Haro Flightline One 27.5

Haro’s latest Flightline One mountain bike is designed for pre-teens and early teens. Especially those who are transitioning to their first proper full-size mountain bike. 

The Flightline is not a hardcore mountain bike. Rather, it’s designed for recreational bike rides with friends and family on rail trails, country or suburban bike paths.

For those looking at the Giant ATX, it’s another great option to place on your new bike shortlist.

In this preview, we’ll go through some key features and explain why it’s a great option.

Who is the Haro Flightline One for?

The Flightline One rider is a pre-teen or just-turned teen upgrading from a 24-inch kids bike.

They’ll use the bike on light dirt and gravel trails and bike paths. And it’s got to be versatile; riding to school, with mates and family bike rides.

Flightline One Details

Starting with the frame.

Credit where it’s due. Haro are never stingy with producing their frames.

In both the actual aluminium material (grade X6 is better than average) and the manufacturing method. Both aspects of frame design are completed to a high standard.

We’d go as far saying that it's the best frame in our range, at this price point.

First, the physical sections of the frame are different.

Details matter. Square tubing is used for high-load areas and circular for lesser load areas. 

Haro has gone to the extra effort of removing material from the frame where it’s not required and adding where it is. This improves the Flightline One frame’s strength-to-weight ratio.

Internal cable routing hides the majority of cables. And creates a super clean looking frame.

Next, the gears.

The Flightline One is built with Shimano gears.

Riders get 3 front gears and 7 back gears.

Unlike most kids bikes, these gear shifters are proper triggers. Not gripshift. Gear shifts are more precise and easier to use. 

The 3 front gears are designed for:

• Very steep uphill (gear 1)
• Flat/gentle gradients (gear 2)
• Very steep downhill (gear 3).

Most bike trails will only require gear 2.

But it’s the 7 gears on the back that riders should be using more. There is a gear for most terrain types (gentle gradients and flat). 

It’s also worth mentioning that for riders with small hands, the brake levers are adjustable to be closer to the handlebar.

This gives riders (especially younger riders) so much more control and confidence. 

It’s also worth mentioning that Haro has used Shimano hubs. These are rare to see at this price point. And better than what many brands use.