Submitted by
Willie D.
a Cross Country Rider
from Fortson, GA, US Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Not sure
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Arnold's Bikes
Strengths:
Good price Good gearset Easy to ride Very strong for what it is
Weaknesses:
A little Heavy Crappy Fork Hard tires with little grip
Similar Products Used:
Nishiki POS, Raleigh M50
Bike Setup:
Stock, I believe it is either the 2003 or 2004 version. It has the Rock Shox Judy TT fork and rim brakes.
Bottom Line:
A great bike for the price, takes a hard hit and comes back for more. The fork is quite sad as it has very little travel and it doesn't soak up much very well. The brakes are quite responsive. The gears change easily and the whole setup is quite reliable. I wish it came with better tires though, as the stock ones are hard and don't do much for you, although the newer versions have all the real problems fixed along with disc brakes. I would recommend this bike to any beginner that wants to do XC and low on cash. I wouldn't recommend it for someone who has already had a similar 26 inch hardtail looking for something better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Grasso
a Cross Country Rider
from Kutztown, pa Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pinnical
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
290
Strengths:
Fork, and rims
Weaknesses:
Both the front and rear Derailleurs broke. my crank arm snapped off for no reason, and the tires have no traction.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Yukon
Bike Setup:
stock but, xt front, and lx rear Derailleur, and some weird tire i forget the name of.
Bottom Line:
Dont ride at a construction site. otherwise it is a good bike for just trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
abel hurtado
a Weekend Warrior
from bay city, tx 77414 Date Reviewed: October 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
rocky hill mountain ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
sun and ski sports
Strengths:
good components for the money, good frame had it for a year and have rode hard, wrecked, flipped everything. i have took a couple of 2-4 ft drops and its held up great.
Weaknesses:
better brakes (disc) the avid bb5 fit and you can find them for about 75 bucks front and back, also a better seat.
Similar Products Used:
schwinn 2 different ones
Bike Setup:
all stock
Bottom Line:
haro makes some good stuff very strong built atleast on my v3. i was very pleased with my purchase the bike has held up great. i recently bought the haro sonix vl120 we will see how it goes with that one so far so ggod though. if you are looking for a decent hardtail to ride on the weekends i would definetly reccomend the v3
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J. D.
a Cross Country Rider
from Central North Carolina Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Great Frame, Decent drive train, OK weight
Weaknesses:
Handle bars/stem; Fork; Pedals; Seat/Tube
Similar Products Used:
Similarly priced Trek/Specialized/Kona. Owned Raleigh M-600 and Rockhopper in the past.
Bike Setup:
Truvativ Bar/Stem; Truvativ Seat Post; WTB Speed V Seat; Sun-Ringle Platforms; Shimano LX V Brakes; Manitou 6 Firm ride kit
Bottom Line:
Bought this on the cheap (2004 closeout just as the '05s came out). Did a lot of research on the purchase, as I'm just getting back to riding after 10 yrs out. Most of the reviews are spot-on. Mine came with the Manitou-6, I found a firm ride kit for like $20, and it made all the difference in the world. Pedals had to go-I don't ride clipless (repeated ankle breaks/surgery). Seat had to go - talk to the shop and see if they can switch it out before you even leave the shop-it's crap. The Front End needed to be switched out (I didn't like the angle of the bars, and the stem was too short for me). Other than the upgrades listed, and ROUTINE maint, I've had no problem. To the folks who listed problems with rims/fork, remember, this is set for minimal XC, I've had to true the back ZAC-19 once, but other than that, stable. Would highly recommend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver BC Canada Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
--Solid Frame--Light enough at 4.5 lbs --Gussets at Seat/toptube and headtube downtube provide for a stiff ride with strength and durability to boot. --Nimble--handles well and climbs like a goat --3 Water bottle cages--nice touch for the long rides
Weaknesses:
--Paint chips easily --Not the lightest of XC frames --Bottom pull derailleur routing (I'm not a fan of) --30.6mm Seatpost needed (who makes that diameter of post--very hard to find)
Similar Products Used:
Brodie Catalyst Brodie Nucleus Kona Munimula
Bike Setup:
Bought as a frame only and built up in my garage--
Manitou Black Elite 100 XT/LX Drivetrain XTR V Brakes Bontrager Select Wheels Selle Italia Seat Bontrager Race Cranks
Bottom Line:
This is a great XC frame for the money--if it is set up properly you will get a good long use out of it. If you can find one for a good price, do it. It is even better if you spec it with your own quality parts. For a weekend warrior looking to get back to your hardtail roots, this bike can be raced and ridden for tons of fun. And don't be stupid and drop off of anything with it--it is an XC frame. I'd buy it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, AL Date Reviewed: March 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Bikes
Strengths:
Solid Frame
Weaknesses:
Components?? Heavy
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Shimano 520 pedals rest stock.
