Brian Bartlett - Left Side Inc.
by Tyler Maine
Dec 2, 2009
Source: Andy Tran
Where do I start? I guess the best place is to start when I was riding an XC bike. Brian inspired me to get on a DH rig. A little bit later we got connected to do a documentary for a high school film project, which won a few awards and an honorable mention from the student Emmy people.
For some reason I only got a B for the video. Anyways...
Where do I start? I guess the best place is to start when I was riding an XC bike. Brian inspired me to get on a DH rig. A little bit later we got connected to do a documentary for a high school film project, which won a few awards and an honorable mention from the student Emmy people.
For some reason I only got a B for the video. Anyways...
During that time he had to under go reconstructive surgery for his residual limb, and up until recently has been under going rehab to get back into racing against able bodied athletes in cat1 (expert).
He has been working for 8 years with quite a few prototypes to get the refined product which you see in the video below:
Here is a video of him with a couple syndrome racing guys on his last prototype before his new unit arrived:
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Brian Bartlett on his new production prosthetic knee:
I believe he is going to start up his race season at the next Fluidride cup, and then head down to South America to race.
Check out www.leftsideinc.com to learn more!
Cheers,
Andy Tran
*Title picture by Carl Warren*
*Other pics are courtesy of Tyler Kope from blackrapid.com*
Link to News Story
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114 Comments
- + 29 Show
Amen to that. I'm not only impressed by the way he has coped with the disability, or the way he rides, but also by how pro active he has been about development of a whole new product to help out people like himself. From an engineers and designers point of view, the product looks excellent, so congratulations on that. You should be very proud. I'm going to send this link to a friend of mine who has put up with second rate aesthetics for too long. Thanks.
- + 10 Show
come to ecuador while you're down here. some sick urban races along with straight downhill too. 
- + 17 Show
Kudos to him for dismissing any notion that obstacles are insurmountable, and turning what many would consider a severe disability into a brilliant technical achievement.
- + 3 Show
I saw him at a race was surprised at how well that leg works. Its a really cool design and far surpassed my expectations for what it (appeared) it could do
- + 2 Show
yeah, after years of prototypes and hard work, brian has finally gotten the design down to a science.
- + 2 Show
This guy pumps me up and I really want to ride now. Im really inspired and I wish Brian the best of luck. Rip it up big guy!
[Reply]
- + 5 Show
Absolutely jaw dropped. A+ bro. I think you are the most innovate rider to date. Had a challenge people said you had to get used to something and you didn't take that. Pure inspiration. Look forward to seeing stuff in the future.
- + 4 Show
B? You got a B?! Did they have an audio-only version or something?
Great work guys, inspirational stuff for sure. Thankyou for sharing it with us
Great work guys, inspirational stuff for sure. Thankyou for sharing it with us
- + 4 Show
i have huge respect fo that guy, probly the most dedecated cyclest, his design will help people all over the world. good luck mate on all your riding!!!!
- + 2 Show
wow what an inspiration, hes been through every riders worst nightmares, loosing a limb but he doesnt let that stop him. all i can say is wow, he should win some engineers award or something like that. great guy and great designer best of all great rider
- + 7 Show
Brian,
Remember when we rode street in Vegas down at the fashion show mall, that security guard!
Fancy racing any of the British Downhill Series (Nationals) over here in the U.K?
If so hit me up and i'll cover your race entry and accommodation! We'd love to see you over here in the U.K!
Si..
Remember when we rode street in Vegas down at the fashion show mall, that security guard!
Fancy racing any of the British Downhill Series (Nationals) over here in the U.K?
If so hit me up and i'll cover your race entry and accommodation! We'd love to see you over here in the U.K!
Si..
- + 1 Show
seems like a very generous offer to a very worthy person, good for you man, brian you are amazing, you designed and engenired (spelt wrong i know) something brilliant AND your a kick ass downhiller, your a better DH rider than i am and i have two functional legs so MEGA PROPS man its just incredible, go enjoy the rest of your life mate youve got good times ahead of you :-)
- + 1 Show
Truly inspiring! Just goes to show you good can come out of a bad situation! Mad props to Andy for the video and Brain for not giving up!
- + 1 Show
I´ve seen the leg picture a long time ago and have been waiting for an article like this one for years... thanks and congrats Pinkbike!
- + 1 Show
I found a picture of his leg a while back, any one have it? Ive been wanting to show one of my teachers
- + 1 Show
I just saw a guy in Pacifica on saturday and he was missing the same leg but he didn't even hav a prosthetic
- + 1 Show
that was probably brett. hes a canadian and former us nat'l champ who rides w/ the left crankarms cut off, so he can ride clipped in. that guy is awesome to ride w/ too.
- + 1 Show
How amazing. This is larger than just mountain biking, it's a major leap in prosthetics technology. Keep up the good work and good luck!
- + 1 Show
good for him, he has taken the sporting world for entire amputee community to a totally new level! this is awsome!
