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Submitted by
magixuser
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | BT/Kentridge/Tampines | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Very neat and nice welds, Stiff and strong, Superb customer service :) | | Weaknesses: | None so far... | | Similar Products Used: | Voodoo Djab, Jamis Durango, Flyte Ti, Turner Flux, Rocky Mountain Element 10,DBomB Rocketbomb, Wheeler Ti, etc... | | Bike Setup: | Habanero Ti 18.5", Full 2008 XTR drivetrain, Hope Pro2 hubs with DT-Swiss Revo spokes in Mavic 717 rims, Ritchey WCS stem/flatbar/4-axis stem,Fox F80x Terralogic, Chris King Headset, some X-lites here and there. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say, after several crashes and some bad fall all the bike has to show was a small scratch on the downtube decal. Never even had a dent or a crack. E-mailed Customer Service (Mark) and asked for a replacement Decal. After a few days New set of Decals are on the Mail and slap them back on and the Frame is as good as New. Never had a problem climbing steep slopes and hardly feel any flex at all unlike other Ti frames I tried. Several of my bikes comes and goes but this one is definitely a keeper. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOAB
a Weekend Warrior
from Tupelo, MS
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | EP | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | habcycles.com | | Strengths: | Light weight, strong, stiff, great welds, custom | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | 650b custom, on-one carbon fork, Stans rims/Paul hubs, White Ind 180mm cranks, LPS carbon bars, Marta SL brakes .
29er custom, fox fork, Bontrager ss wheels & cranks, Ritchey carbon bars, Quad hydr brakes, Ergon grips.
| | Bottom Line: | These bikes aren't actually mine. The frames were bought directly from Habanero Cycles, and I built them up for customers. First I have to say that Mark and the other associates at Habanero are amazing at what they do, customer service is above and beyond. Since both frames were custom, communications were open and constant, with no topic or question not covered. Delivery was as quoted, and the frames were amazing quality, welds and lines were clean.
They matched the desired geometry and made recommendations that would work best. They certainly want their frames to perform at their best. If you are looking for a custom ti frame, mtb or road bike frame, you need to give them a shot. Custom frame for $1300.00, I'm saving for one now for myself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | BT | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | - Ride quality
- Finishing
- Price | | Weaknesses: | Non as yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to name. | | Bike Setup: | Habanero Ti.....
- XTR derailers & shifters
- Dura-Ace cassette
- Race Face Deus XC Crankset
- Paul Love Compact levers
- Avid Ti V-brakes
- Easton EC70 carbon flatbar
- ControlTech Carbon barends
- Chris King headset
- Fox F80RLT
- Syntace F99 stem
- Tune seatpost
- Cook Bros Racing QR seatclamp
- San Marco Aspide Nanoflex saddle
- '02 Mavic Crossmax UST
- Kenda Klimax Lite 1.95s(w/Eclipse)
- Crank Bros Candy SL pedals
- Cateye cyclometer & lights
Sub 22lbs
| | Bottom Line: | Habanero has done a good job on their frames. You can just get the standard options which are already impressive or you can get a full blown custom without breaking the bank. Good QC level. The perfect blend of quality & price. Normally you'd pay for what you get but with this frame, you're getting alot more than what you pay for. I like the fact that it's straight gauge ti so it's not flexing all over the place. Very nice ride feel on road but it really excels off-road when you put it through the test. You'll know the difference when you're climbing a difficult slope, screaming around corners or taking drops. Very predictable....takes a beating but keeps on kicking. One of the best i've ridden.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | www.habcycles.com | | Strengths: | -Bombproof
-Value
-Titanium no-hassle finish | | Weaknesses: | -Odd trifecta of seat post issues | | Similar Products Used: | None, first real mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | Push-push Deore XT, V-brakes, Marzocchi Atom Race Z.2 coil fork | | Bottom Line: | First off my seat post issues, all minor. Mark addressed the first two via same- or next-day emails, the third I didn't feel compelled to inquire after:
1) Raceface seat post listed in build kit, no-name post shipped: Returned post and Mark cut me a check to purchase another.
2) After purchasing a seat post (Ritchey Comp) it would not stop slipping in the seat tube. Purchased another (Ritchey WCS) with the same result despite tightening one pinch bolt until it snapped: Mark suggested the seat posts' ODs were smaller than spec, even offered to return ship the frame to check out the ID of the seat post. I didn't want to give up the bike just yet so my LBS measured the post's OD (a little smaller than 27.2mm, touché), and the seat tube's ID (slightly bigger than spec). Fortunately they had a Bontrager post that measured a little larger than spec and it doesn't slip.
3) Wish the seat post binders were threaded to accept a pinch bolt directly: I've got two other frames with "ears" on the seat tube like the Habanero but they're threaded, one with a depression to countersink the pinch bolt head. Just personal preference.
