|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
John Hedrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Mormon-National loop (South Mountain) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Strengths: | Pretty Darn Cheap | | Weaknesses: | Pivot Point gaurenteed to crack under after any tough riding.. | | Similar Products Used: | DK Slugger, misc GT idrives, goin for a Brodie Devo to solve all problems | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Rock Shocks Phsylo Forks and a few other odds and ends.. | | Bottom Line: | Definitely not a freeride bike no matter how "extreme" haro says. Geometry makes for a decent Cross Country bike, but don not expect it to be light weight or easy to handle as the front end is kinda long and heavy and the single pivot makes the bike feel fishy around corners. The suspension works alright until the frame cracks around the pivot point. No need to hit anything huge to break it, just some challenging rocky terrain will provide enough laterall stress on the rear tire that the single pivot will have no choice but to crack. Just an all around poor design. Stay away if you can afford it. If you want a real bike that will last and feel rigid, don't buy this bike. In fact, stay away from any full suspension haro exept maybe the worx series, but then you might as well just fork out the cash for a smaller company with better products and much better service and warranties. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AROD
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingwood, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | I think the bike is perfect for begginer freeriders, heavy XC riders, or freeriders that don't live in true freeride areas. I live in Texas, north of Houston where it's not entirely flat so it's pretty much all the bike you need around here. The price and components are great, I've only had the bike for about 9 months so we'll see how it keeps holding up. | | Weaknesses: | It seems to "stress" a lot on very rocky terrain, more than what it should or can take. It seems to hold up better on drops, than going over rocky terrain... The only other weakness is cornering or manueverability in tight places (minor though) | | Similar Products Used: | Extreme 2, BigHit Comp | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla Rear, Low end Psylo front, hayes, XT, Intense | | Bottom Line: | This product was recommended to me because of my size, I am over 6ft, 275 pounds and that doesn't seem to stop me from riding agressively for my size. Around here, 4 and 5 foot drops is about as good as it gets, and as good as I can get anyway, but so far so good. If it can take my body weight and riding style, I have a hard time seeign the bike break as easy as it has in some of the reviews here. I do believe the engineer is on to something about the pivot and rocky terrain, the first time I experienced it I had to sto and get off to make sure everything was ok. I need to upgrand the front fork will do soon. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from massachuesetts
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Works | | Strengths: | Sick frame | | Weaknesses: | X-fusion rear shock
| | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz bullit | | Bike Setup: | Jr.T, New fox vanilla rear,Mavic 219 disc wheels,Maxxis 2.35 on rear and 2.75 front,azonic love seat,avid mechanicals, no stock parts. | | Bottom Line: | for a light bike with 7in front and 5in rear, it holds up pretty well, you just need better components. if your into freeride this could be the bike for you, just have to put on better components | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from eugene oregon
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ridgeline | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | copelands sports | | Strengths: | good deal, light, decent components, rhyno lites | | Weaknesses: | swingarm sways, psylo should be upgraded, crappy shock.
I have blew the shock out, toasted the front hub, and SNAPPED THE FRAME AT THE PIVOT POINT off of a 3-4 foot drop, but it might have been fractured, loosened before. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, big hit comp, big hit | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for easton bars, titec stem, race face bash guard | | Bottom Line: | I wouldn't highly reccomend this bike if you are going to be riding northshore, big drops etc.
