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English => General Flatland Forum => Topic started by: out~riding on December 14, 2012, 04:05:28 PM

Title: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: out~riding on December 14, 2012, 04:05:28 PM
It's official:

Quote
MATTHIAS DANDOIS ON HARO!

For immediate release


World Champion Matthias Dandois joins HARO Bikes
...
Vista, Ca. 14 December 2012. Haro Bicycles announces the addition of Matthias Dandois as the newest member of Team Haro for 2013. Matthias hails from Paris, France and is no stranger on the freestyle scene. Few riders travel more than Matthias does, and also for 2013 Matthias has big plans. The 2012 World Champion in pro flatland doesn't stick to riding flatland alone. Matthias considers himself a rider and rides whatever is in front of him. His frame of choice is the HARO SD V2, a frame designed by Dennis Enarson.

"Having Matthias Dandois on HARO Bikes is great news for HARO's brand awereness in Europe. The well liked and approachable Frenchie is on the case non stop. From joining tours to doing demos, to entering contests to doing TV shows, Matthias does it all," says HARO's European Marketing manager Bart de Jong. "Matthias will come to a town near you in 2013."

Colin MacKay (HARO US TM) added: “I first saw Matthias in France battling his flatland skills against some break-dancers, I was amazed at his way of riding, no kicking and scuffing the tires like I used to see. He had a modern style and amazing flow. I got to know him over the last few years and I have often thought about him riding for Haro.
Now in 2012, Matthias has expanded his riding skills from just riding Flatland to also riding Street. He still regularly wins flat contests and travels the world riding BMX and having the time of his life. I’m really excited to have him on the team and look forward to seeing Matthias riding a Haro bike.”

In the short time that Matthias has been on board he has traveled to Japan for an event, has done a show for a major TV station in France and is preparing to go to Moscow for the Russian BMX Awards show. This is what Matthias Dandois has to say about his new ride: “Nobody has an idea how stoked I am to ride for Haro! First of all Haro is a legendary brand that gave so much for freestyle! Also, my riding has been changing a lot this past year: I try to ride a little bit of everything now so I needed a frame that actually fit my riding. The Haro SD V2 (Dennis Enarson signature frame) is perfect for me, I can ride Flat, Street, Park, whatever with it. I already had a couple of sessions on it and it feels amazing! And how cool is it to ride your friend's frame! Last but not least, the team is stacked with amazing riders that are all friends of mine. You can't go wrong roadtrippin' with your homies! I'm excited to say the least!”

Everyone at HARO would like to officially welcome Matthias to the HARO Bikes team.
Title: Re: Matthias no HARO
Post by: faqe on December 14, 2012, 04:43:53 PM
its not April yet..
Title: Re: Matthias no HARO
Post by: byke on December 14, 2012, 04:50:59 PM
Chad Degroot was the last big flat name I can remember who rode for Haro.
Lets hope they don't continue to go down this retro market route and rerelease a longer version and more modern day update of that green thing they sold back in 2002? That was Chads signature frame at the time.
Title: Matthias on Haro Bicycles
Post by: Mr News Bot on December 14, 2012, 05:33:12 PM

The press release says it all: 'Haro Bicycles announces the addition of Matthias Dandois as the newest member of Team Haro for 2013. Matthias hails from Paris, France and is no stranger on the freestyle scene. Few riders travel more than Matthias does, and also for 2013 Matthias has big plans. The 2012 World Champion in pro flatland doesn't stick to riding flatland alone. Matthias considers himself a rider and rides whatever is in front of him. His frame of choice is the HARO SD V2, a frame designed by Dennis Enarson.

"Having Matthias Dandois on HARO Bikes is great news for HARO's brand awereness in Europe. The well liked and approachable Frenchie is on the case non stop. From joining tours to doing demos, to entering contests to doing TV shows, Matthias does it all," says HARO's European Marketing manager Bart de Jong. "Matthias will come to a town near you in 2013."

Colin MacKay (HARO US TM) added: “I first saw Matthias in France battling his flatland skills against some break-dancers, I was amazed at his way of riding, no kicking and scuffing the tires like I used to see. He had a modern style and amazing flow. I got to know him over the last few years and I have often thought about him riding for Haro. Now in 2012, Matthias has expanded his riding skills from just riding Flatland to also riding Street. He still regularly wins flat contests and travels the world riding BMX and having the time of his life. I’m really excited to have him on the team and look forward to seeing Matthias riding a Haro bike.”

