked their components and features, and picked the ones that offered the most for the lowest price. Our first recommendation is the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike. This is your regular hardtail bike, with 26-inch wheels, a solid aluminum frame, front and rear suspension, as well as mechanical disc brakes. In the unfortunate event that this model is out of stock right now, you might want to take a look at the Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike 7 Speed.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

9 Best Schwinn Mountain Bikes (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

There are so many Schwinn mountain bikes on the market right now, that you might be confused as to which one to choose. That’s why we’ve created this list of Schwinn mountain bike reviews of some of the most appreciated choices so that you can pick one that’s been tried and tested and that can provide you with enjoyable rides for a long time to come.

 

 

1. Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

 

If you’re looking for an affordable bike, then you can’t really overlook the Protocol 1.0. It comes with both front and rear suspension, quality components, and last, but not least, good looks. The frame is made of aluminum so it’s lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant but also stiff which means you can ride those off-road trails without being bothered.

While the fork and rear shock aren’t suited for nasty trails, you’ll still enjoy yourself on off-road bike paths without a worry. The wide wheels will add to that cushion effect while their knobby pattern should work well on a variety of surfaces, perhaps except for thick mud.

You get disc brakes which is quite something at this price range. They’re not hydraulic, but then again, they work just fine, you’ll just need to re-adjust them from time to time. The 24-speed Shimano EZ drivetrain is just what you need to be able to climb steep inclines or ride fast downhill without a worry.

 

Pros

You get a bike that looks good and rides just as well, and the best part is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

The front fork and rear suspension will do their job, soaking up small bumps and holes so you ride comfortably both on- and off-road.

The 3×8 Shimano drivetrain and Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters and derailleurs will provide smooth gear shifting for any occasion and terrain type.

The saddle looks comfortable enough to eliminate those annoying sore spots after several hours of riding.

The treads on the tires are perfect for riding on the road without increased rolling resistance, but they also offer a good grip on hardpack, loose soil, and other relatively dry surfaces.

 

Cons

The front and rear suspensions aren’t exactly high-end, but then again, this is a cheap bike and you still get pretty good components.

Some people might prefer larger wheels, as 26-inch ones are becoming quite old.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($810)

 

 

 

2. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike 7 Speed

 

This bike is dirt cheap yet it comes with a suspension fork, disc brakes, and wide tires, so what more do you want from a mountain bike at this price? The frame looks solidly built and it’s made of aluminum, which means it’s not heavy. More than that, it’s resistant to corrosion, although you’d want to keep it away from the elements.

The geometry of the bike is quite modern and stylish. The wheels are the old 26-inch standard, but they work just fine, especially since they’re coupled with 2.2” All Terrain tires which, just as the name says, should give you proper traction and grip on most types of surfaces without really compromising anything.

You get 21 speeds and Shimano Revo shifters but also a Shimano rear derailleur for smooth gear shifting. The grips look good, the saddle is quite wide and comfy, and we can’t miss the mechanical disc brakes that should work well and keep you safe.

 

Pros

The bike has a strong aluminum alloy frame and a suspension fork that’s meant to absorb those shocks from bumps.

There are 21 speeds you can use to negotiate all sorts of terrains both on and off-road.

The 2.2-inch tires are wide enough for forest trails and perform well on a variety of mostly dry surfaces, thanks to their all-terrain tread pattern.

When you get mechanical disc brakes in a bike this cheap, you’d better be satisfied. You will have to adjust them more often, but they’re better than pull brakes.

Thanks to the quick-release seat post, you’ll be able to adjust its height in a jiffy so that you ride in maximum comfort at any time.

 

Cons

There are only 21 speeds which are just fine for commuting but might make climbing steep inclines, especially off-road, a bit tough.

Some riders might have preferred Rapidfire shifters instead of Revo shifters, but the latter probably keep the costs down.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($349.99)

 

 

 

3. Schwinn Bonafide Mens Mountain Bike 29-Inch

 

This is a 29er that’s bound to find a few fans, given its accessible price and nice build. The bike has a low-slung frame design that maximizes performance while remaining lightweight. The Schwinn suspension fork is there to soak up all those little holes and bumps so that your arms and bottom don’t get sores after a short ride.