Better for xc than freeride!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN CULLEN
a Downhiller
from VALLEJO, CA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | "ANY THAT MY BUDDIES ARE AFRAID OF" | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO BIKES | | Strengths: | TRAVEL, HAYES BRAKES, INTENSE TIRES, PAINT AND LOOKS AWESOME. ALSO CLIMBS VERY WELL FOR A BIKE THAT WEIGHS OVER 30LBS. GOOD XT DRIVETRAIN AND EASY PLATFORM PEDALS. | | Weaknesses: | THE BIKE SEEMS TO SQUEEK A LOT AND I THINK IT IS THE BOTTOM BRAKET. IT DOESN'T SQUEEK WHEN YOU ARE RIDING, ONLY WHEN YOU ARE PUSHING IT? THE NO-NAME SHOCK, ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT, I HAVE READ FROM OTHER REVIEWS THAT IT SEEMS TO CAUSE THE BIKE TO BREAK AT THE PIVOT POINT. | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT DS1 AND SPECIALIZED FSR. | | Bike Setup: | COMPLETELY STOCK. | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE BEEN RIDING FOR A WHILE AND HAVE NOT CAME ACROSS A BIKE LIKE THIS EVER. MOST BIKES GIVE YOU PERFORMANCE IN ONLY ONE AREA, SUCH AS CC, FREE-RIDE OR DH. I KNOW THAT THE SMART GUYS WILL TELL YOU TO ONLY BUY A BIKE THAT IS DESIGNED FOR ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY, BUT THIS BIKE CAN REALLY PERFORM WELL IN ALL TYPES OF RIDING! I DON'T MEAN THAT A PRO CAN GO OUT AND WIN A CC RACE ON ONE OR AN EXTREME DH RACE EITHER, BUT FOR THE NORMAL GUY WHO LIKE TO JUST HAVE FUN...THIS IS THE BIKE. I CAN GO OUT AND KEEP UP WITH MY BUDDIES WHO HAVE CC BIKES AND THEN KILL THEM ON THE DOWNHILL OR JUMPS, "BECAUSE THEY CAN'T DO THEM!" I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BIKE! THE RS PHYSLO'S WORK GREAT AND I HAVE NEVER BOTTOMED THEM OUT AND HAVE TAKEN 5-6FT. JUMPS. IF YOU WANT A MTB THAT PEDALS LIKE A CC BIKE AND FEELS LIKE A BMX, THEN YOU HAVE FOUND IT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rich galusha
a Downhiller
from bennington,VT
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | killer hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | jay's bike shop | | Strengths: | it's durable i've hit 12 foot drops and it didn't even hurt the bike. It's unbreakable!!! | | Weaknesses: | doesn't have any | | Similar Products Used: | ironhorse g-spot,kona manomano,and cannondale jekyl | | Bike Setup: | downhill | | Bottom Line: | the bike kicks a** i coulldn't ask for anything better for it's price the only thing you might want to do is upgrade the shocks like i did but they do work fine. The only thing i had to replace was the front disk because when i was riding along a 2x4 i fell off and the disk hit it and bent real bad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryville, TN USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Cheap, fun ride. Worth ever penny. Light bike and gets looks from Wally World riders. I like the peddals better than ones I have had. Nice components for price, and it rides smoother than other bikes at shop. | | Weaknesses: | Paint looks a little shabby, but not bad. Fender turned off color and shop junked it befor I bought the bike. Shock is squeeky. Chain broke the first day, shop promptly replaced it. The tires do not do well when wet. I could spin tires on pavement in rain. The front brake vibrates a little, but it might wear in. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn (can't remember which) and Specialized Hard Rock | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but looking to change front derailur and shifter. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for price. I am not worried about the frame. I would not recomend any other bike. I ride on mild trails and am looking to improve my skills. This bike is forgiving and fun. And, once again, the looks you get from other riders, especially with the bright yellow color. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EDDIE WOJEWOZIC
a Racer
from CHULA VISTA, CA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ...YOU NAME IT, "I'LL RIDE IT." | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | COLLEGE CYCLERY | | Strengths: | PRICE, PRICE, PRICE AND PRICE!! ALSO THE FRAME IS BULLETPROOF! I HAVE NEVER REALLY LIKED ROCK SHOX, BUT WAS VERY SURPRISED THE WAY THE LOW END PYSHLO'S WORKED. THE HAYES BRAKES ARE AWESOME. | | Weaknesses: | THE REAR IS A LITTLE STIFF SIDE TO SIDE, BUT I THINK IT'S PARTLY DO TO THE DESIGN AND THE "CHEAP SHOCK." I AM LOOKING TO GET A FOX SHOCK, IF IT IS POSSIBLE. THE TIRES ARE NO GOOD, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE INTENSE, THE NOBBIES SEEM TO BREAK OFF VERY EASY AND WEAR VERY FAST. | | Similar Products Used: | SANTA CRUZ SUPER-LIGHT AND GARY FISHER SUGAR 3. | | Bike Setup: | COMPLETELY STOCK. | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A GREAT BIKE FOR THE PRICE. I WOULD CONCENTRATE ON HARD CC AND DOWNHILL AND SCALE DOWN ON THE URBAN FREERIDE, THAT'S IF YOU ARE JUMPING OVER 5FT. I BELIEVE THE BIKE IS VERY STRONG, BUT IT ONLY WEIGHTS 32LBS...NOT 40-45 LIKE THE HARDCORE FREERIDE BIKES, SO IT HAS TO GIVE AT SOME POINT. FOR THE COMPONENTS YOU GET ALONG WITH THE TRAVEL, THIS IS A VERY FUN BIKE AND CAN BE USED FOR ALL TYPES OF RIDING, BUT NOT TO THE EXTREME ON ANY ONE STYLE. I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO GET THIS BIKE IF YOU ARE INTO HAVING FUN WHEN YOU RIDE AND INTO PERFORMANCE. IF YOU WANT TO RIDE SERIOUS CC OR FREERIDE, PAY THE X-TRA $2000 AND GET A SANTA CRUZ OR A ROCKY MT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Parker
