Bike models › Mountain
Schwinn High Timber ALX 29: specs, upgrades and what fits
An aluminum 29er hardtail with a Schwinn suspension fork, 3x7 gearing on a freewheel and mechanical disc brakes. Best for: Beginner trail rides and rough-road fitness riding.
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My take, from the specs
A budget aluminum 29er for paths, gravel roads and easy trails. Mechanical discs are a step up from V-brakes, but the 3x7 drivetrain runs on a thread-on freewheel that limits upgrades, and Schwinn does not even list the fork travel, so treat it as a comfort fork. One 18-inch frame covers a very wide height range, so riders near either end should check standover and reach before buying.
Sizes: 18 in: 5′4″–6′2″ (163–188 cm)
Stock specs
| Type | Mountain |
|---|---|
| Year | 2025 |
| Price when new | $480 |
| Sold at | Amazon / Walmart |
| Wheels | 700c × 57 mm tires |
| Gears | 3×7 · 42/34/24T · 14–28T |
| Brakes | Generic Mechanical disc |
| Fork | Schwinn Alloy/steel coil suspension fork (travel not listed) |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano 7-speed rear derailleur (model not listed) |
| Shifter | Shimano 21-speed twist shifters (some listings say EZ-Fire Plus triggers) |
| Crank | Schwinn Alloy triple crank |
| Bottom bracket | Generic Square-taper BB |
| Weight | 37.3 lb (16.9 kg) |
| Sizes | 18 in |
| Stock colors | Black/Green |
Upgrade limits
How far each part can go on this frame, and why. Measure your own bike to confirm the estimated ones.
| Part | Limit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Widest tire (current wheel size) | 57 mm | Unknown until measured. Your 30 mm internal rims suit roughly 44–78 mm tires. |
| Other wheel sizes | 650b up to ~64 mm | Disc brakes don't care where the rim sits, so a 650b wheel with a fatter tire fits. A 650b × 47 is about the outer size of a 700 × 28, so the bottom bracket sits about 12 mm lower than on 700 × 40 (watch pedal strikes). |
| Tubeless | Not recommended | Tubeless needs a rim built to seal (bead hook + channel) and tubeless-ready tires. |
| Valve type | Schrader | Decides which tubes and pump heads fit. Presta tubes fit Schrader rims with a grommet; not the other way. |
| Replacement wheels | Axle unknown · 100/135 mm · 6-bolt disc | Any wheel matching axle type, spacing and brake mount fits. Rear also needs the right freehub. |
| Biggest rear cog | 28T (now 28T) | Set by the rear derailleur (model unknown): max low sprocket 28T, total capacity ?T. A hanger extender can add a few teeth (hit-or-miss on non-Shadow derailleurs); a new derailleur is the reliable way to get more. |
| Front gears | 3x (42/34/24T) · needs 32T capacity | A 3x drivetrain needs a front derailleur and left shifter. Your rear derailleur must take up (biggest − smallest ring) + (biggest − smallest cog) = 32T. Going 1x drops the front derailleur: simpler and quieter, with a slightly smaller range. |
| Chainring size | Unknown (now 42T) | Estimated from similar frames. Measure the chainring-to-chainstay gap to confirm. Check whether your ring is bolted or riveted. Spindle length (? mm) sets chainline; a big change in ring size may need a different BB spindle. |
| Gear count upgrades | Freewheel (≤8) | Threaded freewheel: up to 7/8-speed freewheels only. More speeds needs a new rear wheel with a freehub. |
| Cranks & bottom bracket | Square taper · 68 mm shell · ? mm spindle | Any square-taper crankset fits with the right spindle length. Upgrading to Hollowtech II needs a new BB (same threaded shell). |
| Pedal thread | 9/16" × 20 | Every adult multi-piece crank uses 9/16". One-piece kids/cruiser cranks use 1/2". |
| Brake pads | Shape unknown | Disc pads only fit calipers with the matching shape. |
