6 replies to this topic

[Vanessamaee]

Im getting a handbike!!!! But I am REFUSING to go through my seating company because of all the hassle they have gien me with getting a chair to begin with. So I want to know everything you guys dislike/like about what bikes you have, what bikes would you like to get/have etc. What would you recommend just in general or wish you wouldve or wouldnt have done when getting a handbike.

My goal is a marathon in the next year or two (:

Thank you so much! (:
Vanessa

[tooley]

what type of surface will you be doing the majority of your riding on? (road/paved trails/shale/gravel/dirt)

[Vanessamaee]

Im trying to decide on whether I want to do majority on paved roads, such as marathons (road races) or if I want a trail/mountain bike. I love nature. :/

[Edinburgh Colin]

I don't have one but these bikes seem to get good write ups and they do variations.
Worth a look and the company has a good reputation.

http://www.lasherspo...oducts-ath.html

[robbo100bike]

Try as many bikes as possible before you buy. we all have different needs and some bikes are better suited than others. Get in touch with Handcycling UK or Handcycling Scotland associations. There are bikes available to borrow thro HC UK and they hold traianing weekends. If you have any designs on racing at a high level then you need to contact British Cycling find out which classification you would be and choose ur bike to suit. It would be no good riding a longseat bike if everyone else in your class are riding reclined bikes. (Longseat = Upright seat favoured by low level lesions, amputees and those with good trunk muscles. Reclined = back rest is reclined backwards almost flat. The latter are setting some phenomenal race times because the bikes are so aerodynamic. The down side if any is they can be hardwork on hills. Its horses for courses tho)

I buy my bikes thro www.bike-on.com because they know all the products and can get you the right bike and set up for your needs. They also arent scared of customisation. Whereas your average wheelchair supplier wont know the product and inadavertently sell you a bike or set up which may not fit your needs. I recommend you look at Top End Force R and X for speed and also Quickie Shark. These are tried n tested. After them there are Schmicking, Wolturnus, Draft and the list is endless. Personally i ride a Top End K series which is a kneeler. They arent popular with high lesions but i find it allows you to get loads of body weight over the cranks and suits my needs.

Blackpool marathon 2012 is allowing handbikes entry but most events wont allow handbikes in.

For off road bikes there is a charity in Scotland which has off roaders you can hire. The Lasher Sport seems to be the only one which is suited off road, on trails and could be ridden recreationally on the road, never been on one but know a couple of guys who own and really rate them. The One Off style pure off roaders are exactly that, brilliant in mud or on mountains but slow on road.

Get a bike you will love it!!

Edited by robbo100bike, 07 November 2011 - 01:21 PM.

[Steve Hodges]

Hi Vanessa,

I can give you a user perspective for off-road handcycling. I purchased an All Terrain Handcycle (ATH) from Lashersports this year and since then have had more fun than should be allowed on three wheels! I regularly ride my ATH on off-road trails near my home in The New Forest (UK) and have taken it to the French Alps and also to a purpose built trail centre in North Wales.

Check out these youtube clips and you'll see what I'm talking about:



http://www.youtube.c...ture=grec_index

I am a T6 para and I find the riding position really comfortable and it climbs really well over rough terrain. I would advise you to contact Bill at Lashersports to find out more, he is a really helpful guy.

Kind Regards,

Steve

[FROG]

You are looking for a road bike. I suggest you look at the Invacare Top End line. I ride a Force R. It is my third handcycle and I ride for fun several times a week and ride competitively several times a year. Also, I currently have three handcycles and they are all in very good condition. I would consider selling one of them if you are interested in a used bike for considerably less cash outlay. David