a Weekend Warrior
from Oceanside, CA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | love'em all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | 5" of travel front and back, Hayes Disk brakes, xt components, rhyno lite rims and great looks. The bike is also very well balanced. | | Weaknesses: | I guess the rear shock...that's what i have heard, but have not had any problems with it. Also the brake cables wear off the paint on the neck and bottom tube, but it's fairly easy to fix. | | Similar Products Used: | my ancient '94 Specialized Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | i believe the bike is stock, except for the Maxxis tires. | | Bottom Line: | I have had my Specialized hardtail for a long time and never even considered getting a full suspension, much less a downhill/freeride bike! My buddy bought a Santa Cruz V10 (he's got a lot of $$$) and sold me this bike. After riding this bike, i did not even want to ride my hartail anymore! This bike is sweet!! I can't believe there are actually people who say that the frame brakes and that it's a piece of crap. I believe you get what you pay for and even at full price, this bike is the best buy out there. It's a lot heavier than my hardtail, but it seems to climb just as well...can't figure that out?? I feel like the luckiest person in the world for buying this bike for only $900! I only ride a couple of times a week, so i think this will do me right. It is light enough to do some cc if needed and has the squishy suspension for some hard urban/freeriding, as long as you don't get to crazy. If you are a hard rider like i am, but don't jump anything over 5ft, then buy this bike and you won't regreat it i promise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Haydon
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | city | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Moutain Bike Warehouse | | Strengths: | You can't find a bike with Hayes disk brakes, rhyno lites, xt drive train, intense tires and 5" of travel front and back for anywhere near this price! It's like you are getting the frame for free! | | Weaknesses: | I have had none so far, but have read other reviews of people saying that the frame is crap and will break on anyone...i am only a 165 pds. and have done several 4-5ft. drops and had no problems at all. Maybe this bike works well for a lighter person and maybe can't handle those type of drops with someone who weighs 185-200lbs. I have heard this nasty rumor and have been brutal on my bike trying to see if it will break...i just can't do it. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky...a better bike, but your wallet will feel it. | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for easton bars and pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fun!!! I am not into racing, nor am i 18 years old and feel the need to jump off a house (i'm sure some of the guys that have reported breaking the frame have probably done so.)or anything just plain stupid, however i do like to do some 4-5 ft. jumps and a lot of downhill and this bike handles everything i dish out! If you just want a bike that can handle rough terrain, freeride and also keep up with your x-country buddies, this is it. I actually can climb better with this bike than i did with my old hard tail that was 6 pds. lighter! You can't go wrong for the money. If you are looking to race or to do the stunts that you see the guys doing on 4-5 thousand dollar bikes, don't buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIKE
a Downhiller
from Knoxville,Tennessee
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Greenlees | | Strengths: | Value.GREAT paint job. | | Weaknesses: | probably will not take many more hard urban rides i think!Don't do anything over 3' to flat... Paint is starting to turn white a little at welds at shock mount/downtube--- =stressed a little! Only time will tell if it fails there..... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX DH---Marin B-17----Azonic DS-1's----- | | Bike Setup: | 2001 X-Vert DC --Azonic 1.5" risers --Powertools dh stem30mm--Truvativ hussy guide 40t DH ring... | | Bottom Line: | I am going to keep riding urban wether the frame crackes at the shock mount/downtube or not..Haro will not warranty it Until it fails! So when & if it does, i'll soon find out! Otherwise the bike is solid & i like it! I got a 19.5" & it is Big! I would not do any drops over 3' to flat concrete over & over because the frame will probably fail!
