Testimonials

TESTIMONIALS

A serious auto accident and ensuing health complications had forced me to give up all physical exercises and my various outdoor activities of hiking, biking and sea kayaking. Disabled and depressed I searched for alternatives without much success until my son suggested the possibility of finding a hand cycle. At that time a hand cycle was only a concept to me I had not even seen a picture of one.

My search via the world wide web led me to a number of manufacturers and later I had an opportunity to test ride some of them through a local outreach program for the disabled. All other attempts to find a way to allow me to get back on the trail and to exercise had failed me but the idea of a hand cycle showed promise.

One handcycle stood out among all the rest. Although I was not able find one to ride, the Freedom Ryder FRH-1 really intrigued me. I ordered one with the promise of a thirty days trial.

Minutes after I had succeeded in assembling it I was on the road blissfully riding it and riding it I have, with very few days off, since I have owned it.

This is machine is designed and built with so much care that riding it is pure joy. It’s design is elegant in it’s simplicity and at the same time its sturdy construction makes it entirely safe and dependable. I have able-bodied friends who have sat on it and within minutes have expressed a desire to own one.

The Freedom Ryder has truly helped me regain the freedom of movement I thought I had lost. If not my life, it has certainly saved my sanity and I am forever grateful to it’s designer.

Khosorow Khaligi

Kentfield, CA

The first day I received the FRH-1 I rode it until I was forced by darkness to come in.

Shortly before my accident I went mountain biking with a close uncle. A few days after getting my new Freedom Ryder I was again able - after six and half years - to ride with my uncle. We rode over 20 miles together. It was as great an experience for him as it was for me.

The craftsmanship and quality of this new head steer bike is excellent. Whether I'm flying down a hill at 25 mph or slowly cranking up an incline, I have complete faith in the handcycle. It is obvious you put an enormous amount of time into engineering it. The disc brake also provides a tremendous amount of confidence with its great stopping power.

Thank you again for producing such a great product.

Sincerely,

Scott Rothermel

Lansing, MI

The LC-1 is much better than my earlier STI bike. I like it way more!

Jim Winston, Studio City, Ca.

The handcycle arrived in great shape. All put together and on the road. It is all I had hoped it would be. Light enough for me to get in and out of my SUV. I love the lean steering.

Jim Hackleman, Highland, Ca.

Thank you Steve, by your collaboration, to be able to have a Freedom Ryder. I have already run my first 14 km.. , and of wonder., it is light, easy to lead, and the truth, is as a dream.

Thanks again,

Pere Pujol Molas, Catalonia, Spain

Sometimes people who know I'm able-bodied ask me why I ride an arm-powered bike. Their questioning reminds me of a comment made by one of the quadriplegic rugby players in the documentary film "Murderball." When the athlete goes to town, he says, people make comments like "It's nice to see you out," as if they expected him to stay home hidden in the closet or something. When people act surprised to see me out on a handcycle, it's as if they think able-bodied people aren't allowed to exercise their upper bodies outside.

Luckily, handcycling is not only allowed--it's also great fun. Handcycling keeps my upper body ready for sports I do only occasionally, like paddling and cross-country skiing. Plus, it gives me a great cardiovascular workout on days when my lower body is recovering from the impact of running. I don't understand why so many runners and cyclists torture themselves with barbells, or let their upper bodies go flabby, when they could be outside, delighting in the simple genius of a Freedom Ryder handcycle.

Alex, Washington, DC

The crank handles on the Superbike are the ultimate in ergonomic correctness. Also, the seating position is exactly right and exceedingly comfortable. It takes about 10 seconds to become proficient with shifting your weight to steer. The lower bars below the seat are completely unnecessary except to provide a convenient place to lash on my crutches. Everything about this bike shouts quality and functionality. It is absolutely without peer. I am VERY pleased.

-Mike Hollier, Houston, TX

I would like to share with you my impression of the LC-1. Simply stated - "form following function". The art of engineering, as they say. Correct in every manner. The performance and looks of the bike is superior in every way. I have had a chance to speak to owners of other handcycles and they all agree that the lower crank position and the wide crank arms are the best functioning design they have seen. Many complain that their arms tire easily because of their higher crank position. You can see an LC-1 coming. Low and lean. Compliments and curious smiles follow me where ever I go. You should be very proud of a job well done.