These are gnats in comparison to the bike's advantages. First and foremost the thing is built like a tank. I mostly ride on the unforgiving rocky lava pan in the local park. I drove the thing into the garage door forgetting it was on my bike rack. Frame stayed in alignment, no cracks, no visible damage at all.
Titanium frame = no real finish upkeep necessary. Ride it through mud, creek crossings, sand, who cares?
If you need the absolute lightest XC racer on the block or a FS look elsewhere. Buy this frame if you want a tough, inexpensive hardtail from a guy that stands behind his product. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$695.00 | | Purchased At: | http://www.habcycles.com/ | | Strengths: | Excellent quality, beautiful construction, great ride, great customer service from Mark Hickey (owner) | | Weaknesses: | None that I've discovered | | Bike Setup: | XT | | Bottom Line: | If you want a titanium frame but are put off by Litespeed and Merlin prices, you can't go wrong with Habanero. Three years in and I still love my Habanero bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy MacLennan
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$995.00 | | Strengths: | This review concerns my new custom Habanero Cross frame, built to my spec: Exceptional quality-clean welds, ti "braze ons", high bang/buck ratio | | Weaknesses: | No Litespeed, Merlin or Seven sticker on frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed MTB, Urbanite steel, too many bikes to remember or list | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a Ti MTB, or any Ti bike for that matter, take a close look at Habanero. Their web page does not do their bikes justice. This is an exceptional Ti frame, that happens to be relatively inexpensive. The quality of the construction and welding on my frame easily eclipses that on my Litespeed-and my Litespeed is a nice bike. My bike is built much like the MTB version, same tubing diameters. It is rock solid-and I am 6-3" and 205lb. Take a look, you won't regret it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | www.habcycles.com | | Strengths: | I have had Mark design and build 2 custom bikes for me. A 73 cm road bike and a 24" ti 29er hard tail. The bikes have both survived many miles of abuse under my 230 lb body. I have 8000 miles on the road frame and a 1000 miles on the 29er. | | Weaknesses: | Some tire fit issues that were resolved quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 2500 and STP 200 | | Bike Setup: | XT XTR with White bros shock on the mountain bike. Ultegra and wound up on the road bike | | Bottom Line: | Great custom frame at a great price. The welds are very pretty and the brushed finish stands up to all abuse. The $700 is worth is to not have to worry about fixing scratches and dings. Just ride and rinse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Hickey
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | National Trail - Phoenix, AZ | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bike Setup: | XT / RockShox Psylo / SRAM cassette and shifters / Ritchey WCS pedals and rear cantis, Pro saddle and stem, Avid front linear brake and levers / Ritchey ExcaVader tires | | Bottom Line: | I couldn't let "John's" comments below go unchallenged.
The company he cites is NOT the fabricator who builds Habanero frames - far from it (over 1000 miles for example). There are differences in the frames, but I'm not going to turn this into a marketing pitch... just want to let y'all know that he doesn't have his facts straight (pretty much all of 'em that is).
BTW, I gave my own bikes 5 chilis because I do really like them (and to offset his one chili rating, since it seems he doesn't actually HAVE a Habanero).
Mark Hickey
Habanero Cycles | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Houston
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | http://www.xacd.com.cn/product.asp?rootcl=1 | | Similar Products Used: | Any Titanium bike... don't let marketing fool you! | | Bottom Line: | I ran across this website for these bikes, and you know what? They are the exact bikes produced out of this location in China! I contacted them, and the price for the bike is $300... that's for the "Habanero" one! Custom for $35 more! Given, the folks don't speak the best English, but they are more than cordial, and very easy and polite to deal with. Why would you want to pay a "bargain" $700 for the bike that's only $300? http://www.aerolite.ca also uses these people!
Weaknesses? The price! Go to the origin, not some secondhand middleman that has a huge (read: 100%) upcharge! That's why they'll do the 1/2 price frame replacement, because even if they replace 100% of the frames, they still make a whopping 25% (higher than markup on bikeshop bikes!)
Aerolite, Habanero... they're all the same. Marked up Chinese bikes trying to be marketed as something special. What a joke! If you bought one of these, demand your money back! Check out the website here: http://www.xacd.com.cn/product.asp?rootcl=1
Check out Aerolite here: http://www.aerolite.ca
Check out Habanero here: http://www.habcycles.com
Then decide for yourself! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Minh
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY, USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Otter Creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | direct from Habanero | | Strengths: | Ti for a great price, pretty brushed finish, service, great service, 1/2 price crash replacement, stiff and light. | | Weaknesses: | using a Thomson seatpost it initially slipped but i just tightened it and it no longer slips. it takes quite a bit to keep it from slipping. I did have to wait a couple months to get mine in (didn't have 17" for a while). | | Similar Products Used: | 97 Gary Fisher Paragon
97 GT LTS-1
various other hardtails | | Bike Setup: | 97 Manitou FS-Ti, XT+XTR drivetrain and brakes, Syncros crank, Thomson seatpost, Mavic CD wheels and XTR hubs, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I can't really add much to what others have already said. Mark was very prompt on replying to e-mails and answered all my questions completely so I went ahead and ordered a frame. It did take a while to get it (out of my size) but when I did, it was very very pretty. Frame was nice and straight, and stiff and light. So the next free weekend I had I built the thing up with components i had been amassing while waiting for the frame.
