Diamondback

Haanjo Metro Complete Bike - 2015

There's no way for us to hide it — we love Diamondback's Haanjo bikes. They combine the best of different designs — the low weight of a road bike, the durability of a mountain bike, and the practicality and comfort of a hybrid — into a series of machines that can meet almost anyone's needs. Looking for a city-ready do-it-all that's tough on urban streets but easy on your back and your wallet? The Diamondback Haanjo Metro version is calling your name.

So what makes the Haanjo such a wonderful mutant? Let’s start with the frame. DB began with its Endurance Road frame — the one you'll see on its road bikes designed to do 100 miles or more in a day — because it's light, smooth-riding, and it's comfortable for long distances. For a boost in practicality, the top tube of the frame was flattened a bit to make the bike easier to shoulder when walking up stairs, for example. Then, they made the frame ready for the superior stopping power of disc-brakes, since the Haanjo is ready to be loaded up with both front and rear cargo racks, if you are. The Haanjo Metro's steel fork up front is ultra-tough but smooth-riding at the same time. The Metro doesn't get the tapered head tube of the aluminum-forked Haanjo versions, which increases the front end's lateral stiffness and thus handling precision, but the steel fork is stout enough that handling doesn't suffer. When all the Haanjo's frame's details come together, you get a tough, light, and most importantly, balanced machine that you can comfortably use for commuting, for errands, for some light off-road exploration, or even some laps around the park when you want to get in a workout. It's a truly versatile and capable bike.

So what makes the Haanjo Metro the urban warrior it is? It comes down to the build. The Metro employs a simple, reliable 9-speed Acera drivetrain courtesy of Shimano, a proven maker of some of the industry's most durable parts. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes provide consistent and powerful but controllable stopping, regardless of weather conditions. Diamondback wraps its strong Equation CX wheelset in Kenda's city-ready Bitumen tires that are highly puncture resistant and afford great grip in both wet and dry conditions. The DB flat alloy handlebar is just-right for urban riding, comfortably between go-fast low and too-high high, while the DB Eldorado saddle will keep you rolling for miles without complaint.

The 2015 Diamondback Haanjo Metro Complete Bike comes in four sizes — 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, and 59cm — and in the color Black. Pedals are included.