James Bicycles will use Slidepad Technologies new patent-pending, single-lever brake system on select 2013 models, giving recreational cyclists a single-lever braking system that uses the force of the rear wheel to intelligently modulate the front brake. The system alleviates the risks of front wheel lockup accidents caused by rider error, all while simplifying the user experience for recreational riders.
“Jamis has a number of bikes that are single chain ring, multiple gear bikes and simplicity is important for the users,” said Greg Webber, Jamis vice president of product development. “In keeping with that emphasis for the user, having a single shifter and using the Slidepad system for a single brake lever works really well both functionally and aesthetically.”
Slidepad President and Co-Founder, Brian Riley has argued that
the company’s brake system will help get more casual and inexperienced riders on bikes. That “represents not only the biggest growth opportunity for the bike industry, but also an important step in the global shift toward environmental sustainability,” Riley said.
Jamis bikes featuring the Slidepad system will be available in July or August 2012. Rhode Island-based Dynamic Bicycles is also speccing the Slidepad system, with select 2012 models scheduled to hit the market in March.
In addition to manufacturers turning to simplified, single-lever braking, rental companies in the Bay Area continue to use the Slidepad system to provide customers with a positive rental experience.
“We've rented out adult and kids bikes with the Slidepad system over 200 times this summer with very positive results,” said Rob Schwartz, owner of San Francisco Bicycle Rentals. “Parents love the Slidepad system for their kids, and it's a big advantage for us to be able to offer this to the large number of inexperienced adult customers we get here as well.”
In October, the Slidepad braking system passed federal tests from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, certifying the product's safety for the U.S. market.
Slidepad Technologies was officially launched in March 2011. The company manufactures a revolutionary single lever bicycle brake system, which easily integrates with standard braking components to provide a simplified braking setup. The system intelligently modulates front braking force, which alleviates the risks of front wheel lockup accidents caused by rider mistakes. Available for OEM bicycle manufacturers, Slidepad revolutionizes braking for casual cyclists.