| Rotor size | 160/160 mm now · front up to 180 mm | 6-bolt rotors. Going bigger needs a caliper adapter: adapter type depends on the mount (post, IS or flat). Most steel forks allow 180 mm; check the fork if a max rotor is printed on it. |
| Caliper upgrades | Long-pull (MTB) mechanical | Your levers pull a lot of cable, so upgrade calipers must be long-pull (MTB) versions: TRP Spyke, Juin Tech M1, Avid BB7 MTB. Road calipers (TRP Spyre, BB7 Road) would feel mushy. |
| Stems & bars | 1-1/8 steerer · ? mm bar clamp | Any stem for a 1-1/8 steerer with a 31.8 mm clamp fits. You can cut a bar narrower but not wider. |
| Drop-bar conversion | Possible with mods | Needs road brake/shift levers (microSHIFT R8 makes 8-speed ones that pull Shimano 8-speed cable correctly), a drop bar, tape, and road-pull brake calipers because road levers pull less cable. Usually $250+. |
| Seatposts | ? mm | Buy posts in exactly this diameter. |
| Racks, fenders, bottles | No rack · No fender · 0 bottle | Threaded eyelets at the dropouts and seat stays take a rack and fenders. Fork leg mounts take cargo cages. |
| Max load (rider + cargo) | Unknown | Wheels are usually the weak point under heavy loads. Stay under this with rider plus luggage. |
Best upgrades by area
Three options that fit the Schwinn High Timber ALX 29 as-is in each area, from budget to best. ★ marks the one most worth the money. How we pick. Typical US prices, checked October 2026. They change often: check the price at the store.
Upgrades that fit as-is
Brakes
- TRP Spyke mechanical disc calipers, long pull (pair), $$$$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
- Juin Tech M1 cable-hydraulic calipers, long pull (pair), $$$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
- Jagwire Mountain Pro brake cable kit (Kevlar KEB-SL housing), $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Shimano Tourney BR-TX805 mechanical disc calipers, long pull, post mount (pair), $$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
- Shimano SM-RT56 160 mm 6-bolt rotor (1 rotor), $. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · 160 mm rotor ↔ your 160 mm front rotor
- Galfer Wave 160 mm 6-bolt rotor, 1.8 mm (1 rotor), $$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · 160 mm rotor ↔ your 160 mm front rotor
- Shimano SM-RT86 Ice-Tech 160 mm 6-bolt rotor (1 rotor), $$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · 160 mm rotor ↔ your 160 mm front rotor
Comfort
- WTB Volt saddle, $$. Medium-width shape that suits most riders. Measure sit bones if comfort is the goal.
- Brooks C17 All Weather saddle, $$$. Vulcanized rubber top that flexes like a hammock, and this All Weather version is fully waterproof. No break-in like leather. Firm, not padded: made for long…
- Bikeroo oversized comfort saddle, $. Wide, soft and sprung for short upright rides on cruisers and hybrids. On rides over an hour wide padding can chafe; a firmer saddle that fits your sit bones…
- Selle Royal Respiro Moderate saddle, $$$. Made for a 60° "moderate" back angle (most flat-bar hybrids). Very upright cruisers suit the wider Respiro Relaxed. Standard round steel rails.
- Fizik Terra Argo X5 saddle (150 or 160 mm), $$$. Pick 150 mm for narrower sit bones, 160 mm for wider. Round 7 mm alloy rails fit every standard clamp.
- Ergon SR Allroad Core Comp saddle (men's or women's), $$$. Comes in S/M and M/L widths (measure your sit bones) and men's and women's shapes. Round CroMo rails; 120 kg rider limit.
Control
- Race Face Chester composite flat pedals, $$. Big platform with pins. Feet stay put on bumps and in rain. Install with an 8 mm hex key (no wrench flats).
- ROCKBROS aluminum flat pedals, $$. Budget metal platform with pins. A big step up from stock plastic.
