Simplicity, quality and no compromises
Brike Int. Ltd. follows three design disciplines:
Simplicity, quality and no compromises. Since we invented the first high performance handcycle in the world, we were the first to design and patent many of these unique concepts of handcycle design. If you haven't noticed by now, we at Freedom Ryder do things differently. We spend the extra design time and expense so we can offer the best products on the market. Over the years we've often been copied, but never equaled.
There's more to the picture than meets the eye.
Simplicity. If you study our handcycles closely you will see that every aspect of our bikes, every part, every function reveals this philosophy. 'Less is more.' You'll see this in our "single spine" main frame. Our frames look sleek and simple because we have no extra tubing. After we choose each tube diameter and wall thickness carefully, we place each tube strategically for the best strength and rigidity. If you removed just one tube it would not allow the bike to perform properly or not at all. There are no extra brackets or parts that don't contribute to the purposeful function of our bikes.
We go to great pains to be sure everything on our bikes is designed to be 'ergonomically correct' so its compatible with the human body. From our proprietary (patented) leg supports to our unique and generous frame adjust-ability, we let the human body dictate where and how each piece is created.
Our "FRH" handcycles have 'one of a kind' propriatory frame geometry and body positioning which is a further example of this. It is designed to not twist up your legs when executing a turn. If you've ridden other headset steered/pivot steered handcycles you know this is a problematic issue. We've cured this problem with our unique design. Simplicity can sometimes be hard to spot, but trust us, one ride will prove this important point.
 Crank adjustability
Our frame adjust-ability is the simplest design on the market and offers more range of adjustment than any other handcycle. What this means is that with only one 5 mm Allen wrench you can quickly and easily place the cranks in the perfect position that fits you best for the most comfort and power delivery.
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 optional jointed seat tube
By loosening only three bolts, you can adjust the seat back to most any angle you choose, from the forward trunk power position to a comfortable aero laid back position and anywhere in between.
We now have an optional "jointed seat tube" for those that want to attain an even more aero position. The joint in the seat tube allows you to adjust your shoulders more upright which keeps your head and neck more vertical and comfortable. You are also able to see your surrounding better and allows better power input to the cranks. With our unique design this valuable feature is attained quickly and easily. |
 Stainless steel heli-coils
You've probably noticed that some handcycles use a separate axle and some have a full frame using 'two' main frame tubes with lugs 'in' the frame. A separate axle from the frame gives several benefits. The first obvious benefit is that it takes less tubing for your frame when you use a separate axle. Instead of two main frame tubes, we use only one. Less tubing means less weight. If you can achieve optimum frame stiffness when using only one tube, then we feel one is superior. Also, we were the first to employ a simple 'set screw' in our axle clamp. This allows you to quickly remove the axle for shipping or transport and reinstall it without getting your rear wheels out of alignment.
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 Built in suspension
This next benefit is probably not realized by most people at first, but might be the most beneficial. When our handcycles were ridden around the world in 1995, we noticed that in the videos from the trip, when the riders were going over rough ground, the rear wheels were going up and down absorbing the bumps and taking advantage of the flexibility of the 'separate' tubular rear axle. This built in 'suspension' gave the riders much more comfort on their long, often "off road" journey. We pioneered this design years before the 'World Ride 95' and we've been using this design ever since. A properly designed frame will have built in flex where desired and stiffness where desired. For optimum stiffness and performance, we use triangulation in the seat assembly, triangulation in the front end assembly and three inch ovalized tubing in the main frame.
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 Patented footrest design
Our patented adjustable leg supports have become a standard in the industry. They are constructed of anodized 7000 series aluminum so they won't corrode . We anodize them with R5 clear and use special plastic shims where they insert into the frame so they won't get scratched. Other handcycles paint their supports and use a metal on metal connection.
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 Easy breakdown for transport
Another benefit is the way our bikes can be quickly and easily disassembled for transport or shipping. From our easily removable axle, to the simple way our two piece frame connects and disconnects using only one bolt. This allows our bikes to fit into smaller boxes or vehicles than any other handcycle. This benefit is 'built into' the design, adds no extra weight, complexity or compromises and is not an 'added option' which costs more like on other brands.
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Aluminum seat pans
Our seat backs and bottoms are constructed with 6061 T-6 aluminum. They are custom contoured to wrap around your body. We use two densities of foam then cover them with the finest nylon fabrics that are UV protected for years of use. They are included with each bike, not 'optional' as on some other handcycles.
Aluminum pedals
Three other proprietary design firsts that we're sure you will appreciate:
1) Our new adjustable T-handle width design. We've created the ability to easily change the width of the T-handles to suit your style. By simply changing the length of a bolt and spacer you can change their width to 14"-16"-18" in just minutes. You can order the bike with the spacing you think you want and if you decide later that its not quite right, you can order longer or shorter bolts and spacers for that custom fit at a very reasonable price.
2) Also important, is the 'offset spindle' location. With this original design we simply moved the spindle to the rear of the handle which means that your fingers do not have a shaft located between them. The handles are also angled in two different directions to ergonomically fit your hands exactly like your body requires. You'll be amazed at how comfortable and intuitive this new design feels. You won't want to use any other T-handle design after you've used these. As your powering up that steep hill you'll realize that more comfort means more performance too!