Steve, you know I absolutely love the cycle. I recommend them to all of the kids on my team and anyone else who will listen. I do love the machine.

There were two problems I had to overcome before I was willing to make a financial commitment for a handcycle. First, I already get a lot of stares riding a recumbent, and I get kind of tired of people asking about my strange bike. Naturally, I was anticipating even more heckling riding a handcycle. Additionally, I had to get over the perceived stigma of an able-bodied person riding a handcycle. I have been riding it for about six months now, and I absolutely love it. I ride between 6 and 10 miles once or twice a week, more often in the summer. I don't know why more people don't own handcycles. You make a great product, which I truly enjoy.

Since the middle of year 2000, I am a proud owner of a Freedom Ryder LX of your company. Already during the selection of a handcycle suitable for me, your product was noticeable to me as unbeatable regarding variability and handling. Despite some smaller repairs, I have never regret this purchase decision.

I've become a real Freedom Ryder fan. Thanks for a great machine. After being an Ironman triathlete and marathon runner who became disabled, I discovered the hand cycle and found new life.

Three years ago this month I purchased a Stage II directly from you, the manufacturer. Since the day I got it, it has been a unique fitness experience. Not only does it allow me to alternate between running/road biking (lower body) days and handcycling/swimming (upper body) days but the leaning steering system provides an exciting riding experience. I've even got a "trainer" set-up so I can use the bike for an indoor, stationary workout. I am on the bike three times a week. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

Thanks so much for all of your help with this new handcycle I got. So far I really LOVE it. I feel like I'm about 12 years old again! I can't seem to stay off the thing. My average is about 9 miles a day including some pretty challenging grade. Many thanks once again for everything!

Been using the Freedom Ryder a lot recently. We have had lots of good weather. It’s really interesting seeing people's reaction to the handcycle, most are very impressed. I get a lot of positive comments. Kids all want a go (I don't think so).

I am having the time of my life. Thank you so much for showing me how to ride and helping me know what bike to order. My husband, Tom, is almost as excited with my bike as I am. It was a little intimidating going to the mountains for my first bike ride, but it was fabulous and I made it almost to Officer's Gulch up Ten Mile Canyon for my first ride.

I just wanted to let you know I received the bike and it ROCKS. Thanks again, by the way, the color is awesome. I really like it.

The bike "arrived" yesterday in excellent condition. After unpacking the bike, I assembled it in the evening. What a wonderful looking bike! It’s really great!! Thank you very much for your support. This was really a smart deal.

I picked up my new handcycle last night and it rocks! Mike was very respectful and is such a great guy. We took it out for only a short ride last night since Mike was adamant about not going balls to the wall on my first ride. It's kind of nasty out here today but I think I'll try and get out for another short ride.

Bike Rocks! Cranks aren't too wide for me. At first it was very un-natural feeling, but then I got used to it. Much smoother and easier on my back. I feel like I can go much further with ease. Damn...it's fast! Love it. Going for a 2-hour ride tomorrow.

I received the pack last week. Thank you. Its great to have
that to carry tools, tubes, etc.

I've had my new S.T.I. Superbike for about a month now, and I thought I would give you a report. First off, the assembly of the bike was quite easy and straightforward. I continue to be delighted with elegance and functionality of the design and with the superior quality of both the materials and workmanship. The bike really does what it is supposed to do well, and it is a treat to ride because of all of these high quality factors. Within a few days I was confident enough about the bike's handling
and beginning to venture out onto the public roads. Now, I can smile at the 'burn' on some of the modest hills. For the first time in a decade I can go out and get a dose of those endorphins. As you recall from our discussions, I do not have any significant disabilities, but cannot ride a regular bike because of a knee injury. So this bike has put me out on the road and in the exercise mode again.
Thanks for your good work on this bike.

