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It’s not mentioned in the catalog, but I’m wondering if there was a short line of Homegrown USA full suspension models made in 1995. I ask, because I seem to own one. I bought it in June 1996 for $2000, the shop had a leftover they were trying to clear out. It is definitely a 95 as evidenced by the unique look of the pivot joint. It has all the components on it that the hard tail USA has, including the White Industries hubs and crank, the XTR rear derailleur, the Avid brakes, and the Judy SL fork. It also has the Fox air shock in the rear which shows up on the
It’s not mentioned in the catalog, but I’m wondering if there was a short line of Homegrown USA full suspension models made in 1995. I ask, because I seem to own one. I bought it in June 1996 for $2000, the shop had a leftover they were trying to clear out. It is definitely a 95 as evidenced by the unique look of the pivot joint. It has all the components on it that the hard tail USA has, including the White Industries hubs and crank, the XTR rear derailleur, the Avid brakes, and the Judy SL fork. It also has the Fox air shock in the rear which shows up on the 96 models, but wasn’t on the 95 XT/LX full suspension models. Basically looks just like the hard tail USA, but it’s a full suspension. Just curious if anyone knows if a few of these were made, or did the shop take the parts to a hard tail USA and put them on full suspension XT frame?
Hey, cool find — any pictures/ what the paint job is? My guess is it was a late 1995 build, not a 1996 final product but it got out — I would love to see it, but I believe you probably got a heck of a set up.. From my understanding it was May/June of 1995 when they were finalizing the 1996 full suspensions..
It’s the red front/back rear paint scheme. Looks just like a 95 suspension XT, except has the different components. From reading a few other posts, I think you are right. Was probably made at the end of the 95 season when Schwinn had received the Judy SL and Fox Air Shock that were to be used on the upcoming 96 line. Maybe they had extra componentry from the USA hardtail they wanted to use up, or perhaps they had requests for a USA- trimmed suspension. In any case, it was my college graduation present to myself 14 years ago and I still ride it. Unfortunately, the drive train is wearing out and it’s stripped down so I can rebuild it. The White Industries rear hub always wobbled a bit, had it rebuilt once, but now I’m replacing the wheel set. Ordered a SRAM X.9 drive train to keep it somewhat original to what it came with. Keeping the Judy SL, just ordered springs since the elastomers are shot. Still using the Avid cantilever breaks. I’ll try to find some pictures taken back when I rode a lot with the original setup intact.
Installed the Kronos springs I bought for the Judy SL today and they seem great. Still waiting on a few parts so haven’t ridden yet, but the springs actually expand the fork to its full travel and seem to be just the right stiffness. I can’t believe my oil damper hasn’t blown yet, it’s like 10 years old. The Mavic CrossRide wheels are pretty cool looking. Just need a derailleur so I can ride! I’ll post pictures when done.
I have one of the first generation Sweetspots as well, though mine is set up with modern bits and is a single speed.
Regarding the Fox Alps shock. They’re a good piece of kit, but they need their maintenance, and can easily eat themselves if neglected.
What do you do to maintain it? I haven’t really done much to mine and it’s worked great for 14 years.
Here’s a guide:
http://www.korossy.org/stuff/Fox%20Alps.pdf
If it hasn’t been touched for 14 years, I’d say it probably needs some love.
I absolutely remember selling this bike. It kinda offended my sensibilities because the one we had was converted to a “more upright” position for this CEO to use as his Rail to trail bike. But yes it was a ’95 USA homegrown full suspension. If I remember it had a different decal set that year as well.
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