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Submitted by
Nicky
a Weekend Warrior
from Trinidad & Tobago
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | River Bed in Macqueripe | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Courts Furniture Sto | | Strengths: | I have had this bike for three years now (August 2005-August 2008)and the frame is strong! I entered several road & off-road races of which I came 1st or 2nd. I went on a lot of road rides with this mountain bike. I even entered a road race with it once and came 2nd. The shocks are good as well, as I jump off the pavement a lot when riding. As a female cyclist, I will have to say I rode this Haro a lot over the past 3 years and it is still going good. The seat was good too, I only changed it last month. I think if I was maintaining and cleaning it better, it would have been in a more better condition now. | | Weaknesses: | I was preparing to go a 100-mile ride when a few miles, the crank got slack. I had the pedals, rubber gloves for the handles, sprocket and bike seat changed recently, mostly because of wear-and-tear. The back wheel dished, lost some spokes and changed brakes blocks regular. In the earlies I used to get problems with the shifting of the 2 gears in particular and on the back jump I still feel it when I hit the ground. | | Similar Products Used: | It was too long ago to compare, It was a Raleigh and I cannot remember the name of the other one. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano parts, tektro braking system, tru vatin crank, serfas road tyres,I don't know much else off hand.
| | Bottom Line: | I will recommend Haro to anyone, it's reliable, strong and up to the task. I just finished looking at the Haro 2008 Catalog and I am impressed enough for my very next bike to be a Haro. I am now learning the art of cycling properly, so I have a lot to learn, but I like what I see in Haro Bikes so far and I believe that Haro can take me where I want to go - Professional Cycling! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Steens Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Laurelhurst Bike and Ski | | Strengths: | Great for everyday riding, i really like the manitou front suspension, solid breaks, good rims | | Weaknesses: | had the bike for three months and derailer is a little sticky, rubber covers over forks come off all the time and i am always sliding them back down into position. also can't find any fenders that will fit, any help???? | | Bottom Line: | good bike, definitely recommend but DO NOT pay more than $400. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Willie Dillon
a Weekend Warrior
from Fortson, Ga
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Flat Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Arnold's Bikes | | Strengths: | This bike is very reliable and I like its handling. The stock components are decent for its price and it all works very smoothly. It's pretty light and it's esy to ride. It is very strong as I have done a lot of jumping with it and nothing has broken yet. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing other than the fork is a little ghetto but i'll probably get a new one anyway. | | Similar Products Used: | Nishiki Hill Razer(ghetto) | | Bike Setup: | All Stock I think. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an awesome budget level bike and it is a big step up from a Wal-Mart bike. It is very reliable so beginners won't have to worry too much about that and it really has well made components. I haven't broken anything yet. Overall I am very satisfied with this bike and I plan to get a Haro for my next bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anagnostou Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The next one | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Galyan's | | Strengths: | Outstanding components in this price class (even better on close out!), predictable handling, smooth trigger shifting, comfy seat (for this class), WTB Velociraptor tires great on Midwest trails | | Weaknesses: | Relatively heavy, ProMax brakes are marginal (2004 model's brakes are better), stock tires ride rough on hardtop/hardpack | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far (Avid SD 7's are on my shopping list) | | Bottom Line: | Very solid bike overall for entry level MTB. Shopped alot before getting this bike, and I've not been disappointed. Very fun ride. Handles well, climbs well, and decent overall balance. Braking is fine on dry stuff, but could be better under wet conditions. Judy TT front shock smoothed up alot after a few trail rides and fits my size (6ft/175#) just fine. You could spend alot more $$$ and get less bike. Congrats, Haro!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia,SC
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | "Lost Creek" for now | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri City Cycling | | Strengths: | Im a 210 + rider and about 5'10"...I had a hard time finding a bike that fit me and I was comfortable on.The frame had preformed well and the forks have done well for the money paid for the bike. I had a hard time finding a bike under 500 that the forks felt good for my weight. | | Weaknesses: | Id have to say that Ive had very few probs out of the bike. but the pedals are definately gone (by choice) and Im looking to add a suspension post due to hard ride at times | | Similar Products Used: | GT agressor and GT All terain | | Bottom Line: | Ive enjoyed the bike and would probably buy another Haro, Im looking at the Extreme 3 Haro now and may be picking it up soon, I think the V3 is great for someone just starting out and wants a dependable bike (in my case anyway). The angles fit me perfect and has made my riding style better Ive enjoyed the Haro bike enought that I just bought my son a new Haro this past weekend for the guys at Tri City (a V-1 series) has made his ride better as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garrett
