Submitted by
Eric
a Downhiller
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: June 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Tempe Bike
Strengths:
the tires... about all that's good on it
Weaknesses:
everything, including the frame
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is if you're looking for a bike that can handle even the slightest of freeride, move along to a different bike. This one is nothing more than a waste of money, heavy XC bike. I used this bike for what it is supposed to be used for, light freeride/downhill and the frame snapped right where the swingarm attaches to the rear shock. The front brake went out within a year of ownership, had to buy a whole new one. Of course, right after buying that is when the frame broke. It's a piece of crap, just don't waste the money unless you plan on using it for trail riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Downhiller
from jackson wy usa Date Reviewed: March 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
good stock parts, very nice dubing design, strong build
Weaknesses:
stock suspension that comes on it(manitou stance flow and metel rp). the bike store i bought the frame from gave me a 550lb spring on my metel rp!!
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher 3plus, giant faith
Bike Setup:
stock...truvativ cranks, stem, bars, hayes 9 8 in. sun single track rims, maxis high rollers. upgraded to 06 66 rc2x and 5th element 5 way coil.
Bottom Line:
great bike for the money. solid design. this bike is very heavy(42 lbs) but i can pedel it around well. even used to take it on some cross country rides when i let my girl ride my xc bike. great bike for freeride and light downhill, which is what i use it for. can take drops well. now that i upgraded suspension every thing feels better underneith me. as i said, great bike for the money because you get great stock parts, and you can build up from there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
curt phillps
a Downhiller
from ca Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
in front lawns
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
From Sponser
Strengths:
great ghost rider off of 20 foot cliffs
Weaknesses:
ok lets see the supsention, crank set, derailer, every thing
ps if you buy this bike ur dumb
Similar Products Used:
azonic eliminator, stinky
Bike Setup:
z1freerides, rocco
Bottom Line:
this bike blows ass
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ollievon
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, NY Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Boston Fells
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
CK Cycles (Albany,NY)
Strengths:
For my first freeride full-suspension it was a harsh introduction due to it's weight. The bike can take a lot of abuse and can handle most large drops with ease. The bike muscles through nearly any terrain. A great intro bike, but you better have good upper body strength to get the front end up.
Weaknesses:
Shock broke after 5 rides, oil poured out and after 1 month I am still waiting for Manitou to send the repaired shock. Not impressed with the Stance shock and will be upgrading to a Marzocchi asap.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Switch.
Bottom Line:
A good bike for an intro, the best thing that one can do with this bike is break all components over time and slowly replace them with upgrades. The frame is sweet and the overall comfort of the bike is excellent. Would like to see (for the price) Haro not skimp on front end suspension next time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Crowe
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint John ,New Brunswick Date Reviewed: January 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Bike Works
Strengths:
beautiful looking bike spec'd to the max.worked great.
Weaknesses:
cracked the frame where the swingarm mounts to frame.my drop outs had to be hammered in on 3 ocassions because they streached and misaligned the rear tire.oh yeah did I mention that the frame cracked.i read the other reviews and seems that no one else had the same problems until i brought the frame to the bike store. i learned that 2 other Haros broke in the same spot
Similar Products Used:
.Haro 8.3 with jr-t 24" mag 30 rear wheel.Haro vse
Bike Setup:
all sram x-7 drivetrain,shifters and deraillers, mag30's front & rear(best rims ever) Jr-t
Bottom Line:
i am wondering if anyone else has the same problem? 4ft max flat landing and under 6 ft trannys is as big as i go.Haro blood still flow through my veins as i set my sights to the 357 magnum 9....f n sweeeett!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
graham
a
from berkeley CA USA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
cinderella
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$575.00
Strengths:
strong, super oversized bearings, very plush and just sucks alamost anything.