- Shimano PD-M520 SPD clipless pedals (cleats included), $$. Nearly indestructible two-sided SPD pedals. You also need SPD (2-bolt) shoes, about $60–100 more. Set the release tension low and practice unclipping before…
- Crankbrothers Stamp 2 aluminum flat pedals (small or large), $$$. Sized by shoe: small for US men's 5–10, large for 10 and up. Grease the threads and tighten to about 35 Nm.
- OneUp Components Aluminum flat pedals, $$$. Bearings and bushings can be serviced with a cheap kit instead of replacing the pedal. Grease the threads and tighten to about 35 Nm.
- Shimano PD-EH500 dual-sided SPD / flat pedals (cleats included), $$$. Comes with SM-SH56 multi-release cleats, which are easier to get out of in a panic. You still need 2-bolt SPD shoes to clip in.
- Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 SPD pedals (cleats included), $$$. Cup-and-cone bearings are fully serviceable and last for years. Shoes with a 2-bolt SPD cleat sold separately.
Utility
- USB rechargeable front + rear light set, $$. Daytime flashing lights cut collisions. Required by law at night.
- Pletscher adjustable kickstand, $$. Handy for errands. Check it clears the rotor and chainstay.
- Lisen clamp-style handlebar phone mount, $. Cheap and tool-free for maps on paved rides. On rough gravel or trails a locking mount (Quad Lock or Peak Design, about $45–70 plus a case) is much safer.
- Topeak TopLoader top tube bag (0.75 L), $$. Keeps snacks, keys and a multi-tool within reach. Straps on, with a rain cover. Check your knees do not rub it when you stand up.
- Knog Oi Classic bell, $. Slim ring bell that wraps the bar. Large fits 23.8–31.8 mm bars; Small fits 22.2 mm kids and BMX bars. Required by law in some places.
- Planet Bike Beamer 200 + Blinky Squared USB light set, $$. USB rechargeable, tool-free mounts. Use flash mode in daylight. Rear light is 30 lumens: good for town, modest on fast roads.
- Cygolite Metro Plus 800 + Hotshot Pro 150 USB light set, $$$. Nine headlight modes including a daytime flash. Aim the beam slightly down so you do not blind oncoming riders.
- Trek (Bontrager) Ion Pro RT + Flare RT light set, $$$. Daytime-running flash modes on both lights. ANT+ lets a Garmin or Wahoo show battery and switch them. Full power runs about 1.5 hours; medium lasts much longer.
Tires
- WTB Riddler 700x45 TCS Light (pair), $$$. 45 mm tire ↔ your ~57 mm clearance
- Maxxis Ardent 29x2.25 EXO TR (pair), $$$. 57 mm tire ↔ your ~57 mm clearance
- Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 700x45 (pair), $$$. 45 mm tire ↔ your ~57 mm clearance
- WTB Trail Boss Comp 29x2.25 wire (pair), $$. 57 mm tire ↔ your ~57 mm clearance
- Continental Race King ProTection 29x2.2 (pair), $$$. 55 mm tire ↔ your ~57 mm clearance
Drivetrain
- KMC X8 8-speed chain with Missing Link, $. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain
- KMC Z7 6/7-speed chain (116 links), $. 6/7-speed chain ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain
- KMC Z8.3 6/7/8-speed chain (116 links), $. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain
- KMC X8 EPT 6/7/8-speed anti-rust chain with Missing Link, $$. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain
Tubes
- Schwalbe AV19 29 x 1.5–2.4 Schrader 40 mm tubes (pair), $. 700c wheel size matches · Schrader valve ↔ your Schrader rims
- Slime self-sealing tubes 29 x 1.85–2.2 Schrader (pair), $$. 700c wheel size matches · Schrader valve ↔ your Schrader rims
Gearing
- Shimano Tourney MF-TZ500-7 7-speed freewheel 14–28, $. 7-speed ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain · 28T biggest cog ↔ your derailleur's 28T max
- SunRace 7-speed freewheel 13-28 (MFM3S), $. 7-speed ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain · 28T biggest cog ↔ your derailleur's 28T max
- Shimano Acera RD-M3020-8 SGS 7/8-speed rear derailleur (40T max), $$. 7-speed ↔ your 7-speed drivetrain · Shimano cable pull ↔ your shifter
Fits with small changes (25)
- WTB Byway 700x40 (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 30 mm rims (44–78 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Panaracer GravelKing SK 700x40 (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 30 mm rims (44–78 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Schwalbe Marathon 700x38 (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 30 mm rims (44–78 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic brake set (pair, levers included), $$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Ergon GP1 ergonomic grips, $$. You have twist shifters: buy the short (Gripshift) version.
