17 replies to this topic

[ClaraTaylor]

Afternoon all.

One of my big aims for 2011 is to cycle across England (aka the shortest route) following Hadrian's Wall. Bit of a cheat doing it the shortest route but it looks like good preparation for then cycling Lands End to John O'Groates in 2012 (hopefully).

Now of course I have my old trusty bicycle hanging by it's wheels (I used to have the bike I was riding when I was spread out across the road but mother didn't like this and father gave it's wrecked remains to a museum... don't ask why) but I'm not sure if I can rely on my legs to make it such a distance (like... to the kitchen to grab a snack before I set off) so if training doesn't go to plan I'm thinking of a back up (I do waffle on don't I) plan aka a hand cycle.

How do hand cycles cope with off roading?

What is the best kind of hand cycle available? Makes / designs etc?

Can you carry much luggage on hand cycles easily enough? Since 4 - 5 gentle days cycling will involve a tent and at least a pair of clean knickers!

Any more advice please do spread! Right, I'm off to get a map....

[ron day]

Hi again Clara Got a varna 2 I find it good on flat but not too flat here and roads not to safe, find you need good upper body stengh my shoulders getting worn out so not used it much of late, its good to use nice to get wind blowing through hair,it sits here not used much so well it can go if youfancy a go. ron

[chop-02]

GO to bike-om.com this site has a lot of hand cycles..Scott Pellet is the guy to talk to. He is a para and also rides. Real nice guy..GOOD LUCK..

TYPO SORRY [b]bike-on.com[/b]

[offroadfreak]

You can try here: http://offroadhandcycle.com/

some of their videos:

[roo]

hi there i have a cyclone hand tracker i've put knobbly tyres on the back and have no trouble going off road with it ,,it flys through everything i also use the the knobbly tyres on my day to day chair also for the snow heres a link to the tracker , http://www.youtube.c...6WqTZhRVgE#t=5s

ps sorry about the sound not working. am trying to fix the matter

clara what i would sugest is that you try to fit all your gear in a rack-sack and strap to the bar going to the front wheel more weight the better has i find when you start going up slight incline the front wheel starts spinning i have tryed alot of models and they all seen to do this also it helps if you let a little air out of the front tyre

i have removed the front casters so i have more clearance for going off road

have a brillant cycle wish i was doing it sound's good and let us know how you got on,,
happy cycling
roo

Edited by roo, 07 March 2011 - 06:55 AM.

[Meek5396]

Hi all, I have come across this discussion while looking for information on a bid to get information about which hand chair to use and any knowledge of long journeys done before for a Help for Heros charity event I'm planning to complete from lands end to John O'Groats.

I will be checking out the links you have all left but I did wonder if the chair that was mentioned sitting spare was still the free??

[Chrisonwheels]

I've got a Team Hybrid Coyote here's the webpage; some serious handbikers might think it's not cool, but I didn't want to sit on the floor or kill myself on the hills.
Mark does non-powered models as well.
It's a lot sturdier than other similar types of handbike.

[guido]

Hand cycle threads pretty rare - so just want to refer you to two other ones (out of self-interest...)


http://www.apparelyz...__1#entry223455


and


http://www.apparelyz...005#entry223005

[WC_Sage]

Do you know of any commercially available handcycles that can be propelled by a motion other than the typical circular pedaling motion?

[guido]

WC_Sage, on 29 April 2011 - 01:51 AM, said:

Do you know of any commercially available handcycles that can be propelled by a motion other than the typical circular pedaling motion?

As in electrically assisted bikes? There are a number of handbikes that have electric assist, such as Hase


"Electric driveTailwind de Luxe! The electric motor is suitable for everyday use or can be switched on for steep hills and longer stretches. Fits on all Hase models. No registration required. All gear options can be retained. Easy to operate. Extremely quiet motor. High-quality lithium ion batteries. Simple battery removal."

[Heretic]

I have a davinci veloce handcycle. It is handy in that it can detach from the chair, but if you want efficient handcycles that can deal with hills (and doing a cross-britain hike, you'll need it), you want a more dedicated handcycle, whose weight will be better distributed between the wheels. They vary in price depending on how brilliant you want them to be in terms of speed and effiency, but expect to pay in excess of £1500. Here are a few sites.

http://www.intrepide....com/bikes.html
http://www.sunriseme...&bmLocale=en_GB
http://www.alangrace.com/draft.htm
http://www.bike-on.com

You can also get an attachment that lets you carry your wheelchair. I'll try to find the link.

It's also worth looking at http://www.alangrace.com/draft.htm.

I hope this helps.

Cheers
Heretic

Edited by Heretic, 16 May 2011 - 05:08 PM.

[compositepro]

im seriously looking into making these in the UK I used to make custom bicycles and these have caught my imagination as well as racing wheelchairs surely we could create some very cool stuff with the technology available
a good friend of mine over on various framebuilding boards uses one and they just don't seem to get the same kind of credit they deserve im getting most of my info from the adaptivesports forum.
I have to say a big thanks for the links though

[WC_Sage]

Regarding

Quote

Do you know of any commercially available handcycles that can be propelled by a motion other than the typical circular pedaling motion?

and

Quote

As in electrically assisted bikes?

No, the person would still be the prime mover.

[Doodle]

WC_Sage, on 07 June 2011 - 11:18 PM, said:

Regarding

Quote

Do you know of any commercially available handcycles that can be propelled by a motion other than the typical circular pedaling motion?

and

Quote

As in electrically assisted bikes?

No, the person would still be the prime mover.

Team Hybrid to a power assisted hand cycle! Its a clip on style! http://www.teamhybri...ered/cougar.htm

Not sure if your after this kind or a recumbent style!

Edited by Doodle, 09 June 2011 - 08:30 AM.

[Heretic]

Doodle, on 09 June 2011 - 08:29 AM, said:

WC_Sage, on 07 June 2011 - 11:18 PM, said:

Regarding

Quote

Do you know of any commercially available handcycles that can be propelled by a motion other than the typical circular pedaling motion?

and

Quote

As in electrically assisted bikes?

No, the person would still be the prime mover.

Team Hybrid to a power assisted hand cycle! Its a clip on style! http://www.teamhybri...ered/cougar.htm

Not sure if your after this kind or a recumbent style!

Davinci do too.

[WC_Sage]

Doodle,

Regarding "... a power assisted hand cycle ..." - that's an interesting device referenced in your post. However, in this case the person - the human rider - would be solely responsible for powering the hand cycle.

[simplepeachyme]

I highly suggest the Freedom Ryder, I have the FRH-1. The seating is fully adjustable. The best thing about it versus other handcycles is, it has one of the break and gears on the handle so you don't need to remove your hand from the handles as much. You can also get a bike pannier to keep on the rear.

You should also combine it with the wheelchair take along attachment, which you can get from bike-on.com

I didn't want to spend $79 one a piece of plastic and carabiner so my boyfriend made one using a thick piece of plastic, (a chopping board would be good). Also by attaching your chair, you can strap on a bag on the seat then attach bungee cord the wheels on top of that.

Edited by simplepeachyme, 04 August 2011 - 05:05 PM.

[guido]

After all the discussion on hand cycling and following our own research, I have put together a page on


Starting Advice on Choosing and Buying Handbikes and Handcycling in the UK


The info is still relevant to those outside the UK but the company URL links are mostly to UK-centric businesses or organisations.


If anyone thing there are any glaring omissions or errors, please let me know!