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Purina | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | DTF Cycles (crap shop) | | Strengths: | For the price, the components are probably about as good as you can expect. For an entry level bike it is OK. If you are an experienced rider, or think you'll go out a couple of times a week you'll be happier if you spend more money on your bike. I will say the frame is very strong, and the bike fits me pretty well. I haven't had the trouble with my wheels staying true that other riders have. | | Weaknesses: | Pedal arm fell off the bottom bracket on the first ride. Chain broke on the second ride, then twice again last week. Had to replace it because I lost too many links. The shocks are, as mentioned in other reviews, pretty marginal. I keep the preload low and they work a little bit but there just isn't much there. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | If you ride sometimes, it's ok. If you think you'll be on the trail more than a couple of times a month, then do yourself a favor and spend more money on a better bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davin Uurtamo
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, Az., USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | mormon+national(south mountain) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Tempe Bike | | Strengths: | Good frame. Not much else. For a hardtail I was impressed that I haven't cracked anything yet. I used to ride FS Bikes and this was a harsh transition. I won't buy another but for new bikers who don't want a dent in their wallet it isn't bad. For experienced riders (ridden for 20) it sucks. I didn't know much about the companies history (started as BMX type I think) and that was good, the company has a history of frame building. The frames build seems good for a climber but not for downhill at high speeds, the frame is low but the turns are wide and difficult to control. | | Weaknesses: | The ground will be felt in most hardtails, especially aluminum, and this is no exception-it is a rough ride. It has a poor tight turn, and makes up for it in lightness. The stock shocks as previously mentioned by other posters (Judy TT) are a joke. I have overhauled them 3 times at least and wouldn't ever want rockshox again. I hope to have a new FS bike again. The parts the bike shop placed on this model weren't bad but the neck was way to steep for offroad riding, I changed to a profile design "stiffy" and am happy with the result, changed grips after about 2 months, rear derailler is dependable (Deore), overall this bike isn't worth upgrading as it is a hardtail. The rims aren't great but work, although truing is almost a daily process, I believe as a larger rider I would be better fit to get another FS mountain bike. (I am 6'8" and around 200lbs.) The bike, as mentioned before is good for first timers, but with some adjustments-recommend changing: Tires, rims and neck if you plan to ride harder than normal. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Threshhold (age is given by this :) )
Zemopi Fullsuspension (lowgrade full)suspension | | Bike Setup: | Stock: Tires (Koyote), rims (alexrims), bottombracket (sealed unheard of company), rear derailler (shimano deore), headset (cheap), haro bars and all shifters shimano lowgrade, promax v-brakes (not bad), truvativ cranks, judy tt front shocks (hate them)
new parts: xt front derailler, profile design "stiffy" neck, xtr cables and sleeves (highly recommended), toe clips (old habit) and some cheap club roost grips. Also changed rim wrap-had a fiberglass or plastic wrap and changed to a cloth (covers the spoke nipples). Thornless tubes (kendas are good) as i live in Az. completely necessary. XT cassette also added as the teeth on the old one were cracking off (too much torque possibly)
| | Bottom Line: | Good for new riders who can't afford a FS mountain bike
Bad for me and anyone who has had a fullsuspension, it is a little heavy for aluminum and the frame shape reduces my ability to jump higher than 3 feet or so from flat surfaces (bunny hops, wallrides etc.) | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 100 (Phoenix) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Gordy's (try Slippery Pig instead) | | Strengths: | Great components for the price. (only one I've ridden) | | Weaknesses: | Heavy? (again, only one I've ridden) | | Bike Setup: | Started stock with Shimano 424 pedals. Upgraditis ensued:
Conti Survival tires (2)
Shimano XT bottom bracket and crankset
Shimano XT rear hub (disc-ready, still using stock V-brakes)
Mavic F519 rear rim, DT Swiss Alpine spokes
New 3-bolt lower rise stem (not sure what brand)
Cateye Tomo XC computer
Shimano 646 pedals
Deore front derailleur
Used Marzocchi Z1 CR Bomber 4" fork | | Bottom Line: | Bike started at $400 (great price) before I knew what I was getting into. Turns out I'm a burly XC rider weighing in at ~210 lbs. who knew? Trail 100 (my stomping ground) isn't smooth, and I ride it about as hard as is possible to ride it. If you can dodge every babyhead and don't take any drops, this bike is for you. If you're like me and abuse it, do like I did...
