Submitted by
jasen08shiftR5
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Wayne, IN U.S. Date Reviewed: September 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fronke
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$575.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
The only thing stock is the frame, so as far as the frame goes it seems bullet proof....it's taken anything I've thrown at it..
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
None first bike
Bike Setup:
Sram x.0 drivetrain w/x.0 shifters,Manitou 4 way air,E-13 Chain guide 32 special,E-13 32 Front ring,Sunline V1 Handle bar,Sunline 65mm Stem,Thompson Elite Seat post,V2 saddle,M4 Hayes mechanical brakes,Factory built Marzocchi 44 140mm,Pivot rims and hubs
Bottom Line:
I love this bike it does everything I need it to do. For what I paid I'm extremely happy with my purchase. As a kid all I rode was Haro, I'm from the oldschool days...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SnappedSeat
a Downhiller
from Date Reviewed: September 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Tombstone
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
my dad
Strengths:
Rugged frame that can take anything you throw at it.
Weaknesses:
bad componentry for an XC'er
Similar Products Used:
Turner RFX,
Bike Setup:
marzocchi z1 lite, formula k24 w/ carbon levers, limited edition sunline v1 purple bars with yellow lock-ons, white transition revolution 32's on red hubs, fox DHX 5.0, sram 990 cassette, x7 everything, single ring front w/ holzfeller cranks, Thompson elite stem, Thompson elite seatpost, WTB pure-v saddle
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. I got it with a cross country set up but quickly changed it. I threw on a six inch fork and put on a 7.5 inch shock to slacken it out and drop the bottom bracket. On top of this i also put on heavier componentry to toughen it up.
This bike has taken everything i can through at it. whether its a thirty foot table top or a ten foot drop to flat, this thing handles it like a champ. Along with free riding and downhilling on this frame it turns out to be a great dirt jumper/4X bike. I have been using this bike for things that no bike should ever take, yet i have no dents or cracks to speak of. To put it simple this bike will never die and thats why i love it.
This is the only bike that I can think of that will stay with me ten years from now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ARCHANGEL111
a Cross Country Rider
from Alabama Date Reviewed: August 23, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Bikes
Strengths:
Sheer awesomeness!!! The Shift R5 can take anything the trail can throw at it! I think I've crashed once and that was when it had just rained in a 100 degree turn. The shocks are great, wonderful disk breaks, plus it looks like a newborn motorcycle!
Weaknesses:
Just give it the basic tune-up every couple of years. You'll be fine.
Similar Products Used:
Sorry, but I've never had a bike anywhere near this great. ^_^
Bike Setup:
Topeak rear fender and luggage rack, Planet Bike downtube fender, 2 Planet Bike 1 watt Superflash headlights and Superflash Stealth tail lights, basic rockguard, Asus bike-lock-cable mounting brackets.
Bottom Line:
I just started college, and this baby turns every one of the 24,000 heads it flies by. This bike goes where other bikes can't. It looks like a flippin' motorcycle compared to the average Joe's bike, and it can take LOADS of punishment while giving you the smoothest ride out there. In other words...BUY ONE!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JoeMountains
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville,NC Date Reviewed: March 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kitzuma
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
used, found on craig
Strengths:
I am 5'10 185lbs and the frame didn't squeeze or creak. I bought a medium frame size. the fork is very compotent for the jumps hit. the climbing was just as good on my hardtail, even in the mud. the stock shock was easy to setup and tune
Weaknesses:
for the pprice point it sold for originally and what I paid for the bike, I am happy with the components and amount of adjustments that I can make.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized rockhopper, Giant Reign 3.
Bike Setup:
it is stock except for the new Continetal tires. I will be replacing the Sram X7 w X9 from front to rear and new rim.
Bottom Line:
for what I have saved versus buying new, I will be able upgrade the parts I want to and still be better off with someone else having paid the retail tag.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Negron169
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, NY Date Reviewed: January 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Sprain Ridge park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Castle Hill Bikes
Strengths:
Great single pivot design similar to Santa Cruz. Good rear shock.
Weaknesses:
needs a longer top tube. Can't think of anything else so far.