The first thing I noticed was how much faster it was uphill than my Fisher Paragon (double butted Aluminum). The gearing was about the same so it was not due to that, and fork was same as well. It was lighter by about 3 lbs (22 vs 25) but it made much more of a difference than I would expect 3 lbs to make. And the best part was not it being faster, but it was QUIETER. Another person here has mentioned it was well. For some reason it being quieter provided for a much more easy ride. It was also smoother. It was stiff and rock solid, not stiff and rattle-your-bones. As if i had some "sound-deadening" compared to the Fisher.
After three years, I can't ride anything else. I built a GT LTS-1 about a year after i got my Habby (from a used frame i got off the net, and parts off the Fisher). at 26 lbs it was light (for F/S) but when i rode the GT, it felt like a Huffy! Heavy, slow uphills compared with the Habby. I sold the GT to my uncle a year after that, and i still can't ride it cause i'm spoiled by the habby.
The trails around here are fairly technical, and a fast, light, and stiff hardtail is better suited than a F/S; so until i can afford a Seven, Habby will last forever.
Other notables:
- i use 1.9" tires so i have no clearance problems.
- my stickers are doing fine after 3 years (though i don't fall as much as i used to).
- get lots of oohhs and aahhs from people who don't know what a habby us.
- a friend pointed out to me that the seat stays flex when i squeeze my rear brake hard, but i haven't noticed any problem with braking performance.
- there was a local shop that was supposedly going to start selling habby frames but i have yet to see any other than mine. i kinda hope they don't cause it's kind of neat to have something a little more exclusive than everybody's Litespeed, etc.
- i don't think it will have any problem with longevity as i am fairly light at 155 lbs. it is overbuilt pretty good yet still light.
- didn't notice any sharp cable guides.
- i (and all my friends) absolutely LOVE the chain hanger.
- nice welds
- i only wish the cables were routed on top or bottom of the top tube.
- any questions feel free to e-mail me, that's all for now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Pollock Pines, CA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Basin Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Habanero Cycles | | Strengths: | Strong simple design, construction quality, clean welds, alignment. Stiffer than the Toccoa. | | Weaknesses: | Not enough rear tire clearance. Could be torsionally / laterally a little stiffer for big riders in the big frame size. | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed Toccoa | | Bike Setup: | XT with Marzocchi Z2 Atom 80 | | Bottom Line: | I was planning on buying the Litespeed Toccoa first and had never seen or tried a Habanero. I actually ordered the Toccoa on sale from Colorado Cyclist but two days later they told me it was sold out after first telling me it was in stock. I also looked at the Macalu from Excel sports but they didn't have a big enough frame for me.
My Habanero has cleaner welds (only one spot on one weld is slightly uneven and I am being really picky here) than some of the Toccoas I looked at and has a better geometry for me with its longer top tube altough this year the Toccoa has increased its top tube length as well.
I do wish the Habanero had more rear tire clearance. I'm running 2.1 Panaracer XC Pro tires and I can put enough torque into the frame and rear tire when climbing to make it just touch the chainstay. I'm not sure what is flexing, but I think it is probably the wheel, only really happens when there is some lateral force on the tire like when I am zig-zagging up a climb. Most of the time no problem. The Panaracer is also a pretty tall tire so it really fills up the space between the stays. I can't get my little finger between it and the stay.
I have a little trouble with chain rub when in the big ring, I've played with the derailler and minimized it, but it is still there. Most happens when I am standing up but I would expect it for my size given this isn't a custom frame. The bike climbs great and decends well and is very stable and predictable. I love the way it handles.
I've read here people complaining about the seatpost slipping. I had that problem too for a while but once I changed from the Thompson post to a Syncros post the slippage went away. The seat binder is pretty stiff with the insert and I've found it takes about 85in/lbs to keep a seatpost from slipping for me, I probably wasn't getting it tight enough before. Plus make sure everything is clean and well greased. I think the Thompson got damaged by slipping and after that it just wouldn't hold even at 85in/lbs. So far I've had no problem with slippage with the Syncros or a Thudbuster seatpost.
