26 replies to this topic

[Deej]

Has anyone tried these ergonomic pushrims that seem to be attached to the tyre wall? ....




They are advertised as being much easier to push and reducing stresses and strains on wrists, elbows etc. That has got to be a good thing!

How many of you have a coated/cushioned pushrim? Do they add much width to the chair? I don't have any coating on mine but as winter is approaching I am not looking forward to cold 'slippery when wet' wheels.

Has anyone done a 'home' coating job on their rims as a cost saving exercise - did it work?

Cheers!

[dave420atya]

yes, non-coated rims can be cold and slick. I just wear some leather gloves. I have fingerless ones for warm weather and full fingered ones for cold weather. If it's wet of snowy waterproof ones are nice. I haven't tried the rims in your pic. If you do please give us a report.Good luck with whatever you decide.

[russ1]

Tried those rims in rehab - they're excellent and do make pushing much easier - or to be precise gripping the rims much easier - not sure I'd pay the difference though and I don't know how much weight they add but it would appear to not be insigfnificant.

Tried coated rims too which give better grip but tend to get sticky and dirty which I didn't like and weren't great when they got wet (but what rims are). There seemed to be a definite split - quads loved them and paras thought them unecessary.

[kewlcatkez]

russ1, on Oct 11 2007, 10:15 AM, said:

Tried those rims in rehab - they're excellent and do make pushing much easier - or to be precise gripping the rims much easier - not sure I'd pay the difference though and I don't know how much weight they add but it would appear to not be insigfnificant.

Tried coated rims too which give better grip but tend to get sticky and dirty which I didn't like and weren't great when they got wet (but what rims are). There seemed to be a definite split - quads loved them and paras thought them unecessary.

Hello,
I have some push rim covers likw the ones found here: push rims.In fact I think that I bought them from there!

Its a bit dfficult to see in the image, but essentially they are rubberize covers which attach to the wheelrims in much the same way as those cable tidys cover cables. Hope that makes sense!

I have upper body function, but due to a connective tissue disorder I dislocate on minimal trauma, so anything which helps my shoulders/hands/fingers is a bonus.

Incidently, the wheelchair service where I live has since started providing them to people who they feel need them so at least they get them with their chair.

Take care,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 11 October 2007 - 11:29 AM.

[Tim13]

I don't have the ergonomic type but have been using the vinyl coated rims for years. They're great and don't really increase width much. What I like most is the extra grip they give plus they don't show all the ugly nicks and scratches or turn my hands black like the standard aluminum rims do once they start getting those nicks and scratches.

[Deej]

Thanks all! And kewlcatkez I have just ordered those clip-ons. I'll give them a try. I had been on that site loads of times before and never spotted those so Thanks.

[kewlcatkez]

Deej, on Oct 11 2007, 03:17 PM, said:

Thanks all! And kewlcatkez I have just ordered those clip-ons. I'll give them a try. I had been on that site loads of times before and never spotted those so Thanks.

Hi again,

They are actually very rubbery. I expected them to be more plasticy and "click" on, but they are sort of like half a pretty rigid rubber tube...like a rigid innertube. They just fit over the rims and can twist a bit at times ( I find its when I try and get through a tiny gap in a shop for example ( when I have to get someone to shove me through and my rims grate on the display/shelving! Otherwise, they are awesome and personally I prefer them to the plastic coated rims. I hope that you can get what I mean.

They have been really useful for me since I can push with my palms. When i tried that before the rubberized rims I always slipped off and into my wheel locks/brakes. I am working on a new chair so hopefully will get scissor locks or something ( ?? as my fingers are borked). Until then though, the rubber rims make it less likely for me to get my thumbs stuck between my wheel and locks/brakes, again..lol

Glad to have mentioned them if they are of use!

take care,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 11 October 2007 - 03:48 PM.

[kewlcatkez]

Deej, on Oct 10 2007, 09:21 PM, said:

Has anyone done a 'home' coating job on their rims as a cost saving exercise - did it work?

Cheers!

Hi again,

Just one more thing..

