Haro Klunkerson Phase Three: The Best Mods Yet?

A few months ago, I added some shiny new pedals to my Haro Klunkerson and proclaimed—or at least suggested—that I was done. But you know that’s B.S., right?

However, there’s no denying that every mod I’ve added to my Haro Klunkerson has been cosmetic. Just for looks. And looks are good, but it still basically rode the same. And, as I mentioned in my (number-one Google-ranked) review—there are a couple things I’d like to change.

Ultimately, the bike just barely fits me. At 6’2″, I always felt a little hunched over. I also never LOVED the 4.5″ rise handlebars. I like a bigger bar—and a bigger bar would totally change the fit of the bike too.

Plus, despite my original intentions of riding trails on my Klunkerson, I never really have. So the knobby Kendas it came with aren’t really the best tire for my urban cruising.

So, I picked up a couple of new items from Harvester Bikes. (No affiliation.)

First up, was the Salt 9″ Pro Handlebars. Classic two-piece chromoly bar—and fully twice as much rise as the stock bars.

Next up, I went for the classic urban assault tires—Maxxis Hookworm, 27.5×2.5. These are a bit fatter than the stock 2.35″ tires on the Klunkerson, but not enough to really worry about any fit issues.

Plus, because I needed to hit $200 to get free shipping, I added one other purchase too. See if you can spot it on my bike in the below photos!

Installation was a breeze of course, as this isn’t a major operation. The Salt Pro Handlebars are the exact same circumference and basically the same width as well. A little WD-40 and the Flite grips flew right off.

I even added a little “gansta lean” to the bars—pushing them forward a touch to both better fit my monkey-arms and add some ’80s style.

Next up, I swapped out the Kendas for the Hookworms—which fit like a dream. I even loosened my chain a bit when I made the swap. I find that single-speed chains are often a bit too tight off the factory floor. Just a touch.

The results? Well, aesthetically, you can decide for yourself by perusing the gallery below. But as far as the riding experience—WOW.

Exceeded all expectations! The 9″ bars not only fit my reach better, but allowed me to raise the seat a bit more and not look out of proportion. Combined with those ultra-smooth and grip Hookworms and I feel like it’s a new bike.

I love it. I’m already riding it twice as much as I had the week earlier. I truly believe with these mods it’s crossed the line from a novelty bike to a true cruiser.

What do you think? Win or lame? Comment below!

I guess you may want to know what it looked like before? Well, this is the previous version. I think it’s a major improvement!

Anyone wanna buy a Klunkerson Bar and two used 27.5″x2.35″ Kenda Kruisers? (LOL).

And if you noticed the cobalt blue seat clamp upgrade, congratulations, yes, I added that to get to the free shipping. A nice touch I think!

Well, so ends another post about my Haro Klunkerson. At this point, it’s fair to say I’ve done far more marketing for this bike than Haro ever has. Hey Haro—hit me up! Can I get a free hat or something?

(Kidding. Unless you’re gonna do it.)