Its a good value for the money. If I hadn't been in a rush I probably would have ordered a custom from Mark instead with better wheel clearance and a stiffer main triangle and a longer top tube. For normal sized riders this frame is probably plenty stiff. If you got to have titanium and don't feel like you need a boutique bike this bike will definetly serve you well. I love mine but if I were to do it over again I would go custom. If this were a $2K frame I would have to give it 3.5 to 4 chilis, but for $695 for the frame it is deserving of 5 chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Strupp
a Weekend Warrior
from Junction City, Ks, USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Root River Bike Trail Houston, Mn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$795.00 | | Purchased At: | Habanero Cycles | | Strengths: | I actually bought a road frame, but there is no place to put a review at roadbike review on the frame. I have to say it is light and compliant to the road and is responsive when climbing. I mated it with the EMS Pro fork. | | Weaknesses: | I haven't found any. | | Similar Products Used: | The only road bike I own is a hand built Reynolds 531 built by a German meister in 1973.
| | Bike Setup: | Campagnolo Chorus 10 speed build kit with Mavic Open Pro rims, Continental GP3000 tires, Look 206 pedals, Terry Fly saddle, ITM bars and threadless stem, Kestrel EMS Pro carbon fork. | | Bottom Line: | I have to say the Habanero Team Issue road bike is the freshed ride I have been on. The Campagnolo 10 speed system is a dream. On the roads in Kansas and Oklahoma, I am the only limiting factor. The ride is smooth and compliant and is responsive when climbing. My old 531 is a great road touring frame, but this bike is sweet. The look of the brushed titanium is great and the decals are well placed. I asked Brian in New York about the bike before I went ahead, and he steered me right. The feel is light when you want it to be, and in total control at the same time. For the non-roadies that want to taste the magic, I can only say try it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Gunterman
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything at FOMBA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Direct | | Strengths: | This was a custom built frame. we took everything I liked from every bike I've owned, and left out everything I hated, tweaked the geometry a bit and I have a perfect bike fit precisely to/for me.
http://www.shavings.net/images/bikes/dream/hab1.jpg
| | Weaknesses: | None that I can think of.
I actually asked for my frame without any stickers. | | Bike Setup: | XTR derr, 8spd XT shifters, Tektro Brakes, Stiffy stem, Scott AT-4 Bars, Thomson Elite setapost, SR cranks, Bontrager wheelset, etc. | | Bottom Line: | friggin awesome!!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | only one real choice here | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$695.00 | | Strengths: | Hand-brushed Titanium for 700 bucks!
Three and a half pound frame.
Sweet ride! | | Weaknesses: | Some complain about the decals peeling off, I've had no problems. My frame is set up for disk brakes which I never plan to use so there are extra cable guides for disc cables. | | Similar Products Used: | multiple steel hardtails | | Bike Setup: | atom bomb, XT, XTR wheels, avids, blah,blah,blah | | Bottom Line: | You can't beat the price. It's a ti frame for $700! I was a little worried about buying a frame unseen. MTBR reviews seemed favorable but it was still unsettling. Then I discovered Sheldon Brown's website on single-speeds, hard-to-find parts etc. He sells a Habanero touring bike. He was happy to respond to my email and confirmed the quality of the frame.
Airborne sells a similar frame for the same price (also made in China). However I wasn't excited about the "wishbone" seat stays.
Litespeed advocates will babble on about the inferior quality of Chinese titanium. If the Chinese aerospace industry can produce and manipulate ti with enough quality to launch rockets I think they can handle a bicycle frame! Riders who say they can feel the difference simply need an ego boost.
Oh yea..the ride....so smooth. It's lighter and stiffer than my trust old steel, climbs brilliantly, and tracks beautifully (this may be due more to the atom bomb)!
I highly recommend it. I saving or a road frame now!
Five steamers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Rome, NY
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tomato Creek, Comox, BC, Canada | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Price, Looks, Durability, | | Weaknesses: | No Disc Brake mounts!! | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z-2, XTR Cranks & Derailleurs, Grip Shift, Hope Disc Brakes & Hubs | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review, I've had the bike for 3 or more years now and still love it. In fact I bought a Ti road bike because I liked the ride so much!!! It is a very good all around bike with stable characteristics. I would change a degree here and there if I had a choice but it really isn't necessary. This bike has travelled all over North America with me; I ride all over the North-East all the time and I take my bike on many trips including the North Shore, this bike has never let me down! I have never walked back from a ride (good parts help), but I am still no light weight (205-210lbs) and haven't broken anything.
The bike is scratched (the stickers are completely intact), well used, well maintained and the only thing I wish for is a soft-tail (I'm getting older).
If you're at all in the market for a good hard-tail - BUY this bike !! You will never regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Nordine
a Cross Country Rider
from Florence, SC USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$695.00 | | Weaknesses: | Well the stickers do come off easy, but since the bike isn't clear coated you kind of have to expect it. | | Bottom Line: | Well this is a follow up. And I still love it! I have really enjoyed it so fare and have had a few good crashes and the bike is not even go a scratch. The last crash resulted in 4 stitches in my knee and several more cuts and scrapes and bruses but the bike is just fine. I like the way the bike handles and would tell anyone it is well worth the money. "Get one!!" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Beach N.Y.