- + 2 Show
Amputee or not this guy has a Huge Heart and an unstoppable drive, the kinda guy everyone of us should strive to be. Inspirational just doesnt do him justice. Good luck with everything.
- + 1 Show
A true inspiration, which makes you proud to be part of the beautiful sport! a total legend in my eyes!
- + 2 Show
com certeza um bom exemplo de superação e força de vontade!!! eu também creio que não conseguiria ficar sem andar de bike!
- + 1 Show
Wow big respect for the Brian Bartlett for enjoying biking even though he has an Disability .
- + 2 Show
I am an amputee as well. I ride DH & XC bikes and love every minute of it. Way to go my brotha! Adapt and overcome is my motto and I see it is yours also Brian.
- + 2 Show
Great article Andy! And its awesome to see whats going down with Brian and his new leg designs!
- + 1 Show
I think it's really cool that a cyclist can build a better, more functional sport prosthesis than the whole, high and mighty medical community. It just shows what a little bit of enthusiasm, and a drive to succeed can do.
- + 1 Show
my friend Daniel bařak from czech republick
http://bigroman.pinkbike.com/album/Pahyl/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWQN9m04bT0
http://bigroman.pinkbike.com/album/Pahyl/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWQN9m04bT0
- + 1 Show
It is really extraordinary when people who have a disability like this have the thought process to say " I only have one leg, but i bet i could still ride Downhill" and when they actually do it it is more unreal!
- + 1 Show
Brian- Glad to see all your hard work has finally arrived in a finished product! So awesome! Stoked to see you racing again, we've missed you out there.
Andy- Nicely done, as always!!!!
-chels
Andy- Nicely done, as always!!!!
-chels
[Reply]
- + 1 Show
Was your Teacher Hadicapped?? they gave you a B Wtf.. ???
This video is Awesome, and that guy Fecking Rocks, hugely inspiring, and obviously talented.
Great Video, story, and Kick Ass prosthetic. That thing is bad ass
This video is Awesome, and that guy Fecking Rocks, hugely inspiring, and obviously talented.
Great Video, story, and Kick Ass prosthetic. That thing is bad ass
- + 1 Show
that is some great stuff right there, glad to see someone putting their mind to something they like doing. big congrats! NEVER QUIT!
- + 1 Show
that guys a hero, he represensts bikeing because bikeing really to me is no matter what your disadvantage you keep coming to the plate and he pinns it all the way through. props
- + 1 Show
what a legend, hats of to you bro! inpiration to all, the work hes done is amazing. pure legend
- + 1 Show
te felicito amigo si eres de admirar que deseos de hacer mountain bike me alegra que sigas adelante conosco algunos que tienen sus dos piernas y no son tan buenos como tu felicitaciones sigue adelante.
- - 9 Show
That is so cool...I want a leg like that haha just joking but its seriously cool and inspiring.
- + 1 Show
it shows what lengths people will do just to ride there bike and how passionate people are for riding mountain bikes.
- + 1 Show
Outstanding !!! What a inspiration now i will stop whining about my shoulder surgery did anyone notice is he running clipless ?
I am blown away by his determination Best of luck for the season.
I am blown away by his determination Best of luck for the season.
- + 1 Show
wow dude! thats insane, and you only got a B on that amazing vid? teachers just dont get it
- + 1 Show
Brian,
ummm......WOW!
Dealin' with the cards that were dealt.
Fantastic design with the Rock Shox Monarch. hope they see the tremendous benefit and flood u with support. could open up a whole new world with open minds and right attitude.
The best to u and ur crew.
OTR
ummm......WOW!
Dealin' with the cards that were dealt.
Fantastic design with the Rock Shox Monarch. hope they see the tremendous benefit and flood u with support. could open up a whole new world with open minds and right attitude.
The best to u and ur crew.
OTR
- + 1 Show
mega props for this guy - just imagen what he'd been through - physical pain, depression , and he never gave up!
Helped himslef get back to sport and helps others!
What a personality!
Helped himslef get back to sport and helps others!
What a personality!
[Reply]
- + 1 Show
fulminant stunning, incredible hope for some people to enjoy an active life of congratulations, please never give up
- + 2 Show
hello Im industrial designer from mexico, and I have to say this video make me feel so fu*king good because this guy have a big heart
I say congratulation for that design, had no words too describe but is just guuuuuooo
this video also make me think in a master for design of this kind of thing because I love design, and make me want too design more
Is just what Im thinking
congratulation brian
I wish can ride like you do =)beause with my two legs I can`t rise you in that woods
congratulation again
his from mexico
ATTE LDI Miguel Morales
I say congratulation for that design, had no words too describe but is just guuuuuooo
this video also make me think in a master for design of this kind of thing because I love design, and make me want too design more
Is just what Im thinking
congratulation brian
I wish can ride like you do =)beause with my two legs I can`t rise you in that woods
congratulation again
his from mexico
ATTE LDI Miguel Morales
[Reply]
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