Brian Bartlett - Left Side Inc.

by Tyler Maine
Nov 30, 2009 at 20:03

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...

High School Project - Left Side:
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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:

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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:
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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*
Must Read This Week

114 Comments

  • + 78
flag seraph (Dec 2, 2009 at 0:14)
 That's incredibly inspiring. It's stories like this that make me feel honored to be part of the bike industry.
  • + 21
flag krawiec (Dec 2, 2009 at 2:49)
 well said
  • + 29
flag builttoride (Dec 2, 2009 at 3:29)
 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
flag mtnbker395 (Dec 2, 2009 at 7:16)
 come to ecuador while you're down here. some sick urban races along with straight downhill too. Smile
  • + 17
flag cripps (Dec 2, 2009 at 8:02)
 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.
  • + 10
flag benjiscott82 (Dec 2, 2009 at 8:34)
 wow incredible! pure inspiration
  • + 6
flag usb-rider (Dec 2, 2009 at 9:10)
 fair play to him
  • + 9
flag iwanaryd-mybicycl (Dec 2, 2009 at 10:02)
 Guy pins better on one real leg than i can on two. props.
  • + 6
flag biname (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:03)
 man real inspiring, props to all ur work and ur determination!
  • - 3
flag Colin994 (Dec 2, 2009 at 13:07)
 i want one!
  • + 4
flag ukal (Dec 2, 2009 at 14:03)
 yeap... I think I can say that hes a hero!
  • + 4
flag HeRoBiKeS (Dec 2, 2009 at 21:52)
 thats sick! set your mind on something and nothing can stop you.
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag si-paton Plus (Dec 2, 2009 at 4:02)
 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..
  • + 1
flag SHADOWcranks-N-bones (Dec 2, 2009 at 7:17)
 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 :-)
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag rffr (Dec 2, 2009 at 1:18)
 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.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag Jcotton (Dec 2, 2009 at 3:51)
 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!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag almostwise Mod Plus (Dec 2, 2009 at 3:20)
 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 Salute tup
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dsazonic (Dec 2, 2009 at 3:57)
 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
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mikemtb (Dec 4, 2009 at 7:56)
 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
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag tinoco (Dec 2, 2009 at 2:00)
 is a super man !!!!
keep going Wink
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag OakTwnRippr (Dec 3, 2009 at 9:21)
 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
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag klopp (Dec 2, 2009 at 0:19)
 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
flag sgsrider (Dec 2, 2009 at 0:26)
 yeah, after years of prototypes and hard work, brian has finally gotten the design down to a science.
  • + 3
flag schilly (Dec 2, 2009 at 0:36)
 ya i was very impressed! i have so much respect for his dedication and creativity
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dmadness (Dec 2, 2009 at 16:38)
 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
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mxnate (Dec 2, 2009 at 8:14)
 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.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag eblackwell (Dec 2, 2009 at 15:17)
 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!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag spqrtomas (Dec 2, 2009 at 3:22)
 wow, i don't know what to say... big respect!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Harparo (Dec 2, 2009 at 13:12)
 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.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Blasterbates (Dec 3, 2009 at 6:36)
 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.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Specialized1975 (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:44)
 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.
  • + 1
flag opie220 (Dec 2, 2009 at 12:06)
 dude im a amputee too!
my moto is that its not a dissability but a challenge to overcome
  • + 1
flag kurtisstafford (Dec 2, 2009 at 12:28)
 me to manbut im below knee so its not hard but i ride bmx
  • + 1
flag opie220 (Dec 2, 2009 at 12:31)
 ya im below knee too
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag drstepi (Dec 3, 2009 at 13:37)
 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!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag licho (Dec 2, 2009 at 20:57)
 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.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag joeljsh (Dec 2, 2009 at 19:06)
 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
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag NickHathhorn (Dec 2, 2009 at 18:19)
