Beginner mountain bikers always ask, “what is the best mountain bike for the money?” Of course, if you want to try off-road riding, you must find a great mountain bike that will not empty your pocket.

That said, the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike is a product worth checking out. This MTB has several features that you will commonly find on higher-priced models.

If you want to know more about this mountain bike, then read on as we will discuss the things that you need to know about the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike.

Schwinn GTX 2.0 Hybrid Bike
Schwinn Bike

Product Description

The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike is a great mountain bike from a renowned company. It features an aluminum dual-suspension frame combined with reliable mechanical disc brakes and a robust suspension fork. Cycling with this mountain bike provides a smooth ride, thanks to its 24-speed shifters and front and rear derailleurs.

Additionally, the Traxion promises a crisp stopping power in any riding condition. (source)

How Is It Compared to Others?

Brand NameFeaturesPrice (as of 2022 use link to check)RatingLink
Schwinn Traxiondisc brakes, full suspension, 29 inch tires$620πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ—Schwinn Traxion
Santa Cruz Tallboydisc brakes, full suspension, 29 inch tires$3,599πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•Santa Cruz Tallboy
Schwinn GTXdisc brakes, hardtail, 700C tires$620πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•Schwinn GTX

Santa Cruz Tallboy Mountain Bike

If there is a Swiss army knife for mountain bikes, it would be the Santa Cruz Tallboy. This mountain bike has been one of Santa Cruz’s best-selling bikes for some time now, evidence of its fantastic quality.

Similar to the Schwinn Traxion, the Tallboy features 29-inch wheels. The wheels make the mountain bike perfect for various trail adventures, no matter how difficult the trail is.

While the Schwinn Traxion features mechanical disc brakes, the Tallboy boasts the SRAM G2 R. These brakes make the Santa Cruz Tallboy better than the Traxion in stopping power.

There is no denying that the Tallboy is the leading mountain bike today. Still, the Schwinn Traxion is a mountain bike worth buying as it offers fantastic quality and builds for a reasonable price. (source)

Schwinn GTX Mountain Bike

Unlike the Schwinn Traxion, the Schwinn GTX Hybrid bike is a hard-tail mountain bike. (No rear suspension) Both also feature mechanical disc brakes and 24-speed shifters. But unlike the Traxion, which has 28-inch wheels, the GTX consists of 700C double-walled alloy wheels. This factor makes the GTX an excellent bike for those looking for a smaller mountain bike built for a little trail and road riding (source)

What Comes with The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike?

When you purchase the Schwinn Traxion, it will come in a box with some of the parts pre-installed. The only problem is that it does not come with an assembly manual to guide you on how to install the other mountain bike parts.

However, customers say that the Traxion is relatively easy to assemble. You can also look at Schwinn Bikes’ website, as it has user manuals posted there. But if a written guide is not helpful for you, you can always search online for videos about how to assemble the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike. (source)

DIY Mountain Bike: If you think the Traxion is for you, read more and checkout the current prices on Amazon with this shortcut link -> Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike

Why Did It Catch My Attention?

The Schwinn Traxion stood out to me when I entered the mountain biking scene. It is easy to maneuver, and the components allow me to have better control over the bike.

Traxion Mountain Bike
Traxion Mountain Bike – image credit Schwinn

However, the Traxion’s superb grip on the mountain bike’s 29-inch wheels stood out most. The wheels have multiple sections, making them capable of conquering technical paths. This way, cyclists can ensure that they will be safe on the trails since the bike will not skid or slide on sharp curves.

The wheels also possess excellent grip, and they can quickly increase their phase even on rough terrains. With a width of 2.25 inches, the wheels can quickly absorb the impact and vibrations when the bike passes through uneven ground.

Who Makes the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike?

The Traxion Mountain Bike came from the Schwinn Bicycle Company. Schwinn is a bike manufacturing and distributing company founded by Ignaz Schwinn, a German mechanical engineer, in 1895. The company quickly became one of the leading bike manufacturers in America through the majority of the 20th century.

However, the spotlight did not last for very long for Schwinn Bikes. In 1992, the company declared bankruptcy. It was then bought and became a sub-brand of the Pacific Cycle.

Still, Schwinn Bikes remains one of the most famous bicycle brands in the bike industry today, proving that its products offer exceptional quality to users. (source)

Things Schwinn Offers

  • Warranty, Schwinn has a reputation to uphold and as such offers a generous warranty.  You can read the terms with this shortcut link – Schwinn Troubleshooting and Warranty
  • Assembly Guides, Schwinn offers a detailed assembly guide that includes videos.  You can check everything out HERE

Pros And Cons

No matter how affordable a mountain bike is, an investment will always be an investment. For this reason, you must know what you will get when you purchase the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike.