Bottom Line:
Long term review for a 2003 Haro V3.
I have had no issues with this bike in the past 3 years. Seems to be holding up well. The only sqeeks I have are from the seat post due to how high I have to sit (6'4"). Tires are holding up nicely. Drivetrain is starting to show some wear. Overall I say this was a good 1st MTN bike for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam G
a Weekend Warrior
from PA, USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$290.00
Purchased At:
weaver's
Strengths:
Components, rims, light
Weaknesses:
tires suck, seat hurts after a 20 ride
Similar Products Used:
Giant yukon
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
it's a good bike for a $300-$400 price range
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
El Tiburon
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: December 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The Ant Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Sun and Ski Sports
Strengths:
Strong Frame, Decent Forks, Double Wall Rims
Weaknesses:
Pedals, Crank Set, Bike is A bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Fork SR Suntour XC60 90mm, Crank Set Truvativ X-Flow 42/34/24, Bottom Bracket Truvativ Cartridge, Derailleur Front SR Suntour XR17 Derailleur Rear Shimano Deore M510Freewheel , SunRace CS-M62 8-Speed 11-32, Chain Shimano IG 31, Pedals Alloy Caged , Hubset Formula 8-Speed Cassette QR 32h, Rims Alex DM18 Double Wall , Spokes Stainless Steel 14, Tires Kenda Klaw 2.1
Bottom Line:
Not bad for the price. Gears shift easy, comfortable seat. Has taken a beating I've taken it on some pretty bad drops and jumps and it has held up. Would definitely recommend changing pedals. And since it was bought at Sun and Ski who can complain about the lifetime free maintenance. Great bike for a beginner or intermediate rider. The new 06 V Series is a lot better with improved up grades but still below 600.00.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom scott
a Cross Country Rider
from research vic Aus Date Reviewed: December 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
poletty track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$524.00
Purchased At:
greensborough cycles
Strengths:
most of the stuff
Weaknesses:
chain, rims, stem, headset and bars.
Similar Products Used:
gt agressor
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
a good bike for beginers can't take much the rims are pretty weak. good value for money light and good for dropping off stuff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a
from lowell,MA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any place theres dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
place in chelmsford
Strengths:
Frame,handelbars,rear derealer
Weaknesses:
rims,tires,forks,front derealer,seat,breaks
Similar Products Used:
trek 4300 disk,gt agressor
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is good for xc but it can't handel any more then 2 foot drops. After that every thing starts to break,the seat,rims,and the breaks. but after all it's only a xc bike what do ya expect.to sum it up its a good entry level bike to learn all the basics like lanching off roots,going fast, etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor Hillbill
a Racer
from Canada Date Reviewed: September 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
most trails, jumps or steep hills during trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
comfy seat, good grips, nice handlebars, shifting is easy, forks are decent, but could be a little more stiff
Weaknesses:
Rims aren't good at all. I use my bike to get around as well as race and one of the men fixing my flat said my rims were in rough shape. I don't take many jumps or drops and the rims can't even take it.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 3900
Bike Setup:
rear mavic 321 rim with disc, basically stock otherwise
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is, if you like to ride on the trails (not hardcore) buy this bike, its good for the money u pay, but if u wanna get into biking on good, tough trails then you should buy something with better rims
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: August 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Senver Spoke
Strengths:
All good
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Easy
Bottom Line:
My 2005 is a great bike. I ride it to and from work 5 days a week and then I play on the weekends. The V3 is comfortable strong and very light and has survived some gnarly jumps.
The V3 would be a good beginer bike as well as make the experienece rider happy.
The shifters and brakes are on the same componant.
I have had several riders try the bike and have gotten very good ratings.