The 29-inch wheels are pretty nice, as they allow you to pedal quite fast and, while you sacrifice some maneuverability, you do get to go over obstacles much more easily. These wheels, combined with the 2.25-inch all-terrain tires make for stable riding and good grip on a variety of surfaces.

The double-wall alloy rims also help as they’re bound to handle rough riding and hard landings for years to come. You get 24 speeds and Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters for a seamless experience and good performance.

 

Pros

Thanks to the 29-inch wheels, you’ll be able to roll over obstacles both large and small like a pro, and also pedal at great speed.

The frame may have a simple design but this geometry is tried and tested and it is made of aluminum so it is bound to last.

The 2.25” tires are great for a variety of terrains and they should handle hardpack, loose soil, and gravel quite well.

You get mechanical disc brakes which help with control but also confidence that you can stop the bike when you need to.

The saddle is quite comfortable and so are the grips on the handlebar.

 

Cons

It weighs 39 pounds, which is quite heavy for an aluminum build with suspension only in the front.

Some people might have wished for at last 9 cogs, especially those who love to climb steep hills and roam the forests.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($469.99)

 

 

 

4. Schwinn S29 Mens Mountain Bike 29-Inch Wheels

 

Are you looking for a bike with 29-inch wheels that won’t make a hole in your budget? Then this model might just meet your needs. This is a dual-suspension bike so you get both a suspension fork and a rear shock so you can ride off-road trails and enjoy yourself at any time.

The large wheels help with overcoming all sorts of obstacles but are also great for speed so you can benefit from them when on flat roads or descending. You get 21 speeds, which, while not exactly awesome, is still enough for most types of travels, and not just commuting, but also riding your local forest trails.

The disc brakes surely are a boon for a bike in this price range and the EZ-Fire trigger shifters combined with Shimano derailleurs should allow for smooth gear changing. The tires have a knobby pattern that makes them suitable for a wide range of terrains.

 

Pros

You get 29” wheels on a bike that’s really cheap by all standards, so what’s not to like about it?

The front suspension does its work well and should save your arms and bottom from all those sores typical of several-hour rides on bumpy terrain.

The tires are well-suited for hardpack, loose soil, and other dry surfaces so you should have no problems there.

The triple chainrings are made of aluminum alloy so they are lightweight and relatively strong, even if they’re not as durable as steel.

The disc brakes should provide plenty of braking power as long as you make sure to keep them adjusted properly.

 

Cons

Since there are only 7 sprockets, you might have quite some trouble climbing really steep hills.

The pedals are made of plastic and might break quite soon. If you get this bike, do yourself a favor and get aluminum flat pedals or clipless ones.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($469.99)

 

 

 

5. Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Mountain Bike 26″ Wheels

 

This is a version of the popular Protocol 1.0 that comes at a lower price without losing much in terms of quality. The frame is made of aluminum to keep the weight down. There’s a suspension fork to absorb shocks in the front but also a rear shock that will complete the job and make sure you ride in comfort at all times.

The drivetrain gives you 24 speeds to change for the type of terrain you’re riding on. Thanks to the Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters, you get to shift gears much faster and optimize pedaling efficiency no matter if you’re climbing a hill or pedaling on the descent.

As for the brakes, you get a front mechanical disc brake right where it’s needed the most, while the rear features a V-brake. It may be an older system, but it still does the work so you can stop the bike at any time and stay safe.

 

Pros

This bike is more than reasonably-priced and yet it offers dual-suspension so you get decent shock absorption on the front as well as on the rear.

The frame is made of aluminum so relatively light, while still retaining strength and rigidity for improved performance.

There are 24 speeds that you can use so you can rest assured that no terrain will be too hard to negotiate while on this bike. The Shimano EZ-Fire shifters help even more with gear changing.

The saddle is quite comfortable so you won’t get any aches in the wrong places after just a few hours of riding.

 

Cons

The tires aren’t that wide but they do have a knobby pattern that should help with many types of dry surfaces, which somewhat makes up for it.

It would have been nice if the rear brake was a mechanical disc brake just like the one in the front.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

6. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike 27.5-Inch Wheels

 

This is a bike that is certainly a hit among many riders, given its construction and wheel size. The hardtail frame is simple yet efficient, made of light aluminum. The suspension fork is there to make sure bumps and potholes won’t give you a hard time when riding off-road.

