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Submitted by
Phil Chadwick
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, ca
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | local seller (used) | | Strengths: | lightweight, great rear shock, quality components, durable, climbs hills like a hardtail (VERY important for me). | | Weaknesses: | stock front shock could be a little better. | | Similar Products Used: | sport chalet amx axion, Giant atx-990. | | Bike Setup: | stock components w/ Wellgo pedals | | Bottom Line: | bought it used from a hardcore rider who rode it weekly for 2+ years. It is my 1st entry into a "real" bike, previous bikes were either store brand (ok, but cheap components), or not right for me.
this is a great bike- climbs hills very easily, and after a few years of abuse from previous owner, it still rides nice. I'm looking forward to a good couple of years with this bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS (Pat's 605 Cyclery) | | Strengths: | VERY light for full suspension entry level, front shocks, SRAM components, AVID BB5 brakes ok, | | Weaknesses: | Rear air shock does not have a lock-out feature (what do you expect from a $1000 bike though?), but it's not adjustable. Pedals are weak, but sufficient for most beginners. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Added: Shimano M520 pedals, Titec bar ends, Oury grips, Lizard skins chainguard | | Bottom Line: | After reading the reviews below, i went ahead and purchased this bike from the LBS (local bike shop). I have NO regrets about it. This is indeed a superb bike for just $1000!!!!
The SRAM components are excellent and the bike climbs very quickly. My only concern is that the rear shock doesn't adjust so you can't control the damping...unless you lower the pressure.
If you're a beginner and want one of the best entry level FS bike below $1000 then this might be it for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Holds up well under harsh trails. I love the front suspension. Very light weight. | | Weaknesses: | I would rather have Kenda Nevegal/Blue Groove combo instead of Komodos. Mech Disc instead of Hydros. Pedals SUCK unless you like clipless shoes | | Similar Products Used: | Dakar Sport | | Bike Setup: | Stock all except new pedals | | Bottom Line: | FREAKEN AWESOME BIKE...I wouldn;t change a thing! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
oren krakov
a
from Rehovot, Israel
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Beeri | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | matzman-merutz | | Strengths: | This review is for the Shift R5 2005 model.
I use stock setup.these really rock for me.First, i liked SRAM components very much: trigger shifters are great (x.7),rear der. (x.7) works flawlessly (and i gave it a hard time riding 120 km in 2 days),brakes are not hydraulic but for that budget you cant go any better and it has enogh stop power for me (not for downhillers!),the single pivot method is very effective and it climbes very well ,no "bobobob..." .front shock is great: 130 mm. and for last, it looks great in blue (very important!!!). | | Weaknesses: | Shocks are not ajustable (although generous),pedals are very week (i'm about to replace it to shimano m520) ,saddle is a bit hard ( i think of replacing it as well) and for last :these are not perfect for short riders,standover clearence is not good enough i compromised on that because all other things make up for it. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher sugar 4+ (test ride),haro v3 (hardtail, 1.5 years) | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | Best value for money!!!! I've been in almost every shop and asked about evry brand (trek,gf,specialized,kona etc.) and these are the best i got for a new 2005 1000$ bike.
I ride it 1-3 times a week and enjoy it very very much!!!
If you have a low budget and want a good full suspention bike, go for it ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Kincaid | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Paramount Cycles | | Strengths: | Can't say specifically, as my knowledge is lacking. I like the shocks alot, and it feels very durable, and I'm definately happy with what I got for the price I paid. | | Weaknesses: | I have had this bike for less than a month. I have had a flat rear tire twice in the last week, and I haven't even taken it to the mountains yet. Very discouraging, I'm almost scared now to get too far away from civilization.