Buy the bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cody
a Cross Country Rider
from southeastern ohio Date Reviewed: August 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
just north of daytona
Strengths:
shimano components, good ride stance
Weaknesses:
pedals, seat, manitou six fork
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher marlin
Bike Setup:
stock except wtb speed v seat, shimano clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
this bike is great if you are on a budget. ive been riding and abusing this bike for about a year, and it keeps taking it. my only problem with the bike is the fork. the dust caps on the fork came loose a couple times, not a big deal but really annoying. if you are a beginner, this is the bike you should get.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clinton Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Gladstone, Queensland, Australia Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
one tree hill at night
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Gladstone Bicycle Centre
Strengths:
Deore lx rd, tecktro disks, rst forks and a very solid feel to the frame.
Weaknesses:
Pedals aren't worth 2 nobs of goat s#@t
Similar Products Used:
Cheap royce union dtx650 duel suspension
Bike Setup:
all original exept triple trap pedals and vista lite code 25 light systems
Bottom Line:
After being out of the saddle for approx 12 years this bike feels rock solid. Night riding with some moderate jumps don't even look like challenging this bike (bike handles better than me). I couldn't have made a better choice for an entry level bike that will help bring me back up to the level of riding i was at way back when. All I need to do now is fix up a small heart prob and then the tracks around here had better look out. I fully recomend this bike to any one who wants to get into mtb'ing without spending a fortune.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian Young Benier
a Cross Country Rider
from Bathurst Date Reviewed: May 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Chalet trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Bungay's
Strengths:
Comfortable seat ,lightweight frame ,good breaks and Crank set
Weaknesses:
The manitou forks are really bad. I just do a little wilie and when the front wheel touches the ground the forks blocks when they have 5mm of travel left.The rims are not very good the highest drop that I made with it is about 5 feet and its already broken.
Similar Products Used:
I didn't use any similar products
Bike Setup:
The same things that it came with.
Bottom Line:
This bike is good but the only thing you should do with it is cross-country beceause the forks can't handle much thing.Finally this bike is overally good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Barriere BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
norkam lock and cycle (I paid canadian money)
Strengths:
-It has a comfy seat, as long as you are in a riding position, and not standing on the ground position -good brakes -good handlebar
Weaknesses:
-I am unhappy with the fork, as it sticks when you get to the bottom of its travel, and I have never got more than 3 feet of air, and I weigh 110lbs -It would be nice if there were reach adjust on the brake levers (but I guess you can't have everything for this price) -the bolt that holds the right crank to the bike never stays in, and as a result I have ground down the square piece that locks into the crank a bit -The 3rd chainring is too small. I am not a racer, and I am only 15 years old, but I still manage to top outin my top gear between 30km/h-40km/h -I have only had this bike for one month, but I just popped the rear tube while it was at the suggested preasure, hitting a curb straight on. -When the fork gets near the bottom of its range, the brake rubs, slowing me down noticibly. If I didn't have open landings ever time it sticks, I would have been pitched for sure.
Similar Products Used:
I have never had a "quality" bike before, as I'm only 15 now.
Bike Setup:
completly stock
Bottom Line:
buy this if you are doing nothing to agressive. It is like a dream to ride, just make sure that whoever puts it together knows what they are doing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a
from Perth West Australia Date Reviewed: March 19, 2005
Giant Rincon owned thrashed crashed and sold to a Law student!Tested, Norcos,more Giants Others....