You asked if anyone had done a home made job on the rims. Well, I didn't in the end, because of the hassle factor.. but someone did suggest to me that I should get some tennis tape ( stuff thats on racket handle, sorta padded sticky plastic) from the sports shop, or a cheapo tyre innertube from a push bike and wind that around the rims. Apparently it works as well as the rubberized rims, but all I have is anecdotal evidence.

Also, you have the situation of removing the sticky if you don't like the tennis tape, but the inner tube would be removed without such residue of course.

Incidently, i did wind some around some crutches, but a bit rough for that really..


HTH too

Take care,

K

[Big Valley]

Am I the only one that pushes on the tires? Takes to much effort to grab and hold the push rims for me. I only use the rails to slow down and steer.



I would think all those special coatings would be scratched off from rubbing against doorways or curbs and give me a nasty burn on my fingers when I came down a long hill.

[kewlcatkez]

Big Valley, on Oct 13 2007, 08:40 AM, said:

I would think all those special coatings would be scratched off from rubbing against doorways or curbs and give me a nasty burn on my fingers when I came down a long hill.

Hi There,

Although that may be the case with some coatings, the rubberized rim covers are a few mm thick and well, rubbery so although they can get a little scuffed, they soon clean up with a damp cloth. They do not add any width to the chair as like I said only a few mm thick, yet they can hide scratched rims I guess and they feel sort of a little cushioned ~ being rubbery. There are many types aren't there? and some are probably better for the job than others. I hope this explains the ones I use more. Whatever gets the job done I say.

As for pushing on the tyres, I do this when in a tight aisle/space, but not really a long term thing. I just feel that there is enough crap on my hands off the rims which are not directly touching the floor. Plus tyres tend to be rougher than the rims.

It all comes down to personal preference I suppose! Whatever is easier!

Take care,

k

Edited by kewlcatkez, 13 October 2007 - 08:32 AM.

[silone74]

Hi i use full finger mountain bike gloves when the weather is not very good it is the cheap solution to the expensive push rims and dry's the push rim with the paded fingers and i use the tryes when i need to get a really good strong push up hills. Like you say its all down to personal choise at the end of the day.




Silone74

[kewlcatkez]

silone74, on Oct 15 2007, 03:52 PM, said:

Hi i use full finger mountain bike gloves when the weather is not very good it is the cheap solution to the expensive push rims and dry's the push rim with the paded fingers and i use the tryes when i need to get a really good strong push up hills. Like you say its all down to personal choise at the end of the day.




Silone74

Hi Silone74,

I DO use glolves too, but only tend to in the wet/cooler weather. Then I have been known to slow myself down by putting my gloved hand on my wheels, but ordinarly I suppose I am just used to using the rims!
My fingers dislocate a lot on minimal trauma. I know that it affects how I push, but didn't think that it affected where I push, but now I am thinking about it, I feel I am subconciously 'guided' by it.
LOL
I am going to have to stop this 'deep' scrutiny of myself LOL,
Take care,

[silone74]

I have watched others when i was in hospital and how they push and some seem to be able to make it look effortless dont know how i push really but most have there own little things that they do to make it easier for them i will have to keep an eye out an see how i change the way i do things in different situations your gonna make me start now LOL

[OmniLee]

I've never personally used those handrims pictured in the OP's post. That said, as a quad I always use coated handrims. There are three forms coated hand rims take, that I have seen. The first is plastic coated, more durable, but also slicker. Secondly there is rubberized, not as durable as plastic coated but a lot more grip. Lastly, is foam coated, which tears up quickly and I never found it to have as much grip as rubber coated.

As for pushing style, my most comfortable position is my palm spanning both wheel and push rim. Breaking is then handled on all area's of the handrim. It depends how fast I'm going and how soon I need to stop.

In regards to repairing the coating, tennis tape tends to roll after a while. Tire tubes, roll, and are uncomfortable to push or break depending on the wrap direction. If I was forced to choose, I'd go with Tennis Tape. To me it's the least of the two evils.

Edited by OmniLee, 19 October 2007 - 10:42 AM.

[Texaswheelz]

Big Valley, on Oct 13 2007, 02:40 AM, said:

Am I the only one that pushes on the tires? Takes to much effort to grab and hold the push rims for me. I only use the rails to slow down and steer.

