Sabrina Fischer, co-designer of the innovative FLITEDECK handlebar, has revealed that much of the online criticism and abuse she faces is due to her presence as a woman in the predominantly male-dominated cycling industry. Fischer, alongside her partner Matthias Huber, has been receiving attention for their new product, which integrates a built-in computer and various gadgets into the handlebar, eliminating the need for additional components like a separate bike computer or light.
Fischer and Huber funded their project through an OnlyFans account, which garnered over 86,000 likes on the platform. Their groundbreaking design has already attracted pre-orders from customers across multiple continents, and they have reportedly secured a deal with a major bicycle brand.
In a detailed LinkedIn post, Fischer shared that she frequently encounters online abuse, particularly in response to her “spicy” Instagram posts. She described how some critics question her efforts, asking why she is “ruining the sport.” The couple believes that the criticism stems from several factors, most notably the fact that cycling is still largely dominated by men.
“It’s a mix of being a woman, being a woman in business, and being an engineer,” Fischer explained. “Cycling is very male-dominated, so I think that’s the main reason for the backlash. And, of course, the OnlyFans aspect also plays a role.”
Huber, who also noted the challenges of being a female engineer in a broader context, emphasized how much more difficult it is for women in the cycling world. “It’s hard enough being a female engineer in the general workforce, but in cycling, it’s much worse,” he said, pointing out the significant gender divide that still exists within the sport.
Despite the negativity, Fischer and Huber’s product has gone viral, generating significant attention even before its official launch. “We didn’t expect the publicity or how quickly the product would gain traction,” Fischer said. “The amount of business-to-business requests we’ve received has been incredible, though we’re not able to disclose specifics yet. It’s an exciting time for us.”
The couple is also focused on making a positive impact on the cycling community beyond their product. “Our long-term goal is to sponsor teams and athletes, particularly female teams, because we understand the challenges they face,” Huber said. “If we have the opportunity, we will prioritize supporting female athletes first.”
Fischer’s drive to improve the cycling experience for women is deeply personal. “I didn’t like the bike I bought, so I thought, ‘This has to be better.’ I believe many other women share similar ideas, and I hope our product can offer a new perspective.”
As the FLITEDECK continues to gain recognition, Fischer and Huber remain committed to challenging the status quo in the cycling industry and supporting women in sports.
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