Just a quick note to let you know how much I have enjoyed the Freedom Ryder handcycle you recommended to me. By far it exceeds my every expectation. I cannot even compare it to the previous chair I was using. The Superbike took cycling up one more level that I didn't even know existed. Some of the technology used on the Superbike was incredible. Just to mention a couple are the way there is no need to stop pedaling with the finger tap shifting system and braking capability, and the body leaning turn system that was incorporated is unparalleled with it's handling capability. I am now able to do things I never dreamed possible on a handcycle. Thanks for all of your help Steve, I'll be thanking you every time I get on the Superbike…I'll never ride anything else.

We averaged 12-13 mph, and I can do that all day long. One day I did four hours on a handcycle, - and now I want to buy one myself! I'd get on one for the last 25 miles of a 75 mile day, try a little attack over a hill, and it would be a really good feeling - like a go-kart or a luge. (Greg was true to his word and called us soon after the ride and bought a brand new "SUPERBIKE"!)

Since ordering my "SUPERBIKE" LX, I have put over 4400 miles on it and each and every moment has been "heaven on wheels"!! My 8 year old daughter, wife and I ride together always. If not with them, I can, because of your light weight design, load and unload the bike myself, and ride whenever and wherever I want. It is my favorite TOY and such an exhilarating way to exercise and maintain a physical edge and an emotional balance. What I most love about my "SUPERBIKE" is the lean-steer-system. I don't know which one of you came up with it, but it is pure GENIUS! Because the bike feels like it has a balance point, the sensation is that of riding a two wheeler. It's steering at speed is so smooth and precise, and just plain fun! I have yet to take it out and not enjoy the looks and comments the bike evokes from just about everyone who sees it. Each and every bike shop I have been in with it, marvel at the engineering and design. I don't know much about the engineering stuff, but I do know and understand the concept of "form following function" and you guys have nailed it! To try and describe how much your bike has meant to me (the exercise, the challenges, the pure joy of riding) would be nearly impossible! But it has allowed me to watch my daughter learn to ride and keep my family playing together, which has really helped us keep so much in perspective. And it gives me a confidence to do so much else ...without a doubt it is more than a bike, it is a blessing.

-Ernie Butler - United States Skydiving Team, 1995 Gold Medal winner, T-12 para.

Don't think I don't miss cycling. When I watch an occasional race, take my wheelchair into the bike shop to be fixed, or flip through the pages of Velo-News, the old love and excitement rushes back, though tinged with nostalgia and sadness. Despite my philosophical armor, I still plain old want to ride my bike again. That's why my life has changed so dramatically since I got my hands on a very special machine. It's called a FREEDOM RYDER, and it consists of a seat, a shiny red frame, 27 gears and a set of hand cranks. My ticket to freedom has brought me back to my old self, but with a broader outlook of the possibilities in life beyond the next race. I ride for pure enjoyment, and, most importantly, because I can. So now, with my arms of steel and a love of the road, an old bikie with withered legs can be seen riding through the Vermont hillsides, an ear-to-ear grin reflecting the rekindling of her old flame...cycling!

On August 21, we finished in Rye, NH., to a cheering welcome by our families and hundreds of friends. We began our trip with our wheels in the Pacific, and we finished 4,150 miles later with them in the Atlantic. In 56 days with only 4 off, we averaged 80 miles per day. Eight were spent cycling well over 100 miles. We had cycled through 14 states and had crossed the Continental Divide six times - the highest point through the Rocky Mountains. Our trip was an incredible task at times. I feel fortunate to have been lucky enough to have shared this trip with my friends Doug Ewing, Bill Cuff, Nate Gilbert, Matt Gilbert, Melissa Churchard, and Sandy Renfro. It was a journey I will never forget. The FREEDOM RYDER handcycles we rode were excellent for cross - country cycling. They were safe, stable, and terrific for long distance travel.

I've had (my FREEDOM RYDER) since February this year and I love it! What a difference it's made in my arms and entire upper body. Great workout and a lot of fun! I've taken it on a 12 mile ride at the beach. Fabulous. I test rode (another handcycle) and I like the Freedom Ryder better. More upright and better cranking position, plus easier for me (able-bodied) to get in and out of and more affordable. Everyone wants to know where I got it. It is a great machine!

I see why they call it FREEDOM RYDER... having been in a chair for 11 years and being really active and out on my own, this thing is the bomb... freedom is the word that pops into my head... thanks!

Jeremy, Boise, ID