No, your not the only one, I use the tires also, my hands are to big for those small rims. I pretty much just use them for braking and steering also. I had coated rims on my first chair and knocked all that crap off, how every I did use the rims them because of how thick the stuff on it was. Haven't had any coated since then and probably won't ever again.

Edited by Texaswheelz, 19 October 2007 - 01:47 PM.

[Deej]

kewlcatkez, on Oct 11 2007, 11:28 AM, said:

Hello,
I have some push rim covers likw the ones found here: push rims.In fact I think that I bought them from there!

Its a bit dfficult to see in the image, but essentially they are rubberize covers which attach to the wheelrims in much the same way as those cable tidys cover cables. Hope that makes sense!

I have upper body function, but due to a connective tissue disorder I dislocate on minimal trauma, so anything which helps my shoulders/hands/fingers is a bonus.

Incidently, the wheelchair service where I live has since started providing them to people who they feel need them so at least they get them with their chair.

Take care,

K

Just to update you - I ordered a set of these wheelchair non-slip push rim covers - waited a month for them to be delivered (due to the postal strike), put them on and ----- didn't like them!

They added quite a bit of weight to the wheels, and when you've paid for Spinergy wheels, that seemed a bit pointless. Also, what I gained in extra grip and warmth to my fingertips, I lost in ability to slow myself down with ease - as they are non-slip, when you touch them you come to an abrupt stop - I couldn't get used to that. Also, they were a bit 'staticky', so after a very short time they were covered in carpet fibres and hairs.

So after all that I have returned them for a refund. Guess I'll go buy myself some full-fingered gloves.

[kewlcatkez]

Hi Deej,

sorry to hear that the pushrim covers were a no no. Can I ask if they were the ones you mentioned in the beginning of the thread or the ones I referred to in the quote in your last post? If it is them I am wondering how heavy they were since mine are just like very thin rubber..and don't seem to weigh much...Yet I am probably not that aware of it since I got them pretty much straight away and as I have basic tyres right now; I probably don;t see the difference..I hope to put that right soon though.

Anyway, sorry to go on, I would be happy to hear which they were and hope that you find a solution. Due to my dislocations I need to be conscious about added weight so am very interested in any experiences and tips.

In the rain and worse, I do also resort to gloves and the covers, or take the covers off and just gloves as its just too sludgy at times and messy isn't it?

I do take your point about the Spinergys. I am thinking of getting some for my next chair, which if the wheelchair service get their finger out, should be soon...lol...yeah right...lol...

take care,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 16 November 2007 - 11:13 PM.

[Deej]

Hi,

Yeah I got the ones that you suggested from Active Mobility, and could definitely feel the extra weight, but it was more the fact that they picked up dust and hairs, and that I couldn't slow down gradually that put me off them.

Spinergys are great, so much lighter than standard wheels - Good luck !

[Mari]

kewlcatkez, on Nov 16 2007, 11:08 PM, said:

Hi Deej,

sorry to hear that the pushrim covers were a no no. Can I ask if they were the ones you mentioned in the beginning of the thread or the ones I referred to in the quote in your last post? If it is them I am wondering how heavy they were since mine are just like very thin rubber..and don't seem to weigh much...Yet I am probably not that aware of it since I got them pretty much straight away and as I have basic tyres right now; I probably don;t see the difference..I hope to put that right soon though.

Anyway, sorry to go on, I would be happy to hear which they were and hope that you find a solution. Due to my dislocations I need to be conscious about added weight so am very interested in any experiences and tips.

In the rain and worse, I do also resort to gloves and the covers, or take the covers off and just gloves as its just too sludgy at times and messy isn't it?

I do take your point about the Spinergys. I am thinking of getting some for my next chair, which if the wheelchair service get their finger out, should be soon...lol...yeah right...lol...




take care,

K

Hello, Just thought of joining in on the informative discussion about different rims...The matter of friction that someone found from the rubber covers may be a relevant factor in the case of titanium handrims (on my new Spinergy wheels). I haven't heard anyone mention Titanium, yet, or any other metal and, in particular, in regard to brake burns. Burning and shining off an area of skin on forefingers occurred in less than 3 weeks and I'm waiting to hear if this experience is shared by any other customers in the early stages of use of this type of metal. I believe titanium is supposed to be light weight, durable and not to get as cold in cold conditions. But perhaps I'm discovering that the surface of the metal is rougher than my former steel alloy handrims!