In the short time that Matthias has been on board he has traveled to Japan for an event, has done a show for a major TV station in France and is preparing to go to Moscow for the Russian BMX Awards show. This is what Matthias Dandois has to say about his new ride: “Nobody has an idea how stoked I am to ride for Haro! First of all Haro is a legendary brand that gave so much for freestyle!  Also, my riding has been changing a lot this past year: I try to ride a little bit of everything now so I needed a frame that actually fit my riding. The Haro SD V2 (Dennis Enarson signature frame) is perfect for me, I can ride Flat, Street, Park, whatever with it. I already had a couple of sessions on it and it feels amazing! And how cool is it to ride your friend's frame! Last but not least, the team is stacked with amazing riders that are all friends of mine.  You can't go wrong roadtrippin' with your homies! I'm excited to say the least!”

Everyone at HARO would like to officially welcome Matthias to the HARO Bikes team.'
(http://www.global-flat.com/upload/media/2012-12-14-17-30-06matthiasportrait1.jpg)
Title: Re: Matthias no HARO
Post by: wolverines on December 14, 2012, 05:44:13 PM
Matthias,
Haro fusion pegs v2 in 1.5 this time please  B) B)
Title: Re: Matthias no HARO
Post by: kabirun on December 14, 2012, 06:08:10 PM
Whore!
Title: Re: Matthias no HARO
Post by: EZChris on December 14, 2012, 06:18:36 PM
So how much do we speculate that contract cost Haro?

The most obvious marketing tactic I've seen in BMX for ages - I hope Haro sell a bunch of those SD frames to pay for it!

Big up MD tho - great way to make a living doing something you love. Very envious.
Title: Re: Matthias no HARO
Post by: EZChris on December 14, 2012, 06:20:46 PM
I'm not just saying this either - I actually had no idea Haro still made any products aimed at actual BMX.


Thought they were a Walmart brand now.
Title: Re: Matthias no HARO
Post by: efxman on December 14, 2012, 06:36:35 PM
Actually It is a smart move for Haro.  I was looking through a Dan's Comp magazine last night and when you look at street frames in general they all look alike yet they all charge around $350 for a frame.  Then on the same page are two Haro frames, same angles, made of 4130 CroMo and only cost $160.  To me there stuff is as good as anyone elses but because of the lower price people shy away from it thinking it's not good.  I think with some big names like Matthias it will bring credibility to them again.  Also they have McCoy back on their team.  I for one think Haro is on track, they are supporting riders and glad to see Matthias making a living at it.  Also calling Matthias a whore for signing this sort of deal is retarded, how is it being a whore for being paid for what you love doing.  He is on Haro not Huffy.  I will agree with EZChris though that Haro needs to now step up the product line and not fall back on their past.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: out~riding on December 14, 2012, 06:37:59 PM
So how much do we speculate that contract cost Haro?

The most obvious marketing tactic I've seen in BMX for ages - I hope Haro sell a bunch of those SD frames to pay for it!

Big up MD tho - great way to make a living doing something you love. Very envious.



Will he have his own signature frame? I think they will probably end up making one.

He's not "full factory" as he is still riding for Odyssey...

so will Haro make some flat parts? ... I don't know ...
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: pwh4130 on December 14, 2012, 06:58:09 PM
So guys bitch when flatland riders can't get a bigger sponsor. Now they butch about the company that picked him up. WTF do you want?  Be happy for him. Be happy for Haro. Or don't say anything because how much does it really impact your life?  I work for Haro and am glad to see them pick him up. Glad Colin could work this.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: Stereolab on December 14, 2012, 11:25:22 PM
Normally I don't care nor even know who's sponsored by whom anymore, but Matthias on HARO?  That's awesome!
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: Kouto on December 14, 2012, 11:39:23 PM
I think the "whore" posts are jokes.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: kabirun on December 15, 2012, 07:01:40 AM
Yes, I was just kidding


why so serious?
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: K.Wong on December 15, 2012, 10:07:11 AM
big congrats to matthias.

@ byke:
are you refering to the big-daddy knock-off? with the exception of the seatstay wishbone and the platforms of the earlier models...