I've put about $1000 more into components, and I love my bike. It's a bit heavy, but it takes abuse and rides very nicely.
Came with WTB Velociraptor tires. They were hamburger after a month. The Contis rule. The stock Judy TT fork was a joke.
Stock rear rim was wobbling right away and truing only helped for one ride. The new wheelset in the rear is the SHIZNIT. I ride the hell out of it and it barely goes out of true. The front wheelset is heavy but so far has been fine. I'll probably go to a Mavic 317 with the same hub and spokes as the rear when and if I ever break the stock front wheel.
As someone else noted, the stock BB and crankset sucks. The one I have now is awesome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevster
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Grapevine North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$379.00 | | Strengths: | Price, simple maintenance, great balance (for me) | | Weaknesses: | brakes | | Similar Products Used: | dept. store cheapos | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | My intro bike to trail riding, and I'm having a blast. There may be better bikes out there in this price range, but I really can't think of any significant improvements to expect for these dollars. I'm a big guy (210 lbs+) and the front shocks haven't given me any problems. I think the brakes could be better, but I'm still learning technique. Shifting is smooth and has NEVER slipped on me. Balance feels great at speed and even slow technical stuff. Probably haven't taken any more than 3' of air, but everything is holding together so far. Take it out 2-3 times a week minimum 10 miles offroad each ride, another 2-3 times a week on the road. Haven't done anything but lube the chain, clean the bike and minor adjustments for brakes & rear deraileur (2 rear flats, but thats part of it right?). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justyn Knudson
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Don't have one | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Belveldere Cycle | | Strengths: | Its and amazing bike for the first month then it all goes bad. I wouldn't buy this Series of Haro again. Tho I must admit as much as I have grown to dislike this bike it has many good features, its light, good rear derailer,great brakes and a nice frame design | | Weaknesses: | The cranks are flat out garbage, After 2 months the cranks are lose,bent and noisy(there scraped). Now I did ride alittle hard, nothing crazy, maybe little dirt jump here and there and many catwalks(the bike should stand up to that) I never even took it off the pavement other than the local bmx track. The front derailer is also a big piece of junk, it needs to be tuned all the time. I also don't like the stock stem, I can't figure out what but there is something screwy about it(I changed it to a Titec). The tires also didn't last long, I'm in the process of seriously considering a trade on something alittle bit better. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Bushpilot, Trek 4300 and Haro V2 | | Bike Setup: | Titec stem and new tires, the rest is mostly stock | | Bottom Line: | It was great at first but its bad cranks are a massive downfall and a huge disapointment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Bel Air, MD
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Catoctin Mtns | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Time | | Strengths: | Killer looks, Decent weight. Solid drivetrain. | | Weaknesses: | I don't like clip pedals, prefer BMX style platform pedals. Not a weakness, a personal preference. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche, Trek 4300, etc. | | Bike Setup: | 19.5" frame, switched to old school BMX Shimano DX platform Pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I started looking around for a decent bike in the 400 range, and checked all the major brands. Trek, Specialized, Gary Fisher, GT and for the money NOTHING touched Haro for the quality of the components. My first real BMX bike back in the Day was a Haro Freestyler and I owned several other Haros after that one. I figured why not buck conventional wisdom and go with a name I trust?
I was not sorry. Right out of the box, this bike felt like it was meant for me. It is incredibly smooth, pretty light and is a pretty stable jumper. This bike will get you some second looks on the trail too. It is not out of place at all next to 1000 dollar machines. It can hold its own.
