Haro Bikes

Haro Bicycle Corporation, as it is now known, was founded in 1978 by Bob Haro.

Bob got his start by producing numberplates for BMX bikes in his bedroom. Demand for these stylish plates quickly outgrew Bob's one man capacity. Haro Designs, the first name of the company, was formed in 1980 with headquarters in Torrance, California.

While the company was growing, Bob was also growing the sport of freestyle BMX. He traveled around the country performing demos of radical trick riding that had not been seen anywhere before. As a result, Bob earned the title "The Father of Freestyle". During the early eighties, Haro grew rapidly by expanding its product line and establishing national and international distribution. The BMX boom was in full swing and the company built a reputation for developing innovative, top-of-the-line BMX and freestyle bikes and accessories. Haro's most popular BMX/Freestyle models were the Master and the Sport.

The first Haro bikes were manufactured by Torker. [ cite web
url = http://delsolbikes.com/about.php
title = Haro Bikes: The real Haro story
accessdate = 2008-02-04] In 1982, when Haro introduced his own line of racing pants, his sponsorship by Torker and Max was terminated. [ cite web
url = http://www.fatbmx.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3832
title = FATBMX: BMX Bizznizz : Interview with BMX guru Harold McGruther
accessdate = 2008-02-04]

Although injuries forced Bob to relinquish his riding duties, Haro subsequently compiled a virtual "who's who" list of talented riders including Mike Dominguez, Ron Wilkerson, Brian Blyther, Dave Nourie, Dennis McCoy, Mat Hoffman, Mike King, Pete Loncarevich and many more. These riders won nearly every title there was in both BMX and freestyle. Media attention quickly put Haro in the spotlight as an industry leader with a bicycle line focused on the high end "Master" and more moderate "Sport". In 1986, Haro's design of the "Master" was at its climax with what is typically regarded as its most beautiful form with uniquely designed Haro Group 1 components, paint over chrome frame and forks, and uniquely designed flip-up pegs. The 1986 "Master" in team issue neon green with all original components has become highly collectible. In 1987, The "Master" was made over to reduce the cost of the 1986 model.

In 1988, Bob sold the company to a bigger bike company and agreed to a five year consulting contract that provided continuing product innovation and a premium image for the brand. At the end of five years Bob left Haro and started a graphic design company that continues to provide leading edge design and marketing services to a wide range of customers.

In 1993, the company was again sold, this time to a group of investors headed by Haro's Vice President since 1981, Jim Ford. With its new independence, and Jim leading the company as its President, the company re-established its focus on Bob's original vision and began a rebuilding process that followed a sharp decline in the BMX market dating back to 1988.

Within one year, key management positions were filled and a new dealer base was established. A new competitive BMX racing team was formed and superstar freestyle riders Dave Mirra and Ryan Nyquist were signed by Haro soon after.

Haro's new products re-established its reputation for innovation and performance.

By 1999, sales had exploded and Haro was again recognized as one of the top brands of BMX and freestyle bikes.

The sport's popularity has reached new heights, thanks to greater television exposure ESPN's X-Games and NBC's Gravity Games. In fact, Haro riders have combined to win over ten medals since the X-Games started in 1996, the most of any bike company. Dave Mirra is the most decorated X-Games athlete with eight medals, six of them gold. Recently, Haro has taken major steps to establish its presence in the mountain bike market by signing former UCI World Champion Downhiller Mike King and the current UCI World Champion Cross Country racer, Michael Rasmussen of Denmark.

Dave Mirra has recently left Haro to make his own company Mirra Bike Co.

References

External links

* [http://www.harobikes.com Official Haro Bikes Website]
* [http://www.23mag.com/com/haro/haro.htm Pictoral Timeline of the History of Haro Bikes]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-3Kvi4_ODs BMX enthusiasts performing turbo-level tricks on a Haro Mirra 540]