I will/better, get a 2003 Haro under warranty when/if i break this 2002 frame because the 2003 is beefier on the downtube i heard! It's still a good value & real fun bike. ........cheers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Downhiller
from Wilkes-Barre
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Great components, especially the Hayes. | | Weaknesses: | Pivot point. Being a mechanical engineer, the problem is as clear as day to me; too much stress on too little surface area. Pressure(or Stress) = Force/Area. The force is your body and the area is the weld around the pivot point. It is just like bending a clothes hanger back and forth, eventually it will break. How fast it breaks depends on how much force you apply and at what frequency, or in the case involving this bike: how much you weigh, how often you ride, and what type of riding you do. Someone weighing in at 150 riding in the city most of the time may never experience a problem. The problem most likely occurs on any kind of rocky downhill. As you ride over rocky terrain, as most people with mountain bikes do, your body weight will shift back and forth while your tires are hit by rocks and other crap causing them to bounce all over the place. The only thing keeping the rear wheel in line with the front wheel is that little pivot point. This is where the clothes hanger analogy comes into play. The constant back and forth action of all types of forces from rocky terrain transferred to that weakly designed pivot will eventually cause it to crack. What we are dealing with here is fatigue or endurance limit. The endurance limit can be increased to a safe point by one of the following: reducing the applied stress or the number of cycles (the number of times you hit a bump). You obviously can't control the amount of bumps you hit so the only answer appears to be reducing the stress. You can reduce stress by reducing the force (your body weight) or increasing the surface area. Since most of us who ride are probably in good shape loosing weight is out of the question. Also, I didn't see any weight limits on my bike, did you? So, it looks like increasing surface area is the only reasonable answer. Haro should own up to their mistake and take full responsibility for this crumby design. THIS FRAME SHOULD BE RECALLED. Maybe if they didn't advertise with slogans like "chest high drops" and calling the bike X-Treme I would understand. If the pivot was designed the right way, this would be a great bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Royce Union Mt. Vesuvius (it never broke) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I broke 2 frames. After the first one, Haro made me buy a stiffer spring for $37.00. They claimed that I was bottoming out and this is what cracked the pivot. I never did more than a 1 foot high drop so I never bottomed out. But, I went along with them anyhow and bought the stiffer spring. Now, here I am 5 rides later writing this review. If anything, the stiffer spring accellerated the problem. Don't buy this bike! If you already did, examine your pivot point carefully as the early stages of the crack may be no more than a small hairline fracture. You may have to use a magnifying glass to really see it. Anyone with a cracked frame please contact your local dealer or Haro so that we can get this problem resolved. And if you have time, write your own review or drop me an email as I am curious as to how may people this is happening to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lou
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilkes-Barre
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue (Lou) Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | $1,000.00 | | Strengths: | Components are worth it. If you are looking to build up a frame, buy this for the parts only. | | Weaknesses: | Frame cracked at the pivot / Blew two rear shocks out. I also have two other friends with the same bikes. One of them broke their second frame and the other just broke his first. One of them also blew the rear shock. Junk frame and shock... | | Similar Products Used: | Jeckyl 1000, Fuji Diamond One | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Egg Beaters, Panaracer Fire XC Pro and the stem turned around. | | Bottom Line: | Well.....I can't say how I REALLY feel but...
Please contact Haro or your local dealer if you have a problem with this frame. This is DEFINATELY a safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately. PLEASE check your frame for cracks around the pivot before the thing breaks in half on you...ouch.