Good luck finding a shop that has one on display for a test ride. When you mention Haro, most shops will think only BMX or Freestyle bikes. I had to order mine from the factory. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BA
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mandai-Bukit Timah-Mac Ritchie | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$290.00 | | Purchased At: | Greenridge Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Very stable downhill bike, handles rough terrain well. Solid 6061 frame- good parts- Judy TT, Deore rear derail, Alex double wall rims, Truvatix crank. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy bike for uphill climbs. Tyres are a drag, makes climbs challenging- will definitely change the tyres to light cross-terrain type soon. Acera front derail need upgrade for smoother gear transition. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for starters. Tyres definitely need to be changed for a lighter ride. Use stock tyres to train up your stamina..;-P | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Stamford, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mianus River Park...so far. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | SmartCycles | | Strengths: | All around, best bang for the buck. When you compare this bike's components to others in the price range, this ride can't be beat. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes definitely need an upgrade. I don't know if it's the ProMax V-brakes or the pads that come stock, but this bike just DOESN'T stop in the wet. Also, the stem is a little too upright, but nothing that can't be fixed with minimal investment. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but for the addition of Ricthey Logic V.2 pedals, CatEye Enduro2 computer, Innovations Guage Head pump. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike to start with and a good frame to build on. As soon as I scrape up the cash, my V3 is getting a new wheelset and disc brakes...gotta love eBay.
If you're looking for a very rideable bike with great components at a reasonable price, this is definitely your ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rebecca Freeman
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston SC
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Same as before (see first review) | | Weaknesses: | Paint is chipped in a hundred places, now. It isn't very durable -- not that I'm worried about the aesthetics. If you want your bike to be pretty, though, you have to treat this one with kid gloves. | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup - did change out the pedals to egg beaters, though. | | Bottom Line: | Just thought I'd post an update. After the initial mechanical problem with the rear hubset, this bike has been bomb-proof! Charleston has a lot of flat, wet trails - and the bike continues to ride great...even when it's caked with mud. Just came back from a weekend at Tsali without incident - I just love this bike.
That being said, FIND A GOOD MECHANIC. I had been using the bike shop where I bought mine - and after every few rides, I was having to go back in there for tune-ups. Since switching to a different mechanic who actually lubed the cables inside the housings and made a few other adjustments...things are great. Turns out that tune-ups should be fewer and farther between than I thought.
Every bike shop has guys (or maybe girls?) who know 80% of the bike...but finding one who has years of experience and knows all the ins-and-outs...has made a world of difference in the tuning of the bike...and the pleasure of riding it, when you're in the woods riding for three days and don't want to be making adjustments the whole time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rebecca Freeman
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali - Thompson | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$410.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes | | Strengths: | Good Components for the price. It's all about FIT, though - other bikes just weren't comfortable, this one was perfect right off the bat. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes seem to be a bit problematic - requiring constant adjustment. Could be a "break in" period, though. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Tassajara, Kona Nunu, Kona Fire Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Stock - didn't even have to change the seat! | | Bottom Line: | I spent forever trying to find a bike - classified ads, new Fishers and Konas...never could find just what I was looking for, and I was trying to stay under the $500 ceiling. This bike was a perfect fit - 10 seconds into the demo I could tell I was going to take it home.
Two problems, in the first month:
The Judy TT fork's adjustment knob broke off in my hand on the first ride out. A replacement is on the way, and it didn't interfere with my riding.
I also had some issues with the rear wheel hubset - in spite of adjustments, it was incredibly tight -- while "coasting" downhill, the rear rings continued to turn and feed chain into netherland. The bike is now in the shop awaiting a replacement, which should arrive ASAP.
Aside from those two issues - I can't say enough about the comfort of this bike. While all the components aren't top of the line, I have ridden it through incredible mud, rain, and wet red clay -- even when parts and pieces are caked in goo...they work like a charm. I think the hubset is just a fluke - I'm not trying to be a professional downhiller, and I think this bike is going to suit me well for my weekend warrior status.
I'll come back with more comments, if new issues arise -- but I'm really happy with the purchase! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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