Thinking about getting into mountain biking... Is this HARO a good deal??

[Hooobi]

I'm thinking about buying this HARO ICS 4.0 (2002 model) for around $450. You can see the specs by clicking the link along the right. The 2002 differs from the one pictured in that there is no LX upgrade of the drive and the front shock is a RockShox Judy II.

It's been so long since I've been into the sport that I can't tell if this is a good package for the price. I'm looking for something that I'll be happy with as a beginner, but not outgrow too quickly.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Anubis]

dosent look bad good deal for what it comes with.

im also lookin at new MTB stuff. but i gotta come up with 1000$ for a new frame

 

[Hooobi]

If it turns out that most of my riding will be on paved/smooth paths, is it practical to get a second set of wheels with slicker tires and swap them out, or does it make more sense to get a hybrid type bike?

Also, does anyone have an idea how much a second set of (cheap but servicable) wheels would run? And how difficult/time consuming it is to swap out the wheels?

 

[JACKHAMMER]

"If it turns out that most of my riding will be on paved/smooth paths, is it practical to get a second set of wheels with slicker tires and swap them out, or does it make more sense to get a hybrid type bike?"

No its not. Knobby (sp?) tires will do fine on smooth paths, they will just be loud. I wouldn't get a hybrid as you might outgrow it quickly. Remember, typically the more expensive the frame the more aggressive the geometry. It may be not comfortable on longer rides. If I were you (and I am - I just bought my g/f I bike in this price range) Go with something sturdy and a more relaxed geometry. I ended up getting her a 2002 Gary Fisher Wahoo for $300. Nice bike with a steel frame with a solid component set.

PS. a word on frames - besides being a couple of pounds heavier, steel rides better and lasts longer. I just ditched my alum. stump jumper frame for a custom $900 steel frame and it rides much better.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

I am going to bed. I'll check tomorrow if u have any questions

 

[rayma2]

I myself am a fan of cannondale.. they are smooth bikes but they come with a heafty price tag....

Cannondale Mountain bikes.

they are good for the all around riding. Most of them have a lockout on the shocks so you can turn them off when you are climbing.

 

[Brutuskend]

I sell Haro's and ride one.

I LOVE mine, but IMO the ICS isn't worth the $$$

Basically ICS stands for "integrated component system" that means ALL the components are shimano.

If you buy a VGF V-3 you get better derailleurs for less $$$ the same frame (unless you are looking at last years Haro, they have NO braze on's for rear disk brakes where as the VGF's DO)

For the money, the VGF's are a much better value if you ask me. The parts used are as good as Shimano (or maybe better in some cases).

If you want a REAL tough bike, look into this years Haro Escapes!

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: rayma2
I myself am a fan of cannondale.. they are smooth bikes but they come with a heafty price tag....

Cannondale Mountain bikes.

they are good for the all around riding. Most of them have a lockout on the shocks so you can turn them off when you are climbing.

What the hell is up with that F3000 model? Is that fork only coming down on 1 side? That's crazy looking.

KK

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: rayma2
I myself am a fan of cannondale.. they are smooth bikes but they come with a heafty price tag....

Cannondale Mountain bikes.

they are good for the all around riding. Most of them have a lockout on the shocks so you can turn them off when you are climbing.

What the hell is up with that F3000 model? Is that fork only coming down on 1 side? That's crazy looking.

KK

Thats a "LEFTY"

and yes they do work. and really well also. i know looks like itll break but it dosent. ive tried

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: TheEvil1

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: rayma2
I myself am a fan of cannondale.. they are smooth bikes but they come with a heafty price tag....

Cannondale Mountain bikes.

they are good for the all around riding. Most of them have a lockout on the shocks so you can turn them off when you are climbing.

What the hell is up with that F3000 model? Is that fork only coming down on 1 side? That's crazy looking.

KK

Thats a "LEFTY"

and yes they do work. and really well also. i know looks like itll break but it dosent. ive tried

That's f'n nuts. What are the batteries for?

KK

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: TheEvil1

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: rayma2
I myself am a fan of cannondale.. they are smooth bikes but they come with a heafty price tag....
Cannondale Mountain bikes.
they are good for the all around riding. Most of them have a lockout on the shocks so you can turn them off when you are climbing.

What the hell is up with that F3000 model? Is that fork only coming down on 1 side? That's crazy looking.
KK

Thats a "LEFTY"
and yes they do work. and really well also. i know looks like itll break but it dosent. ive tried

That's f'n nuts. What are the batteries for?
KK

it has an electronie lock out. chich make it so it wont compress. you can turn teh suspension on and off basically

 

[Brutuskend]

The Cannodales are nice bikes, but personally I stear clear of things that are exclusive with one brand.

The headshock and lefty worry me......

And one thing about cannondale and their shocks. You can ONLY have them worked on a cannondale dealers. They won't ever sell the tools to repair them to NON cannondale shops. (Sucks for my customers that have cannondales)

 

[Hooobi]

Originally posted by: JACKHAMMER

PS. a word on frames - besides being a couple of pounds heavier, steel rides better and lasts longer. I just ditched my alum. stump jumper frame for a custom $900 steel frame and it rides much better.