The wheels are 27.5-inch in diameter so they roll quite fast but can also get over obstacles much easier compared to 26-inch wheels. The Shimano Revo shifters allow you to rapidly change between the 21 speeds so you can climb fast or descend even faster without a worry. The Shimano rear derailleur ensures smooth shifting at all times.

The bike comes with disc brakes so you’re bound to enjoy your rides knowing that you can stop on a dime when you have to. The tires are relatively wide and have an all-terrain tread pattern so they’re quite good in many situations.

 

Pros

The rig is inexpensive but comes with 27.5-inch wheels, so what’s not to like about it?

The hardtail frame looks quite solid and it’s made of aluminum for corrosion-free and long-lasting performance.

The mechanical disc brakes provide enough stopping power so you can stay safe no matter where you ride.

The suspension fork will make for fun rides and get you over obstacles easier so you don’t feel every bump on the way.

With the Shimano Revo shifters, you’ll be able to change gears smoothly and optimize pedaling efficiency.

The overall design of the bike makes it an attractive option and so do the color choices made by the manufacturer.

 

Cons

There are only 7 sprockets and a total of 21 speeds which isn’t exactly great for hilly terrain; climbing steep inclines could be quite difficult.

The tires could have been wider, especially for people who prefer riding off-road and not only on dry surfaces.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($349.99)

 

 

 

7. Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike Full Dual Suspension

 

If you’re looking for a full suspension bike that doesn’t break the bank, then this is a nice choice. The powerful Schwinn suspension fork will give you a pleasant experience even when riding over bumps, rocks, tree roots, etc. The rear shock helps a lot too and you’ll definitely gain more speed, especially when riding downhill.

This bike has 29-inch wheels which are great for speed but also off-road trails as they can overcome many obstacles and help you get over those rock gardens with ease. The aluminum frame looks really good and it is built for durability so expect to be able to use it for a long time. The Shimano EZ Fire triggers help change gears smoothly and there are 24 of them to allow you to ride on difficult terrain. The disc brakes are there to keep you safe and give you all the stopping power you need.

 

Pros

This bike has a stylish-looking frame that is also built to last. The suspension fork coupled with the rear shock should make the bike good to go on any sort of rough trails.

This rig features mechanical disc brakes which is pretty good considering that a full suspension bike in this price range might have pull brakes, at least in the rear.

The 29-inch wheels offer improved pedaling efficiency and obstacle-overcoming power while the treaded tires are good on most trails.

The Shimano EZ Fire shifters make gear changing a breeze so you can focus on riding more and less on shifting.

 

Cons

The plastic pedals don’t look very sturdy so you might want to change them soon to avoid having them breaking down far away from home.

For a full-suspension mountain bike, 8 sprockets isn’t exactly ideal, and some riders would have probably wished for more. Fortunately, the bike is cheap so upgrades should be no problem.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($549.99)

 

 

 

8. Schwinn GTX Comfort Hybrid Bike

 

This Schwinn bike is perfect for women and smaller persons, especially due to its frame geometry and low top tube. This is not so much a mountain-only bike but also great for commuting, as it has 700C wheels and narrow tires. The bike doesn’t cost a lot for what it offers so it’s surely a pretty good choice for many riders.

The suspension fork doesn’t have a lot of travel but then it’s well-suited for paved streets where you can expect to find lots of potholes but it can also handle quite well on country roads. You get a total of 21 speeds and twist shifters that will help you use the right gear for the terrain you’re riding on.

The saddle is quite wide and very comfortable so you won’t get sores and aches even after long hours of riding. You get mechanical disc brakes to make sure you can stop the bike in time.

 

Pros

The special geometry of the frame, with the low top tube, makes it a good option for women and not only since it offers generous stand-over clearance for extra safety and comfort.

The bike comes with 700C wheels that are just perfect for riding around town at high speed, passing through cars stuck in traffic and keeping your mind and body in shape.

The narrow tires are specially made for tarmac so coupled with those large wheels, you’ll definitely commute faster than ever.

