Handcycle - Page 2

The_Wheel_Life · 06-24-2012, 04:22 PM

The Force R doesn't necessarily have to be used only for racing. It still has some adjustability so that the rider isn't required to lie totally flat. In my opinion, some of the racers are just too far reclined. Sure, they will go fast, but it also makes it very difficult to see where you're going. I've found that the reclined position can be very comfortable, too. It distributes your body weight more, so there's less pressure on the seat. Ground clearance can be an issue (as mentioned), but I've never really heard of it being something that prevents people from riding.

Bottom line, you'd be WAY more efficient in a Force R than an XLT Pro. However, transferring in and out can be a hassle. It's harder to look around and see your surroundings. If you want to go farther and faster, a reclined bike might be the way to go. I'm curious to see the new reclined bike from Intrepid. I'm a big fan of anything that uses 700c wheels. I'm still surprised that the handcycle industry hasn't made the switch.

Patrick Madsen · 06-24-2012, 04:37 PM

If you don't have to sell the Pro go with the R. If you want to sell then you have to decide how you want to ride; only smooth roads or a combination. There's plenty of great bikes that can do both. If you want to race against other handcyclists then ya need a R or equivelant. If your lower core if fairly good a leansteer is so much fun and efficient.

There was a F/R leansteer that was just sold here today at one heck of deal (600). It would have been perfect for a T/8 marathoner. They are simple, fast and really maximize ones core group.

THL Lightning and Freedomryders used to be 700c in the front. I agree it ticks me off that I have such little tire choice because of the 650c tire clearance they build into the h/c. Plus the added inertia from a 700 ...

Richard L · 06-25-2012, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Wheel_Life

I'm a big fan of anything that uses 700c wheels. I'm still surprised that the handcycle industry hasn't made the switch.

You can order the Force R built for 700c wheels. If they keep the frame and fork geometry the same, then 700c wheels should raise the bike up an inch or so over 650c wheels. Personally, I don't think the extra rotational weight and air drag from all three wheels are worth it.

timmyb · 06-25-2012, 03:16 PM

I guess I'm just wondering if I would be better off with a Force G or an XLT Gold or something like that or if the layback handcycle if definitely the way to go if I want to compete at a high level

Patrick Madsen · 06-25-2012, 03:33 PM

Force G basically replaced the XLT Gold so not so much difference other than perhaps the G is lower.

If you ar planning on going hi level comp. against other disabled riders, yeah you need to go longframe recumbent.

If you are considering looking at a FOrce G or Gold, buy used. I know of 2 right now that would go fairly reasonable. But if it were me, I would go FHR1 or a leansteer. If I were a T/8 I'd go leansteer in a heartbeat.

You might want to consider the roads you'll be riding also. The R's etc. are extremely low so visability by both you and others is at greater risk. If you want to do anytype of rec. riding wher turns are needed etc. a low recum. is not going to do it.

Force G's and Golds esp. are old school, might as well stick with your Pro. I'm not racing anymore and after 36t years in the saddle, perhaps I'm losing touch with what's important. All I know is that I want to keep riding and will buy any bike any configuration that will allow me to keep on doing it. The time and effort needed to even compete at a high level maybe something you need to look at also. Don't get swayed into a low slung bike if it's going to hinder you from just jumping on and going for a ride.

Patrick Madsen · 06-25-2012, 05:09 PM

Thinking about it again lol; If the roads where you ride and train are condusive to a frame 1 3/4" off the ground. Go for it. With your marathon time on a Pro you definitly have potential.

You have your Pro already and a R is going to be pretty easy to sell if you don't like it.

Road conditions that I ride and train on were not conducive to a Force or R hence the bike I got.

timmyb · 06-26-2012, 12:13 PM

Whats a good Leansteer bike?

Craig80 · 06-26-2012, 12:53 PM

Freedom Ryder LC-1. The problem I found with lean steer is you have to shift your weight often to compensate for road crowns to get the bike to track straight, turning is where they shine.

The_Wheel_Life · 06-26-2012, 01:08 PM

In my experience, the CB-1 was the best lean-steer bike FR ever produced. They are hard to come by these days. Personally, I'm not a fan of the lean-steer bikes simply for the safety/stability factor. Virtually everyone I know that has owned one has had a nasty crash at some point. The nature of the geometry and design makes them incredibly unstable. About two weeks ago, I was riding with a guy on a FR. We came to a downhill, and I knew something bad was going to happen. Sure enough, he went into a "speed wobble" on the way down and rolled it. I watched the whole thing in my mirror as I knew it was going to happen.

As for the 700c-vs-650c conundrum... The way I see it, all pro bikers would be riding 650s if they were more efficient. Will Lachenauer just crushed the H2 division at Nationals on a bike with 700c wheels. They don't seem to slow him down any. The Force with 700c wheels just uses a 650c frame with an extended fork. The CarbonBikes do the same thing for 700s. Aside from a custom build, there really aren't any handcycles designed from the ground up using 700c wheels. I had my Schmicking custom built with 700s, and I'll never go back to 650s. The ride is noticeably smoother.

If it's speed you want, a reclined bike is going to be your best bet. A Force G, Gold, or FRH-1 are OK for just recreational riding, but the advantage they'd provide over your Pro would be marginal at best. If you're looking at buying something brand new, I would wait a little bit. Top End will soon be releasing the new version of the Force R. Also, it'll be interesting to see how the new bike from Intrepid turns out. I am going to go test it next month. From what I've heard/read, it has a pretty interesting frame and seating design. Plus, it has 700c wheels. It sure is great to see all of the continued improvements in the handcycling industry!