I keep hearing about how steel frames are softer, yet it seems to me that, because they're heavier, they would be more tiring to ride over time. Also, isn't there a concern with rust? Do I constantly have to be vigilant for chips in the paint, etc?

btw, does anyone happen to know about places to ride in Houston, TX? I hear that Memorial Park is supposed to have some trails, but I've never been there.

H

 

[Hooobi]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
I sell Haro's and ride one.

I LOVE mine, but IMO the ICS isn't worth the $$$

Basically ICS stands for "integrated component system" that means ALL the components are shimano.

If you buy a VGF V-3 you get better derailleurs for less $$$ the same frame (unless you are looking at last years Haro, they have NO braze on's for rear disk brakes where as the VGF's DO)

For the money, the VGF's are a much better value if you ask me. The parts used are as good as Shimano (or maybe better in some cases).

If you want a REAL tough bike, look into this years Haro Escapes!

The model I'm considering is a 2002 ICS 4.0 and it's currently on sale (they're closing out the '02) for $450. I think that the salesman said that it was Shimano Deore (sp?) all around. Is there something wrong with getting an integrated component system?

What is VGF? Where would I see one of those?

Another advantage of purchasing this bike is that it's from Sun & Ski Sports, and they offer lifetime adjustment and lubrication with any of their bikes. Not sure if that's a big deal, but it seems like a good thing.

Also, will I be able to fit one of these bikes in the trunk of an Acura TL? If not, I might have to consider getting a bike rack, unless I can find some trails close to my house.

H

 

[JACKHAMMER]

"I keep hearing about how steel frames are softer, yet it seems to me that, because they're heavier, they would be more tiring to ride over time. Also, isn't there a concern with rust? Do I constantly have to be vigilant for chips in the paint, etc?"

They are heavier by 3lbs at most, unless you are a hardcore racer - you wont be able to tell the difference. As long as you keep it clean, it won't rust. Remember most aluminum frames last only 5 yrs.

 

[stev0]

Originally posted by: rayma2
I myself am a fan of cannondale.. they are smooth bikes but they come with a heafty price tag....

Cannondale Mountain bikes.

they are good for the all around riding. Most of them have a lockout on the shocks so you can turn them off when you are climbing.

i'm going to have to give another vote for Cannondale, i myself have an older fr800 and love it 🙂

 

[Hooobi]

Originally posted by: JACKHAMMER

They are heavier by 3lbs at most, unless you are a hardcore racer - you wont be able to tell the difference. As long as you keep it clean, it won't rust. Remember most aluminum frames last only 5 yrs.

Why do aluminum frames only last 5 years? If it doesn't rust and you don't crack it, why would you need to replace it?

 

[Brutuskend]

Aluminum stress's differently that steel and can wear out sooner that steel. (Can being the keyword here) Most newer aluminum frames come with a lifetime warranty anyway so....

Steel is more flexy giving it a softer ride.
In the days before shocks, this was a big factor in favor of steel frames, that and steel can be straightened if it gets bent.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
Aluminum stress's differently that steel and can wear out sooner that steel. (Can being the keyword here) Most newer aluminum frames come with a lifetime warranty anyway so....

Steel is more flexy giving it a softer ride.
In the days before shocks, this was a big factor in favor of steel frames, that and steel can be straightened if it gets bent.

yeah, and most manufacturers define "life" of the frame for 5 years. I know at least Specialized does.

 

[C'DaleRider]

Originally posted by: JACKHAMMER

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
Aluminum stress's differently that steel and can wear out sooner that steel. (Can being the keyword here) Most newer aluminum frames come with a lifetime warranty anyway so....

Steel is more flexy giving it a softer ride.
In the days before shocks, this was a big factor in favor of steel frames, that and steel can be straightened if it gets bent.

yeah, and most manufacturers define "life" of the frame for 5 years. I know at least Specialized does.

That's Specialized (and this is a company that charges its dealers a grand to access the "dealer" portion of Specialized's website for ordering online, unlike any other bike manufacturer, which is why we will not carry them in our shop).......almost all others, outside Giant, warrant alu. frames fo rlife. I've seen 15 yr. old alu. frames replaced under warranty, so the good companies do honor that.

 

[C'DaleRider]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
The Cannodales are nice bikes, but personally I stear clear of things that are exclusive with one brand.

The headshock and lefty worry me......

And one thing about cannondale and their shocks. You can ONLY have them worked on a cannondale dealers. They won't ever sell the tools to repair them to NON cannondale shops. (Sucks for my customers that have cannondales)

And that is utter crap. Cannondale Headshock tools are easily available at any bike shop that uses QBP as a supplier. They carry ALL of Cannondale's Headshock tools...........and can be bought by ANYONE, and hte Headshock is very easy to work on.

 

[rayma2]

Originally posted by: KK
it has an electronie lock out. chich make it so it wont compress. you can turn teh suspension on and off basically

The only prob with that is when the battery dies then you dont have the option to use the lockout.. I like the manual lockout more cause of the realiability.

Yeah and the lefty rules. they only think that I have found that I cant do is ride very well no handed on it becuase it slightly throws off the ballence... but when do you really need to ride with no hands on a Trail. 🙂


Otherwise it is a sweet smooth bike.