 the fact that hes not in it for the money, but to help people out is whats cool
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag laudomia (Dec 2, 2009 at 15:22)
 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
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag dguzzler (Dec 2, 2009 at 3:56)
 Incredible, inspiring and humbling.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag balog (Dec 2, 2009 at 5:58)
 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!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag trekrider4mgm (Dec 2, 2009 at 5:03)
 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!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag cjwanner Plus (Dec 2, 2009 at 0:52)
 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]
  • + 3
flag team-SSD (Dec 2, 2009 at 10:18)
 c'est un exemple se gar!!!tous simplement bon ride!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag yjgfikl76 (Dec 2, 2009 at 0:53)
 he shreds very very hard. He deserves a lot of respect. Like Bobby McMullen
  • + 5
flag jumble Plus (Dec 2, 2009 at 1:03)
 definatly like Bobby Mcmullen - these guys are inspirational!!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag globemc2 (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:56)
 Great article Andy! And its awesome to see whats going down with Brian and his new leg designs!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag gutfish (Dec 2, 2009 at 18:52)
 that is some great stuff right there, glad to see someone putting their mind to something they like doing. big congrats! NEVER QUIT!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag thrashin (Dec 2, 2009 at 7:27)
 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!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bigroman (Dec 2, 2009 at 13:14)
 my friend Daniel bařak from czech republick
http://bigroman.pinkbike.com/album/Pahyl/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWQN9m04bT0
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag frlls (Dec 2, 2009 at 19:09)
 what a legend, hats of to you bro! inpiration to all, the work hes done is amazing. pure legend
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag curtalcorn (Dec 2, 2009 at 6:58)
 I found a picture of his leg a while back, any one have it? Ive been wanting to show one of my teachers
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag PennyFarthingDH (Dec 2, 2009 at 23:45)
 it shows what lengths people will do just to ride there bike and how passionate people are for riding mountain bikes.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag karol8080 (Dec 3, 2009 at 15:03)
 fulminant stunning, incredible hope for some people to enjoy an active life of congratulations, please never give up
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag retoid (Dec 2, 2009 at 9:40)
 Great article and great idea and design!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag BRAINDEAD75 (Dec 2, 2009 at 9:43)
 EXEMPLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • + 2
flag Gabrieldh (Dec 2, 2009 at 9:51)
 com certeza um bom exemplo de superação e força de vontade!!! eu também creio que não conseguiria ficar sem andar de bike!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bikejunkie123 (Dec 5, 2009 at 13:41)
 To be an amputee, and to compete with the pros...that is insparation at it's finest.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bigjerry Plus (Dec 2, 2009 at 7:45)
 good for him, he has taken the sporting world for entire amputee community to a totally new level! this is awsome!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Dahaka (Dec 3, 2009 at 13:45)
 yeah he show that disabled people can ride as well as normal people...
good for you !!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Folzy (Dec 3, 2009 at 7:05)
 wow dude! thats insane, and you only got a B on that amazing vid? teachers just dont get it
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mooseduck13 (Dec 2, 2009 at 7:16)
 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
flag sgsrider (Dec 2, 2009 at 10:40)
 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
flag mooseduck13 (Dec 3, 2009 at 13:18)
 Idk. does he ride a yellow hardtail
  • + 1
flag sgsrider (Dec 3, 2009 at 15:17)
 he has a few hardtails, but they are yetis, so i doubt thats him. nvm.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag artzicat1 (Dec 3, 2009 at 6:47)
 awesome .cant seem to find the right word ride on
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mj-bass (Dec 2, 2009 at 8:18)
 A true inspiration, which makes you proud to be part of the beautiful sport! a total legend in my eyes!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag oneill-kid123 (Dec 2, 2009 at 15:44)
 WOW, inspiring and you can really see all the technologie this world is coming up with
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dc2008 (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:19)
 Wow big respect for the Brian Bartlett for enjoying biking even though he has an Disability .
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag glaniak1 (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:48)
 Amazing for someone to do such a wonderful thing !!

AMAZING !!!!!!!

