Discussion
I have a cross-trainer and I want to add some "handles" to it, to make it more comfortable for an older person who has arthritis to (gently) use whilst gyms are off the table during lockdown.
The existing arms have a diameter of 45mm, and all I can think of to use is something like the image below, whereby I could add an angle joint with a few inches of tube to create an L shaped makeshift handle.
This is what I want to do, adding the joint (in blue) and a little bit of tube (in red).
The closest I can find in terms of tube joints is 42.4mm - which is very slightly too small. Is there a version of this kind of joint where it's adjustable? Or even better, something really clever that would solve the issue more easily?
The existing arms have a diameter of 45mm, and all I can think of to use is something like the image below, whereby I could add an angle joint with a few inches of tube to create an L shaped makeshift handle.
This is what I want to do, adding the joint (in blue) and a little bit of tube (in red).
The closest I can find in terms of tube joints is 42.4mm - which is very slightly too small. Is there a version of this kind of joint where it's adjustable? Or even better, something really clever that would solve the issue more easily?
Edited by Sterillium on Thursday 9th April 13:16
witko999 said:
Your picture doesn't work so I'm imagining what you mean. Can you get a set of bar ends for a bicycle? These usually clamp to the ends of the handlebars.
That was my first thought - but the bar I'd need to clamp them on to is 45mm diameter, and I couldn't find anything close to that.Also, the image (hosted on Google Photo) appears for me - I've just put the image address in the [pic] formatting codes, what do I need to do to make it work?
Sterillium said:
Also, the image (hosted on Google Photo) appears for me - I've just put the image address in the [pic] formatting codes, what do I need to do to make it work?
When I load the image address in a browser Google wants me to sign in to a Google account. Maybe you have to make the image public or similar?guindilias said:
This is useful, thank you... I guess a few mm spare could easily be padded out.
Does exhaust pipe come in the right size? Would mean having an exhaust clamp which would be a bit ungainly but might work.
Or put an exhaust clamp round the existing bar, see scrappy drawing below, or similar but long bolts fore and aft with wood above and below. Roofing bolts come in long sizes and a readily available.
I'm not sure if you'd get enough grip on the handle bars like this, depend how heavily you need to lean on the new ones. A 45 mm hole through a block of wood above and below would give most grip, I've probably got tools to do that but I wouldn't expect everyone to have them!
Or put an exhaust clamp round the existing bar, see scrappy drawing below, or similar but long bolts fore and aft with wood above and below. Roofing bolts come in long sizes and a readily available.
I'm not sure if you'd get enough grip on the handle bars like this, depend how heavily you need to lean on the new ones. A 45 mm hole through a block of wood above and below would give most grip, I've probably got tools to do that but I wouldn't expect everyone to have them!
john2443 said:
Does exhaust pipe come in the right size? Would mean having an exhaust clamp which would be a bit ungainly but might work.
Or put an exhaust clamp round the existing bar, see scrappy drawing below, or similar but long bolts fore and aft with wood above and below. Roofing bolts come in long sizes and a readily available.
I'm not sure if you'd get enough grip on the handle bars like this, depend how heavily you need to lean on the new ones. A 45 mm hole through a block of wood above and below would give most grip, I've probably got tools to do that but I wouldn't expect everyone to have them!
That'd work - I might reserve it as plan B just in case I can find a neater solution. But if it works, it'll work, and that will make a difference to the potential user. Or put an exhaust clamp round the existing bar, see scrappy drawing below, or similar but long bolts fore and aft with wood above and below. Roofing bolts come in long sizes and a readily available.
I'm not sure if you'd get enough grip on the handle bars like this, depend how heavily you need to lean on the new ones. A 45 mm hole through a block of wood above and below would give most grip, I've probably got tools to do that but I wouldn't expect everyone to have them!
It's a commercial cross trainer, so it's sturdy enough to take it.
A pair of drill handles might do it: https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/124090150253?chn=ps&n...
Bill said:
A pair of drill handles might do it: https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/124090150253?chn=ps&n...
Just as I was thinking - I believe some are 43mm diameter, so should fit tightly around 45mm.Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff