If you're one of many Americans on the verge of ditching your car and the constraints of the 5 o'clock rush hour, you'll need to right gear to make things easier. And that begins with finding the right bike.
The new Haanjo Metro and Metro Plus from Diamondback were built to handle the daily wear and tear of urban commuting without sacrificing comfort. We took it out for a spin to see just how easy the Metro can navigate city streets on two wheels.
The Specs
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Price: $600
Frame: 6061 T6 aluminum
Fork: D8 disc/steel
Components: Shimano Acera
Brakes: Tektro disc
Wheels: DB Equation CX
Tires: Kenda Bitumen
The Ride
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The aluminum frame and steel fork make the Metro a bombproof ride that can handle the gnarly weather and rough pavement common in city streets. The geometry and wide 40mm tires give it more of a mountain bike feel than road bike, which means you'll flat a lot less and the bike is a bit easier to handle.
The Ride (Continued)
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The 9-speed drivetrain and 38-tooth front chainring gives you a few speeds to choose from, though you shouldn't expect to reach the same miles per hour you might on a fixed gear. The chain guard on the front and back of the crankset is a nice addition, and makes riding with long pants possible without getting them caught in the chain or stained with grease.
The Ride (Continued)
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Tektro's mechanical disc brakes were a smart inclusion, improving stopping power and performance in wet conditions over standard caliper brakes. The overall weight is on the heavy side at 26 pounds, but the beef should improve durability and increase your options for riding terrain.
The Verdict
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The Metro is a solid build that should hold up to the beating commuters are known to put their bikes through. While the single 38-tooth front chainring and the wide 40mm tires can be a bit limiting in the speed department, we like the fact that the Metro is comfortable to ride over rough roads and might even be an option for the occasional dirt or gravel ride.
The Verdict (Continued)
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The setup might be a little too slow for touring, though a different set of wheels and a pair of road tires could solve this problem. The relaxed geometry and easy bike handling work very nicely for city riding (especially if you were a backpack), and the stopping power of the brakes in bad weather will keep you safe should an emergency arise.
Who it's for: City commuters who value comfort and durability over speed.
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