Nicely, I’ve talked about it sufficient in a number of of my latest articles… like this one, that one….oh, and this different one right here. I assume it’s about time I let you already know 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 using inflexible mountain bikes for shut to 10 years. I say nearly as a result of from 2018 by way of 2020 I did get pleasure from my RSD Center Youngster 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 important spec sheet, and geometry that’s each comfy and aggressive on the identical time. I’ve made a number of small element upgrades, however for probably the most half, the bike remains to be in inventory kind. Let’s get into the main points.
Hardtails Rule!
Once I select to experience a motorcycle with suspension, my selections all the time appear to show to hardtails. For me, a hardtail means much less upkeep. It means just a little extra focus on the path, as selecting your line on a descent turns into just a little extra vital. This makes it enjoyable for me the identical manner a completely inflexible MTB would. And the Haro will probably 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 good specs and are a very good 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 gained’t have any cables to exchange or regulate, which is sweet. And the dependable, easy-to-set-up FOX fork provides to the bike’s simplicity.
Saguaro 1 Specsheet
That being mentioned, let’s go over a number of extra of the nice elements this bike was spec’d with.
- Body: Hydroformed, heat-treated 6061-T6 aluminum body. Double-butted prime and down tubes with inside 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 increase thru-axle
- Rear Hub: DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline, 148 x 12mm increase 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 large 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
Elements I’ve Changed
Despite the fact that this bike is spec’d rather well, I changed a number of issues proper off the bat. I’ve acquired this bike for a long-term overview and also will use it to overview different elements 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 feel Tan partitions all the time make a motorcycle look higher.
Saddle
The second factor I changed was the saddle. I changed it with considered one of my favourite “fashionable” saddles, the Ergon SM Professional Mens within the M/L measurement. I say “fashionable” as a result of I often experience the Brooks B17 solely… however the B17 gained’t work effectively on this software.
Grips and Cockpit Additions
On to the grips. Though I’m a giant fan of nearly every part WTB does, I didn’t take care of the Wavelength grips that got here inventory on the Saguaro 1. Together with Ergon’s saddles, I’m a giant fan of their grips. I swapped within the Ergon GE1 Evo Manufacturing facility within the Frozen Moss/Oil Slick coloration. They give the impression of being marvelous and really feel nice.
I added a Spurcycle Unique Bell to the cockpit as effectively. I want a bell on a variety of trails that I experience. And for me, there isn’t a different bell available on the market like this one. I additionally acquired the brand new Denim/Indigo coloration. It’s stunning.
I’ve all the time needed to overview the Paul Elements 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 overview the Paul Dropper Set off on the Saguaro. Take a look at that overview right here.
Bottle Cage and Pc Mount
I don’t like using with a hydration pack. I can tolerate a pleasant hip pack, however I desire a very good 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 overview of this cage right here.
Lastly, the unsung heroes of the entire gear I exploit are my Okay-Edge laptop mounts. They very not often get talked about and are all the time there doing what they’re presupposed to do, with no criticism or difficulty. So, after all, I added my Okay-Edge Gravity High 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 Experience
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 best way the body rode on the primary few rides.
I used to be pleasantly shocked that I didn’t discover any overt harshness within the rear finish. Though it’s early within the overview interval, there’s been none of that loopy harsh experience that I keep in mind aluminum frames to dish out. Don’t mistake what I’m saying, the Saguaro 1 rides such as you’d anticipate a hardtail would. However, not as a result of the body is overly stiff.
29er For the Win
I like the best way this bike handles with the 29″ wheels. It rolls over every part with grace. The FOX 36 Efficiency Elite fork helps loads with that. However, that being mentioned when in comparison with the 27.5 RSD Center Youngster I had, I discover the Saguaro 1 way more succesful and nimble.
As suspected, it’s quick on the descent. On the path that I’ve been using, there’s a 1.5-mile descent that has a number of chunky, rocky sections and the Saguaro 1 bulldozed proper by way of it the place I clocked 34.1 MPH….like buttah. The excessive quantity, low strain, 2.6 Kessles helped right here as effectively, I’m positive.
It’s a Hardtail
However, it’s a hardtail and there have been elements 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 elements 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 readily available and really current. The modulation is nice, and there’s a lot energy readily 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!
Because of the attain and longer entrance finish and greater wheels, it appears to be a lil’ bit onerous to drag the entrance find yourself over some obstacles. As you’d anticipate from a hardtail, it climbs effectively, though it’s on the heavier finish of the spectrum at 34lbs.
Using the Saguaro within the New Hood
The terrain I’m using it on probably the most is round our new home up within the mountains. It’s very rocky at occasions with a variety of unfastened over onerous pack, and the occasional sandy sections. I nonetheless have but to seek out a variety 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 overview.
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 assume I’ll till the complete overview, because it’s manner too early for me to make a ultimate 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 way of its paces over the following few months. It’s a enjoyable bike thus far, that simply desires to go quick. And I’m anticipating many, many miles of enjoyable to return. Keep tuned right here for extra!
HaroBikes.com
