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Description

The WorkCycles Fr8 MAD Family

WorkCycles’ phenomenally versatile and sweet riding Fr8 transport bike has a worldwide cult following. The Fr8 ‘MAD’ (Mid Axle Drive) electric assist adds a new dimension. The Bafang BBS02 motor is nicely constructed, clean looking, powerful and among the quieter mid-drives on the market. The WorkCycles Fr8 MAD Family has 5 levels of electric assist, Magura MT5 eStop disc brakes, an Enviolo Cargo internally geared hub and a 612Wh battery. The frame has a standard bottom bracket and is future proof, meaning you could always change the motor later on or build it up as a regular non-electric assist bicycle, unlike many other brands. We offer the Fr8 MAD in a 36v, 25km/h spec for Europe and a 48v, 20mph spec for North America. A mid-drive assist bicycle gives you the feeling of having super strong legs. Ride easily with one, two or even three children, the perfect solution for getting the kids to school, creche or a fun family day out.

The WorkCycles Fr8 (pronounced “Freight”) is our modular range of heavy-duty transport bicycles based around a versatile and super-sturdy frame. Unlike most so-called “transport” bikes the Fr8 is a genuine workhorse. Everything about the WorkCycles Fr8, including the geometry, generous clearances, fittings and materials has been developed to create the toughest, most stable and convenient bicycle possible. It happens to ride beautifully too, regardless of what you pile on. Like all WorkCycles bikes the Fr8 is hand built in the Netherlands.

This enables us to use the special parts and finishes required for heavy-duty bicycles, maintain top quality and provide flexibility to build bikes to suit each customer’s needs. The Fr8 is not just one or a collection of bikes; It’s a modular system of parts that can almost universally be interchanged and combined. That means you can use the bike for multiple purposes or swap carriers to repurpose your Fr8 when your needs change.

Choose your WorkCycles Fr8 MAD Family set-up:

Fr8

The Fr8 child saddle is integrated into the front carrier mounting as if it were part of the bike itself. Kids love to be up front on the bike, they can see everything and it’s much easier to chat while riding.

Fr8 Junior

The ideal daily do-it-all transport bike for a family with two growing children. This setup includes the Fr8 child saddle and two additional age specific seats to choose from.

Fr8 Twins

A setup that’s highly suited for a family with two children that are close in age, or the same age. One of the nice things about the Fr8 Twins setup is that the children can take turns sitting up front.

Fr8 Triple

This 'station wagon' is fully equipped for getting the kids to wherever they need to be. It’s hands down the most sold Fr8 family setup and includes our two most popular Fr8 accessories; the child saddle and the double rear seat.

Universal frame ‘one size fits all'

As its name suggests this is the ideal frame for most applications and the sitting position is comfortably upright. The Universal frame has a low instep for convenience but is as suitable for men as for women. The universal frame features a proprietary geometry called the “Adaptive Seat Tube” or AST. The handlebar reach and reactionship to the pedals actually vary accordingly with the height of the saddle. To state it simply; the Fr8 Universal frame reliably fits riders from about 155cm to 200cm. This makes the Fr8 an ideal bicycle to share; within a family or amongst employees.

TIG welded chromium molybdenum steel frames

Very large diameter, 4130 chrome-moly tubing makes the Fr8 frame far stiffer, stronger and more corrosion resistant than frames from other manufacturers. The front fork is also chrome-moly steel with oversized steering tube and blades.

Integrated fittings

Mounting carriers and accessories to the Fr8 is easy because the fittings are cleanly integrated in the frame. Accessories developed in the future will use the same fittings as well. Naturally all fittings for control cables, brake reaction arms, steering stabilizer and lighting are also integrated into the frame and fork.

LED lights

Fr8 bikes are equipped with bright, reliable and silent running lighting systems. The B&M headlamp has a powerful LED with a clean beam pattern. The tail-lamps have LEDs with a 100,000 hour life-span and remains on for a few minutes while stopped (called “standlight”). Wiring is routed though the fork, frame and rear mudguard where it’s invisible and out of harm’s way.

Sealed hub gears

The super strong and smooth Enviolo Cargo is an internally geared hub with a constantly variable transmission. This unique drivetrain actually has no steps at all between ratios. The hub itself has rotating steel spheres inside, with your input on one side of the spheres and your output on the other. You can turn the shifter, either forward or back a tiny bit and change your “gear” by say 1%, which is really nice. The range of ratios is also greater than the Shimano Nexus 8: 380% vs. 307% and you can adjust your gear while pedaling up a hill without a pause. Probably the biggest feature of the Enviolo is its extreme durability. This combination of variable transmission and durability makes it an ideal choice for mid-drive electric assist bicycles.

Disc brakes

Disc brakes consist of a rotor attached to the wheel hub and calipers mounted on the frame and fork with pads that squeeze the rotors for braking. They are a pleasure to use and are effective in all weather conditions. Hydraulic disc brakes offer more braking power and more control over braking power compared to mechanical disc brakes, roller brakes or rim brakes. We use the MT5 hydraulic disc brakes by Magura, they are highly versatile and suited for level ground or hilly terrain. Like roller brakes the braking components can be removed and replaced when worn without having to build a new wheel.

Chain-case & fenders

The sealed chain-case means no dirty trousers and almost no chain maintenance. The mudguards are tough, powder coated stainless steel to take a beating and never rust. There is no need to wear special clothes to ride the Fr8.