You’ve got 21 speeds to play with to ensure you’re using the right ratio for the terrain.

 

Cons

The pedals are made of plastic and while this makes them lightweight and gentle to your shins, they are bound to break sooner or later so you will need to replace them.

The narrow tires and lack of treads make this not so great for mountain biking, so if you’re into riding off-road trails all day long, this isn’t the bike for you.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($859.99)

 

 

 

9. Schwinn GTX 2.0 Comfort Hybrid Bike

 

Just as its name says, this is a hybrid bike that’s very good for commuting and riding at great speed on tarmac but it should also be able to handle not-so-rugged country roads. The aluminum frame looks quite elegant despite its simplicity and the fact that it has the tried-and-tested triangle geometry makes it long-lasting.

Thanks to the 700C wheels, you’re going to pedal your way through the city with little effort. The narrow tires make sure of that too, as their tread pattern is just perfect for the tarmac. The alloy crank helps with putting more power into the pedals without worrying about damage or being penalized weight-wise.

The front fork doesn’t have a lot of travel but it’s still something nice to have, especially for soaking shocks from all the potholes in the city. The disc brakes do their job well so you can stop at a moment’s notice and stay safe.

 

Pros

This bike is equipped with large 700C wheels so you benefit from improved pedaling efficiency which is great for riding in the city but also outside of it.

The suspension fork is there to take some load off your hands and prevent fatigue or sores, including on your behind.

The micro shifters help you choose the right ratio out of the 21 speeds so you can pedal efficiently anywhere.

The disc brakes are quite nice to see in such an affordable bike and they ensure you can prevent accidents and not only.

The frame looks durable but also quite stylish so you’ll feel good riding it around town.

 

Cons

While the narrow tires are great for paved roads, the same cannot be said about off-road riding, so you’ll need to replace them if you want to go wild.

There are just 21 speeds so you’ll probably have difficulties climbing steep hills, especially off-road.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Finding an affordable Schwinn mountain bike can be a tough choice these days as this reliable brand has been launching all sorts of bikes for all needs and there could be too many of them to be sure you’ve made the right choice. The guide below is to help you pick the right bike for your needs, so read on.

Hardtail vs full-suspension

Are you split between getting a Schwinn mountain bike full suspension or a hardtail? Maybe you don’t know the differences to choose properly.

First of all, the main difference between these two is the frame geometry. A hardtail frame is much more simple, and besides some modern-looking curves some frames have, the tried-and-tested triangle construction is still there. There are no mobile parts to break, so this frame is really stable, and it is a lot lighter than a full-suspension frame.

A hardtail is going to be cheaper especially for bikes with the same level of components. It is also much better if you’re interested in pedaling efficiency, as it’s going to be better at transferring power from your pedals to your wheels without losing some of it through the rear shock. It’s a better choice for paved roads and also for some competitions such as XC.

However, if you’re into off-road riding and you’re usually on technical sections or love downhill trails, a full-suspension model is what you need. Some of the best Schwinn mountain bikes are full-suspension, although some cost quite a bit. The good news is that there are quite a few that are decently-priced so they wouldn’t make a dent in your budget.

A full-suspension bike is going to get you over obstacles much more efficiently, whether they’re tree roots, rock gardens, stumps, etc. You’re going to be able to ride on downhill trails or other technical parts with ease and jump over huge drops, a thing that you couldn’t have done before. Read any Schwinn mountain bike review and you’ll notice the benefits one of these can bring.

So to sum it up, if you’re into commuting, riding on forest trails and you aren’t necessarily addicted to rugged riding, a hardtail is a good choice and it will also save you quite some money. In case downhill or freeriding is your thing, you won’t be able to do much without a full suspension bike.

Sure, you’ll spend more money and have more things to fiddle with, but then you’ll be able to prove that the saying ‘money can’t buy happiness’ isn’t entirely true: it sure can’t buy happiness directly but get a decent rig, and you’ll be happier than ever, ripping those trails.

 

V-brakes vs disc brakes

This shouldn’t be a comparison to make in the 21st century, but since Schwinn has been stubbornly dedicated to making cheap Schwinn mountain bike models so that anyone could afford them, you still have the opportunity to choose between V-brakes or pull brakes, as they’re also called, and disc brakes.

