Stuff We Like: Diamondback Haanjo Comp

We’re often asked advice on what types of bikes to buy. This is never an easy question to answer, and my first response is ask more questions in order to formulate a proper recommendation. Road or dirt? Trail riding? Pavement? A commuter? Who are you planning to ride with? And of course, “how much are you willing to spend?”

For San Franciscans looking primarily for a versatile commuter they can do some extended road rides on the weekends, we used to point folks to cross bikes. Now that Gravel Bikes are a thing, our recommendations have shifted. One of our picks in this category is the Haanjo Comp from Diamondback.

Diamondback is a brand known for packing value for the buck, and it shows here with with you get for the price. At the heart of the bike is the butted 6061 alloy disc specific frame with a formed top tube. It features all the latest innovations the industry has to offer, and in addition to the disc brake mounts, it also features a tapered headtube. It has a longer wheelbase than road bike, and a slacker head angle than a typical cross bike, which means a stable, comfortable ride for new riders. Gravel Bikes are built for a variety of surfaces, which means you can venture off the beaten path, and explore the sandy trails of Golden Gate Park, or pedal up to Sausalito. It comes spec’d with disc brakes which provide reliable stopping power in all conditions and also means it won’t be dated anytime soon. Shimano 105 2×10 speed drive train components hit the mark between value and performance. Much of the spec went into the components, and that’s the way we like it. The wheels are more of a basic number, but for commuters and urban dwellers, wheels are a part that occasionally disappear, so less is more in this case.

There are also rack and fender mounts — key features that add to the versatility, and keep it commuter friendly. At $1,300 it’s a bit more than my co-workers probably expect to pay, but for an potential enthusiast, the slightly bigger investment mean you won’t outgrow it anytime soon.

We’re also fond of the graphics, which aren’t flashy, and mean when you lock it up on the streets of SF, it’s likely to still be there when you return.

Check it out: Diamondback Haanjo Comp