I am doing all I can to get a resolution from the company about this issue. The new ad even states that you can do "Chest High Drops" but this is not possible without killing yourself. Lets all work together to get a recall on this poorly designed frame. Something must be done.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dvVIII
a Downhiller
from Hogtown (Toronto)
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Don | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | A good all around bike; not too heavy to ride cross-country, not too delicate to freeride or bomb down a hill on. It's definately an improvement over previous versions as it's lighter and has upped rear travel from 4" to 5". The new rear swingarm also seems much stiffer laterally. | | Weaknesses: | I'm still worried about the pivot point blowing up again | | Bike Setup: | Black Elite 100/120, Stratos damper, XT/Alex wheels, Amoeba stem and riser bars, XT/Deore mix | | Bottom Line: | Though I didn't get this bike as the complete X3 it's the closest comparison to the bike I built around the replacement frame. I can keep up with XT-equipped hardtailers and jump, huck and descend with the freeriders (well, the ones that still have front derailleurs. I'm happy enough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Boy Walton
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in St. George | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Guthrie Bicycle | | Strengths: | Durablity, Price, Comfort, Looks...must I go on...The no-name shock even works well. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy but I find it easier to trim pounds off of my body than ounces off of a bike. (Not a big problem) | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond back, Giant ATX, Mostly hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Exactly as It came from the bike shop. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been great. It rides like a chariot (not the crouched down bullet bike style) and has held up to everything that I have done to it. It is just a fun bike to ride downhill, freeride and cross country. I thought that the 'squishy' feel would hurt my climbing and cross country but it really climbs well. 6 months of great riding and I haven't had a problem yet. This is a great buy on a bike and I would recommend it to anyone.(Except maybe people who jump it 10 feet off of house roofs...any bike will break (or crack) if you do that to it.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FRANK DONOVAN
a Cross Country Rider
from NEW PALTZ NY
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | STEWART BUFFER NY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | PEDAL SPORTS | | Strengths: | PRICE,HAYES BRAKES, PAINT | | Weaknesses: | REAR SHOX JUNK!!WEIGHS A TON,PEDALS | | Similar Products Used: | 99EX2 00EX2 | | Bike Setup: | CHANGED REAR DERAILER AND PEDALS | | Bottom Line: | BIKE HAD CLUNK IN REAR FROM DAY ONE.HARO GAVE ME NEXT SIZE SPRING AND NEW SHOCK.GOOD FOR 2 RIDES UNTILL NOISE RETURNED
.HAD 2REPS RIDE BIKE.ONE HEARD NOISE, ONE DIDNT.WAS GIVEN 20 MIN LECTURE ON PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT AND REBOUND ADJUSTMENT.GAVE ME BIKE BACK WITH NOISE AFTER 3 WEEKS OF WAITING. FOURTH AND LAST HARO!!VERY DISAPOINTED.BIKE WASIN SHOP MORE THAN MY HOUSE.GOT ONLY 5 RIDES ALL SUMMER ON IT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Downhiller
from Utah
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | some of the parts | | Weaknesses: | THE FRAME!!! I broke two frames until I switched to a kona stinky primo frame. The haro frame sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | some | | Bike Setup: | fox vanilla on the back, azonic stem, monkey bars, raceface bashring | | Bottom Line: | The bike has a serious problem with the frame and I think that people should be aware of that. If you are going to take drops do not get this bike unless you enjoy broken frames. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Obando
a
from Scottsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Teton Village, WY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Bicycle Co. | | Strengths: | Quality components at an affordable price. Suspension rides the line between XC and DH, perfect for all around riding. Bike is still lighter that more expensive ones and bullit proof too. | | Weaknesses: | Not so nimble in tight switchback trails. | | Similar Products Used: | Compared to similar bikes from Trek, Giant, K2, Specialized, and Cannondale. There was no comparison for the price. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Salsa skewers and lock jaw grips. | | Bottom Line: | It's been said time again but what makes this bike a winner is two fold, components and price. You actually get your money's worth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Link
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mission Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain bike Warehouse | | Strengths: | Hayes disk breaks, 5" of travel front and back. Nice rims and wheels. | | Weaknesses: | Hydraulic cables seem to rub on some parts of the bike and wear of the paint. Rear shock is a "no-namer", but seems to work fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 9200 and Gaint ac1. | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock at this time. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a bike that would be able to handle downhill riding and some drop-off's, as well as being able to handle a little cc without killing myself. I have been riding almost every day and have had no problems, except for the disk breaks squeeking, but they probably just need to be broke in. I tried several other bikes and nothing compared to this one for the price and the all around performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a
from Alamosa, Co
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Kristy Mountian Sports | | Strengths: | Low Price, warrenty dept., willingness to make problems right. | | Weaknesses: | Fusion rear Shock | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 x.1 | | Bike Setup: | Hayes, Stratos helix pro, XT drivetrain, Z.1 Dropoff, | | Bottom Line: | After posting my last review on MTBR I was contacted by someone from Haro. He did everything he could to make things right. Things have improved greatly. Haro rocks! Over all the bike has some nice componants on it. If you use it to free ride put another shock on it. The Fusion is crap, and handles a lot like crap. It bottoms out too much putting too much pressure on the frame. Sience my new shock I have had no more frame troubles. Thanks to haro and my shop KMS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robby F.
