Ophidian AWD Bicycles

Ophidian Bicycles was incorporated in June 2009, and offers the first line of chain-driven AWD (all-wheel-drive) bicycles. The technology and prototypes are based on a special drive train housing a universal joint above the front wheel, which allows the wheel to turn from side to side while still receiving power.

The addition of front-wheel-drive allows riders to successfully negotiate new terrain and in adverse weather conditions that normal bikes dare not go. Examples are snow, mud, steep slopes, sand and slick city streets. All-wheel-drive provides more traction, increased steering control and stability leading to a safer riding experience and a feeling of being sure-footed.

“It climbs like a Billy Goat. On the steepest hill we climbed (17% grade) I had no balance issues, and I tried to skid out the rear wheel by moving my weight forward but it didn’t matter. The driven front wheel just kept pulling me up the hill... Very fun to climb up hills! I even found it easier to start up on a steep incline with the 2-wheel drive.”

-- Matt Hill, CEO, The Hill Group and expert MTB Rider

Nicolas Charron, Founder and CEO

Nicolas Charron is no stranger to new ventures.  He learned the ropes from his father Mr. Jean-Yves Charron, a pioneer for the incubation of new idea in France. Nicolas also spent the last five years as a entrepreneur and as a manager. 

Nicholas Handres, COO

Nick Handres has extensive experience in planning, organizing and operating various organizations in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and software industries.  Throughout his career, Nick has been recognized many times for his exceptional contributions to engineering (GM Engineering Excellence Award), marketing (EDS Global Marketing - Best Marketing Strategy), sales (EDS Inner Circle) and leadership.  He has also been engaged in large programs and start-ups.  He has also rescued multiple “red” projects and has led organizations large and small through difficult transitions and projects.  Nick has a degree in business administration from the University of North Florida and studied mechanical engineering at Clarkson University.

Greg Moyer, President, CMO

Greg has over 20 years of experience in corporate and agency marketing and sales with an emphasis in program strategies & communications, brand marketing and business demand generation. His distinctive skill set includes global brand marketing & sales strategies and execution, creating memorable customer experiences and marketing/sales communications.  Greg has been engaged by highly visible companies like Freightliner Trucks, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, Intel, Microsoft, Philips, Sharp Electronics, Siemens, and Unisys.  He was founder of Flying Beyond, a Silicon Valley marketing & sales communication firm in which Greg used his customer-centric approach to create techniques to improve selling performance and improved customer relations.  As a long time cycling enthusiast and successful racer, Greg is very active behind the scenes for one of California’s oldest and largest cycling clubs.

Jon Heim, Chief Technology Officer

Jon is a prolific inventor with over 40 patents worldwide, and is the founder of three companies. A veteran of the automotive, bicycle, medical and consumer product industries, Jon has a strong background in design for manufacturing, innovative components, lightweight structures, and alternative drivetrains. He holds a BS ET/ME from Cal Poly, SLO. As long time mountain biker, he has been active in local clubs and downhill mountain bike races.

Julian Farnam, Chief Designer

Julian Farnam comes to Ophidian Bicycles, Inc. with 20 years of bicycle and motorcycle design experience including the development of experimental and racing cycles.  One of his racing motorcycle designs holds a championship title in the very competitive 500 cc Twin (cylinder) class.   Julian has made a life long study of alternative and experimental suspensions.  His career involves the design and engineering of consumer products ranging from consumer electronics, toys, and high-tech medical devices.  Julian holds a degree in Transportation Design from Art Center, Pasadena CA and he studied Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly S.L.O.

Sales Channels

Direct to dealer channels in North America

Existing distributors for Europe and Asia

Direct online sales

Trade shows and institutional purchasing events

Retail outdoor & recreation chain store

Prototypes have been built and demonstrated

Suspension system designed and being engineered

Core team of experienced engineers, manufacturing and sales professionals

Ready to manufacture and ramp up to mass-market production