Bike Setup:
Selle san-Marco seat, UFO 10deg stem, Giant flat alloy bars and 70W home-made light kit.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Aussie spec model. Comes with Deore LX RD C050 Shimmy FD Tektro disks and levers Zac 19 rims some shimmy crankset RST Gila T5 80mm travel
Stock seat is ex Spanish Inquisition NOS, throw it as far as you can. The bars are weird, and mine were bent. The stem was so badly made it over compensated for the bent bars and made them seem bent the other way.The whole ride position is more comfort than MTB. I'm a litle concerned about the lasting qualities of some of the components like the HUBS in particular but I guess time will tell. The pedals are pretty useless too those and the cassete will be changed next. Once sorted its turning into the bike I thought it was when I bought it. I did some night riding recently and the bike now performs well for its price plus what I've paid out(total 520ish and counting). It is a very good frame it steers very quick without being unstable, the geometry is sorted! The disks are a revelation after V's but the levers wont take a hit, I'm already looking for a set to replace the bent ones. The deoreLX RD is great! it always changes, it never misses or stumbles. Its a shame the componentry is such a mix of the great and the useless. On the plus side allow me to defend the RST Gila T5, a much better fork than anyone will tell you. its as good if not better than any other CHEAP fork out there and that includes the big name cheap forks. It wont compare with highend stuff but its not meant to. It easily outperforms the suntour xc60 (is that it?) sold on Giants up the yukon. Overall I'm dissapointed with how much I've had to do to make it right but now that it's getting there I can feel what a great bike it can be.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Osborne
a Weekend Warrior
from Agawam, Mass. Date Reviewed: December 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Axler's bicycle shop
Strengths:
Love the frame it's sturdy and lightweight. I like the pedals and seat. For the price of the bike it comes with a good fork. I have done 3 foot drops with the bike and it handled it great.
Weaknesses:
I haven't yet found any
Bike Setup:
just the stuff it came with
Bottom Line:
The bike is an excellent value for its price and it's a great bike for beginners. I absolutely love the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Abbott
a
from Franklin, TN, 37064 Date Reviewed: October 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Sun and Ski
Strengths:
Good derailer and suspension, pretty light weight and tough.
Weaknesses:
As everyone else has said the pedals are terrible and the seat is uncomfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Tried V2 and V4.
Bike Setup:
Replaced pedals with Haro pros and for $20.00 I love them, Replaced seat with a specialized BG comfort.
Bottom Line:
I really like the bike after just a few upgrades. When I am ready to upgrade I will probably buy another Haro. It just seems to be the best bike for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kappa1281
a Racer
from San Antonio, TX Date Reviewed: September 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
O.P.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$369.00
Purchased At:
Sun and Ski Sports
Strengths:
For the price you pay you get a good back derailer. a good fork, and a sturdy built bike that can take a beating and more.
Weaknesses:
Stock pedals suck, back tire wore out fast.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized 04' Hardrock and Rockhopper.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded pedals.
Bottom Line:
For the price you pay it can't be beat. From day one I beat the crap out of it and it asks for more. It is fast down hill, handles decent on jumps, and is very well built bike. I would recomend it to beginners and novices. All around a great buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike P.
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer (MI)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Courtesy Bicycles
Strengths:
The bike is excellent for the price being paid. The frame is solid, shifters and gears are good, suspension is alright, but in the future i'm going to upgrade. comftorable riding position, very good bike.
Weaknesses:
(Few) Pedals are awful, chaged them, also got a new handle bar orignal not the best, also changed the seat, also not that good.
Similar Products Used:
Haro v2
Bike Setup:
performance and some comfort
Bottom Line:
I would recommend to someone who is not try to pay to much and still get a solid MTB.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curtis Langford
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Thunder Rock Express, Ocoee River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Sun and Ski Sports
Strengths:
Strong frame, excellent components for the price, good fork
Weaknesses:
Pedals are a death trap!!! Don't leave the shop without an upgrade unless don't plan on using this as a mtn. bike!!
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
primo tenderizer pedals, panaracer fire fr 2.4's
Bottom Line:
You really can't beat the price/value ratio on this one. The thing handles a bit wide, but I do have the large frame size as I am 6'3' and 205. Front derailluer is a tad finicky and needs occasional attention. The panaracer 2.4's almost didn't fit. Had to trim a fraction of a millimeter off the edges to get rid of the rub. So don't plan on anything bigger than 2.4's. I have been pretty rough on it this first month and it is just now breaking in. So far so good. You get a good frame and decent components for an awesome price. If your on a low budget and want good bike this is the one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tzvi Katz
a
from Israel Date Reviewed: May 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Metzman bikes
Strengths:
-Great value to price -Manitou six is quite ok for the average XC rider
Weaknesses:
- stock tires (Kenda klaw) don't have much greap in mud and light sand - Weak breaks for the DH wanabe
Similar Products Used:
-Haro V1 -Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
Stock setup except for the seat - repalced to Velo seat
Bottom Line:
Great for there price, intended for people who want to ride a bike in reasonable price and not keen on hard core XC. Doesn't do drops and jumps pretty well, but for the rest pretty sweet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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