a Downhiller
from Utah
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Downhill at Deervalley | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | a local bike store | | Strengths: | Good parts for the price. The psylo's hold up surprisingly well, and the rear shock is all right. | | Weaknesses: | The frame breaks. I free-ride and in the first two months I broke the down tube. Bikes are not supposed to break like that. | | Similar Products Used: | Dimondback hardtail (its frame never broke) | | Bike Setup: | Different cranks, azonic stem, all the rest stock. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money, but it is weak and breaks if you free-ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sal
a Weekend Warrior
from Easton, CT
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Local | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | College Cyclery, San Diego | | Strengths: | This bike gives best bang for your ca$h. Excellent components for the price. Hayes brakes are sweet. This bike is not for hard downhilling, but it can handle cross country and freeriding. | | Weaknesses: | would prefer a lock out rear shock, but I cant have everything. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I was ready to purchase a Santa Cruz Bullit until I saw this bike. I know the SC BB is higher, but Haro is 13.2"..not bad. This bike is perfect for me, being a weekend warrior here in fairfield county, CT. Five inches of travel front and rear is taking the fear out of me. Some of my roadie freinds say its too heavy ( 32lbs )...I disagree. I work out 3 days a week, and find the weight acceptable. The frame geometery is very close to the Bullit. Being that I am not a hardcore rider, who needs 3-4 hours on the weekend for the local trails..I am happy as a clam! Componentry is very solid for the price. Customer service in CA is very freindly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a Downhiller
from Alamosa, Co
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Kristy Mountian Sports | | Weaknesses: | Rear pivot point. I broke mine compleatly off. I did the same thing on my x.1. There is a weak weld there. Haro hasent sent my first replacement frame yet but there is an ongoing problem here. If you free ride with this bike check the pivot point for cracks. I bet there are some there. | | Bottom Line: | I would like to know if any one else is having the seme problem as me. If you are please e-mail me with the specifics. I want Haro to do something about this problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Walton
a Weekend Warrior
from Bountiful, Utah
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Guthrie Bicycle 2100 South | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything from the price to the parts. The Brakes are nice, the suspension is sweet. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet, lockout rear shock would be nice for climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Just as it came from the bike shop | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a dream! It is a perfect bike for freeride biking. Took it to gooseberry and it handled everything I gave it. It gave me the best ride of my life. I have never been a Rock Shox fan but the Psylo works great. The Hayes Disk brakes are amazing, they took a little getting used to because they are so strong I almost went over the front a few times. It has Solid Deore XT componentry, fun platform petals and most importantly it's a sweet looking bike! It feels like a solid bike to ride, It's not for cross country bikers but it's built perfectly for having a party on the trail. Thanks to Guthrie Bicycle for taking good care of me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedro
a Downhiller
from anywhere, USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Nice. for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain, Rear Shock, Frame | | Bike Setup: | Stock with xt drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | This bike is good if you like to cross country. If you are going to freeride get something else. I have already broken the frame, twice. There are weak welds that do not handle the abuse that freerideing dishes out. Mine broke at the pivot point. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean podrem
a Downhiller
from new bedford
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 'the big one" | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike time | | Strengths: | notihin really i hate it. they say its good for downhill and freeride but it really isn't. i just sold mine and bought a KHS fetish, which is SWEET! the haro x-3 is a clydsdale bike (i don't know how to spell it) don't get this bike. the components are decent i'll admit but the frame bottoms out when your goin downhill, and 6 foot or higher jumps. | | Weaknesses: | what i said above. it's no good | | Similar Products Used: | nothin like my old bike a used khs domina trax | | Bike Setup: | stock, with new handle bars | | Bottom Line: | dont get this bike. it isn't good for downhill or freeride like everyone thinks. it a clydsdale bike for over weight cross country riders. i would rather get a KHS fetish or domina trax, for a little bit more money. either that or just sell the haro frame and get a new one. the frame is the biggest problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a Downhiller
from Alamosa, Co
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Kristy Mountian Sports | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review. The bike can take all I throw at it and smiles. I abuse my bike, Have taken 10 foot drops, I also cased some 7 footers, and the bike is still strong. I have gained soo much confidence with the squishy suspension. If you are heavier (185+) Change both the spring in the Psylo c (crap)and the spring on your no name rear shock, this will keep your suspension from bottoming out. If you like to ride every thing from urban assault to downhill to light cross country this is the bike for you if you are on a budget. If you are not get the Santa Cruz Bullet (it has better shocks and components, but it is about $1300 more.)