Weaknesses:
not enough front spention at all I'm bottiming it out on drops all the time, I would recomend buing a higher travel fork
A great bike all together and I would defininitly recomend buying one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Armed1
a
from Grand Junction, CO Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tabeguache
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Brown Cycles
Strengths:
durable, reliable, great components and great value, takes hits bigger than my ability
Weaknesses:
heavy (35 pounds trail ready), bouncy climber, poor technical resonsiveness, poor turning on switchbacks
Bike Setup:
all stock with Psylo front shock, Fox spring-over rear, Kenda kinetic 2.35
Bottom Line:
This was my first MTB and has been an excellent training tool for the 3 years I've had it. It has withstood well over 2000 miles of riding plus many crashes, endos, mudslides, lemon squeezers, and cliff hangers with only a broken derailleur hanger and broken brake handle. I've worn out 2 chains, 3 sets of brake pads and 4 pairs of tires, but the bike shows no sign of decrepitude other than cosmetic issues. It has ridden over every type of terrain possible in Western CO and Eastern UT. However, this bike is not for the technically inclined. It is heavy, bulky, and "truck" like in it handling especially over loose and/or rocky terrain. It is built for freeriding and does that very well. I think I will graduate to a 575 or Enduro.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Caraway
a Weekend Warrior
from Oak Harbor, Wa. USA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fort Ebey
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Northwest
Strengths:
Built sturdy with good components.
Weaknesses:
Heavy on the uphills. Broke the rear brake lever in the first crash. (Over-did a stoppie)
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Bone stock
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Im brand new to this stuff from ridin dirt bikes and this bike can do a lot of stuff i thought bikes couldnt do. Any body who is new in the sport but wants to start with mild drops should buy this thing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian black
a Weekend Warrior
from salt lake city, utah, usa Date Reviewed: December 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
snowbird tram
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
great price for this bike, all the components are really good.the shock is really good, holds up to alot of stuff. also the frame is strong and very sturdy.
Weaknesses:
i think haro could added that 7" of travel to this bike. Dj2 is not that great for downhill riding (like the actuall racing). But hey if i wanted that 7" i should have paid more.
Similar Products Used:
big hit spec 04
Bike Setup:
factory specs.
Bottom Line:
this bike is really great for the price i love it. i think that it makes a great bike for the riding that i do probably 2 times in the weekend. if you are looking for a good freeride bike than i think this one is for you. but if your a croos country rider think it over this bike is made go downhill not climb them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hammer
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: October 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
PictouCountyCycle
Strengths:
Great spec for price.Very laterally stiff for weight. Ready for anything as is .130mm DJ2 keeps front end low for climbing with strength for droppin at a good price.
Weaknesses:
Truvativ BB. DJ2 not a Z150 or Fox 125RLC and it's a heavy fork.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR,Norco VPS Shore,,Haro XLS
Bike Setup:
Z150(5 months),Vanilla 125RLC (1 month).5th Element coil-over.Kenda Nevegal 2.35r/2.5f sticky-E.
Bottom Line:
Very versatile bike.With Z150 ready for a day of downhill or freeridin.Even with ETA a mediocre climber at best.With 125RLC bike is above average climber, and when matched with 5th Element traction control rivals 4-bars.Fox rear shock has a lively feel with more pop off stunts/jumps but dosen't pedal as good as 5th (down or up).When you can buy a COMPLETE bike for what some co's want for a frame only and ride it out of the shop to just about any mountain bike venue somebody's doing their job for you.You can do DH,XC and all that All-mountain in between as is.Or with a few component changes dial in a more specific ride.This is an all mountain bike. If you race XC or ride DH every 2nd weekend get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
keefe carvelli
a Racer
from aspen, colorado Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
durango dh course
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
BSR sports
Strengths:
strong frame rigid fox propedal shock it really softens your landing
Weaknesses:
the marzocchi dj2 fork very heavy, very very stiff
Similar Products Used:
giant dh team rocks
Bike Setup:
all the stock parts with a new double wide rear rim it got demolished on a gap at the local skatepark
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks it holds up and wont break a great freeride and beginner downhiller bike but i m looking for a bigger bike as i get more into the bigger hits but it is a great bike onestly BUY IT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ezweave
a Downhiller
from Co Springs Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
CS Bike Shop
Strengths:
Frame. Truvativ components.
Weaknesses:
DJ2 is not sufficient for real riding. It is only good on big hits. Needs a chain tensioner. Needs bar ends and lock ons, but I guess that is part of pimping your ride.
