Haro Double Peak Trail (2023)

Haro Double Peak Trail (2023)

This version of Haro’s Double Peak Trail mountain bike features some similarities and key differences to the Double Peak Trail 27.5. 

Yes, wheel size is one of those but there’s a little more to it. 

Who is the Double Peak Trail for?

The Trail is suitable for bike paths, rail trails and entry-level mountain biking on smooth single track, fire-roads plus light dirt and gravel paths.

It’s a great option for family bike rides and general fitness use; for both pre-teens, teens and adults.

FRAME

The same Double Peak frame is used for the Sport and Trail.

Like most brands Haro uses an aluminium frame here. But unlike most brands, these guys take it up a notch for both material and manufacturing.

The X6-level aluminium is one of the best in our range for durability. It features higher fatigue strength than your average aluminium frame.

Another tech feature is the tapered head tube.

This frontal section of the Double Peak’s frame has a much larger base (1.5’’ in diameter), allowing it to support more load and increasing (overall) frame strength. This tapers into a smaller section at the top (1.125’’ in diameter) because the load requirements aren’t as high.

INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING

And lastly, like most modern brands, gear and brake cables are routed internally for a cleaner-looking frame profile.

Both wheels are quick release (QR). This paired with the disc brakes makes it fast and easy to remove the wheels for tyre repairs and transportation.

WHEELS

This version of the Double Peak Trail uses 29-inch wheels.

Some riders will prefer the nimbleness and lighter sensation of the 27.5-inch wheels. And if that’s the case, we’ve got you covered with the Double Peak Trail 27.5. 

If you’re wondering why you’d consider a 29 wheel, here you go:

First, taller adults and teens will find the ergonomics far more comfortable. Riders will sit more upright (because the handlebars are higher), delivering better control and posture.

Second, the larger wheels roll more efficiently. 1 full rotation gets you further than a smaller wheel.

Third, if you’re a tall rider who will be taking it on easy mountain bike trails, you’ll find the larger diameter wheels roll over stuff (like small exposed tree roots and rocks) easier, translating into a smoother sensation.

BRAKES

Hydraulic disc brakes deliver smoother braking power. Because there’s no friction, like in a cable system.

But not only that, hydro brakes deliver more stopping power and they require less maintenance. If budget permits, they are worth spending extra for.

SUSPENSION

Upfront, the Suntour XCT30 suspension fork is better than average too. 

It’s slightly better built than most suspension forks that come at this price point. The blue lockout lever allows riders to switch the suspension between firm and soft settings. Firm for smooth and soft for rough trails.

GEARS

A key difference with this model Double Peak Trail is the use of a single front chainring. The advantage here is there are less moving parts; because there’s no front gear shifter, derailleur or cables.

The Double Peak Trail comes with a (much) better-than-average 9 speed drivetrain. microSHIFT’s Advent level of components are used for the Trail build. 

Compared to the equivalent Shimano (Alivio), Advent delivers better performance.

The Advent gear range is massive; allowing riders to comfortably cope with a variety of different gradients. The shift-quality feels very smooth. The components are also more at home on rugged trails and perform better in poor track conditions. 

The rear derailleur (the part that changes the back gears) also has an additional feature.

A stabiliser unit built into the derailleur body minimises the chances for the chain derailing from the cogs. 

It also quietens the chain by stopping the derailleur from moving too much over rough trails. 

The microSHIFT rear derailleur is above-average quality for this level. Its construction is more robust than a lot of mid-range derailleurs at this price point.

All good things for mountain biking especially. Off-road tends to be harder on bike components than simply riding on bike paths. 

But, the downside of a single front chain ring is you’re not going to get a high top-speed.

So if you’re someone who likes to push a harder gear on bike paths or you spend a lot of time in the larger front chain ring, you’re better off with the Trail 27.5 version.

Unlike the older style grip-shifters, the Advent shifter uses a 2-paddle trigger action. As a result, gear changes are super precise and reliable.