Long xc rides put you at a huge disadvantage, the rear shock soaks up too much pedal energy and makes it more difficult on long rides.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pieter
a Weekend Warrior
from Trumbull, CT
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Incredible value, essentially a Bullit clone. Climbs well, descends plush and smooth. Rear shock behaves very nice, initially progressive, soaks up the big stuff willingly. | | Weaknesses: | Biggest weakness is the lateral movement of the rear wheel, which is common among single pivot bikes, but it seems excessive with this bike. I came off a Fischer Joshua which was much tighter than this. | | Bike Setup: | swapped out the RS fork for a 2002 Marzocchi Z1 Freeride, added a bash guard, shortened the stem and replaced the platform pedals with Shimano DH clipless. | | Bottom Line: | All in all a great deal. For the money, you can't get anything close. Plush ride still capable of XC fun and bob-free ascending. I'm looking forward to downhilling it this year... tight singletrack, wide-open fire roads, drops, etc.
However I do need to knock off a point for the play in the rear swingarm, seems like it could make things a little more squirrelly and during a climb could absorb energy meant to drive the rear wheel. Also not sure yet if it's affecting the notoriously sensitive 9-speed (auto shifts), or if the cable is just stretching. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KEN GNOME
a Cross Country Rider
from LONGVIEW WA.
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | LOCALE HIDAWAY | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | BYMANS BIKES | | Strengths: | OVER ALL COMPONENT GROUP BEST BUY FOR THE BUCK. THIS BIKE IS BULLET PROOF. GREAT FOR HEAVY AND URBAN HUCSTERS.BIKE WILL TACKLE ANY AND ALL IF YOU HAVE THE POWER | | Weaknesses: | IF RIDDEN IN WET REAR HUB NEEDS SEALED BEARING.CABLE ROUTINGS NEED MORE PROTECTION TO PROTECT FRAME FROM DAMAGE ELECTRIC TAPE WORKS | | Similar Products Used: | CANNONDALE SL900,AMP B-4,SHWINN S-20 | | Bike Setup: | SCALE DOWN ON CLIMBS AND OPEN UP IN THE PLAY GROUND TYPE OF TERRAIN. ADJUST TO FIT NEEDS. IF HEAVY RIDER 210+ MAY WANT TO ADD HEAVIER FRONT SPRING | | Bottom Line: | ABSOLUTLY THE BEST BIKE OUT THERE FOR THE BUCK. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE TEST IN MAJOR MTN. MAG. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Phillipsburg, NJ
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere downhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Funattic | | Strengths: | The frame on this bike is awsome. And the componants are all fantastic. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur. Also, the fork bobs on climbs and you lose power. | | Similar Products Used: | None this is my first full suspension mt bike. | | Bike Setup: | All stock but soon to upgrade f/d | | Bottom Line: | I was on a budget, so i looked long and hard to find a good bike. It is really hard to find one for freeriding and downhilling that has good componants and is priced reasonablly. This is the bike. It quite simply is a $1200 freeride bike. It can handle anything you can dish out. The componants are great, hayes disk, psylo, sun rims, they are all fantastic. I have already taken this bike off a 6 foot drop and felt nothing. Plush suspention. Don't worry about the rear shock it is very good quality. And the bike is not heavy, just 32lbs, although I wouldn't use it for cross country. This is an unbelievable bike for the money if you are on a budget or even not why spend more on a worse bike. Sorry Kona but this bike is a better value. It is the world's only $1200 freeride, downhill bike. Thanks Russ!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Cerruto
a Weekend Warrior
from Clarksville, TN
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any with drops,jumps and stunts | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes and Moore, Hopkinsville KY | | Strengths: | Excellent component list for the price. Good ballance and frame geometery. Awsome brakes,smooth plush susspesion. No frame/swingarm flex. Confidence inspiring. | | Weaknesses: | None yet, maybe go to a stiffer coil in the phsylo. Hit bottom once or twice on drops 4-plus feet. | | Similar Products Used: | Strictly hard tails. | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock, minus front fender. | | Bottom Line: | If you are an overgrown BMXer, buy this bike. If you are a 14 year old trapped in a 32 year old body,buy this bike. If you obsess over North Shore videos and pics, buy this bike. If you are a gram counting X-country guy, stay away. I love doing drops and technical riding, jumps stunts,ect. It took me forever to decide on the right bike. I'm poor so I'm all about getting my $$ worth. At this point I don't think I could have made a better decision. If you think this bike looks sort of cool in the picture, wait untill you see one in person. It rocks. I got the yellow one(thanks Bikes and Moore) and took the fender off. I'm 5'7" and 175lbs. I ride agressivley with so-so technique. This bike made me feel like a North Shore native(in my own mind). I'm originally from New England and grew up on rocks and roots. I also lived and rode in Washington State. I now live and ride in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. This bike would do well in all of theese elements. Worth evrery penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a Downhiller
