It can additionally be purchased as a kit for retrofitting existing bikes which is priced at US$49.95. Slidepad Brake System - How it Works Various manufacturers already offer an alternative single brake levers that can accommodate both front and rear brake cables at the same time. The Slidepad was developed primarily for bicycle manufacturers to build into their new models and is already standard equipment on several of latest bikes. Slidepad’s breakthrough innovation is that it allows the front brake force to intelligently change based on the riding situation For example: if the rear wheel begins to lift off the ground as if you grabbed too much front brake which will likely prevent an unwanted accident. So, Why not just use one of those? 2 cables hooked up to one lever means there is always a fixed amount of braking to each front and rear brake and it doesn’t change if you’re on a slippery surface or leaning too far forward, etc. Advantages:Ī lot of manufacturers already offer an alternative – single brake levers that can accommodate both front and rear brake cables at the same time. It pulls on the cable, as the pad moves, thus activating the front brake a split-second after the rear one. Slidepad allows both brakes to be applied with the squeeze of a single lever in such a way that the front brake will never lock up on its own. Second cable attached to the back of that sliding pad loops forward and proceeds up to the front brake. Rider squeezes the one and only handlebar-mounted brake lever which has a traditional-style cable and housing running to the rear brake and as the brake pads engage the forward-turning rim one of them actually slides forward a bit with it: the brake calipers and the other pad remain in place. Slidepad only works with rim brakes, not discs. Slidepad allows both brakes to be applied with the squeeze of a single lever in such a way that the front brake will never lock up on its own. So, as a result to be on the safe side they often only use the rear brake and it was for cyclists such as these that the Slidepad system was created. The only change needed is replacing a single brake pad, and it enables two brakes to be controlled by a single lever. "With the growth in the commuter bike category and the industry's push to get more people on bikes, Slidepad is launching at the right time.We all know the fact that the majority of a bicycle’s stopping power comes from the front brake and many novice and casual riders worry that if they apply that brake too hard they’ll go flying over the handlebars. Slidepad integrates with existing brake hardware. "The technology that Slidepad is bringing to the market is deceptively simple and really smart," said Chip Smith, SOAR Communications president. Slidepad upgrade kits will be available this spring and the company is currently working with key bike manufacturers on September OEM delivery. Slidepad is perfect for comfort, electric, urban, folding, and youth bicycles and is an easy upgrade for existing braking systems. Soon after, they formed Slidepad Technologies and filed a patent. In 2009, Ouellet and Riley entered their original design in Cal Poly's Business Plan Competition and won 1st place. The rotational force of the rear wheel controls modulation of the front brake and reduces the overall amount of hand strength required to stop. The Slidepad system eliminates the risk of over-applying the front brake and causing over-the-bars accidents, all while simplifying the user experience by requiring only a single brake lever. As the rear brake is applied, the special pad slides within the holder on the right side of the bike, pulling on a cable connected to the front calipers stopping the bike. It consists of a special brake pad and holder designed to work with V-brake style calipers. "We hired SOAR Communications to help launch our company because of their experience within the bike industry, as well as in the outdoor recreation industry in general."Ĭo-founder and design engineer Andrew Ouellet invented the Slidepad system in 2008 while a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. "Slidepad provides recreation and commuting cyclists with a safe, effective brake system that alleviates the fear of endoing that many riders worry about," said Brian Riley, president and co-founder of Slidepad Technologies. The Slidepad system eliminates the risk of over-applying the front brake and causing over-the-bars accidents, all while simplifying the user experience by requiring only a single brake lever. Slidepad Technologies is the manufacturer of a patent pending brake system in which the friction of the rear brake actively modulates the front brake giving the rider smooth, controlled stopping power, according to a press release.
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