Similar Products Used:
Any and all competitors (almost)
Bike Setup:
Z-150 ETA e.13 DRS Primo Pro Bar Ends Lock-on ruffians (whatever the smooth ones are). Of course, Marzocchi integrated fender (only decent fender out there).
Bottom Line:
This is my last post. I just wanted to give all of you the best review I can.
I have ridden this bike hard. I have used it to it's intended purpose and it has come through farily unscathed. Granted I have started riding it above what it should be used for (medium duty freeriding). I have learned that my next bike will be just a full on DH rig that I will freeride with.
The bike was at first used just for dropping retaining walls and cruising around local trails. As I got more confident I upped the ante -> skinnies, bigger drops, bigger jumps, rock gardens, teeters, wide open DH courses... and so on.
Putting the Z-150 on certainly has helped, as has the DRS. I also ended up replacing the headset, which in my opinion is a bit of a weakness as there are not alot of options out there (the standard headset had some damage on the lower bearing, I suspect this was due to poor installation).
But I feel that the bike is not quite supple enough nor does it have enough travel to handle rough terrain at high speeds. I think you will find this of many lighter freeride bikes. So bear that in mind when purchasing. If I were to do it again (and I will next season... this is going to be an urban/lighter bike) I would have shelled out closer to 3k or so for a better bike. It is a good entry level freeride bike that will see you far into the game. I underestimated my own capabilities so the bike is a little bit of a mismatch, which is my fault. Hopefully haro makes some bigger bikes :D
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gal Ben-Haim
a Downhiller
from Ramat Yishai, Israel Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Israel
Strengths:
price, parts spec., overall feeling, just about everything except the fork.
Weaknesses:
weight, stock fork (DJ 2)
Similar Products Used:
big hit comp, haro x3 2003
Bike Setup:
changed the stock fork to a Z150 FR
Bottom Line:
great bike for a great price, feels just great with 6" of rear travel and 5" in front, I switched to a Z150 after about 2.5 months of usage and the bike feels perfect with the new fork, Im a starter at freeride and since changing the fork I doubled my speed in rock gardens. If you are a starter - medium level freerider this bike if for you, just get rid of the stock Dirt Jumper. note to Haro: ride with a Z150 and feel the difference, you'll see that you won't sell it with a DJ ever again :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Nivin
a Downhiller
from CA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Coldsprings
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
the bike comes with pretty good components, but i bought the frame by its self. My haro is anything but stock. I Bought the bike because it is almost te same as a santa cruize bullit. The bullit frame is quite a bit lighter than this haro frame, but the frame is so thin that you can feel the metal flex when you squeese it. If you crashed hard on with the bullit , u could but some major dings in the frame. With the haro bike, its made out of a harder metal alloy, so they had to make the frame a little thicker, which puts on some weight, but allows the frame to take brutal beatings. also the sealed berring pivot is super stiff, so lateral flexing is almost eleminated.
Weaknesses:
none so far, but i think it would be awsome if haro gave the option of icp hook ups
Similar Products Used:
bullit, the orange
Bike Setup:
i have a manitou sherman slider up front, a romic twin tube in the back, the mrp slaum system 1 chain guide, kona dh stem and bars, truevative cranks, powertools fron 20mm hub in the front, shimano xt rear hub.dual duty rims, nokion gazza 2.6 tire up front and in the back, hayes hfx mags and a speed v seat
Bottom Line:
the frame is awsome, its a simple strong disign.that u can bash around the frame around all u want. I use this frame as my full on dh bike, and i have been soo happy with it. Stock this bike is setup as a trail bike, but if ure looking for some dh potential, here it is. this bike as a full bike is perfect for beginners. It comes as a pretty hardcore trail bike, and then as you start swapin parts, it has the potential for an awsome race bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny Davila
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Daly Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Warehouse (San Marcos)
Strengths:
Frame Strength, Componenet Selection, Price.
