4 replies to this topic

[javaftper]

hi,

i've just got some spinergy wheels which i am hoping to use longterm instead of my e-motion wheels.

i'm c5/6 so i had to get capstons fitted for going uphill,rough terrain etc. however i would like to be able to use rubber pushrims for indoors etc.

the problem is that the capstons prevent me from attaching the rubber pushrims (photo attached). i did think of getting someone to cut six 2cm rectangles in a set of rubber pushrims for me however i know from experience how they can split etc even without messing around with them.

has anyone else had this issue? how did you fix it or if you have any ideas please let me know.

cheers,
j

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[DaveP]

About 3 weeks ago I had some rubber/silicone sleeves fitted to my push-rims as Dr said I had developed an allergy to Nikel from the push-rims.

You could be OK with just the rubber sleeves and could get away without the capstons. Maybe you can pop down to your nearest wheelchair shop and ask them to fit the sleeves to another set of wheels and pop them on your chair so you can try it.

It takes a bit of getting used to as the rubber doesn't slide like the metal push rims and if I grip too hard to slow down it can hurt, or I stop too fast, which one time nearly hurt! lol

[Rotarymotion]

I have an idea which may (or may not) work depending on how the capstans are fitted to the push rims.

If the capstans are bolted or screwed on why not remove them, drill corresponding holes in the rubber push rims, then refit the capstans so that they clamp the rubber. This would be less likely to cause a failure to start in the rubber because:

The holes will be much smaller than your rectangles

The capstans will clamp down on the rubber

Failures like tears are more likely to start at the sharp corners of a rectangle than anywhere around a hole. That is why it is possible to stop a crack spreading in perspex by drilling a small hole at the end.

Hope this helps

[javaftper]

thats a great idea, thanks.

my capstons are secured with alan key headed bolts so should be easy to get off.

i'll add a note after i or rather my brother has done it...

[Jax]

Order a set of natural-fit handrims and have them coated with Line-X. That's helped me a lot. For that matter, you could coat the existing rims. Similar process to that described by rotary above, but more durable and permanent.

I have use of my hands, but have nasty cramps in them some days, so can't always grip. I just use my palms most of the time. The Line-X can be applied and textured a bit (kind of like the vinyl on the dash of a car) for even better traction. It doesn't come off though, so be sure it's what you want before you use it. Talk to somebody at an automotive body shop about it. They can show you the different color options as well. It doesn't really get scratches or dings that I've noticed. If you're not up for spending quite as much as Line-X, you can go to your local auto parts store and ask for spray-on rubberized undercoating. It's also available in roll-on, which is pretty cool (as it's rolled on, the roller textures the coating for you...).

Edited by Jax, 05 July 2009 - 01:16 AM.