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 it's product line and establishing national and international
distribution. The BMX boom was in full swing and the company built a reputation
for developing radical, innovative, top-of-the-line BMX and freestyle bikes
and accessories.
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,
Matt 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.
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 it's new independence,
and Jim leading the company as its President, the company re-established
it's 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 it's 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 maintain
its powerhouse presence in the mountain bike market by signing World Cup
downhill contenders Mick Hannah in 2002 and Greg Minnaar in 2003. Mick and
Greg join former UCI World Champion downhiller Mike King and Canadian
cross-country superstars Seamus McGrath and Chris Sheppard.
One thing however, has remained constant during Haro's 20 plus year
history. That's our mission to produce innovative, performance oriented
bikes and parts that "dare to be different" in a marketplace
saturated with look-a-like products.
Please send all inquiries to :
Haro Bicycles 1230 Avenida Chelsea Vista, CA 92083