What’s old is new again, or so they say.  The retro-BMX craze is still going strong and Haro has finally released the bike we’ve all been waiting for - the 2009 Freestyler.  This bike owes its lineage to the legendary 1983 Freestyler that Bob Haro created for the then-new trend of freestyle BMX riding.  I’ll have a full test posted very soon, but for now here’s a quick overview of this awesome new ride.

:: 2009 Haro Freestyler pays tribute to the original 1983 Freestyler - click to enlarge ::

First, it’s important to point out that the 2009 Freestyler is not a recreation of the 1983 Freestyler - it’s a retro-inspired bike with some modern characteristics such as modern geometry, 5mm thick, 10mm (3/8 compatible) rear dropouts, a mid bottom bracket shell, and rear 990 brake mounts.  The frame’s geometry is essentially the same as Haro’s top of the line Convert frame.  The result is a bike that looks retro-cool and rides as well as a high-end modern freestyle bike.  Some purists may scoff at this, but I want to ride this bike, not keep it on display indoors.  This bike has the perfect blend of modern and classic elements.  Yeah, I may swap out some parts, but isn’t that part of the fun of BMX?  Customizing your ride is almost as fun as riding it, but I woudn’t want to change much on this bike as it is.

:: Classic twin top tube design dominates the Freestyler’s personality - click to enlarge ::

With that out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff.  This bike looks killer.  My Freestyler arrived and as I unpacked it the first thing that impressed me was the chrome finish - it’s beautiful.  It’s actually the best chrome I’ve ever seen on a modern bike, and it’s on par with the best I’ve seen on old school Hutches.  Yes, it’s that good.  The same goes for the chrome on the cranks, which are 175mm, by the way.  Haro didn’t let us down with the original Skyway Tuffwheel mags, and the bars are a good match to this bike.

:: New, thicker seat tube gusset is much stronger than the original - click to enlarge ::

The frame is not full 4130 chromoly - although I do not think that means that strength will be sacrificed.  The down tube and fork steerer are chromoly, so it has it where it counts. The welds are very neat and consistent, and the seat tube gusset is at least three times thicker than the originals, so no worries about cracking for those wondering.  The twin top tubes should make this frame plenty rigid, and the overall weight of the bike is surprisingly light.  I’m willing to bet many younger riders will think this frame design is something entirely new - that should be funny to witness.

:: Retro 44/16 gearing, Skyway mags, and blinging chrome - retro is rad.  Click to enlarge ::

Since this is just a preview, that’s all you’ll get for now, but they’ll be much more forthcoming on this rad bike. I’ll have NBL A-Pro and awesome freestyler Ryan “Z-Man” Zielinski test this bike at the park, on the street, and even on the race track.  Of course I’ll have many killer photos and videos for you, as well as a full report on how the bike performed.   Until then, I’ll be riding and catching the reactions from the locals at the skatepark when they see this retro-rad ride.

:: Replica of Bob Haro’s 1983 Haro Freesyler, built by Dan Durr - click to enlarge ::

Related Links:

• Haro Bikes
• HaroFreestyler.com