Nicely, I’ve talked about it sufficient in just a few of my current articles… like this one, that one….oh, and this different one right here. I assume it’s about time I let what my first impressions are of Haro Bike’s new Saguaro 1 hardtail mountain bike.
Nicely, I prefer it… loads. I’m having a extremely enjoyable time on this bike. Fast confession, I’ve been “nearly” solely driving inflexible mountain bikes for shut to 10 years. I say nearly as a result of from 2018 by means of 2020 I did take pleasure in my RSD Center Little one till I acquired the itch in the course of the pandemic to promote it and construct one thing totally different. Regretted that call nearly immediately.
Anywho, on to the Haro Suguaro 1. It has an amazing spec sheet, and geometry that’s each comfy and aggressive on the identical time. I’ve made just a few small part upgrades, however for essentially the most half, the bike continues to be in inventory kind. Let’s get into the main points.
Hardtails Rule!
After I select to experience a motorcycle with suspension, my decisions at all times appear to show to hardtails. For me, a hardtail means much less upkeep. It means somewhat extra focus on the path, as selecting your line on a descent turns into somewhat extra vital. This makes it enjoyable for me the identical manner a totally inflexible MTB would. And the Haro might be no exception. Though this FOX fork that’s spec’d on the Saguaro does make it extra comfy whereas doing it.
The Saguaro 1
The Haro Saguaro hardtails are available in three spec ranges – Saguaro 3, 2, and 1. The Saguaro 3 retails for $1899, the two retails for $2399 and the 1 retails for $3999 (examined). The entire bikes appear to have sensible specs and are a superb worth for the cash.
Haro despatched me a big Saguaro 1. The digital SRAM GX Transmission 12-speed drivetrain was pretty simple to arrange. It clearly received’t have any cables to exchange or regulate, which is good. And the dependable, easy-to-set-up FOX fork provides to the bike’s simplicity.
Saguaro 1 Specsheet
That being stated, let’s go over just a few extra of the nice parts this bike was spec’d with.
- Body: Hydroformed, heat-treated 6061-T6 aluminum body. Double-butted prime and down tubes with inner cable routing. the body additionally makes use of size-specific chainstay lengths. Arrange for a UDH derailleur hanger and clearance for two.6″ tires.
- Fork: FOX 36 Efficiency Elite, with 140mm journey. Grip X2. 44mm rake.
- Cranks: SRAM GX Transmission 32t chainring
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Transmission 12-speed
- Derailleur Shifter: SRAM GX Transmission 12-speed
- Cassette: SRAM GX Transmission 10/52t
- Tires: Kenda Pinner 29X2.4 ATC (entrance) and Kenda Nevegal 2, 29X2.4 ATC (rear). Sealant included.
- Wheels/Rims: DT Swiss XM 1700 Aluminum, hooked, tubeless TC, 30mm interior width, 32H
- Entrance Hub: DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline, 110 x 15mm enhance thru-axle
- Rear Hub: DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline, 148 x 12mm enhance thru-axle
- Brakes: TRP Evo-4-piston brakes, 203mm rotor up entrance and 180mm within the rear
- Grips: WTB Wavelength lock-on
- Handlebar: Race Face Turbine R. 800mm vast X 20mm rise
- Stem: Race Face Turbine R. 35mm
- Headset: FSA Orbit sealed, tapered 1-1/8″- 1-1/5″
- Saddle: WTB Volt Medium with chromoly rails. PU Leather-based. Flex tuned
- Seatpost: TranzX JD-YSI35 dropper 210mm drop
Components I’ve Changed
Although this bike is spec’d rather well, I changed just a few issues proper off the bat. I’ve acquired this bike for a long-term evaluate and also will use it to evaluate different components within the close to and not-so-near future.
Tires
The very very first thing I changed, earlier than I even rode the bike had been the Kenda Tires. I changed them with a set of Teravail Kessels, for each the entrance and rear, within the 29×2.6 taste with the “sturdy” tan wall casing. I believe Tan partitions at all times make a motorcycle look higher.
Saddle
The second factor I changed was the saddle. I changed it with one among my favourite “fashionable” saddles, the Ergon SM Professional Mens within the M/L dimension. I say “fashionable” as a result of I normally experience the Brooks B17 solely… however the B17 received’t work nicely on this utility.
Grips and Cockpit Additions
On to the grips. Though I’m an enormous fan of nearly the whole lot WTB does, I didn’t look after the Wavelength grips that got here inventory on the Saguaro 1. Together with Ergon’s saddles, I’m an enormous fan of their grips. I swapped within the Ergon GE1 Evo Manufacturing unit within the Frozen Moss/Oil Slick shade. They appear marvelous and really feel nice.