The Benefits

  • The bike’s full dual suspension system offers a soft landing
  • The frame consists of a lightweight aluminum alloy, allowing the Traxion to have added speed
  • Features a wide range of gears
  • Powerful braking system
  • The wheels are thick and can effectively grip trails

The Drawbacks

  • The pedals may require an update. (source)

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Mountain Bike

Schwinn Mountain Bike
Schwinn Mountain Bike from Bangkok bicycle show

Mountain biking is an extreme sport perfect for people who love adventures and the adrenaline brought by rugged terrains. However, a regular bike cannot withstand the abuse caused by obstacle-filled paths. For instance, a commuting bike will undoubtedly acquire significant damage once you try riding it on bumpy terrains.

So, if you are planning to get into the scene of off-road riding, you must find the right mountain bike for you. This way, you can ensure that the bike will let you reach your destination without falling apart. It will also ensure your safety since manufacturers built mountain bikes specifically for challenging rides.

Who Needs a Mountain Bike?

If you are into extreme adventures or want to discover new terrains and views, mountain biking is one great sport. A mountain bike allows you to ride wild and away from the city traffic. Mountain biking is perfect for people who want to explore the woods and beautiful places you cannot get to by road.

Additionally, mountain biking is an excellent sport for people who want to go intense. The uphill and downhill trails will give you the adrenaline and increased heart rate that you cannot find on riding on the road.

Mountain Bike Purchasing Considerations

Buying a mountain bike is not like buying a road bike. It would be best to consider many things when buying a mountain bike to ensure that you get the paid cost.

Here are the essential factors that you need to consider when buying a mountain bike:

1.    Your physical capability

As mentioned, mountain biking is an extreme and dangerous sport. So, before buying a mountain bike, you need to consider if you can physically withstand the difficulty of this sport. Fortunately, trails now have a color-shape rating system that lets you know how difficult a particular track is. If you think you can conquer the trails on the map, mountain biking is a sport.

2.    The bike’s build

After you decide to buy a mountain bike, you will see various options and prices. These mountain bikes differ in their build and components, such as the gears, brakes, frames, shifters, and handlebars. The better the build, the more expensive the bike will be.

You need to know the different components of a mountain bike to understand whether your choice is worth buying.

3.    Bike size

A mountain bike will be difficult to ride if its size does not fit your height. For this reason, you need to check an MTB size chart to get an idea of how low or high your mountain bike should be. If you have a small torso, sizing down your mountain bike is ideal to ensure that it will fit you. On the other hand, those with a large torso should size up for a more stable ride.

You can also ask the shop where you plan to purchase your bike about the correct bike size for your height. (source)


Looking for Some More Ways to Help Your Bike Last



Features And Benefits

What is the best mountain bike for the money? Schwinn is among the first choice of many cyclists when getting a mountain bike. For this reason, the Traxion is worth considering if you are looking for a mountain bike worth the money. If the brand is not enough proof for you, then here are the essential features of the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike:

Notable Features of The Schwinn Traxion

Durable Frame

The Traxion features a lightweight yet durable aluminum frame. The frame structure makes it more robust, allowing the Traxion to conquer even the most challenging terrains. Since the frame and the other components of this mountain bike consist of aluminum, it only weighs 40lbs. This weight is relatively light for a mountain bike.

As a result, cyclists can quickly increase their speed and control it on challenging movements. (source)

Image Source: https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/traxion-mountain-bike?variant=41490054185129

24-Speed Shimano Drivetrain

Another outstanding feature of the Schwinn Traxion is its 24-speed Shimano drivetrain. This drivetrain and the EZ-Fire 24-speed trigger shifter and Shimano rear derailleur make that Traxion a reliable mountain bike.

These components give the Traxion the ability to go uphills without putting too much strain on the cyclist smoothly. (source)

Image Source: https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/traxion-mountain-bike?variant=41490054185129

Schwinn Aluminum Dual Suspension

The Traxion boasts a superb aluminum dual suspension fork that helps it adapt to terrains. This mountain bike has 80mm of travel fork suspension. The suspension fork paired with 18mm to 35mm of rear shock absorbers make the Traxion a fantastic mountain bike absorbing impact and vibration.

Even better, the material used for the suspension fork is durable enough to last for a long time, no matter how complex your adventures are. (source)

Image Source: https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/traxion-mountain-bike?variant=41490054185129

Multi-Section Tires

The multi-section tires of the Schwinn Traxion make it perfect for rough terrains and rugged mountain trails. These tires can provide fantastic traction and a smooth ride on rough dirt roads. (source)

Image Source: https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/traxion-mountain-bike?variant=41490054185129

Mechanical Disc Brakes

Fast-acting brakes are crucial when it comes to mountain bikes. If your brakes do not work quickly on sudden stops, it could lead to an accident and injure you. For this reason, Schwinn added mechanical disc brakes to the Traxion.