And it's red... | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first serious mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | All stock, except for the foot straps I took off of the pedals, and the front tire reflector I took off because it rattled. Plan on replacing the pedals as soon as I can. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet ride. Great price. Dissapointed about the rear tire, but don't know if it's the quality, or just really bad luck. I am surprised at how much more I got by spending the money to get a decent bike. I can say that I will never go back to a retail store bike again, and can't wait 'till I step it up again for my next bike! Recommended for anyone that wants to take the plunge into serious biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dupont | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Carolina-Fatz | | Strengths: | Solid frame, wheels, comfortable seat. | | Weaknesses: | Judy front shock, brakes, Rock Shock Frame Shock, Tires. | | Bike Setup: | Added Manitou Black Elite Front Shock, Cane Creek Cloud Nine Rear Shock, Avid Juicy 5 Hydraulic Disk Brakes, Shimano Hollowtech II Crankset, and Continental Vertical Pro Tires. | | Bottom Line: | I know my bike is now more like an XLS Werks, but, it was a good platform to start with no matter what your budget. In the beginning (6 months ago) it was a great beginners bike. Now, thanks to riding 4 - 5 times a week, I have advanced to some pretty technical single track. As I have advanced I have been able to adapt the bike to my new riding style. As I have added new components to the bike I have been able to sell the original components on E-Bay. I have now spent a total of $1850.00 on the bike with $300.00 returned to me by E-Bay sells so I have a net of about $1500.00 in the bike. Still pretty good since it is nicer than most Santa Cruz's out there, which start at about $3200.00. I would purchase it again and make the same changes if I had to do it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Saar
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything technical | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Geometry fits XC and Trail riding, frame is stiff, durable rims, nice gears, good rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | Fork, pedals, ineffective chainstay protection against chain slap. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed various full suspension bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Swapped the Judy XC with a Marzocchi Z3 (Red of course!)
Swapped the pedals with Shimano M520 SPD
Added an ugly but effective chanstay protection. | | Bottom Line: | As my riding varies between XC climbing, technical trails, singletrack riding and some free ride, this bike is just right for me. It does it all with ease, it climbs with no pedal bob, it handle the rough trails and technical ascents/descents easily, it isvery durable and is easily adjustable and can be tweaked to fit any rider.
The fork must go!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | North Penasquitos Canyon from Sabre Springs | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Cyclery | | Strengths: | Price, beautiful frame, nice geometry for tall riders, good mechanical disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Judy XC. Pedals. Kenda Karma tires don't inspire confidence on loose So. Cal. terrain. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced seatpost clamp with quick-release. Replacing pedals with Crank Bros. Mallets as soon as I can find a pair of wide SPD shoes that fit. Will be replacing the front fork with a Marzocchi as soon as I can afford to. The original seat isn't bad. Replaced it anyway with a cushier specalized lightweight gel seat. Swapped out Kenda tires for Panaracer Fire XC Pros. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an outstanding deal. It handles very well even for my size, 6'3" 200lbs, and the mechanical brakes work great. I started off as a novice with this bike and have progressed in the past six months to a point where I can ride just about any trail in San Diego (within reason). The steeps and climbs just don't seem as steep anymore since I've discovered what this bike can handle. The only time I've lost control was due to a flat tire (no fun flying over the handlebar into the bushes).
I've seen lighter setups, particularly Marin bikes, but you can't beat the price.
I know looks aren't so important in a cross country/freeride bike but this bike looks great. Most of my riding buddies don't bother cleaning their bikes more than once a year but I feel compelled to dust the Haro off after every ride just because it looks so good. I even found a Bell Influx red and white helmet that matches the bike color scheme perfectly.
Overall a great buy for a full suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Dotson
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, NC
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Beech Spring | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1020.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | Killer frame design, stiff & relatively light weight, unbelievable price point | | Weaknesses: | None I've come across yet | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed Trek Fuel, and GT Idrive | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.5 Bomber (2001 model) fork, Avid mech Disc brakes, WTB Velociraptor tires, Time ATAC carbon pedals | | Bottom Line: | I said I'd come back after a while to let you all know how this bike held up across the summer. It's not been quite 3 months but that was the nearest choice on the form we fill out to review here. As I pointed out, this was a Father's Day present for me so I did some upgrades in an effort to build my dream machine. I got it alright! I did ride the Rock Shock Judy a bit - not a bad stock fork at all but I'm 240 lbs and 6'4" or so - and the Judy just wasn't quite enough so I brought in my old trusty Marzocchi. Having air suspension front and rear is really sweet! I run 26 PSI in the fork and it's perfect! The RS BAR ADJUST shock does very well for me - I run 175 PSI in it and the ride is wonderful! Very easy to dial in! The AVIDS I added are everything people said they would be.