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Builders Shop | | Strengths: | Relatively light, very comfortable, even over babyheads and
it was a great price. | | Weaknesses: | Decals could be sturdier and it needs to be buffed regularly | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed Ochcee | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT drivetrain, XT shifters, Avid Brakeset, Ritchy/Bontrager mix of everything else. | | Bottom Line: | I am completely satisfied with this bike and would recommend
it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Nordine
a Cross Country Rider
from Florence, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Let you know | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great Price
Great service(thanks Steve)
Very Light and sturdy | | Weaknesses: | Sharp, cable guides(I will fix that) | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed Ocoee, Klien Rascal, Mongoose John Tomac Signature | | Bike Setup: | Sid XC, Shimano LX and XT, Mavic 517 on XT, Cane Creek S-5. | | Bottom Line: | Well I talked to lots of people when I started shopping for a bike. And a couple of the other guys in this review. So I finally called Steve at Habby, and ordered my frame and started ordering all my stuff. Got it together and love it so far. I rode a friends Ocoee and I don't notice much difference. I like some of his XTR stuff better, but that is not the frame. And the Litespeed has the same problem with sharp cable guides. Overall, Great bike ant a Great price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
meado
a Cross Country Rider
from denver
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | It's Ti
It's cheap
It rides great | | Weaknesses: | Sticker on down-tube and sharp cable guides | | Similar Products Used: | Owned Specialized and Cannondale HTs | | Bike Setup: | Superfly
Avid brakes
Hugi 240/517/DT db
Titec
Gripshift
Kooka
TNT | | Bottom Line: | The 'weaknesses' were cured with a file and a scotch pad.
What can I say but this is the best HT I have ever owned. Excellent craftsmanship. Superb ride, flies uphills and is a great descender as well. As light as my Cannondales w/o the teeth chattering ride.
Never had a prob with my seat post sliding in the seat tube, ever(190lbs). Easily the equal of the 'big name' Ti builders' lower-end frames. Save some bucks, buy a Habby and own a smile generator! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve M.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orlando, Fl
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
lower sandias, albq. | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
frame geometry
stiff frame
price
looks | | Weaknesses: |
stickers -no big deal | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike secondhand from a fellow bike shop employee. This was the first Ti bike I ever rode and I was immediately amazed by the vibration dampening characteristics of Ti. The Habby is a very quick accelerator because of the stiff rear end and makes seated climbs more fluid. I use this bike mostly for urban riding, however, I am selling my full suspension Specialized Fsr-xc(piece of garbage) in order to turn this bike into a full-time trail machine. The complexities of full suspension and the added weight are making this transition happen. I will outfit my Habby with a Zokes A-bomb and a high quality susp. seatpost and let 'er rippppppp. This is all the suspension you really need for fast aggressive trail riding. I weigh 205 loaded and this frame doesn't flex (that I can discernably notice), handles like it is telepathically connected to your brain and most importantly it's designed in a way that takes advantage of the dampening benefits of Ti. Forget Aluminum, forget steel, forget Scandium, TITANIUM IS FOR REAL. I wish I could give this frame 10 smokin' Habanero's but have to settle for 5. Get this frame today, you won't regret it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto, ontario
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
serious - hardwood hills | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
This is the best frame that I've owned!!! I was always told that I couldn't ride a titanium frame because I was too heavy for one. But when I learned that the Habanero is over built - this was the frame for me. The frame eats up all the little bumps and still gives you great power transfer from the stiff rear triangle.
And I love the way the bike climbs! The frame gives immediate results in your biking -- better climbs, better downhill stability, the works. | | Weaknesses: |
I didn't get one sooner! | | Similar Products Used: |
Maxam Warpdrive III
Iron Horse MT600 | | Bike Setup: |
The bike is set up with Bomber Z2 fork, RaceFace stem and cranks, Mavic tires, XTR hubs and rear der. Avid Arch Supreme brakes and Avid 3.0 levers.
This is a dream bike. | | Bottom Line: | The frame is light and stiff but still gives you the full benefit of titanium. The frame is overbuilt - excellent for big boys who like to ride. If I ever need another bike it will definitely be another Habanero. Highly recommend the frame and the company. Go easy on the wallet and go hard on the trails with this frame.Mark at Habanero is incredibly helpful with your purchases and the company has the best customer service. They really stand behind their product. I was sent a replacement frame before even putting the old one into a box. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from quincy ca
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
mackenzie river | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
light strong and cheap, great geometry for all conditions | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
stumpjumper, MB-1, KHS full susp. Raleigh something | | Bike Setup: |
manitou sxr, xt, michelin wg lites susp. seatpost | | Bottom Line: | excellent value | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Affordable, stiff, good looks, fairly light. | | Weaknesses: |
None really... | | Bike Setup: |
Rockshox SID XC, XTR/Syncros mix. | | Bottom Line: | Great frame at a very affordable price. Beatiful brushed titanium finish, excellent welds. Emphasis is on frame stiffness rather than stupid-light weight, so frames are stiff laterally , but weigh a few oz. more than the high-end ti bikes (but compare the prices...). Climbs like a mouintain goat, inspires confidence on steep and rocky descents.