@wolverines:
i think they (haro) did release 1.5" x 4" alloy fusion flatland pegs. they are fairly common over here, still sold by certain bike shops with older stock.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: byke on December 15, 2012, 01:17:32 PM
K.Wong

More so thinking of this one :
(http://666kb.com/i/10g47ufo1am80.jpg)
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: K.Wong on December 16, 2012, 08:52:01 AM
yeah, i've forgetten that the earlier ones had bended oversize downtube; was thinking of this.
there's a late model one in my lbs with separated t.t/ h.t juncture due to crappy welding, looks like a plain-jane version of the deco...
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: K.Wong on December 16, 2012, 08:55:29 AM
checked out the frame at the haro site, the dropouts looks small, peg and feet unfriendly...very similar to the ares s-kill.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: chamnaplong on December 17, 2012, 06:52:34 AM
I wish I was a competition between Matthias Dandois and Matt Wilhelm
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: 2flat2furious on December 18, 2012, 03:35:29 AM
It's strange. I can't tell if Haro is interested in Matthias as some strange cross-over brand and original face, or if they're interested in flatland. Either way, Haro? Seriously? Good things could come out of this relationship.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: out~riding on December 18, 2012, 07:28:16 PM
It's hard to say right now what Haro is planning..

Are they just trying to get more respect and brand recognition from the community?

or are they going to re-start some sort of flatland line?

I'm betting on the first...  >:(
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: OldYeller on December 18, 2012, 08:04:44 PM
He's pretty visible even outside of strictly flatland riders, so he should be good for the brand and stand out more than just another unidentifiable street or park rider.


With the way bikes are progressing, I could see Haro adding foot friendly dropouts to all their frames and some shorter lengths to their line and calling it good enough.  No flatland specific line up needed.


Honestly, other than dropouts there isn't any difference in flatland specific frames anymore and Haro sells to such a wide market that some shorter bikes are probably needed in their lineup anyway.  You could say stand over height is a difference, but would a street or park rider complain about a lower stand over?  I highly doubt it.  An Intrikat doesn't look like a flat bike and it's a huge success.


Besides that, we're already starting to see more riders on longer street frames.


I think Haro will get a lot of benefit for little investment.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: wolverines on December 19, 2012, 01:54:13 AM
It's strange. I can't tell if Haro is interested in Matthias as some strange cross-over brand and original face, or if they're interested in flatland. Either way, Haro? Seriously? Good things could come out of this relationship.

THIS
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: TOflat on December 25, 2012, 02:47:41 AM
It's a very odd move for Haro to sponsor one of, if not the top flatland rider in the world if the freestyle market is pretty much dried up. There are very few marketable companies offering any flatland parts to begin with. I believe it's more to boost up the diversity of their street team by saying "Hey, Matthias rides the Haro SD frame and does all this stuff on it, it's a great frame" and that is probably it. I don't even think they'll even try to remake a Master frame for 2013/2014 unless Matthias drops/is dropped by Odyssey. 99% sure it's a cross marketing strategy rather than a call to flatland in general.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: 2flat2furious on January 04, 2013, 06:58:37 PM
Something I thought about earlier.

It doesn't matter what he does or what he rides (flatland/street/dirt) because they're not concerned with flatland. I doubt haro will do anything with flatland moving forward. This is about marketing, and grabbing up one of the most image friendly riders on the planet. For Matthias it means more money, and for flatland it means next to nothing.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: D on January 04, 2013, 07:11:18 PM
This is really cool.  Since Matthias rides a normal sized ramp bike AND is arguably one of, if not the, most influential flatlander of this generation, this is a big win for Haro.  They won't have to market or manufacture a flatland bike that serves a microscopic sub-market of an already small market, and they'll get to sell their bikes to kids who want to be like Matthias.  Win win. 


TJ, I'm not sure what you mean by moving flatland forward.  What were you expecting from Haro?  More flatland specific product innovations?  Matthias runs most ramp bike parts, right?   
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: johnu773 on January 04, 2013, 07:13:18 PM
Something I thought about earlier.

It doesn't matter what he does or what he rides (flatland/street/dirt) because they're not concerned with flatland. I doubt haro will do anything with flatland moving forward. This is about marketing, and grabbing up one of the most image friendly riders on the planet. For Matthias it means more money, and for flatland it means next to nothing.