from Alamosa, Co
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Kristy Mountian Sports | | Strengths: | Price, Most Everything else | | Weaknesses: | shocks | | Similar Products Used: | haro x.1, Sugar 2+ | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I Changed the entire drivetrain to xt componants, R/d, F/d, shifters, chain, cranks, and rear casette. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sweet. I am new to the sport and I first purchased and 2001 x.1. Nice bike, but I got more serious. This is an excellent D/H or freeride bike. It is OK to do some x/c, but is you are serious about x/c get front and rear shocks with lockouts. You loose too much energy at the shocks. If you are serious about rideing, but have little money then buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mtn.Bike Warehouse | | Strengths: | The spec on this bike for the price. I couldn't find another bike compareble for the price with these components. Good parts, value and performance. | | Weaknesses: | No Name shock(But plush,and works great). Lower Psylo C. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 KHS FXT | | Bike Setup: | RaceFace BashGuard, Easton ea50 post, Kore B1B stem, Azonic World Force 2" bar. All the rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike totally increased my confidence, super squishy on drops and jumps. 1200$ for Haynes comp hydro brake, rhyno lites, XT R/d on any bike this price is amazing. If you are looking for a plush very well spec'd, 5" travel freeride/urban assault bike, without killing your bank account, this is it. Haro's got a winner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Casey Lynch
a Downhiller
from Walnut Creek, CA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount D | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1249.00 | | Purchased At: | CALIFORNIA BIKE & SNOWBOARD (ALAMO, CA) | | Strengths: | 7005 alum., integrated headset, Hayes disc brakes, Pyslo with the u-turn 80mm-125mm,, Truvativ cranks & BB, Ryno lite rims, and the Intense tires. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness or spec that is lacking is rebound adjustment on the Psylo. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit(The X3's Twin Higher priced brother) | | Bike Setup: | Simply stock, will add Shimano M-646 peds when they arrive from UPS.
| | Bottom Line: | Here's the real deal!! A $1200 bike, with 5" of front and rear travel, plus Hayes, Ryno Lites, and Intense tires. The spec's alone are worth $1200. I have had this bike for 2 hours, my first ride on it was off a 2.5' wall. It took it like a Caddilac. If you have questions about the rear shock, check this out X-fusion makes air pumps and has dabbled with full-suspension frames. All of their products and their story is available at www.x-fusion-shox.com They even build a copy of the Fox Vannila RC with the piggy back oil res. This rear shock is excellent. This bike is even more excellent. If you are considering buying this style of frame, don't waste your money on the Santa Cruz name, buy the same bike, for less than half the money!!
Word up to Joe at California Bike and Snowboard for taking good care of me and my new ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TAP
a
from Somers, NY
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Plattekill and Blue Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Village bikes, brewster NY | | Strengths: | Fork, rear travel, strength, looks, wheels, brakes, wieght (for a freeride bike) and cranks | | Weaknesses: | just the rear shock is cheap. | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountain RM 6 | | Bike Setup: | stock- psylo, rhyno lites, hayes hydro discs, 5 inch travel, truvativ cranks w/ isis bb | | Bottom Line: | This is the greatest deal on a bike i have seen! I paid fulll price at 1200 bucks and i like it more than the rm 6 which is $2700!!!!! i likes the suspension was so nice, the second day i had it, i hucked an 8 foot drop, when i havent gone past 5 in the past. BUY THIS BIKE IF YOU WANT A FREERIDE BIKE BUT DONT WANT TO LEAVE YOUR WALLET DYING ON THE FLOOR.i would give it 6 if i could | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Racer
from Mattapoisett, ma, usa
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Works | | Strengths: | awesome freeride bike for the $. 5 inches of travel front and rear. grat components and design. light, 31 lbs, (for a freeride). nice and plush on drops! | | Weaknesses: | none at all | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher sugar 2, giant warp ds2, spacialized stupjumper, specialized fsr sport, joker, trek fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | same as it came | | Bottom Line: | this is a awesome bike for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 1199.00