Dream bike for those of us without unlimited funds! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Hughes
a cross-country rider
from Newport, RI
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got my 18.5 MTB. Right out of the box it is impressive. A real nice looking bike. I doesn't have some of the finer touches of the more expensive Ti bikes, but the dollar/value level must put it on the top of the heap. I've only done one 20.5 mile ride on it, but it is noticeably different and better then the Trek 7000 I replaced with it. First, it's quiet, that may sound strange but it's the first thing I noticed about riding this bike. I'm not sure that's the best way to discribe the feel, but it felt stealthy on the trail. It climbs way better the the Trek and handles better on a techincal climb. It will turn much tighter then the Trek which was the same size. Lastly it's much kinder on my 45 year old body then the aluminum Trek was. The roots and rocks here in New England can really beat you up, but the Ti frame really does help. Even without butted tubes and taper stays I could feel the difference after 20+ miles. It's well worth the money, I couldn't be happier with it. I'll do another 20+ miles sunday morning I can't wait to show this thing off.
Only problem was slow delivery on the 18.5 frame. I had to wait a month to get the bike, but this is the season for bike purchases. Five stars for the bike four for the service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos
a cross-country rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a new owner of a 17 MTB habanero. I can't add much more than
what most have said here about the habby. But no ones mentioned the
the 5 year warranty against defects in material and workmanship or the
1/2 price crash replacement program. You can't lose when you fork out
$675.00 for one of these babies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pietro
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Habanero had the kind of geometry I was looking for, but just like anybody who hears of a $675 Ti frame, I was skeptical at first. So I researched it up and down the net for over 2 months. I checked out the Habanero web site, sent them email asking about the frame, read through the reviews here, and searched for posts on dejanews and velonews. I found the usual slew of wild speculation and useless generallizations on the quality and durability of the frame from NON-OWNERS and from people who've NEVER even seen it. What I almost didn't find surprised me. Almost zero posts from actual Habby owners saying they were unhappy with their bike. This is amazing, cause it's usually the unsatisfied customer who's rabid about letting other people know how a particular product sucks. Oh yes, there was Lu from NY, the poster here who needed a shim for his seatpost (probably because it was the wrong size), and who says he was misled. The only way, I think, you'd be misled is if you have foolish dreams of a Merlinesque frame at this price level. Now if you expect to get a light weight and durable frame that rides like any of the high cost Ti frames, and all for $675 - you won't be disappointed.So what did I get? My 15 frame is about 3.45 lbs., even came with Ti waterbottle screws and Ti Ritchey seat QR. I'm no Ti expert so I can't comment too much about the weld quality, but they look even and no discoloration. The brushed finish is absolutely gorgeous, and I can even keep it looking like new with just some fine sandpaper and scotch brite. The bike is new so I can't say much yet about durability, but others who have owned their Habby for years have had no problems. How does it ride? The bike has that forgiving characteristic of Ti bikes which leaves you a little less thrashed after a long and gruelling ride. It is also very stiff, a lot stiffer than my old steel Rocky Mountain, specially when standing. The handling is quick, just like I expected for this kind of geometry. It felt right at home in the tight and technical singletracks we have here in BC. At speed it was not sketchy at all, and inspired you to go faster. Except for style points, why would you buy a more expensive Ti frame when the Habby gives you the same ride and durability? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gary
a cross-country rider
from Whidbey Island
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Like Brian, I just purchased a Habanero MTB, although I purchased a full bike, not just a frame. I have to say, Habanero delivers! No hype, no nonsense, just a great titanium frame with the right geometry, good looking finish, and good welds. The bike climbs like a goat, tracks perfectly, and is comfortable to ride. No pretense, nothing but value and quality in a pretty package. If you are looking for titanium without pretense and b.s, look at the Habanero. (Thanks for the great service Steve) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from North Bay, ON
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a Habanero Ti MTB frame, it was the best cycling purchase I've ever made! I saw a tiny little ad in a MTB magazine and looked up these guys and the Internet. I E-Mailed them some questions about their product and they responded in less than a day. Their answers were what I wanted to hear. So I scraped together the cash and ordered the frame on a Thursday and it was here the following Wednesday. That included a border crossing. Any questions or concerns were immediately answered, these guys are small and very concerned with their customers. The biggest reason to choose this frame is without a doubt, price. $675 US or $994 and change Canadian. No one else can touch this price for titanium!!! The ride you ask, well it is without a doubt the finest bike I have ever ridden !!! !!!!!! The build quality and welding are exceptional, as good, probably better than Litespeed, Dean or most of the others. The size is 15.0 inches, geometry specs are on the Habanero website. The downs:
- chainstay to tire clearance, a little tight with larger tires;
- the water bottle mounts aren't well thought out, a cage can't be mounted on the seat tube if there is already one on the down tube (I think because of the small frame size);
- the cable stop on the seat stay is very near the brake boss and a little finesse was required when installing the brakes to ensure they weren't pushing on the stop, not a problem with V-Brakes.The Ups:
- Build quality and finish are first-rate;
- Very, very light, weight even with the heavy fork and hydraulic brakes, the complete bike is well under 24 lbs;;
- Stiffness WAS a concern, but not any more, I weigh in at 200 lbs and am not a spinner, but this bike flexes a very little, even when climbing out of the saddle, yet stills delivers a great ride;
- Geometry, is excellent!! This bike eats up whatever terrain I throw at it like no other bike I've ridden before;
- The handling is awesome, I descend faster on this hardtail than I do on my full suspension;
- Appearance, brushed finish is very cool;
- All my friends drool whenever I they see my bike, I don't know what they do in their pants when I let them ride it;
- Climbing, no replacement for conditioning but this machine makes you feel like a pro;
- Price, ‘nuff said;
- Doesn't rust! I get it muddy and wet on every ride, snow and salt coverded in the winter. Those are the brief highlights of my Habanero MTB. I think it is pretty obvious that I love this bike. I still think that Cro-Moly is real, but Ti is lighter, lasts longer, looks cooler and this one is less expensive than a good Cro-Mo frame. One other thing while I'm on my soapbox, to those bike magazine editors who think hardtails are dead, WAKE UP!!! Full suspension is nice, but it is labor intensive to maintain and in a couple years when designs change for the millionth time, where are people going to get parts for their 4 or 5 year old bikes?
I strongly recommend the Habanero MTB frame, serious riders will be happy and recreational riders will absolutely love this bike! 5 Habanero peppers out of 5!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a cross-country rider
from Fort Walton Beach, FL
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Habanero for 4 months now and it rules. Like everyone else,
I wasn't sure what I was getting into with a $675 Ti frame. To sum it up,
for the price you can't beat it. Plus I love the little habanero pepper stickers. I give it 5 extra HOT Habanero peppers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a racer
from MA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have two Habanero bikes in my household. One of the first things I did when I got my Habanero was take the BARE FRAME to my friend Curtis, a titanium welder who works for a custom fabrication shop (that fabs all sorts of things from race car parts to jewelry). For many years, he welded Ti bikes for Merlin... just down the street from my office in Alewife, Cambridge. I also showed it to another friend who currently finishes frames for Merlin. Both of them could NOT believe the quality for the cost.And, Curtis (the Ti welder) said that it was the best budget Ti frame he'd ever seen... that the welding quality was not only better than Litespeed's, but better than earlier Merlin efforts. Using his technical terms: no fish flakes; minor discoloration only in non-critical areas; way overbuilt.He did point out some cosmetic errors that you'd expect in a less than bajillion-dollar frame. But none of these blemishes compromise the strength or the ride.On a second occasion when I brought over my assembled bike. Curtis gave the sucker a quick spin (well, more like a few huge leaps, jumps, and other trials maneuvers--Curtis competes in trials). Afterward, he said that if he were looking for a frame, he'd buy one.And speaking of quality... I also own a Bontrager Race Lite. I love this bike and its unique ride. It's hand-built--beautifully. BUT, it's NOWHERE near as bulletproof as a Habenero. With the kind of riding I do out here on the East Coast, I tend to crash at least once an hour. Rocks like to eat hi-end steel. But my Habanero is BOMBPROOF. I've crashed it so many times... and not even one dent. The wonders of straight-gauge Ti... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have several Habaneros in my living room. To be specific I have 3 - standard road frame, a custom for my wife (short top tube) and an MTB. They have all performed without incident for two years now. I use them for general commuting and training. It is a great workhorse frame. I checked the frame alignment and it is as good as anything on the mass produced market (1 to 1.5mm from head tube to rear dropout, and the alignment of the droupouts is near perfect. Make no mistake about it though, this is not a Merlin. The frames are straight gauge and the dropouts are plain looking. The cable guides on my MTB were sharp and I filed them smooth. However, the welds look clean (no bird droppings) and have not failed even with a crash or two. The dropouts are very strong to the point that a branch bent the Campy bolt and not the dropout on the rear derailleur. It seems like a good value and I would buy another one if the time comes. I can't imagine needing another until the dropout spacing changes and all the equipment is obsolete. The rear triangle is so stiff I am not sure it would be simple to cold set it. Just remember what you are paying for. A $675 frame is a cheap steel frame and Ti at that price is not flawless. If you demand perfection you better write a $2500 check to some other company. If you want all of the function of Ti without the ridiculous price, the Habanero is great frame for you | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lu