Weaknesses:
WEIGHT, especially for a beginner already carrying 225lbs of body weight. SEAT, I can not attach my bike bag to the seat and it is tough on the rear.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondbacks Trail XSL
Bike Setup:
Factory Specs
Bottom Line:
This bike is really sweet. Heavy.. when I am riding up hill, but the sweet reward of blasting back down is all so worth it. Haro did a great job on this bike. Affordable, strong, and reliable. Since I am new to the sport and I am enjoying this bike a lot more than my old, I am recommending this bike to all new beginners, especially for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Downhiller
from granborough, Bucks, England Date Reviewed: July 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
aston hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Price and componentry.
Weaknesses:
Chainslap is a little mad (will buy chain device) Seat and post are not as stated when bought and as such are not very good but will upgrade
Similar Products Used:
Stinky, big hit comp, Saracen Frenzy (ypgraded a lot) Medium spec bullit
Bike Setup:
out of the box - as on website apart from seat/post
Bottom Line:
Absolutley great! only trouble i had was rear mech got cought in spokes and rear mech hanger snapped so i angled rear mech away from wheel a bit. Fork a little heavy - a Z1 drop-off 2 might suit it better. Great components for the price (i paid £1000) especially liking the pro pedal shock and forks with QR20. looks absolutely superb too.
If you are looking for a trail friendly but burly enough for DH then this is for you - watch out for double ring wiht bash setup if you are a downhiller though
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ezweave
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: July 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
CS Bike Shop
Strengths:
Frame Strength, Componenet Selection, Price.
Weaknesses:
High bottom bracket makes for a tallish cockpit. DJ 2 fork is nice, but a bit unrefined. Rear brake housing rubs headtube, requiring some stickers to prevent. Could use a little more mud clearance in the rear and another inch of rear wheel travel.
Similar Products Used:
Stinky's, Bullits, Big Hits...
Bike Setup:
Primo bar ends, lock on grips, just ordered e13 DRS. Otherwise stock.
Bottom Line:
This is my three month update.
I have decided to switch to the 6" setting permanently in the back. It pulls the front end up a little bit and makes it feel a little more like a downhill bike. I still feel that it gives an excellent balance between a trail bike and a huck bike, but there are tradeoffs. On long rough downhills (6 - 10 miles) the unrefined action of the DJ 2 is apparant. Although the fork is lateraly stiff, it is either too soft (no preload) or far too hard (preload set). It is not really the best match for the bike.
My only major planned upgrade is a Z-150. I think that the extra inch will help, as will the extension control (for climbing) and the fork should help bring up the front end, making it easier to loft.
Right now the front end feels a bit more weighted than I would like, making it more of a chore to get up while in the air.
I have noticed that the rear shock now makes a whomp noise during flatish landings. I am not sure this is a problem, but it is something to watch.
I have consistently taken it off of 4-5' drops to flat as well as nice steep bermed launches. I have found that for north shore type skinnies and ladder bridges that it helps to slow the rebound in the rear to maintain good speed.
This is not a 12' plus huck bike by any means. It is a good all around medium duty freerider and it should be used as such.
A note to haro: I would have paid more for a better fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek Lazar
a Downhiller
from peachland B.C. canada Date Reviewed: June 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
powers creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
outbound cycle
Strengths:
This bike is sweet! the frameis very durable and loks awsome, mine was blue and silver. The frames swing armis also a great design and works perfect.
Weaknesses:
the only frame weakness was that on big drops and launchs,the tire hits the frame instead of the fork bottoming out.
Bike Setup:
my bike came with jr.T's... thats it.