Goood for you Smile
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag bikegirl06 (Dec 2, 2009 at 3:10)
 Respect!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag superkat (Dec 2, 2009 at 4:20)
 Very nice. Inspiring and motivating. An A+ from me!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Downhiller-13 (Dec 6, 2009 at 11:56)
 wow man thats soo sick that you do al of that
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag saso (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:23)
 max respect to this dude he is a big inovater and a super rider...
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag andrewfoggo (Dec 2, 2009 at 1:29)
 keep it up mate, tup
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sgsrider (Dec 2, 2009 at 0:17)
 congrats on VOD again andy, turned out well!
  • + 2
flag caleb-doane (Dec 2, 2009 at 9:36)
 mmhmm! always nice to see your work Andy!
  • + 2
flag northwestdhdad Plus (Dec 2, 2009 at 10:17)
 Congrats to Brian and Andy! Inspiration once again...........
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag PiroChu (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:01)
 Wow, incredibly inspirational!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag psychobikernick (Dec 2, 2009 at 17:51)
 truly inspiring
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag smoky (Dec 2, 2009 at 18:36)
 Respect!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dRE86 (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:00)
 Congratulations !!! huge respect
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag h4rdc0r (Dec 2, 2009 at 4:40)
 THis is sooo good omg!!! He will be faster than some 2 leg guys I guess! Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag nightmareterror (Dec 2, 2009 at 9:38)
 Winners never quit. Cheers
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag ciaffez (Dec 2, 2009 at 10:12)
 so inspiring!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag nasumman (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:16)
 Now this is extrem sport´s love. all respect dude Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Erikturner (Dec 2, 2009 at 13:08)
 wo i cant beleive you only got a b on that, it was worth more then that
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag arthur1 (Dec 2, 2009 at 10:39)
 props to this dude. really inspiring. well done Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dirtbagbiker (Dec 3, 2009 at 3:31)
 this guy is probly better than i am, and i have two legs.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag pruss1 (Dec 2, 2009 at 20:45)
 i dont even no what to say. incredible.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag gex9d (Dec 2, 2009 at 16:09)
 Yeah Brian you kill it!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag slipperyjake (Dec 2, 2009 at 7:40)
 vod i cant even ride that good with a normal leg.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag a1bike4me (Dec 2, 2009 at 16:15)
 this just makes me so greatful great story!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag edd-stevens (Dec 2, 2009 at 14:28)
 thats a determined guy! keep it up.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MBracer01 (Dec 2, 2009 at 8:41)
 hey bro if you come down to the east coast id be honored to ride with you
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag SAMT (Dec 2, 2009 at 9:02)
 man thats amazing it well inspirational
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag fenton47 (Dec 2, 2009 at 17:19)
 INSPIRING & INCREDIBLE
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bikeobsessed (Dec 2, 2009 at 5:55)
 you can never take a man from his bike! big props man
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag richierocket (Dec 2, 2009 at 6:32)
 Im so inspired! You rock man!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag j-a-m-e-s (Dec 5, 2009 at 10:53)
 way to go man, way to go. never give up on biking. props
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mexicodwnhlr (Dec 2, 2009 at 17:40)
 No Words!! Keep riding!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cannondale4567 (Dec 2, 2009 at 9:25)
 AWESOME!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag doubledeuce (Dec 2, 2009 at 8:27)
 One word: Amazing.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag A123crash (Dec 2, 2009 at 7:30)
 That is cool!!!!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag pines309 (Dec 2, 2009 at 6:01)
 that awsom
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag opie220 (Dec 2, 2009 at 11:40)
 HE IS MY IDOL
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag X1n3l4 (Dec 2, 2009 at 12:45)
 it's incredible
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dirty-fecker (Dec 3, 2009 at 9:43)
 very,very impressive !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stinker (Dec 2, 2009 at 21:27)
 best thing ever
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kowol93 (Dec 5, 2009 at 0:50)
 amazing ! Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag BOirish199 (Dec 2, 2009 at 14:25)
 amazing!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag konakoolkid (Dec 2, 2009 at 12:06)
 I-S-P-I-R-A-T-I-O-N
[Reply]
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