1) Our new adjustable T-handle width design. We've created the ability to easily change the width of the T-handles to suit your style. By simply changing the length of a bolt and spacer you can change their width to 14"-16"-18" in just minutes. You can order the bike with the spacing you think you want and if you decide later that its not quite right, you can order longer or shorter bolts and spacers for that custom fit at a very reasonable price.
2) Also important, is the 'offset spindle' location. With this original design we simply moved the spindle to the rear of the handle which means that your fingers do not have a shaft located between them. The handles are also angled in two different directions to ergonomically fit your hands exactly like your body requires. You'll be amazed at how comfortable and intuitive this new design feels. You won't want to use any other T-handle design after you've used these. As your powering up that steep hill you'll realize that more comfort means more performance too!
Patented cable routing design
3) Our 'patent pending' cable routing design is another example of curing annoying problems with 'simplicity'. With the advent of shifter and brake levers being mounted on the T-handles some problems became apparent with the cables. Three things needed to be cured. The first is the most annoying: The way the cables are constantly in your field of vision because they are routed upwards. The second is high maintenance and short life of the cables from the constant flopping around before they break. The third is annoying also: The way the cables weight is located above the pedals causing them to be 'off balance' which you can feel in your wrists and can lead to wrist fatigue. Our propriatory design is so simple and cures all three. By simply mounting a curved metal housing called a 'noodle' to the controls where the cables attach to them, the cables become routed in a horizontal direction rearward. By doing this the cables now do three things: They are routed in a horizontal direction completely out of your field of vision even when the cranks are at their top position. This eliminates the constant flopping and rotating of the cables which is the cause of cable breakage. An interesting side benefit is because the cables are pointed in a flat horizontal direction the pedals become balanced in a 'neutral' position that eliminates wrist fatigue when they're spinning. If you closed your eyes and pedaled the bike you wouldn't know the pedals had cables attached. You'll be amazed at how comfortable this new design feels. As your powering up that steep hill you'll realize that more comfort means more performance too!
Once you try them you won't want to use any other design.
The value of simplicity is often taken for granted and can be easily missed. Maybe now you can see that there's more to the picture than meets the eye when it comes to the design of a handcycle. The biggest benefit of simplicity is Performance. From the simple way we offset our T-handle spindles and route our cables, the way our FRH-1 and Superbikes steer without twisting your legs, and our Body Lean Steer Superbikes carve the corners like no other, performance is the feeling you get when you ride our bikes. "The proof is in the ride".
QUALITY
As stated above, quality is part of our philosophy. Our frames are constructed of 7005 series aluminum and 4130 Chrome Moly. All our aluminum stirrups, axles, axle lugs and seat pans are made with 6061 T-6. The axles and stirrups are anodized in R5 clear. The axle is first finished in a brushed aluminum finish to protect it from scratches. The axle lugs are CNC machined and utilize stainless steel 'Heli-coil' thread inserts for strong long lasting threads. Our seat foam and fabric are top quality and the fabric is UV protected. We use stainless steel fasteners throughout. Our bikes have a two or three coat (depending upon color) powder coat finish for a long lasting durability. We compromise nothing and choose only the best when building our handcycles.
"FREEDOM RYDER is the most trusted name in handcycling."
Once you try them you won't want to use any other design.
The value of simplicity is often taken for granted and can be easily missed. Maybe now you can see that there's more to the picture than meets the eye when it comes to the design of a handcycle. The biggest benefit of simplicity is Performance. From the simple way we offset our T-handle spindles and route our cables, the way our FRH-1 and Superbikes steer without twisting your legs, and our Body Lean Steer Superbikes carve the corners like no other, performance is the feeling you get when you ride our bikes. "The proof is in the ride".
QUALITY
As stated above, quality is part of our philosophy. Our frames are constructed of 7005 series aluminum and 4130 Chrome Moly. All our aluminum stirrups, axles, axle lugs and seat pans are made with 6061 T-6. The axles and stirrups are anodized in R5 clear. The axle is first finished in a brushed aluminum finish to protect it from scratches. The axle lugs are CNC machined and utilize stainless steel 'Heli-coil' thread inserts for strong long lasting threads. Our seat foam and fabric are top quality and the fabric is UV protected. We use stainless steel fasteners throughout. Our bikes have a two or three coat (depending upon color) powder coat finish for a long lasting durability. We compromise nothing and choose only the best when building our handcycles.
"FREEDOM RYDER is the most trusted name in handcycling."
Forearm actuated quad brakeFreedom Ryder developed the forearm actuated quad-brake. This lets you engage the brake with your forearms by squeezing your elbows together during any part of the rotation of the crank arms going forward or backward. You will never be stuck on a hill again. You can freewheel backward down the hill because the quad-brake works just like a standard brake lever, This brake along with James Watson Quadgrips makes the best all around set up for high lever injuries.
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Heavy duty 24" trail packageHeavy duty mountain bike rear wheels and tires combined with electric powered front wheel and 1.5" to 1.75" tires makes for great off road capability. Conquer hills and trails, ride with family and friends and go places you never thought you could go. Traction is not a problem with The 24" inch front wheel and aggressive tire and 26" rear wheels and mountain tires. Add 350 watts of power from the 37 volt battery and hub motor and the world is in the palm of your hands.
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Craig Blanchette on an "S-1" prototype