Enough about the upgrades - the HARO itself is outstanding. The finish is holding up well as I ride through some really rocky stuff with underbrush being an issue sometimes. The saddle (WTB) is great - small light but not too hard at all! The geometry is very very good, the bike takes fast rocky downhills arrow striaght and rock solid inspiring new confidence while still being quite nimble on tight singletrack. The stock bars setup is a bit wide but I left it as is and have found the change to be an improvement for me oddly enough. The cranks are STIFF and seem to have no flex at all for me - perfect!!! Wheels have stayed true with no problems, despite some real smacks on some larger rocks at speed. Just think you can't go wrong with this bike! Mine weighs in at 28 lbs which I consider very good for s bike with about 4 inches front and rear! If you're a wieght fiend, there's lighter stuff to be had - but I doubt at this price. If you're looking for a tremendous steal on a great Cross Country or semifreeride - this is your ticket!!! Just an all around great deal - I never worry about my bike now - it's all up to me, the bike puts it all back where it should be!!! Have never, ever been more satisfied with a bike purchase than this!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City MO USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$960.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle City | | Strengths: | This bike has an awesome cockpit for taller people. The suspension gives you a nice ride but can still hold up to pretty big jumps. The rear shock has absolutely zero pedal bob under the hardest pedaling. | | Weaknesses: | Makes your friends mad becasue they will be jealous. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 4 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | You need this bike! This is the best bang for your buck that is acutally affoardable and has outstanding performance and quality. My friends spent upwards of $2000 on their bikes and and they like mine better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, Wa. clark
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | copeland sports, portland, Or. | | Strengths: | great geometry, lightweight, easy bike to get used to. | | Weaknesses: | pedals seem a little scimpy for the quality of the rest of the components. No other weaknesses in my opinion though. | | Similar Products Used: | giant | | Bike Setup: | all stock for now,will upgrade pedals soon. | | Bottom Line: | I honestly can`t gripe about anything being that i got such a great deal on it. (And yes it was brand new never ridden) All in all i am very pleased with the haro. This is the third haro i have bought and they seem to be very good quality!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from bountiful, ut
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | pedersens | | Strengths: | light weight. excellent specs for a bike thats only $1000. runs smooth and geometry is great for this type of bike. | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Bike Setup: | stock with a softer saddle | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for my wife but shes just a few inches shorter than me so i ride it when i do xc. Im extremely impressed with this bike. It rides really smooth and me and my wife both love it. The front and rear rock shox feel great for what you normally get on a $1000 bike. It makes the uphill super easy but its adjustable enough to get a perfect mix for riding back down the mountain too. Excellent bike for the price and i would recommend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Rempe
a Cross Country Rider
from Loganville, GA USA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Agricultural trail near Gainesville College (985N to exit 16) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Lifetime Bikes in Loganville, GA | | Strengths: | Great geometry, great overall design, good starting components, relatively light for a full suspension w/ disc brakes, and tough as nails on the trail. The Hayes disc mechanical brakes are fabulous for downhill...little to no noise at all, and great stopping power. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are pretty junky, but who doesn't swap them out right off the bat anyway? Seatpost clamp (I can't stand anything but the quick adjust kind)...mostly just nit-picky stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | None, really. Former Haro and Mongoose BMX owner who wants to bloody himself on a few trees... | | Bike Setup: | Added the follwing components to the stock setup;
*Salsa 35mm quick release seatpost adjuster clamp ($20)
*Pyramid pedals (great deal for the money-$35)
*Panaracer Fire Pro XC 2.1 x 26 rear tire ($25) | | Bottom Line: | Matt Bennett at Lifetime really helped me out a ton when I was trying to decide on what bike to get. For the money, you CAN NOT go wrong with the Haro XLS series (specifically the R5 and R7). It is a very capable cross-country bike, and it has everything you need to hit the trail and do some moderate downhill style riding. If you get the suspension setup right, there will be no tail bob when pedaling (even when standing), and yet it will still soak up some pretty serious hits (believe me, I found plenty of hits to soak up). I chose the XLS R5 for several reasons. First, it's overall affordability for initial purchase. The XLS R7 is also a great initial purchase, but I do not care for some of the components. Second, as silly as it sounds, I prefer the overall look of the R5 (and red is my color). Also the hydraulic brakes in the R7 I feel would be a little more problematic than the mechanical Hayes on the R5. Any way you look at it, the Haro XLS R5 is a serious bike for anyone...whether beginner or advanced/experienced rider. I give it 5 flamin' chilis for value, and 5 flamin' chilis for the overall rating. Get this bike...you will not be disappointed! Thanks again Matt! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Fredericton, NB, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Savage's | | Strengths: | Light (for FS), rugged, adjustable rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | Bad stock pedals, somewhat strange shape for my dimensions, difficult to shoulder. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco NX 2000... not quite on the same level as the Haro, but its what I used for adventure racing. | | Bike Setup: | Swapped the stock stem for a 130 mm 10 deg easton piece, got a wider handlebar with a larger angle. Clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I am an adventure racer, 6' and 235 lbs. My legs are 32"... I'm not sure if that is normal or not, but I found that the bike seemed high. I have the medium model which seems high, but with stock parts it wasn't long enough. After my handle bar and stem setup was changed this problem was solved.