I agree 100%  people will see a video of him and if their son/daughter goes into a bike shop to buy a bike will connect with haro (versus a trek or specialized).
 It's similar to the ironic signing of DMC and the release of the 30th anniversary twin tt frame.  oldschooler are gonna eat that crap up by the dozens
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: 2flat2furious on January 04, 2013, 09:27:48 PM
This is really cool.  Since Matthias rides a normal sized ramp bike AND is arguably one of, if not the, most influential flatlander of this generation, this is a big win for Haro.  They won't have to market or manufacture a flatland bike that serves a microscopic sub-market of an already small market, and they'll get to sell their bikes to kids who want to be like Matthias.  Win win. 


TJ, I'm not sure what you mean by moving flatland forward.  What were you expecting from Haro?  More flatland specific product innovations?  Matthias runs most ramp bike parts, right?   

I'm not sure what you didn't get from my comment. It won't increase flatland's exposure any more than it already has because Matthias is already one of if not the most covered rider on the planet and even then most of what comes out of his riding is street these days. I just don't see a net benefit for flatland as a whole. It's not bad at all and I hope Matthias makes bank doing what he does with haro, but it's a drop in the bucket and nothing has changed because of this.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: Phatman on January 15, 2013, 02:32:56 AM
Sorry to dig up an old thread, only just seen this! I think its awesome for Matthias to pick up such a big sponsor. I would imagine he will have some sort of signature frame even if its as mentioned just a modified version of something Haro is already making. I can see it being 75, 20"/20.5", 71, 11.5, 13" I know thats pretty bog standard flatland geometry at the moment it seems most companies are heading this way, but with the money Haro has i can see them knocking out a great frame with great attention to detail at a competitive price.


Edited due to my idiocy!
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: 2flat2furious on January 15, 2013, 07:39:22 AM
Sorry to dig up an old thread, only just seen this! I think its awesome for Matthias to pick up such a big sponsor. I would imagine he will have some sort of signature frame even if its as mentioned just a modified version of something Haro is already making. I cant see it being 75, 20"/20.5", 71, 11.5, 13" I know thats pretty bog standard flatland geometry at the moment it seems most companies are heading this way, but with the money Haro has i can see them knocking out a great frame with great attention to detail at a competitive price.

Matthias rides street specs fyi. His frame would be exactly that.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: D on January 15, 2013, 03:18:25 PM
Flatland started being shoved out of mainstream BMX when the bikes started evolving into separate disciplines, which led to ramps and street skyrocketing in popularity and flatland falling into a crater we've never gotten out of.  No  Hopefully this will be a beginning of even a slight reversal. 
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: Phatman on January 15, 2013, 07:15:37 PM
Sorry to dig up an old thread, only just seen this! I think its awesome for Matthias to pick up such a big sponsor. I would imagine he will have some sort of signature frame even if its as mentioned just a modified version of something Haro is already making. I cant see it being 75, 20"/20.5", 71, 11.5, 13" I know thats pretty bog standard flatland geometry at the moment it seems most companies are heading this way, but with the money Haro has i can see them knocking out a great frame with great attention to detail at a competitive price.

Matthias rides street specs fyi. His frame would be exactly that.

Im a retard, i just noticed i said i CANT see when i was supposed to say CAN. Sorry for the mix up guys!
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: 2flat2furious on January 15, 2013, 09:10:24 PM
Flatland started being shoved out of mainstream BMX when the bikes started evolving into separate disciplines, which led to ramps and street skyrocketing in popularity and flatland falling into a crater we've never gotten out of.  No  Hopefully this will be a beginning of even a slight reversal. 

I hope not. I don't see any reason to integrate bikes back into the realm of something used to ride street and flat.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: Phatman on January 15, 2013, 09:35:17 PM
Have agree with TJ. I think there should be Flat bikes for Flat & Street bikes for Street. Ive very nearly finished my hybrid, I love riding Flat & although my shoulder has something different to say, i love riding street too. My bikes are worlds apart too. 20"/13" 75.5 with minimal offset forks for the hybrid & 19.25"/12.75" 74 with zero offset forks for Flat. As mentioned i do like to ride both but i wouldnt want the two to merge & lose out on the 2 different styles.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: tod miller on January 16, 2013, 03:59:21 PM
I feel the opposite.  I think new comers will maybe feel like they can ride flat on whatever bike they have...no need for a second bike to ride flat. 


