Hi All,

I've moved this from Classics & Vintage.

Just wondering if anyone can help please.

The bike I'm looking for info on is a rigid frame Haro Vector V2C, don't see them over here.

What are your thoughts on them? I've a chance to buy one but haven't seen it in the flesh.

I know it's a low medium entry mtb from around 20 years ago, but there doesn't appear to be much info on them.

Thanks

I have a Vector V1e, so I can offer a few thoughts, plus and minus.

For an entry level MTB, not bad at all. 4130 cromoly frame. Welds are higher quality than I would expect, and the fork looks pretty beefy, which doesn't surprise me - Haro has a BMX background if memory serves.

Parts are relatively low-rent, but you'd expect that at this price point. Shimano 18-speed drivetrain with paddle shifters, nutted rear wheel. It all works well enough.

As far as the funky V-bar bent top tube design, I don't like the housing run on the back half of the rear brake cable sitting next to the frame. That will wear down the paint over time unless you install protective tape as a barrier. Minor quibble but worth mentioning.

I'm not clear on what this bent tube design does other than perhaps lower standover height, which would make the bike fit a wider range of people than a traditional design. If anyone here knows, I'd be interested.

Many Thanks bargainguy.

That looks nice, the one I've been offered is a purple / violet type of colour, but is in good condition priced at $70 dollars.
It has quick release skewers and gripshift shifters.
.
I want it just for a runaround and it will be left unattended but locked for a couple of weeks at a time on private land, so don't want to spend too much.
I'll put semi slicks on as it will be used on minor roads. I did consider a road bike, but I find MTB's more versatile.

The only thing I'm a bit unsure about is the frame size, it's a 17.5", my Kona Hoss is 17.5" but that's a different animal. I'm just under 6'-0" with a shortish inside leg of approx 31".
The Kona is fine at that size, so hopefully it should be ok.

Many Thanks for the help.

Beic

Update,

I took a punt and bought it. I'll put some pictures up when it arrives.

Congratulations!

Thanks.

Well,

It arrived, here's a picture.

(I think the front brake cabling is wrong, as there is a sleeved hole which I think is for the cable).

Haro Vector V2C

You're right, the front brake housing should be threaded through the hole in the stem, that's why it's there. But it also looks like you have a separate cable hanger atop the headset. That cable stop makes it a lot easier to set up and adjust the front brake than without it.

I think manufacturers thought back then - which was cheaper, drilled stem or cable hanger, and the drilled stem won in many instances, though some have both. It's not ideal IMO to have a drilled stem only. The danger is that if your threaded stem works loose during a ride - say riding on bumpy or rutted roads without being properly tightened first - you lose not only steering, but your front brake as well. A $3 cable hanger is a much better solution.

Thanks,

I'll stick with the hangar.