Submitted by
Goldie
a Downhiller
from Sturovo, Slovakia
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2008
Strengths: very plush thanks to Marzocchi Roco WC, very stable in corners (frame size M), very good for steap terain, light when moving
Weaknesses: the back fork craks in the middle, floater also brakes easily, where front fork touches the frame it bends
Bottom Line:
This bike is super cheap. It's perfect for DH, very stable in corners at high speed. Im not going to buy another DH bike, this is perfect. The only problem is that the back end cracks right next to welding. I also found a crack in the front at the link where you atach the shock.
Submitted by
Bawitdaba
a Downhiller
from Pine Plains, New York
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008
Strengths: Well built like a tank
Weaknesses: That floating brake was crap
Bottom Line:
This is a DH bike and thats what I use it for. Loaded with great components, handles everything I can do and some. The factory floating brake was a bad idea, I bent the rod after one day at Plattekill. Luckily, it comes with a conversion and now it's awesome! In my opinion a real sleeper for the money. No one was buying them, I got a new leftover from the dealer for $1700 bux.
Bike Setup: Stock except for the Love Seat and the custom headset cap.
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Submitted by
Kim Cadiz
a Weekend Warrior
from Leon Iloilo, Philippines
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2008
Strengths: The 357 is of a kind bike to sustain the rigid trails of the Philippine mountains. One must have the self confidence to drive the bike. yes, you need to now the driving principle of the bike before you can enjoy the ride. The set up is excellent for downhill trails.
Weaknesses: The bike being tough to the trails is heavy for the uphill. Cardio vascular training is neeeded.
Bottom Line:
If you want to test your cardio vascular stamina this is one of the bikes that will meet the challenge. you will have a group components that will support in your trials. This machine can withstand any obstacle in the trails.SO LONG AND MORE POWER. BE THE FORCE BE WITH YOU....
Bike Setup: same as the specs provided in the internet but ihave changed the manitou rpa rear shock to swinger
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Submitted by
Martin Benoit
a Downhiller
from Whistler B.C CANADA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007
Strengths: extremelly solid,adjustability,quality/price ratio,near top of the line components
Weaknesses: floating rear brake linkage rod is to weak (broke)Haro's warranty replacement part made stronger ,problem solved....
Bottom Line:
After 55 days or so of riding Whistler's wicked Downhill bike park ,the Haro 357nine still wants more & still looks and ride like brand new (O.K few scratches from the big crash on "Original sin")Although Probably not a bike for beginners,like most of these types of bikes,a certain amount of knowledge is needed to fully take advantage of this bike(geometry,suspention setup,etc....)and this bike as it all.For the rest of us,GREAT RIDE !!! Basically I do not think that I could have found as good a bike for that kind of $$$$.Think about it,the forks by themself retail for $1200.00 .As far as I am concern, It's a keeper....And man, I can't wait for next season. If I had to...possible similar replacement would be a "Specialised "Big Hit" ".
Favorite Trail: Freight Train to Dirt Merchant.....
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At: Katmandu (Whistler B.C)
Similar Products Used: none
Bike Setup: stock...see Haro's site for list of components
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Submitted by
michael Lopez
a Downhiller
from El Centro CA,
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2007
Strengths: Lots and lots of adjustability to slack or unslack your head angle, and the over all geometry of your bike! oversized bearings, replacable/adjustable drop outs, a TRUE floating brake, completely nuts swing arm, pretty light considering how overbuilt it is. bottom bracket clearance stands over a foot, at, 42 pounds it is pretty damm light for what it is...
Weaknesses: a little loud on the decents... the cable guides aren't placed in the greatest place, and the frame ( strong as it may be) is highly manipulated, so watch the rubber stoppers on your fork, make sure they will actually hit the right part of the frame.
Bottom Line:
Over all, I am very impressed with the adjustability and over all strength to weight ratio of the bike.. Everything is placed in accordance with what it needs to be a great bike... It has adjustable travel from 7 to 9 inches but it pedals so well at 9, the you really don't need to drop it to 7 inches..EVER.. over all, I am really impress with it.. it is smooth, rediculously fast over extremely rugged terrain, it handles GREAT... will be the last bike I'll ever get.. unless it brakes on me ( which judging from the welds on this frame, it won't).. definately worth a look. If your having trouble with the geometry, play with the back linkage! Make sure none of the links are up side down, because the geometry is completely adjustable... definately up there with the best! any more questions, email me at cronomech@yahoo.com
