Haro's 'First Generation' and the rise of BMX Freestyle

Legendary era-authentic reissues out now!

14 Apr 2020

HARO are Official DIG Partners

1984 became a pivotal year of evolution for the emerging BMX Freestyle scene as a series of factors combined to energize its phenomenal growth. On the leading edge of the new movement, a committed young entrepreneur and Freestyle pioneer named Bob Haro was already out-of-the-gate, having founded the first rider-owned Freestyle brand, Haro Designs, four years earlier. Bob Haro's vision for BMX Freestyle became the catalyst for the introduction of a series of innovative Haro products and accessories that essentially created the market for dedicated Freestyle products.

Without question, the catalyst for the rise in Freestyle participation in the early 1980s was the launch of the first dedicated frame and fork combination, the Haro Freestyler. Designed by Bob with several intelligent features, and manufactured by Torker BMX in Fullerton, California, the concept quickly legitimized Freestyle and alerted the established BMX racing industry to the new opportunity. Despite the arrival of competitive brands including GT, Hutch, and Redline, Haro Designs maintained a market-leading position throughout the 1980s, delivering some of the most stylish and innovative products in the 40-year history of the sport.

Haro - First Generation

Through new interviews, archive imagery, and era-footage, "Haro-First Generation" takes a deeper dive into the rise of BMX Freestyle during the early 1980s. Bob Haro and Mike Dominguez recall the legendary King of the Skate Parks contest series, and the transition from trick shows, and bike shop demo's, to the spectacular, "Big Air" skate park era.

At the center of the story, we celebrate a prolific era of product development at Haro Designs. In the Spring of 1984, the company launched two game-changing, Freestyle models – the first dedicated vert bike and Freestyle signature model - the Mike Dominguez Haro Sport, and the Haro Master - the next generation Freestyle bike that set standards for all to follow.

In celebration of this pivotal moment, Haro have produced 300 limited edition, replica frame and fork packages in Santa Ana, California. Using locally sourced raw materials and era-correct manufacturing techniques, the First Generation "Bob Haro" Master, and Prototype, single-top-tube "Mike Dominguez" signature Haro Sport, are packaged with replica jerseys, custom pad sets, and presented in custom, foam-lined display boxes. Each package is sequentially numbered and signed by Mike (Sport) and Bob (Master)

Don't miss out on owning one of these legendary era-authentic reissues from the first brand in Freestyle; Haro Designs.

The Haro First Generation collection is available HERE