V-brakes are really, really old, but they are easy to adjust, very cheap, and quite reliable if you take care of them. They’re not suitable for aggressive riding and do not do well in rain or mud, but they’re easier to fix and they keep the price of the bike low.

Disc brakes, on the other hand, are more efficient, but they tend to be harder to maintain. Whether we’re talking about a Schwinn men’s mountain bike or one for women, you’ll notice that most bikes from the brand have mechanical disc brakes and not hydraulic ones. That’s probably something that has to do with keeping everything affordable.

Mechanical brakes are easier to maintain and cheaper, but you’ll have to adjust them more often compared to hydraulic systems. However, if you find a bike with the latter and can afford it, you certainly won’t regret it.

Wheels and tires dimensions

Read any Schwinn mountain bikes review and you’ll notice that these have different wheel sizes. For example, the Schwinn Sidewinder women’s mountain bike has 26-inch wheels, but other models have 27.5-inch wheels, 700C wheels or 29-inch wheels. The latter two are somewhat interchangeable, although the former is usually applied more to road bikes and the latter to mountain bikes.

The cheapest bikes are most likely going to have 26” wheels. These are quite good for smaller people and they make the bike easier to control, so they’re good for tight cornering, negotiating rough terrain, etc. However, this is an old standard and such bikes are becoming rarer in the developed world and not only. They’re not great for speed due to the small diameter.

The next size is 27.5”, which is the middle-of-the-road. These are quite good for speed, getting over obstacles, and they still retain good handling ability so you’re going to get both advantages.

The largest common sizes are 700C, which you’ll usually find on road or commuter bikes and some hybrids, and 29”, which you’ll usually find on mountain bikes. These are great for big people and for pedaling at great speed, but also for getting over large tree roots, rock gardens, etc. They sacrifice some maneuverability for speed, so they’re a bit more specialized.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: Is Schwinn a reliable mountain bike brand?

Given that Schwinn is a company founded in 1895, you can say that this company is reliable given that it’s been building bikes for well over a hundred years. The company was initially founded in Chicago, US, by Ignaz Schwinn, a German-born mechanical engineer. It quickly became popular and ended up being the most dominant bike manufacturer in the US over the 20th century.

While the 90s weren’t as good for the fortunes of the company, which is now operating under Pacific Cycle, it has still retained its core purpose, which is to build cheap and effective bikes without compromising a lot in terms of quality.

Perhaps a defining feature of all Schwinn bikes is that they don’t feature all the bells and whistles that bikes from other brands have. They have bare-bones functionality, look quite good, and the best part is that most of them are more than reasonably priced so you won’t have trouble affording one.

Q: How do I choose the right Schwinn mountain bike?

If you need a mountain bike that’s fit for the trails, you’ll want to get a full suspension model. Having a good suspension fork and also a rear shock will help you negotiate rough terrain and get over those large drops without tiring your hands, bottom, and other body parts. Riding without dual-suspension can be downright impossible on some trails.

For lighter mountain biking, a hardtail will do just fine. You won’t make the highest jumps but you’ll pedal much more efficiently. Such a bike will also be cheaper and have fewer components that can break and require repair or replacement. A hardtail with a good suspension fork should do just fine if you’re not a hardcore downhill rider.

However, you can also go for a hybrid which is very good on paved roads and for commuting but it’s decent for light off-road trails as well. These usually have larger diameter wheels so they’re built for speed, which is always good in the city.

 

Q: How much does a Schwinn mountain bike cost?

Prices can range quite a bit when it comes to bikes from the brand. The good news is that you can find affordable Schwinn mountain bikes but also more expensive models that come with better components. How much you pay for a bike should depend on your need first and also your budget.

A hardtail bike is going to be cheaper than a same-level full-suspension bike. However, Schwinn isn’t known for making very expensive bikes, so chances are that you’ll be able to find just about any type without having to fork over a huge lump of money.

Generally speaking, you can get an entry-level hardtail for a couple of hundred dollars or substantially more, depending on the components. You can find full suspension models starting from 400 bucks or so, and there are more expensive bikes as well. The important thing is to choose according to your needs first and have a budget in mind, so you don’t overspend.