I added a Spurcycle Authentic Bell to the cockpit as nicely. I would like a bell on loads of trails that I experience. And for me, there isn’t any different bell in the marketplace like this one. I additionally acquired the brand new Denim/Indigo shade. It’s lovely.
I’ve at all times needed to evaluate the Paul Parts Dropper Set off, so once I acquired the Saguaro 1 and constructed it up, I observed the dropper lever didn’t really feel nice. So, I opted to put in and evaluate the Paul Dropper Set off on the Saguaro. Take a look at that evaluate right here.
Bottle Cage and Laptop Mount
I don’t like driving with a hydration pack. I can tolerate a pleasant hip pack, however I favor a superb ol’ water bottle on my bike, and the Saguaro 1 comes with a bottle mount within the entrance triangle. In order that’s good. I then added the King Cage Stainless Metal Facet Loading bottle cage to the Haro. I wrote a evaluate of this cage right here.
Lastly, the unsung heroes of the entire gear I take advantage of are my Ok-Edge pc mounts. They very hardly ever get talked about and are at all times there doing what they’re imagined to do, and not using a criticism or situation. So, after all, I added my Ok-Edge Gravity Prime Cap Mount.
Haro Suguaro 1 Geometry
Is available in sizes S, M, L (examined), and XL
The colours are Metallic Inexperienced (examined) and Matte Mauve
My Preliminary Ideas on the Trip
I’ve discovered the primary couple of rides on the Haro Saguaro 1 refreshingly acquainted. As I discussed earlier, it’s been some time since I’ve ridden a motorcycle with a slack entrance finish and respectable entrance suspension. As somebody who prefers to experience metal bikes, I discovered myself very acutely aware of the way in which the body rode on the primary few rides.
I used to be pleasantly stunned that I didn’t discover any overt harshness within the rear finish. Though it’s early within the evaluate interval, there’s been none of that loopy harsh experience that I bear in mind aluminum frames to dish out. Don’t mistake what I’m saying, the Saguaro 1 rides such as you’d count on a hardtail would. However, not as a result of the body is overly stiff.
29er For the Win
I like the way in which this bike handles with the 29″ wheels. It rolls over the whole lot with grace. The FOX 36 Efficiency Elite fork helps loads with that. However, that being stated when in comparison with the 27.5 RSD Center Little one I had, I discover the Saguaro 1 rather more succesful and nimble.
As suspected, it’s quick on the descent. On the path that I’ve been driving, there’s a 1.5-mile descent that has just a few chunky, rocky sections and the Saguaro 1 bulldozed proper by means of it the place I clocked 34.1 MPH….like buttah. The excessive quantity, low strain, 2.6 Kessles helped right here as nicely, I’m certain.
It’s a Hardtail
However, it’s a hardtail and there have been components of the path, on the descent, the place that truth was painfully apparent. With the decrease backside bracket, the bike appeared to remain planted and steady. Even on the quick rocky components of the path, the bike by no means felt prefer it was going to bounce or skip offline. If I picked the road, the Saguaro took it.
Brakes
The TRP Path EVO brakes really feel unbelievable. With the 210mm entrance rotor and the 180mm rear rotor, stopping energy is available and really current. The modulation is nice, and there’s a lot energy available.
The levers have a fast attain adjustment by simply twisting the dial proper behind the lever. It jogged my memory of the kick-ass ol’ Avid Velocity Dial Levers. Bear in mind these? These had been sick!
As a result of attain and longer entrance finish and larger wheels, it appears to be a lil’ bit laborious to tug the entrance find yourself over some obstacles. As you’d count on from a hardtail, it climbs nicely, regardless that it’s on the heavier finish of the spectrum at 34lbs.
Driving the Saguaro within the New Hood
The terrain I’m driving it on essentially the most is round our new home up within the mountains. It’s very rocky at occasions with loads of unfastened over laborious pack, and the occasional sandy sections. I nonetheless have but to seek out loads of locations to experience right here. So, I’m excited to get it down the mountain on acquainted trails, the place I could make some good comparisons. However, extra on that within the full evaluate.
Wait, What About The Transmission?
I do know I haven’t talked in regards to the digital SRAM GX Transmission but, and I don’t suppose I’ll till the total evaluate, because it’s manner too early for me to make a remaining judgment name. What I’ll say is that on the three or 4 rides I’ve carried out on the SRAM GX, I’m not very impressed.
I’ll say setting it up with the app was fairly neat, and pretty simple. The shift pod is unnatrual and awkward to make use of. Perhaps I may get used to it…once more too early to inform. However we’ll dive into that after a bit longer on the product.
There’s Extra to Come!
Nicely, I’m very excited to have this bike and to run it by means of its paces over the subsequent few months. It’s a enjoyable bike up to now, that simply needs to go quick. And I’m anticipating many, many miles of enjoyable to return. Keep tuned right here for extra!
HaroBikes.com