- Budget ergonomic lock-on grips, $. You have twist shifters: buy the short (Gripshift) version.
- Continental MTB 29 x 1.75–2.5 Presta 42 mm tubes (pair), $. Presta valve: a Schrader rim needs a grommet so the valve sits snug.
- Shimano BR-MT420 4-piston hydraulic brakes + BL-MT401 levers (pair), $$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Ergon GA3 lock-on grips, $$. You have twist shifters: buy the short (Gripshift) version.
- Ergon GP5 ergonomic grips with built-in bar ends (S or L), $$$. You have twist shifters: buy the short (Gripshift) version.
- Panaracer Pasela 700x38 wire (pair), $$. Outside the ideal range for your 30 mm rims (44–78 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Schwalbe Marathon Almotion 700x38 (40-622) V-Guard Addix (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 30 mm rims (44–78 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Continental Contact Urban 700x40 (40-622) wire (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 30 mm rims (44–78 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Panaracer GravelKing Slick 700x40 (2025, pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 30 mm rims (44–78 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- WTB Riddler 700x37 TCS Light (pair), $$$. Outside the ideal range for your 30 mm rims (44–78 mm): it will mount, but the shape is less stable.
- Tubolito Tubo-MTB 29 x 1.8–2.5 Presta 42 mm (pair), $$. Presta valve: a Schrader rim needs a grommet so the valve sits snug.
- Stan's NoTubes tire sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- Orange Seal Endurance tubeless sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- Shimano Deore BL-M6100 + BR-M6100 2-piston hydraulic brake set (pair, levers included), $$$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Shimano Deore BL-M6100 + BR-M6120 4-piston hydraulic brake set (pair, levers included), $$$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Shimano SLX BL-M7100 + BR-M7120 4-piston hydraulic brake set (pair, levers included), $$$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Shimano SM-RT56 180 mm 6-bolt rotor (1 rotor), $. Your front rotor is 160 mm: a 180 mm rotor fits with a post +20 mm caliper adapter (check your fork's max rotor size).
- Galfer Wave 180 mm 6-bolt rotor, 1.8 mm (1 rotor), $$. Your front rotor is 160 mm: a 180 mm rotor fits with a post +20 mm caliper adapter (check your fork's max rotor size).
- Shimano SM-RT86 Ice-Tech 180 mm 6-bolt rotor (1 rotor), $$. Your front rotor is 160 mm: a 180 mm rotor fits with a post +20 mm caliper adapter (check your fork's max rotor size).
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Buying one used? Fair prices
Worked out from the price new ($480), age and condition, not live market data. If it needs tires, a chain or brakes, take off what fixing them would cost.
| Condition | 1 year old | 3 years old | 5 years old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like new | $225–$295 | $165–$215 | $120–$155 |
| Good | $200–$260 | $145–$190 | $105–$135 |
| Fair | $165–$215 | $115–$155 | $85–$110 |
| Needs work | $125–$165 | $90–$120 | $65–$85 |
See what these really sold for on eBay · Other used bike prices
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Sources: Amazon: Schwinn High Timber ALX 29in (S8222AZ) · bikes.fan: 2024 High Timber ALX 29in spec sheet · OptiCycles: 2025 High Timber ALX 29in · Woot forum: High Timber ALX 29 (S8222AZ) brake clarification