regards from,

M

[1heart4u]

Hi Deej
I have the rims shown in the picture. I LOVE THEM. I have two wheel chairs one for outside in the horse pasture and mud and manure, and for reasons mentioned above I leave that wheel chair in the garage when not in use. That wheel chair does not have the push rims, and I can't wait to get back into the wheel chair that I use in the house that has the push rims. If they weren't so expensive I would put a set on the other chair. I am saving for them! Cuz I really do like the rims.
I just use leather gloves if it is cold or snowy or wet outside.
1heart4u

[UseYourInstinct]

I have used Ti, Alum, Natural Fit, and the latest Flexrim push rims. And I can definitely say that I prefer the Flexrims. Effortless pushing, no need to use the tire for grip. Comfortable low force grip. and no burn from rubber coating. Just a great new product.

http://www.flexrim.com/

Edited by UseYourInstinct, 26 December 2007 - 09:33 PM.

[Tired of hurting]

UseYourInstinct, on Dec 26 2007, 02:33 PM, said:

I have used Ti, Alum, Natural Fit, and the latest Flexrim push rims. And I can definitely say that I prefer the Flexrims. Effortless pushing, no need to use the tire for grip. Comfortable low force grip. and no burn from rubber coating. Just a great new product.

http://www.flexrim.com/

I am a T 12 with severe spasms I have a Quickie Gt with power extender rims. It is the only way I can get out in the community. It has changed my life.and I know if others knew about it. It would save shoulders and wrists injuries Lisa

[Big Valley]

I have never understood why a person would use push rims for moving around. I only use mine for slowing down. It takes so much more effort to grip and turn the wheel with the push rims then to have my hand on top of the tire and I feel it is a much more comfortable hand position. I get more leverage, control, and force out of a push especially going up a hill. Not using the rims allows me to set my rims in as close to the wheel as I can for more door clearance.

My hands don't really get that dirty unless it is a nasty day outside and then I just wash them. I don't have callously hand either. I put some lotion on them at night before bed and all is good.

It must be the way I started doing it and then just stayed with it. To grab and push with the rims is just so much harder for me.

[Emily C]

Hi,

I posted about "Natural fit handrims" a while back, but I didn't hear anything, so I'm glad u posted w/a pic!!

I'm going for my first w/c and I will order these rims. I don't think they add much weight at all. They seem like a GREAT idea and am looking forward to giving them a shot. I wish I could try them first, but that doesn't seem to be an option...

Good luck to u!!

[E-DOG]

Big Valley, on Mar 30 2008, 09:28 AM, said:

I have never understood why a person would use push rims for moving around. I only use mine for slowing down. It takes so much more effort to grip and turn the wheel with the push rims then to have my hand on top of the tire and I feel it is a much more comfortable hand position. I get more leverage, control, and force out of a push especially going up a hill. Not using the rims allows me to set my rims in as close to the wheel as I can for more door clearance.

My hands don't really get that dirty unless it is a nasty day outside and then I just wash them. I don't have callously hand either. I put some lotion on them at night before bed and all is good.

It must be the way I started doing it and then just stayed with it. To grab and push with the rims is just so much harder for me.

Since I first started rolling a chair I've used the tires for hand holds. Those little push rims are useless I believe. Ya can barely get your hands on 'em. I need to get a grip, feel more in control. Same with my wheel chair.
I have a wide chair. Till I took the rims off the tires, there were ramps on some buses that were too narrow me. Now I fit right in!
Worst drawback for me is my hands get dirty unless I'm using gloves, and they are a hassle if I'm only going short distances.

[sandim123]

I have those push rims pictured in the first post. I love them! As a new manual chair user, they are comfortable in my hands, and allow me to give a push and go pretty far with it.
So far, so good. The rehab consultant ordered them for me when he ordered my ProSpinX4.
Sandi

[Emily C]

Yes, tried them yesterday at my clinic/evalu... LOVE them!! Just like I thought! Comfy, and easier to push and brake!! Good luck, I hope u can try them b4 u buy...i hope you like them and they help u as much as these will for me! E