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haro bike specs

Haro or Trek Mountain Bike?

I can’t seem to decide whether to get a Haro Flightline Two or a Trek 3700. I looked at the specs for the Haro Flightline Sport, but I have read on multiple forums that the Tektro disc brakes aren’t really worth the money. The parts are very similar on each bike(3700 and Flightline Two), so I guess your really paying for the frame brand. I have looked at the Trek 4300 also, which looks pleasing. I CAN’T DECIDE. Also what are the differences between 65, 75, 100mm forks? Also, is there actual servicing that needs to be done every once and a while? As you can see, Im a beginner biker and this is going to be my first real bike so I want to make this a good purchase. I will be riding mainly for exercise, riding mainly around parks and some trails. I have been looking for a few months now. Any help would be appreciated.

At these price points there will be very little differentiation between the two bikes. As you already noted, the parts are very similar. The frame materials will likely also be quite similar, as would the R&D time put into developing them. I would agree; however, that tektro disc brakes are not worth the money. I’ve spent many hours fighting brand new ones in the shop to make them even rideable.

The biggest difference between these two bikes is going to be your opinion of them after you ride them. It sounds like you possibly haven’t taken these bikes out for test rides yet. If this is the case, do this immediately! Many bikes look almost identical on paper, yet feel very different out on the pavement/trail.

The mm designation on forks tells you the maximum amount of compression possible for that fork. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the compression, the more rugged the terrain the bike/fork can handle. A 65mm fork is NOT a mountain bike fork.

Given the type/amount of riding you are describing, having your fork looked at least once a year is a good idea.

Again, go into a bike shop! The mechanics/sales staff should be able to answer your questions with easy. If they aren’t friendly, and courteous, or if they start acting snotty because you are a new rider just getting into the most awesome of sports, leave immediately and go to a better one!