Bottom Line:
This bike is very good if you are an intermediate freeride/light downhill, rider and looking for a good all round bike for dirtjumps, shores and drops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MATTY
a Weekend Warrior
from SAN DIEGO, CA Date Reviewed: June 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1520.00
Purchased At:
BICYCLE WAREHOUSE, SD
Strengths:
BEEFY, DECENT TRAVEL, GREAT COMPONENTS, GREAT DESCENT CAPABILITY
Weaknesses:
WEIGHT--TOUGH LUGGING IT UP THE MOUNTAIN
Similar Products Used:
HARO ESCAPE 8.1 WITH MARZOCCHI Z.4 SERIES FORK
Bike Setup:
STOCK--PLAN TO THROW AZONIC HEAD LOCK ON IT
Bottom Line:
OVERALL A GREAT BIKE IF YOU'RE THE GUY THAT LOOKS FOR EVERYTHING THAT COULD BE CONSTRUED AS A "RAMP" ANY TIME YOU'RE GOING DOWNHILL. A HEAVY BIKE GOING UPHILL, BUT ONE OF THE MOST FUN GOING DOWNHILL. IF YOU BEAT ON YOUR CURRENT BIKE AND IT WON'T HOLD UP ANY LONGER--INVEST THE $1500 IN THIS ONE. YOU WON'T REGRET THE PURCHASE AND YOU CAN USE THE EXTRA MONEY FOR SOME BODY ARMOR.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stark
a Cross Country Rider
from Rivertucky Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
loops with more downhill than up
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Warehouse SD
Strengths:
great bike
Weaknesses:
heavy, handlebars a little awkward to put lights on
Bike Setup:
added computer, weirwolf front tire, mallet c pedals, thompson post, terry fly saddle
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my orignial review in feb.
Well, it's been 2 months and about 300 miles and this bike still rocks. It is heavy, but it will get up just about anything eventually. Going downhill is soooo much fun. I really like this bike, but if you're doing an xc ride with miles and miles of climbing, you might want to use a lighter xc bike.
I'll update again once the ski resorts open for some straight dh.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shaun
a Weekend Warrior
from duchesne ut Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1580.00
Strengths:
Strong frame, geometry. Excellent components
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
diamondback xts, santa cruz bullit
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for an excellent price. Theres nothing out there that comes close to this setup for its price. Its a lot better deal than the kona coiler or gt ruckus 2.0 and its 600 bucks cheaper than the gemini 900 with almost the same specs except for the fork. the frame is awesome. similar geometry to the bullit. The bike is a little heavy with the dj II and the thru axle, but it still pedals great and flies back down the mountain. Haro did a great job on this bike. Affordable, strong, and reliable. Anyone looking for a good trail/ fr bike should get the x3.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from southbury,ct,usa Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
?
Strengths:
Frame geometry is very good and the stock components are good but you may want to change some parts depending on the rider you are
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher
Bike Setup:
stock except i got a new marzocchi dirt jumper 3 front fork
Bottom Line:
This is bike is great. No matter what type of riding you want to do the bike is awesome. The frame is light so long rides are doable and the bike also holds up to some good downhilling and free riding. For the money you get a great bike and for the most part you dont have to change any components on the bike. Kind of expensive if you are somewhat of a new rider but great for the veteran rider not wanting to dish out 2 thousand on a new mountain bike. I've had many bikes and none compared to this bike when i rode it for the first time. it just feels good riding it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Glen Burnie, MD. Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any in patapsco
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
?
Strengths:
Their is no way to beat the parts spec. on the X3! Geometry is slack enough, but not too...
Weaknesses:
The seat and post have to go!!!
Similar Products Used:
Lot's
Bike Setup:
Stock except: Easton seat post, Azonic Hot Seat, IRC Trailbears in 2.5" and tubes
Bottom Line:
I, like others, was shopping for a general abuse sled when I came accrossed the HARO. The first thing that caught my eye was the part spec. It's the kind of stuff you would build a bike with not buy a bike with.I took it for a test ride which turned into a two hour adventure and all was right with the world. The X3's geometry is perfect for a fast/hard play bike. Not as slack as some, not as steep as others. I have been on many rides in the woods with it and some street stuff and every time I am out it makes me smile like a little kid!
An important point to people who are shopping for a trail bike but are a little to burly, like myself, for what the rest of the world call's a "trail bike." The Minion DH tires are awesome!! but weight 1150g each. The Maxxis DH tubes weight 600g each ect. Their is room to take a lot of weight of the bike and still have an awesome trail/abuse bike.
I have been happily abusing my new ridw and have had NO problems thus far. Can not see how you can go wrong with this bike? Even if the frame broke in half it would be worth the monwy for the parts alone!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ezweave
a
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
The frame has the hydro formed head tube making the front end supremely rigid (my roommate has been riding hard on an 8.3 from last year and I was very impressed). The components package at this price is hard to believe. It is actually one of the lighter bikes out of its peers. Mine is a small and weighs about 39.5 lbs (not quite forty).