Heavy-duty 26” wheels

The Fr8 rolls on super durable wheels with box-section, aluminum rims, 2.3mm stainless spokes and smooth riding, highly puncture resistant 55mm wide balloon tires.

Rear wheel lock

The integrated lock immobilizes the rear wheel. This won’t prevent the bike from being carried away but when combined with a chain or U-lock it’s a very complete locking system. For those fortunate enough to live in a low-theft area the ring lock is adequate on its own.

The 'Escape Hatch'

On other bicycles changing rear tires and inner tubes is a time consuming job requiring an experienced mechanic. The Fr8’s proprietary Escape Hatch enables the rear tire to be changed quickly, without touching the enclosed drivetrain. Instructions on how to use the Escape Hatch can be found here.

DV or AV

DV are Dunlop valves on the inner tubes of your tires and AV are auto or 'Schrader' valves. Most cyclists in Europe will want DV valves and the majority of North American cyclists will find it handier to have AV valves. Both valve types work equally well.

Stainless steel parts & hardware

The handlebar, stem, brake/gear cables, spokes and almost all of the nuts, bolts and washers are made of stainless steel so they won’t rust even when stored outdoors for years.

Handlebar

The Fr8 “Moon” handlebar is made from stainless steel. It’s roughly a 45 degree bend and most riders prefer it for its leverage and comfortable wrist position. The handlebar height and angle can be easily adjusted with an allen key.

Stable and strong centerstand

We find the combination of this stable, 2-leg center-stand, steering limiter spring and the headlamp mounted on the left fork leg to be much handier than the more typical side-stand. The bike stands upright which is great when loading the front carrier or rear panniers. The parking stand has a very wide stance for stability but folds inward when not in use.

Laser cut nameplate

We can even weld custom nameplates into the Fr8 frame. This is handy to identify fleet bikes or fun to personalize your own bike. Maybe it’s a theft deterrent or will at least help you recover your bike if it’s stolen. Maybe that’s wishful thinking. Maximum six characters.

Cockpit options

Standard

Comes with Widek synthetic handlebar grips, a unisex Selle Royal Ondina saddle and nylon Grind pedals. Made by Widek, these are our most sold grips, comfortable and highly durable. The Ondina is a traditional sprung saddle with cushioned vinyl covering on top. This waterproof saddle is great for absorbing the shocks of bumpy roads and a good choice for a bike that lives outdoors. Grind pedals are constructed from one piece of nylon, bearings and a steel axle. This type of pedal is common on mountain, touring and bmx bicycles but is also highly suited to transport bikes and around town riding in sneakers or other comfortable shoes. It’s a nice feeling to have a wide, grippy pedal under your foot.

Modern

Comes with Brooks Cambium rubber handlebar grips, a unisex Selle Royal Lookin 3D saddle and aluminum Grind pedals. Brooks Cambium grips are made from thermoplastic rubber with organic cotton for shock absorption and a natural look and feel. The Lookin saddle is a WorkCycles' favorite, the gel padding is super comfortable while also providing a significant level of support. It’s waterproof and the sides of the saddle have a double layer of protection. The pedals are a wider version of the regular grind pedals and are made from aluminum instead of nylon. This type of pedal is common on mountain, touring and bmx bicycles but is also highly suited to transport bikes and around town riding in sneakers or other comfortable shoes. It’s a nice feeling to have a wide, grippy pedal under your foot.

Lady's Classic

Comes with Brooks Plump handlebar grips, a women’s Brooks B67s saddle and Union 828 pedals. Plump Leather Grips are made of vegetable tanned natural leather rings cut from the remainders of their saddle production. These comfortable chunky grips compliment a leather Brooks saddle nicely. The B67s is shorter and wider than the men’s B67. When you first receive a Brooks leather saddle it feels hard for around the first three months, after this ‘breaking-in’ period it will feel quite comfortable. The leather slowly softens and forms to the shape of your sit bones.

Brooks saddles are not for the heavier rider though, we recommend a rider weight of around 80 kg max. You need to care for them as well, treat the topside with Proofide every 6-12 months and keep the underside dry. Use a waterproof saddle cover when the bike is parked outside in bad weather and remove the saddle cover when you ride the bike. Tension the leather when necessary, if the leather is touching the saddle rail it needs to be tightened (we also sell a complete saddle care kit). The 828 city pedals comprise of a steel axle, aluminum body and a flat, yet grippy nylon surface.

Gentleman's Classic

Comes with Brooks Plump handlebar grips, a men’s Brooks B67 saddle and Union 828 pedals. Plump Leather Grips are made of vegetable tanned natural leather rings cut from the remainders of their saddle production. These comfortable chunky grips compliment a leather Brooks saddle nicely. The B67 is longer and not as wide as the women’s B67s. When you first receive a Brooks leather saddle it feels hard for around the first three months, after this ‘breaking-in’ period it will feel quite comfortable. The leather slowly softens and forms to the shape of your sit bones.

Brooks saddles are not for the heavier rider though, we recommend a rider weight of around 80 kg max. You need to care for them as well, treat the topside with Proofide every 6-12 months and keep the underside dry. Use a waterproof saddle cover when the bike is parked outside in bad weather and remove the saddle cover when you ride the bike. Tension the leather when necessary, if the leather is touching the saddle rail it needs to be tightened (we also sell a complete saddle care kit). The 828 city pedals comprise of a steel axle, aluminum body and a flat, yet grippy nylon surface.

Have more questions? Find answers here!