The mechanical disc brakes provide this mountain bike with excellent braking power even when you are plunging downhill. They are also easy to use, mainly because the brake handle is short and set. You will feel the Traxion’s braking power the most when in extreme riding conditions. (source)

Image Source: https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/traxion-mountain-bike?variant=41490054185129

The Benefits of The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike

Fantastic Off-Road Performance

The lightweight build of this mountain bike and its multi-section tires allow it to perform well off-road. All the components of this mountain bike are suitable for rough mountain terrains. For this reason, it smoothly works when you are on a trail.

In addition, the 24-speed Shimano drivetrain, a feature that you will commonly find on expensive mountain bikes, is a superb feature of the Traxion. It also contributes to the fantastic performance of this mountain bike.

Quick Assembly

Although the Schwinn Traxion does not come with an assembly manual when delivered to you, the assembly process is pretty easy to do. The mountain bike will come partially assembled, so you will only need to assemble the handlebars, wheels, pedals, and bike saddle.

To install the separate mountain bike parts, you will need:

  • An Allen wrench
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver

If you are new to mountain bikes and bike installation, you can look for online videos to guide you through the process.

Road Performance

The wide tires of the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike make it a good choice for road riding. Since the wheels provide good traction, you can ride it comfortably on smooth roads.

Still, it is essential to note that while the Traxion can adapt to various riding conditions, it will not be as good as the bikes made, particularly for road riding.

But if a competent mountain bike is what you are looking for, the Schwinn Traxion is an excellent choice. The entire build of this bike makes it durable enough to absorb shocks and vibrations coming from bumps and rough trails. (source)

Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike Performance

We dug the internet to answer the question, “what is the best mountain bike for the money?” While it was easy to find out that the Schwinn Traxion is the best mountain bike for the money, it was difficult to find testimonials that were not fake and came from actual users.

Testimonial MAGon
Testimonial from MAGon
Testimonial Joseph
Testimonial from Joseph
Testimonial Stephen
Testimonial from Stephen

Final Thoughts           

What is the best mountain bike for the money? If you are looking for an answer to this question or you are a beginner who wants a budget-friendly mountain bike, the Schwinn Traxion (link to Amazon) is a bike worth having.

This mountain bike features powerful components that make it perform exceptionally on both rough and smooth roads. The wide tires provide excellent grip and good traction, so the bike will not skid on sharp turns and curves. The frame is lightweight yet durable, making the Traxion good at withstanding rough riding conditions.    

David DIY MTB

David Humphries is the creator of DIY Mountain Bike. For me a relaxing day involves riding my mountain bike to decompress after a long day. When not on my bike I can be found wrenching on it or making YouTube videos at πŸ‘‰ DIY Mountain Bike Read more about David HERE.

Sources

  1. Traxion 29. Schwinn Bikes. Accessed May 19, 2022. https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/traxion-mountain-bike?variant=41490054185129&.
  2. Tallboy. Santa Cruz Bikes. Accessed May 19, 2022. https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/tallboy.
  3. Protocol 1.0 26. Schwinn Bikes. Accessed May 19, 2022. https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/protocol-1-mountain-bike?variant=41490054381737&.
  4. Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike. Amazon. Accessed May 19, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Dual-Suspension-Featuring-Mechanical-Drivetrain/dp/B06XWYS3NN/ref=sr_1_29?crid=26GLLJ3ZDK9LN&keywords=ibis+mountain+bike&qid=1652730694&s=outdoor-recreation&sprefix=ibis+%2Coutdoor-recreation%2C61&sr=1-29.
  5. Lou Dzierzak. Schwinn. China: MVP Books, 2002. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=5pxCOkHLEdwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=schwinn+gtx+2.0+review&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIt6Sxyev3AhViLqYKHd8EByg4FBDoAXoECAoQAw#v=onepage&q=gtx&f=false.
  6. Michael Cimicata. Mountain Biking 101: Gear and Accessories. Lulu Press, 2013. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=z85OCAAAQBAJ&pg=PP9&dq=Factors+To+Consider+Before+Buying+A+Mountain+Bike&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQo9uD2u33AhXLgFYBHe7wBWQQ6AF6BAgHEAI#v=onepage&q=Factors%20To%20Consider%20Before%20Buying%20A%20Mountain%20Bike&f=false.