I've demo'd a few Bullits and this is on par with the Bullit, which shouldn't be a surprise as it virtually copies the suspension design.
It actually climbs fine (except for the weight) in the 5" position (which is where I run it... I do big stuff, but am actually pretty gentle).
Weaknesses:
I am 5'9" with a 30-31" inseam and the small seems a bit tall. It has a fairly high bottom bracket (13.25" according to specs, but this varies slightly with travel settings).
Due to the higher bottom bracket, it has taken a little while to get used to launching the bike.
The DJ2 fork is stiff, but needs to be preloaded otherwise it constantly bumps the top stops when you ride. It is an air assist (preload) so be prepared to buy a pump for it.
Similar Products Used:
Stinky's, SGS Comp, Disco Monkey, Big Hit Comp.
Bike Setup:
Stripped of crap, but otherwise stock. A couple of Lizard skins in key areas. I am planning on getting the 04 Z-1 FR150 this summer.
Bottom Line:
I have been waiting to get a good huck/all mountain bike for a while. I have tried all of the big bikes in this area and my greatest dismay was that I ride all kinds of terrain: not something every freeride bike can do. The Big Hit (which was my other choice) turned out to be too much of a pig (47.5 lbs!!!! but it's not in the catalog...) and is not really suited to anything more than climbing fire roads. After trying last years Escape series I have been impressed with Haro's direction in freeride bikes. This bike hits a nice balance between a full on huck bike and a trail bike.
Climbing technical terrain is more a question of patience than power, so pick your lines carefully, but it does climb and surprisingly well (thanks to new shock design).
I have noticed it takes some getting used to the high bottom bracket for tossing it around (it doesn't always seem stable...). So keep that in mind.
As to reliability, I try to avoid flat landings and I will bail before I case it on the lip of a landing. Even the toughest bikes can break if you ride ham fistedly. Finesse is a big asset to ANY type of riding.
PS-> Buy a Lizard skin for the swing arm or it will get chipped.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
I'd have to say that the components are the strength of this bike. You can always swap them on to a better frame.
Weaknesses:
The swing arm crumbled like a saltine cracker, it snapped in 5 places and that was only off of a 3 foot drop. the chain slap can always be resolved with an inner tube or a lizzard skin. The grips tend to slide around a bit and the seat/post combination could be easily replaced for something better.
Bike Setup:
freeride
Bottom Line:
I'd have to say that i was surprised when the swingarm snapped, other than that, the only complaint i have is about Haro. They have had my bike for two weeks and have not resolved the issue. I've been bikeless for about 2 and a half weeks and the company has not been able to give me or the dealer a clear answer. Their response was that i rode the bike too hard. This is florida for crying out loud and i snapped my collar bone three weeks before i bought it. In any case, make sure you know what youre getting into and dont buy this bike if you're a serious rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, South Carolina Date Reviewed: March 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Thrift Cove
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1599.00
Purchased At:
Yusto Cycles
Strengths:
Everything Dirt Jumper 2 fork is great at sucking up 5 footers and the vinella is sweet. great for weekend warrior types who like to do more of a technicle downhill with moderate drops and jumps
Weaknesses:
weight little too heavey but dont realy mind it pays off big time
Similar Products Used:
trek y26 (the worst bike)
Bike Setup:
great design extremely heavey duity, swing arm is sturdy wont break unless you dont take care of it
Bottom Line:
This is one hell of a bike! if you like freeride or downlhill i would definitley buy it! the only thing i would up grade is the fork but its got plenty of travel for my needs. this bike is great for weekend warriors who dont mind a 40 pound bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mirage
a Weekend Warrior
from FT Lauderdale Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1378.00
Purchased At:
The New Wheeler Dealer
Strengths:
Bang for the Buck! I got allot of bike for the price. Pedals great for a heavy bike. The stock parts package was great.
Weaknesses:
Grips, Chain Slap. Friend of mine snapped his swingarm in 5 places on his 2004 X3.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullet, Giant AC1, Santa Cruz Heckler, Canondale Chase, Specialized P2.