I find the bike very fast compared to what I was used to (Norco NX 2000... a FS bike suitable for heavy recreational use). The stearing was also very sensative in comparison. I really like its speed and handling. It climbs hills very well, and there is minimal bounce in the rear shock while cranking hard.
The front fork seem great for me, but I don't do much heavy jumping... only what I have to to get along. The front fork's travel really lets you make your own trail in light to moderate brush.
The rear shock is in the way of a comfortable shoulder carry, and the bottom of the seat is pretty rough on the shoulder too. I am going to experiment a little more with carrying the bike before I lose hope.
I have yet to drag it through a bog or submerge it in mud. I suspect it will handle a race as well as anything. I will update if otherwise.
It seems to be a great bike for the $$$. I was prepared to pay a lot more for a similar product, but I found the Haro it has been great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Dotson
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Catawba Riverfront | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1020.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | Awesome bike for the buck! The LX rear derailler makes for super smooth shifts, the fox air rear shock is very tunable and does great for a big guy (6'4" and 240lbs). The geometry is good as the bike turns well, climbs very nicely and feels exceptionally stable at speed. The cranks feel great to me - better than my Deore Hollowtechs - no creaks and the power seems to go right to the rear wheel without any mush. I've noticed no bob at all with the suspension yet it is very plush. I swapped out the fork for my old Marzzochi Z.5 Bomber so I've got air front and rear and it is quite a smooth ride. I also swapped out the Hayes for Avid Mechs - need I say more? | | Weaknesses: | Fork is not so hot - doesn't match the rest of the bike IMO. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed GT I Drive. | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC pedals, Marzocchi Z.5 fork, Avid Mechanical Discs, the rest OEM. | | Bottom Line: | For $1020 I've got an incredible bike - the XLS R5 is just so much bike for the buck! I know - I swapped out some key components - but to be fair, I didn't even try the Hayes brakes, I just upgraded to the AVIDs as I'd heard so much about them. Re: the fork, if I was 25lbs lighter, I think it would have done fine probably. I just prefer my Marzocchi (as most Bomber owners will tell ya!). Pedals? Now who isn't gonna swap those out on most any bike first thing? Bottom line - this is a FS dream with a killer core to build on and a great start already! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Fatz Carolina | | Strengths: | Excellent stability, light weight, excellent disk brakes, good components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Original Tires (Swapped for Continentals) and original pedals (Swapped for Shimano clipless). | | Similar Products Used: | Ross, Cannondale, Trex, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Shimano LX components, Hayes disk brakes, Continental tires | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike. Even though it is on the lower end of the price scale, it is not an entry level bike. My friends who have riden it think it's better handling then their higher end bikes. The bike was recommended to me by a friend who had tried one out. I was about to pay about $2000 for a specialized until I tried the Haro. Is that a great friend or what? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, Ga
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Lifetimes | | Strengths: | Great out the door performance. Only upgrade done was to add Candy Ti pedels and chop the bar about 1 inch. Easy to get used to. For the price, I haven't seen anything that is backed up by a LBS that compairs. | | Weaknesses: | Kenda tires are really thin on the sidewall. Not a problem yet, I may just be paranoid. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Santa Cruz, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for taking an inch off the bars, and adding Candy Ti pedels. | | Bottom Line: | For full suspension, disc brakes, backed by my LBS for $1000.00 you can't beat this bike. This would not make a hard core competeter happy I don't think, but for the rest of us it rocks. If you are looking to be cool riding down the street save your $$, but if you like to play on the trails, and do a little of everything with it, this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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