Besides, these days...flat specific geo is getting much closer to street frame geo more than ever.  A lot of people are running straight tube frame and two piece bars now too.


I'm currently setting up a "hybrid" bike of sorts...I'm tired of having two bikes.


Matthias riding for Haro is a great  thing.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: OldYeller on January 16, 2013, 08:56:59 PM
Nothing stops you from getting a flat specific bike.


How many newcomers have been told to get some expensive, short, easy to break bike when they aren't even sure what they want to do?


We should be telling them to get two more pegs and go ride.


If the bike doesn't fit, they'll eventually figure it out for themselves but limiting yourself to a flat only bike isn't appealing for a vast majority of people, myself included.


I didn't start out on flat, I started out doing stupid sh*t on a BMX bike.  Freestyle meant whatever we wanted it to mean and it was a lot of fun, but we had one bike.


Now it almost feels like people are training for the Olympics.  Start out young and sacrifice your life for this one narrow minded pursuit.  Screw that, ride whatever you feel like because it's a blast and if you become specialized because that's what you love, good for you.


But let's don't push people into specialized bikes that don't need them, that just pushes people away.

Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: D on January 16, 2013, 10:50:56 PM
I don't know if the two things are related, but ever since there were "flatland" and "ramp" bikes, flatland has lagged in popularity while ramps and street has exploded.  Something similar happened to skating 20+ years ago.  No one wanted to bother with having two boards.  Seeing as how BMX is generally populated by people almost guaranteed to have no money at all, trying to convince someone to invest another $1000 is a second bike is a stretch.   

I have two bikes now because I'm old and can (mostly) afford it, but I rode ramps on my main bike for years without any problems.  No one bike will be perfect for everything, and it's true that some thing are easier on some setups, but getting people to realize that you don't need a zero offset, 18.5", no top tube, 12" back end circus bike to actually be very good at flatland would be a very good thing for everybody.   
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: 2flat2furious on January 17, 2013, 04:56:08 PM
I started out on a Dyno zone. It had a 19 inch top tube and was, for all intents and purposes a flatland bike with sh*tty brakes, rims, tires, bars, seat, pedals. It was just total junk, but it was flat geometry and that helped a lot.
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: johnu773 on January 17, 2013, 05:51:06 PM
i rode everything back in the late 80's-early 90's and it was impossible to be completely happy on just one bike.  either it was not strong enough for street or it was too bulky for flat.  just the battle between gnurled pegs for flat, but slick pegs for street was a mindf**k.  But honestly, I can't say I was any happier having two seperate bikes either.  Fact is, you might have to scarifice a trick or two here and there, but bmx as a whole (not just one discipline) is awesome and life is full of sacrifices! 
RIDE ON BROTHERS!
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: JoeKickass on January 27, 2013, 01:39:41 AM
Obviously Haro thinks this is a good move for Haro.
But for Flatland? -- That's adorable.

Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: londonflat on January 27, 2013, 02:16:25 AM
Nothing stops you from getting a flat specific bike.


How many newcomers have been told to get some expensive, short, easy to break bike when they aren't even sure what they want to do?


We should be telling them to get two more pegs and go ride.


If the bike doesn't fit, they'll eventually figure it out for themselves but limiting yourself to a flat only bike isn't appealing for a vast majority of people, myself included.


I didn't start out on flat, I started out doing stupid sh*t on a BMX bike.  Freestyle meant whatever we wanted it to mean and it was a lot of fun, but we had one bike.


Now it almost feels like people are training for the Olympics.  Start out young and sacrifice your life for this one narrow minded pursuit.  Screw that, ride whatever you feel like because it's a blast and if you become specialized because that's what you love, good for you.


But let's don't push people into specialized bikes that don't need them, that just pushes people away.


I couldnt agree more yeller
Title: Re: Matthias on HARO!
Post by: Kouto on January 28, 2013, 08:04:51 PM
Just.


Ride.


It's that simple. If you want a flat only bike, ride one. If, like me, you want to move back toward a more overall type of bike, that's cool too. Matthias seems to be doing okay with a street spec bike, is he not? Others seem to be doing great on hybrid or flat only bikes... freakin' great!


That said, I hope Haro gets back into the flat game, I liked that last Master they had out. Not the one with the ugly platform, the last one. The one that I just barely missed out on buying the kit from FF when it was available for cheap as hell. I want to see something like that again.