Bike Setup:
Freeride. Six in the rear, five in the front.
Bottom Line:
Only complain I have with this bike are the grips. They slide around and I just don't see the quality in them, though I will wait until they wear out before replacing them. The X3 rides great on Urbans. For a heavy bike, it is easy to pick up, great for benches and picnic tables, etc. Also great on dirt jumps, easy to handle, even for a 150 pound rider like myself. The bike is fine the way it came. I did not have to replace anything immediately.
The chain slap is trivial and can be taken care of with a simple Lizard Skin. Though Haro has placed some padding on the swingarm to address this issue, the padding is out of place and the chain misses it completely.
I'm also a bit concerned about the rear swingarm. I friend of mine also bought the X3 and snapped the rear swingarm in 5 places within a week. Yes, 5 places! He basically broke the main shaft on the swingarm, which lead the rest of the weldings to break away from the main shaft. He's sent it back to Haro and will most likely get a whole new bike out of this. I found myself checking the swingarm every so often during dirt jumps because of this. I'm glad to say that I did not have the same problem. Hopefully, this was an isolated incident that will not result in a recall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stark
a Weekend Warrior
from Highland, CA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Warehouse SD
Strengths:
Strengths? Strengths? This thing is a tank... one of the toughest bikes around. It is the embodiment of strength. Everything about it is tough and heavy duty.
Weaknesses:
This thing is heavy! 40 pounds (and add to that lights, a real seat/seatpost, camelback, etc and you’re pushing 50+ pounds of stuff up hills. Of course, then you get to go back down the hills…
The only parts I have to gripe about are the cheesy seat/seatpost combination and the grips. The seat combo (SDG I-hurt) is light, but you can’t use the post with another seat. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Thomson Elite before you leave the store and match it up with your favorite saddle. The grips twist around on the bars, but I can’t tell if the guy who put it together is to blame or the grips themselves. Those are the only two real weaknesses I see.
The brakes got so-so reviews on mtbr but so far they've worked great for me.
Similar Products Used:
I went from Fisher Big Sur to Fisher Sugar to Haro X3.
I test rode an 03 SC Heckler in "freeride" setup and a Specialized Enduro when I bought the Haro, and I thought the X3 was the best of that group. The SC was lighter and still tough, but wasn't worth the extra $1000 (especially for being made in taiwan). The enduro felt like my Sugar... a lightweight XC bike. I wanted tough, and that's what the X3 was. The geometry of the bike felt the best of the three for me.
Bike Setup:
replacing seat/post this weekend, put egg beater mallet c's on, replaced front tire with weirwolf 2.5.
Bottom Line:
Because of some unusual rain in so cal I've only taken the bike out once this first week, but I think I bought a winner.
The trails and guys I ride with are mostly XC types, but I was getting frustrated with my XC-type Big Sur and Sugar bikes. The hard tail Big Sur decended better than the FS Sugar and neither one felt completely solid to me (I've ranged in size from 210-230 lbs on those bikes). I wanted something fit for a clydesdale but with plenty of cush for the tush (not one of the new "big boy" hardtails from Kona).
All the reviews said this was the bike for me.
I tested the Enduro and Heckler along with the X3 and it was the best combination: the geometry felt good, it went over obstacles with almost no effort, and it was a good deal.
I'm not a weight weenie type of rider. I don't race, I don't mind being the last guy up the hill, and my ego is not bruised if I don't clear a climb in the middle ring. This bike will add a few minutes to the time the fast guys have to wait for me at the top... oh well! I ride a bike to have fun and stay healthy, and this bike is up to the task.
Going downhill on the bike is a dream. I used to have a nasty habit of braking all the time when the speed got above 20. On this thing, I don't have to touch the brakes and I still feel completely in control. I was breezing down rock gardens that used to freak me out. I can't wait until the snow clears out to take this thing up to Big Bear to really let give her a workout.
I can't think of a better bike for me that's out there. I thought the Heckler might be the one, but I'm glad I saved the $$ and went with the Haro.
If something changes my opinion during the year I'll let you know...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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