Haanjo 1

Customer Reviews Write Your Own

1-year of commuting. Great bang for your buck!

Review by Andrew

Overall Quality

If you're looking for an entry-level A to B bike, look no further. I ordered a Haanjo Metro last year during a close-out sale, looks to be identical to the Haanjo 1(maybe just renamed metro?). I don't have a car, so I rely on this bike to get around, it hasn't let me down yet! It gets chained to racks, taken on trains, strapped to the front of buses, and shoved in the trunk of a car; it's stood up great to all of this. I've got a long-ish commute in Portland OR; reasonably flat, but there are some decent climbs in places. I end up "gear hunting" a bit on long gentle uphills, I plan on getting a narrower range cassette, maybe 11-28. The ability to add racks and fenders was a huge plus! You may need some pretty big fenders to accommodate the reasonably wide tires. Frame welds look clean; overall geometry is nice and feels a lot more relaxed than road bikes I've ridden. The components are entry level, but this is supposed to be an entry level bike. Having a disc brake set up and simple 1x9 drivetrain served me well through a wet winter, shifts were always crisp and instantaneous, hasn't needed any adjusting. The only wear item I've replaced are the brake pads. The only real knock I give it is on the brake cable stays; there's a guide channel that's actually part of the frame, the cable passes through this channel but is only retained by ZIP TIES. From the factory, that's a bit chintzy. It's been a very reliable steed, getting me to and from work and on errands without any fuss. The bike's gotten more that a few compliments on it's appearance! I plan on giving it a bit more of an upright riding posture with a shorter, more angled stem, and some different bars. Longer rides can get a bit uncomfortable in the wrist and back with the stock flat bars. I've given it a Brooks, some PDW Whiskey grips, and a nifty looking painted Crane bell, along with the obligatory lighting array for the long dark winter nights.

(Posted on 7/30/2019)

Years later, still exceeds expectations

Review by Al

Overall Quality

I ordered the 2016 DB Haanjo Metro just over 3 years ago and it's been a great purchase. I have an urban commute in the PNW and my Haanjo has been more than equal to the task. I may not look as flashy as some other riders around but I'll be damned if they are more comfortable. Riding position is great for me (56cm frame, 5'11") and allows me to keep an eye on cagers trying to kill me when I approach busy intersections. The disk brakes are reliable and confident, even in pouring rain. I've never even had a flat on this thing and I'm still running the stock tires. The 1x7 drivetrain is perfect for city riding, there's always a gear where you want one for climbs/flats/descents. If I were spending a lot of time on the open road without cargo I could see more gears becoming useful but I've had no need for them while riding in the city. Installing cargo racks and fenders was made considerably easier by the frame's mounting points. The tires are right on the borderline of being too fat for a lot of fenders and other accessories, so keep that in mind if you like to add lots of bells and whistles. Withstands daily abuse getting banged about in a stairwell as well as getting locked up in crammed bike racks outside the grocery store (or brewery :^) ). I'm not militant about maintenance and the Haanjo doesn't seem to mind. Other bikes might have more panache or sex appeal but my Haanjo's been exactly what I wanted: a tough, reliable, and fun tool/vehicle.

(Posted on 2/18/2019)

I love this bike

Review by Jkoster

Overall Quality

This is a must have bike if you are gravelbiking, commuting, or just about anything. I have put just over 200 miles on this bike. I replaced the factory tires with some Maxxis Ravenger that have a ton of grip for gravel, mud, snow, and sand. My first ride was around 30 miles on gravel in the middle of nowhere and I have to say that it is the safest kind of bike riding. I put the Grips, Rack, Seat Post, and the Ugly antler things for carrying my bow, all were bought on amazon for under 100 bucks. I am 14( I have put together a full suspension mountain bike and a few road bikes together) and had the bike put together in just under a hour from removing it from the box. I can’t say enough about this bike, it is one of the best purchases yet and I can’t wait to get back on it in the spring.

(Posted on 1/19/2019)

Love my bike!

Review by Simon

Overall Quality

I have been using the Haanjo 1 every day for over a month and I absolutely love it. I was concern by having only a 1x9 drivetrain at first but it has been great for conquering any hill easily in the Bay Area—even Twin Peaks in San Francisco! The frame is super light, I go up and down the stairs at public transit stations, home, and work with no problem. I also really like the handle bars, keeping me upright and comfortable at all times.

Overall, this is a great bicycle for the everyday commuter and occasional recreational road cyclist. The bike is very responsive, feels speedy, and the disc breaks are super reliable. Finally, kudos to REI's bike team in Berkeley for putting it together so quickly!

(Posted on 6/28/2018)