Bike Setup:
I have this bike set up with entry level shimano components, Kenda nevegal 2.35 tires, avid mech brakes, & thomson seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for someone who doesn't want a lot of travel, but needs a full suspension bike to get the job done on the trails. I've ridden this bike on some pretty technical stuff, and it's held up really well. It's also a pretty agile bike. If you go with the weight weenie components, it could probably serve as a decent xc racer. I have no complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chavachris
a Weekend Warrior
from costa rica Date Reviewed: December 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
costa rica
Bottom Line:
I just have a question... I would like to know if this bike it is only for downhill or cross crountry or freeride... or for everything.. what is the best? any comments will be appreciate
chavachris@yahoo.com
costa rica
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin K
a Cross Country Rider
from Franklin, TN Date Reviewed: April 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hamilton Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Sun Ski and Sports
Strengths:
Go price/bike for getting started
Weaknesses:
lower end components but easy to upgrade
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to: Mavic 717 wheelset, panaracer xc tires, Avid BB7 brakes, RockShox Revalation 426 fork, SPD M540 pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike has been solid for the most part. The stock fork is junk. Easy bike to maintain since there is only one place to service for the rear suspension. After all my upgrades i am very pleased with its performance. I will continue to upgrade the drivetrain components to improve it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Dennehy
a
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: August 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
bdennehy5@yahoo.com
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
Great all mountain bike. Value for the money. Durability.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Have ridden all over the country on all different terrain on this bike and has never let me down. Climbs well and handles the down hills smoothly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Fletcher, NC USA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All of Western NC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Carolina Fatz
Strengths:
I'm new to the sport but the people I know that have been doing this tell me I got alot for the money. It has been great for everything I have done to this point.
Weaknesses:
The front fork (manitou splice) have bottomed out on me a few times. I noticed the 07's have Rock Shox forks instead. I have not had the pedal bob the previous guy was talking about.
Similar Products Used:
old piece of junk
Bike Setup:
x fusion rear shock, manitou splice fork, xtr shimano, avid mechanical disc, spd shimano pedals, fire x cranks, cane creek head set,
Bottom Line:
The bike has been great for what I do, I ride fairley aggressively and have not had any issues, the bike has not held me back. I have had numerous biffs and no problem, it keeps on rockin. I ride with guys with bikes 3-4 times the cost of the R5 and keep up with them on all the gnarley stuff. Again just the occasional bottom out on the front fork which I will replace eventually. I recommend this bike for the guy who would like a full suspension bike but doesn't want to shell out the cash. Instead of a hardtail pay a few more bucks and get into a Haro Shift R5
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro Date Reviewed: November 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek, VA
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
decent components
Weaknesses:
very noticable pedal bob, cheap looking, noisy shocks
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 70, Cannondale Prophet 400/Rush 600
Bottom Line:
this bike did not inspire confidence when I tested it. I am looking for a good, entry-level full suspension bike and was intrigued by the components of the Shift. the SRAM components are tough and easy to use and the generous suspension travel makes it capable for all mountain use. however, the bike felt cheap and looks cheap. also, there is pronounced pedal bob while pedaling standing up. for less money, the Trek Fuel 70 had much better build quality and no pedal bob. If you want a bike that is cheap and can take a big hit, this might be worth a look. but other than that, it falls short. 3 value chillis for components, 2 overall chillis for lackluster performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Gardner
a Weekend Warrior
from Cumberland, ME Date Reviewed: August 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bradbury mountain trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$940.00
Purchased At:
Ernie's Cycle Shop
Strengths:
Fairly light for 20" bike, Sram X.7 is great, rugged frame, great value for price
Weaknesses:
Fork, probably heavy as straight XC bike, tires ok
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Warrior
Bike Setup:
Diamondback Platform pedals, Marzocchi MX Pro ETA fork, adding Avid BB7 with 185 mm front rotor
Bottom Line:
I have only used this for a couple of weeks but I have been shopping for quite a while and couldn't get this much bike for the money anywhere I looked. With 4.5/5" of suspension it should serve me well for not only XC-type trails but some all-mountain as well, it feels plenty strong. Most of the components are passable but the Splice fork just did not inspire confidence and almost tossed me a couple of times plus it has no adjustability. I bought the Haro knowing that I would probably spend another $300-400 (which I did) to get it where I was happy with the components. I don't believe for $1300 total spent I could have done better. BTW, one thing I always looked for in reviews was people's size and what size frame/bike they bought. I am 6'2", 185 lb. and the 20" frame (Haro calls this a Med.) fits perfect. Overall, great bike at a great price but don't buy it thinking XC race. To me it is better built as a light All Mountain rig so 4 Chilis for overall rating, 5 for value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Bernhard
a Weekend Warrior
from Katonah New York Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the stairs in my local mall
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Outdoor sports
Strengths:
solid frame, great climber, can handle a lot for a XC bike, never let me down, has taken 5 foot drops onto concrete without to much problems! Components are good.
Weaknesses:
fork lacks adjustment, air shock is decent, a little heavy for XC, NEEDS NEW PEDALS LIKE FIRST THING
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky, rockhopper, kona kikapu delux, cannondale F2000
Bike Setup:
juciy 7's, azonic pedals, THE fender, wireless computer
Bottom Line:
If you want a beefy XC bike with a good amount of travel for jumps and drops on occasion this is your bike. Its cheap built to last and comes with some nice components. Tell you the truth i am getting into freeriding so if you want to buy the frame off me along with the rear shock and front shock and some other components you can contact me through email. Or if any of you have a freeride bike you want to trade.......offer up!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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