Super Knees

Since I made the switch to the single speed I have realized the true nature of knee pain. Cranking up steep ascents here in the Colorado mountains with my 32×16 gearing has taken it’s toll on my knees. But what am I whining for?? Check this guy out, Pro Mountain Biker Brian Bartlett is not your everyday downhiller, he is an amputee and he rides harder than you.

Brian lost his leg in a freak accident (he got hit by a car when crossing a street) and as a result he went on to develop a prosthetic that is pretty outstanding. Now this story is pretty dope because Brian is a pioneer, he asked his doc what was on the market that would get him back on the bike, unfortunately there was nothing so he designed his own!  The amazing aspect of this prosthetic is that is allows him to actively pedal with both legs. Where as most prosthetics are designed to support the body they are not designed to be proactive parts of the body.

Brian designed this knee as a tool to get him back on the bike and as a means to not just hang but to dominate. And judging from these videos I would say he has succeeded. Utilizing 6061T aircraft aluminum, cold rolled steel, and R6 sealed bearings as well as the Rock Shox Monarch 4.2 Air Shock the “Bartlett Knee” is bomber!! You can even dial in the performance of the knee just like a modern rear shock. I also dig the sweet logo it sports on the base of the knee. GET SOME!

Now I love my knees but if I lost them, the Bartlett Knee would be my knee of choice! Check out more at Leftside Inc.