Discussion
Hi folks,
Found myself looking at hand cycles over the last few weeks, yet to see one in the flesh, but just wondered if anyone rides these, or have any information .
Something like this. http://www.draftwheelchairs.com/top-end-force/
I've a spinal injury so unable to ride a standard bike, and am looking to find another way to keep fit.
The one above I found when searching for spares for my wheelchair, spoke with the company and they seem very helpful, and I'm taking a trip to see them once my spares are in.
Any info anybody may have I'd welcome with open arms.
Thanks folks.
Found myself looking at hand cycles over the last few weeks, yet to see one in the flesh, but just wondered if anyone rides these, or have any information .
Something like this. http://www.draftwheelchairs.com/top-end-force/
I've a spinal injury so unable to ride a standard bike, and am looking to find another way to keep fit.
The one above I found when searching for spares for my wheelchair, spoke with the company and they seem very helpful, and I'm taking a trip to see them once my spares are in.
Any info anybody may have I'd welcome with open arms.
Thanks folks.
My friend is currently working on a range of designed his own hand cycles in the UK and currently uses one off road. His Company is Merici Sports CIC and he should have the finished first product out by the end of this year.
Sorry I can not post a link but he has a page with information on Facebook.
Sorry I can not post a link but he has a page with information on Facebook.
Gumstabber said:
I have a friend (Rachel Morris) who's racing in the paralympics in one. Can't imagine hers would be very cheap though - made by some company in America I think.
Out of interest why does she race a hand-cycle and not a wheel chair? As a layman it looks like you should be able to operate the wheel chair if you can operate a hand cycle. This is clearly not the case though.Fascinated by this topic, I have just watched a youtube clip and noticed that most of the bikes are set so that the 'pedals' are symmetrical ie both hands forwards at the same time. Only one bike was asymmetrical like a 'normal' bike. In the same way that front crawl is faster than butterfly (asymmetrical vs symmetrical) why do the majority of the bikes have symmetrical handles?
Of note, the bloke in the black top with red helmet (0:45) had MASSIVE arms! The bloke at 1:25 (asymmetrical) was clearly powering away from the rest of the bunch as well.
Of note, the bloke in the black top with red helmet (0:45) had MASSIVE arms! The bloke at 1:25 (asymmetrical) was clearly powering away from the rest of the bunch as well.
rhinochopig said:
Out of interest why does she race a hand-cycle and not a wheel chair? As a layman it looks like you should be able to operate the wheel chair if you can operate a hand cycle. This is clearly not the case though.
Would it be that they would be able to use gears to maintain cadence, unlike a wheelchair? Hence go faster/longer?
gary71 said:
rhinochopig said:
Out of interest why does she race a hand-cycle and not a wheel chair? As a layman it looks like you should be able to operate the wheel chair if you can operate a hand cycle. This is clearly not the case though.
Would it be that they would be able to use gears to maintain cadence, unlike a wheelchair? Hence go faster/longer?Sorry for keeping this off topic!
Some very interesting pointers being made here, on things i know nothing about.
Didnt even know of the ways to turn the crank, the posted video is great to watch and opens up some questions.
For me its got to be a lie down, legs in front of me option for a start, due to my injury there is no chance of me kneeling in the bike as such, my spasms would have me out of it in 5 secs flat.
Certainly looks an interesting way to keep fit.
Thanks for all your pointers so far folks.
Didnt even know of the ways to turn the crank, the posted video is great to watch and opens up some questions.
For me its got to be a lie down, legs in front of me option for a start, due to my injury there is no chance of me kneeling in the bike as such, my spasms would have me out of it in 5 secs flat.
Certainly looks an interesting way to keep fit.
Thanks for all your pointers so far folks.
Can't add anything constructive to this, but I took part in the New Forest Rattler sportive the other weekend and there were a surprising number of guys there using hand cycles.
Most were riding with able bodied mates, whether as a social thing or a 'just in case' companion I have no idea. However, I got chatting with one guy who was out on his own and who was aiming for a sub 3 hour time on the 47 mile route. He was riding at a very good pace and looked well on course to do it. Must have huge upper body strength.
His machine had the cranks turning together and from what I saw of it had exactly the same kind of gear set as those found on pedal powered bikes. Presumably these machines can be serviced by any competent bike mechanic. With that in mind I'd be surprised if at least one of your local bike shops couldn't help with useful information.
Most were riding with able bodied mates, whether as a social thing or a 'just in case' companion I have no idea. However, I got chatting with one guy who was out on his own and who was aiming for a sub 3 hour time on the 47 mile route. He was riding at a very good pace and looked well on course to do it. Must have huge upper body strength.
His machine had the cranks turning together and from what I saw of it had exactly the same kind of gear set as those found on pedal powered bikes. Presumably these machines can be serviced by any competent bike mechanic. With that in mind I'd be surprised if at least one of your local bike shops couldn't help with useful information.
Well, spent four hrs in the company of Chris from Draft wheelchairs in cambridgeshire on weds and have brought a handcycle.
Went for a top end force model in the end, after trying some out, its a very strange feeling using your hands to power yourself, and steer, but awesome fun as well.
Brand new they are £3400, they had one in showroom they were selling for someone, used 5 times, looked new, with a few extras like leg guards, water bottle,flag and trip computer, grand total of £1200.
It was a no brainer really.
Also ordered some "rollers" that you roll the front drive wheel onto and workout like that, plan is to build up my strength using roller over the winter months, before heading out onto rds in the spring.
Really excited, will post some pics up when collect it, hope to be end of next week.
Went for a top end force model in the end, after trying some out, its a very strange feeling using your hands to power yourself, and steer, but awesome fun as well.
Brand new they are £3400, they had one in showroom they were selling for someone, used 5 times, looked new, with a few extras like leg guards, water bottle,flag and trip computer, grand total of £1200.
It was a no brainer really.
Also ordered some "rollers" that you roll the front drive wheel onto and workout like that, plan is to build up my strength using roller over the winter months, before heading out onto rds in the spring.
Really excited, will post some pics up when collect it, hope to be end of next week.
You found these guys, right?
http://www.handcycling.org.uk/index.html
I've seen handcycles out and about around Cambridge - impressive kit. I know people do audax on them.
http://www.handcycling.org.uk/index.html
I've seen handcycles out and about around Cambridge - impressive kit. I know people do audax on them.
Hi Pete - Please let us know how you get on.
I have a hand bike but only the type that attaches to my wheelchair. This is ok but is limited by only having 7 hub gears and a small front wheel. I have found that using the gears constantly is key to keeping a good pace as small slopes make a big difference to your ability to stay at a good pace.
I loose traction on the front wheel as there is not enough weight on the front wheel when attacking a hill. I suspect that being lower down and having your feet closer to the front wheel should counter this. It doesn't take long to get used a hand bike and it is a great way to travel.
I have also been toying with the idea of a more dedicated machine but space is at a premium with the Westfield in the garage.
I hope you are still enjoying the Striker which you aquired from me some time ago.
Cheers - Chris
I have a hand bike but only the type that attaches to my wheelchair. This is ok but is limited by only having 7 hub gears and a small front wheel. I have found that using the gears constantly is key to keeping a good pace as small slopes make a big difference to your ability to stay at a good pace.
I loose traction on the front wheel as there is not enough weight on the front wheel when attacking a hill. I suspect that being lower down and having your feet closer to the front wheel should counter this. It doesn't take long to get used a hand bike and it is a great way to travel.
I have also been toying with the idea of a more dedicated machine but space is at a premium with the Westfield in the garage.
I hope you are still enjoying the Striker which you aquired from me some time ago.
Cheers - Chris
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