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Description

The WorkCycles Fr8 Classic

(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 Classic, 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 use the bike for multiple purposes or swap carriers to repurpose your Fr8 when your needs change.

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 frame

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.

Long rear carrier

The Fr8 rear carrier is long, strong and versatile. While most rear carriers seem to be installed just to fulfill the expectation that a bike has one, the Fr8 carrier is a carefully engineered basis for either delivery or passengers. The carrier is long and stiff enough to ride stably with big newspaper delivery panniers. Pannier support frames keep heavily loaded bags away from the rear wheel.

Hub dynamo powered lights

Fr8 bikes are equipped with bright, reliable and silent running lighting systems that require no batteries. The front hub dynamo (generator) runs silently without noticeable drag. 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”). Double wiring is routed though the fork, frame and rear mudguard where it’s invisible and out of harm’s way. An even more powerful headlamp with standlight function is optional.

Sealed hub gears & brakes

Fr8’s have sealed internal hub gears with either a rear coaster (backpedal) brake or roller (hand) brake. They offer foolproof shifting even while stopped, require minimal maintenance and are out of harm’s way. The majority of Fr8s in use are equipped with Shimano roller brakes front and rear, a low maintenance type of drum brake which is unaffected by weather. Some riders prefer to have a coaster brake as their rear brake instead of a hand brake. For those in hillier areas powerful Magura hydraulic disc brakes are also an option.

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, aluminium 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 Amercian 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 bend

The standard Fr8 handlebar is called the “Moon” bend and most riders prefer it for its leverage and comfortable wrist position. We also offer the square bend “Transport” handlebar; more traditional looking and with more pullback toward the rider, providing a very upright position. Neither handlebar is “better”; it’s a matter of taste.

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.

Choose your WorkCycles Fr8 Classic options

Panniers

We offer Dutch style panniers from Clarijs. These simple, functional and waterproof panniers are hand made by our friends in Zeeland. They are made from European truck tarp material called Bisonyl. The standard size is XL (44 liters) and comes with the ‘ADR’ an anti-theft ring that will let you run a cable or lock through the bridge of the panniers to secure them to your bike. There are 18 different colors to choose from.

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.

Saddle cable

The Fr8 universal frame comes with a quick release seat tube clamp. This means you can adjust the saddle height on the fly, handy if you are sharing the bike with someone or you want to lend it out. The saddle cable is a coated steel cable that loops through the saddle rail and part of the bicycle frame. It’s a security measure to prevent theft of your saddle and seatpost.

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.

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