Diamondback Haanjo 3: Personalized Gravel Builds

[travelgirl]

Can anyone explain to me why on earth the Diamondback Haanjo 3 is even considered a gravel bike when its essentially just a watered-down cyclocross bike with some slightly wider tires? I mean, come on, its got a 68mm bottom bracket drop, a 73-degree head tube angle, and a frame designed for racing on pavement. How is that gravel by any stretch of the imagination? And dont even get me started on the component spec - 105 groupset, Ultegra wheels, and a saddle thats clearly designed for the average roadie who thinks a 40-mile ride is a big deal. What exactly makes this bike gravel-ready? Is it the fact that the tires are 35mm wide instead of 23mm? Give me a break. Ive seen more aggressive geometry on a Trek Domane.

And while were at it, can someone please explain to me why the Haanjo 3s gravel build comes with a 46/36 chainring setup? Who thought that was a good idea? Dont you think a 1x setup with a wide-range cassette would be more suitable for actual gravel riding? And whats with the 160mm rotors? Are we really expecting to be hauling down steep hills on this thing at 30mph? Newsflash: if youre riding that fast on gravel, youre probably doing it wrong.

Im not trying to hate on the Haanjo 3 - Im sure its a fine bike for what its designed for. But lets be real, its a road bike with some minor tweaks to make it slightly more versatile. If youre actually planning to ride on gravel, youd be better off with a real gravel bike, not some compromised road bike with a few gravel-inspired features tacked on. So, Haanjo 3 owners, please, do tell - what makes this bike so special for gravel riding?

 

[jaybeex2]

Oh, I see you're questioning the almighty Haanjo 3, huh? Brave move! Well, let me tell you, the beauty of this bike lies in its versatility. Yes, it has road bike DNA, but that's not a bad thing. It's like that friend who can fit in anywhere – pavement, gravel, dirt, you name it.

Now, about that 46/36 chainring setup, it's not a mistake. It's a choice! Some of us enjoy the challenge of spinning like a maniac up those gravel hills. And those 160mm rotors? They're there to remind you that speed isn't everything, especially when you're navigating loose terrain.

So, is the Haanjo 3 a "real" gravel bike? Who's to say? But one thing's for sure – it's a whole lot of fun. And isn't that what riding's all about? ‍

 

[drPD]

The Haanjo 3's geometry may not align with your definition of a gravel bike, but its designation is not solely determined by bottom bracket drop or head tube angle. The bike's versatility in accommodating wider tires, coupled with its component spec, indeed positions it as a formidable option for gravel exploration. However, if you're in pursuit of a more aggressive gravel geometry, you may want to consider a frame with a lower bottom bracket and slacker head tube angle.

 

[mark75k9]

While I can appreciate your skepticism towards the Haanjo 3's classification as a gravel bike, let's consider the broader picture. Sure, it may not meet the traditional standards of a gravel bike, but it's designed for versatility and accessibility. The 105 groupset and Ultegra wheels are solid choices for durability and performance, and the wider tires provide stability and comfort on various terrains. As for the frame design, it's not uncommon for gravel bikes to have a more aggressive geometry. After all, gravel riding often involves paved roads too. It's like saying a car can't be a 4x4 just because it's driven on the highway most of the time. It's not about the label; it's about how you use it.

 

[limerickmin]

The Haanjo 3's design may not fit the traditional gravel bike mold, but that doesn't mean it can't excel on gravel. The 68mm bottom bracket drop and 73-degree head tube angle can provide stability and quick handling, which can be beneficial on variable terrain. The 35mm tires offer more cushion and grip than their skinnier road counterparts, and the 105 groupset and Ultegra wheels are known for their durability and performance.

As for the 46/3

 

[mc83]

Haanjo 3, more like "almost-a-gravel-bike" 3, amirite? (although I'm not claiming to be a comedian here)
Sure, it's got wider tires, but a roadie-focused saddle and 105 groupset tell a different story.
And that chainring setup, yikes! A 1x with wide-range cassette would be a better fit for gravel.
Let's not even get started on those 160mm rotors, unless you're planning to ride this thing down a mountain.
But hey, if you're into compromises and prefer a road bike with a dash of gravel, it might just be the one for you.