a cross-country rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My MTB Habby was sort of a disappointment when I recieved it. I noticed that someone else mentioned the dropouts. While you can call them beefy, in actuality they look clumsy. Don't be fooled by this bike, you definitely get what you pay for here. I agree about the seatpost problem. I finally gave up and got some larger shims from my LBS.Think twice about this frame. Ti is terrific, but some of the execution on the Habanero is weak. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justen
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a Habanero MTB for about 18 months, used it in 8(?) races
so far. The quality of the frame is outstanding. I was a bit
apprehensive about buying such an inexpensive Ti frame, but it looks
pretty good. The welds are fine... beautiful, smooth, even, no
discoloration. The brushed finish really makes the bike stand out in
a crowd. The finish must be seen first-hand to be appreciated, as
pictures don't do it justice. Dings to the finish can be brushed away
with some fine sandpaper so that the frame looks like new (I've done
this a few times after encounters with a somewhat rare species of
predatory rock).The frame has standard NORBA-esque geometry, straight-gauge,
over-sized tubes, and non-tapered stays. It looks pretty beefy, but
at 3.4lbs, it's about the same as most other sub $1500 Ti frames.
The dropouts are huge, looking like they were cut from thick Ti
plate (as opposed to those on, say, an Ibis, which appear to be
lovingly handcrafted by elven artisans). I can't imagine anyone being
able to damage the dropouts or derailer hanger with conventional
weapons. The frame has almost an industrial look because of all the
thick tubing, but the brushed finish lends an expensive, refined
aspect.The ride? I'm not one to believe the frame material affects ride
quality. I think fit and geometry are more important. With that
disclaimer... My Habanero is stiffer than my old steel frame, and this is especially
noticable while standing (I never thought my steel frame was
flexy until I rode my Habanero). In fact, my Habby is the 2nd
stiffest bike I've ever ridden, second only to my old
Cannondale (which has even larger tubes). I find myself climbing
out-of-the-saddle much more than on my old bike.Negatives? Some people think the dropouts are less than elegant.
The brushed finish tends to show fingerprints (although nowhere near
as bad as a polished frame). I need to crank my seatbinder pretty
tight to prevent seatpost slip. The straight stays provide less
mud-clearance than the s-bend stays on some bikes. The
water bottle mounts are too low on the frame (too close together),
which only allows me to use one. Probably a factor of my
small frame. Other positives? This bike's appearance really stands out from
(and above) the dozen or so Obeds I see at every race. When you order
your frame, you will be talking to the president of the company (can't
beat that for service!). The oversize tubes look great and are really
stiff.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grail
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 17 frame after doing a lot of website, message board, and newsgroup research. While I
went into the whole thing with some apprehension at buying such an inexpensive Ti frame, all my
fears have been unfounded. This is a great looking, high quality frame. Look on the Habanero
website and go to the road bike detail pics. Look at the clean welds on the road bike's bottom
bracket especially but at all the detail pics--all the welds on the mountain bike frame also look that
good. A lot of people say this and I'll back it up: take off the brand name stickers and challenge
people to point out something that is anything but the highest quality.As far as appearance, the brushed finish itself puts it above most of the raw finishes of other frames
out there. But even if you're not concerned about appearance, there are performance positives as
well. My frame weighs in at only 3.4 pounds. Even though its tubes aren't butted or tapered, it
manages to be this light, maybe because nothing is skimped on--the cable stops, seatbolt fastener,
andything that is a permanent part of the frame are titanium. And after a week of riding, I can tell you
that the the bottom bracket is stiffer than on many of the steel frames I've owned and ridden. There
is very little flex in the stays--it feels like there isn't any energy wasted. The word bombproof
comes to mind when talking about this frame.The local bike shop guys marveled at the frame when I brought it in and it's the envy of my friends. I
couldn't be more pleased. I had a problem with the steel water bottle mounting bolts and Mark
Hickey sent me some SRP Ti bolts for free. What other company gives you titanium chi-chi's to
keep you happy?The only thing I can't comment on is the frame's longevity since I haven't had it that long--only about
a month now--but Mark gives you a great warranty and crash-replacement policy so that's not
anything to sweat about either. Finally, what I did when researching the frame was to do a search on Dejanews for past articles. I
don't think there was a single negative thing in the huge number of messages that came up. And
some positive comments from Gary Helfrich (Merlin founder) pretty much put it over the top and
cemented my decision.I firmly believe that Habanero is not only the most cost-effective but also the smartest way to jump
into the world of titanium.
| | Overall Rating: |
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