Last post Fri, May 02 2008 4:56 PM by FROG. 68 replies.
I have an entry level trike, (Quickie Mach II). We live just a few hundred yards from a nice bike/walking trail, and in a quiet neighborhood. I was an avid bicyclist before my injury and enjoy the handcycle, And it is very good exercise.
Ron C
i have a invacare top end xlt that i rode nearly everyday before my pressure sore got so bad i was restricted from my wheelchair. i'm not supposed to be up in it for longer than twenty minutes at a time. that's after four surgeries and a quarter of last year in the hospital.
preSCI i rode a cannondale everywhere i went, year round, unless i was leaving town.
I've been really fortunate, my health is good, and haven't had trouble with pressure sores. I rode a Trek 1100, and a nice recumbent, (can't remember the make/model). Did a number of cross state rides, Georgia about 5 times, Iowa twice, Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona. The last one was across a good part of Missouri, on the Katy Trail, just 2 of us. Good Times, good friends, great memories.
I have a quickie shark, i just got it a few weeks ago so i haven't been riding much but i'm hoping to do the NY marathon with it in november.
Hey all...Wow i haven't been on this site in a while. It looks great. Between work and school I need to take more time out to get on here.
As for the handcycle question I don't have one myself but I am looking to get one. Any suggestions. I am a T8-9 complete. I have been really looking at either a Top End XLT Pro, Top EndGold or a Quickie Shark.
I've heard the brakes and gear shifting is better on the Quickie. Is this true? Can anyone give me some good insight to which one is better? Even is you feel it's biased because you have one. I'd love to know the pro's and con's of the bikes.
Thanks all!
Also I'm willing to purchase something used so if anyone knows of anything feel free to email me at my personal email. giggleystar@yahoo.com
I've been riding a top end xlt for a year. I love the seating and the control. Breaking is ok. have a c7 injury so my hands are pretty weak. Shifting is really difficult for me. This is really important and I believe the one thing that should be considered the most carefully. Try to get a look at the shifter you'll be buying before you order.
HI TIM,
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION ON THE BIKE SHIFTER. I AM A C4 AND DESPERATLY WANT TO GET BACK TO RIDING A BIKE AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THE QUICKIE SHARK. I LIVE IN AREA THAT HAS A FAIRLY LEVEL GREENBELT ALONG THE RIVER AND I WOULD LOVE TO GET BACK OUT THERE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS OR TIPS ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN PURCHASING A HANDCYCLE. THANKYOU!!
BARBARA
Andy from www.bike-on.com e-mailed me some information and I thought this was worth posting. Especially if anyone is like me and knows nothing about handcycles.
"If mainly light off road trails I would suggest the Pro, If light off road and road riding I'd go with a Gold.The reason I say these two are because they have a higher ground clearance than a Quickie Shark has. The XLT Pro or Gold has three options for wheels, road, cruiser and knobby."
I wish I had a place around me that would be good for cycling. Before I got hurt I tried to ride a bicycle to work one day and was nearly ran off the road by the cars! Where I live is not made for cycling, the cars do not care and the roads are terrible. I would not even think about trying it with a handcycle (lower and wider)! But I am interested in talking about training, I am always wanting to get in better shape. I want to be able to not get as tired when I play basketball or what ever I feel like doing. Hard to go for a jog now to build up the endurance but if you have any ideas I would be interested in hearing about them. I am a T10 SCI about 3 years ago, I have wanted to try handcycling but I did not know they were that hard to get in and out of the bikes...
ArkanzanWheeler, some ideas for easy workouts:
1. Swim: Get a waterproof case for your iPod at www.h2oaudio.com and swim some laps
2. Push: Find a hill an pump it out
3. 6000 Glider: This thing will kick your ass http://www.easystand.com/glider/index.cfm
4. Dance: Find an open floor, grab some small weights, turn up the music, and go for it. You'll be drenched in sweat.
5. Stretch Bands: easy workout for home
6. Yoga & Paladis: Find a class at your local gym...easy
7. Pull Ups: Install a doorway pullup bar
8. Wrestle: Get down and dirty with your friends. You'll scrape up your elbows, but its fun as hell and a good workout.
9. Move to the beach or mountains
I keep meaning to go try the pool out at my gym, not sure about it though. I was a good swimmer before I was hurt but I could not float, I would sink like a rock if I did not keep moving.
The hills at my college going between classes is pretty good for hills, plus I have a backpack full of books weighing me down a little more for extra resistance.
I have a bowflex versatrainer and I made a pull-up/dip stand that I need to start using again. Thanks for the other ideas though.
