mtb-timeline

Haro Designs

Bob Haro started his BMX art & design business in 1978 in Redondo Beach, CA. He first started as an illustrator for BMX Action Magazine and hand made custom BMX number plates. Bob was an early creator of Freestyle BMX - sort of like what Danny MacAskill does nowadays, but on small bikes with no gears. In 1981, Bob Haro appears in the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as a stunt rider. His first Hero branded BMX bikes appeared in 1982, after moving to Carlsbad, CA, and then followed by Haro mountain bikes in 1985. Bob sold the Haro Bikes company in 1988 and continued on as a Haro Bikes design consulatant for a few more years.

Starting in 1987, all Haro MTBs distinguished themselves with a head tube frame gusset, which Haro BMX bikes were already using. Starting in 1988, all Haro MTBs also used a bent top tube to also set their design apart. Haro Bicycles continues to produce bikes of all styles today: https://harobikes.com/. Haro appears to remain an independent brand.

Resources: Haro bikes history Bob Haro' Instagram Bob Haro's website wikipedia 23mag Retro Haro Faceook group

Bob Haro posing for BMX Action Magazine. instagram & instagram

1985 Explorer

SunTour MounTech GTL rear (1982-83), AG Tech front (1978-87), SR MTS-100 “Slingshot” stem (1983+). Feels like a 1983-4 bike, yet Haro says they started selling Explorer 26's in 1985.

1985 Explorer bmxmuseum

1986 Explorer

SunTour XC? deraillers (1984-86).

1986 Explorer offerup

1987 Extreme

Shimano Deore (1987-88), head tube gusset.

1987 Extreme facebook

1988 Escape 20

20“ wheels for either kids or adults transitioning from BMX. SunTour Scrambler rear derailleur (?). Upgraded front triple. In 1988, the Haro catalog didn't list a true MTB but regressed to spec'ing only single front cranks. So, this bike shouldn't count as an official entry - but it's a simple, yet unusual, kid's MTB.

1988 Escape 20 fcebook