Patrick Madsen · 06-26-2012, 01:15 PM

I agree TWL, my first handcycle in'76 we literally used a plastic kitchen chair for the seat with drape hangers and rain gutters for footrests. We've come a long ways since then.

06-25-2012, 03:16 PM	#14
timmyb Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 8	Handcycle again I guess I'm just wondering if I would be better off with a Force G or an XLT Gold or something like that or if the layback handcycle if definitely the way to go if I want to compete at a high level

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
looking for a handcycle	jenjen138	Equipment & Services	4	01-16-2012 04:52 PM
Top End handcycle	dewie27	Recreation, Sports, Travel, & Hobbies	22	06-25-2011 09:02 AM
Looking to buy a Handcycle...	dylankrapf	Recreation, Sports, Travel, & Hobbies	6	03-22-2010 05:57 PM
Which handcycle?	wheelin 48	Equipment	5	04-25-2007 04:24 PM
Which Handcycle..	nick	Equipment	6	07-18-2006 11:30 AM

06-24-2012, 04:22 PM	#11
The_Wheel_Life Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 128	The Force R doesn't necessarily have to be used only for racing. It still has some adjustability so that the rider isn't required to lie totally flat. In my opinion, some of the racers are just too far reclined. Sure, they will go fast, but it also makes it very difficult to see where you're going. I've found that the reclined position can be very comfortable, too. It distributes your body weight more, so there's less pressure on the seat. Ground clearance can be an issue (as mentioned), but I've never really heard of it being something that prevents people from riding. Bottom line, you'd be WAY more efficient in a Force R than an XLT Pro. However, transferring in and out can be a hassle. It's harder to look around and see your surroundings. If you want to go farther and faster, a reclined bike might be the way to go. I'm curious to see the new reclined bike from Intrepid. I'm a big fan of anything that uses 700c wheels. I'm still surprised that the handcycle industry hasn't made the switch.

06-24-2012, 04:37 PM	#12
Patrick Madsen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Blaine, Wa Posts: 3,877	If you don't have to sell the Pro go with the R. If you want to sell then you have to decide how you want to ride; only smooth roads or a combination. There's plenty of great bikes that can do both. If you want to race against other handcyclists then ya need a R or equivelant. If your lower core if fairly good a leansteer is so much fun and efficient. There was a F/R leansteer that was just sold here today at one heck of deal (600). It would have been perfect for a T/8 marathoner. They are simple, fast and really maximize ones core group. THL Lightning and Freedomryders used to be 700c in the front. I agree it ticks me off that I have such little tire choice because of the 650c tire clearance they build into the h/c. Plus the added inertia from a 700 ...

06-25-2012, 03:33 PM	#15
Patrick Madsen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Blaine, Wa Posts: 3,877	Force G basically replaced the XLT Gold so not so much difference other than perhaps the G is lower. If you ar planning on going hi level comp. against other disabled riders, yeah you need to go longframe recumbent. If you are considering looking at a FOrce G or Gold, buy used. I know of 2 right now that would go fairly reasonable. But if it were me, I would go FHR1 or a leansteer. If I were a T/8 I'd go leansteer in a heartbeat. You might want to consider the roads you'll be riding also. The R's etc. are extremely low so visability by both you and others is at greater risk. If you want to do anytype of rec. riding wher turns are needed etc. a low recum. is not going to do it. Force G's and Golds esp. are old school, might as well stick with your Pro. I'm not racing anymore and after 36t years in the saddle, perhaps I'm losing touch with what's important. All I know is that I want to keep riding and will buy any bike any configuration that will allow me to keep on doing it. The time and effort needed to even compete at a high level maybe something you need to look at also. Don't get swayed into a low slung bike if it's going to hinder you from just jumping on and going for a ride.

06-25-2012, 05:09 PM	#16
Patrick Madsen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Blaine, Wa Posts: 3,877	Thinking about it again lol; If the roads where you ride and train are condusive to a frame 1 3/4" off the ground. Go for it. With your marathon time on a Pro you definitly have potential. You have your Pro already and a R is going to be pretty easy to sell if you don't like it. Road conditions that I ride and train on were not conducive to a Force or R hence the bike I got.

06-26-2012, 12:13 PM	#17
timmyb Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 8	Whats a good Leansteer bike?

06-26-2012, 12:53 PM	#18
Craig80 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Davis Ca Posts: 300	Freedom Ryder LC-1. The problem I found with lean steer is you have to shift your weight often to compensate for road crowns to get the bike to track straight, turning is where they shine.

06-26-2012, 01:08 PM	#19
The_Wheel_Life Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 128	In my experience, the CB-1 was the best lean-steer bike FR ever produced. They are hard to come by these days. Personally, I'm not a fan of the lean-steer bikes simply for the safety/stability factor. Virtually everyone I know that has owned one has had a nasty crash at some point. The nature of the geometry and design makes them incredibly unstable. About two weeks ago, I was riding with a guy on a FR. We came to a downhill, and I knew something bad was going to happen. Sure enough, he went into a "speed wobble" on the way down and rolled it. I watched the whole thing in my mirror as I knew it was going to happen. As for the 700c-vs-650c conundrum... The way I see it, all pro bikers would be riding 650s if they were more efficient. Will Lachenauer just crushed the H2 division at Nationals on a bike with 700c wheels. They don't seem to slow him down any. The Force with 700c wheels just uses a 650c frame with an extended fork. The CarbonBikes do the same thing for 700s. Aside from a custom build, there really aren't any handcycles designed from the ground up using 700c wheels. I had my Schmicking custom built with 700s, and I'll never go back to 650s. The ride is noticeably smoother. If it's speed you want, a reclined bike is going to be your best bet. A Force G, Gold, or FRH-1 are OK for just recreational riding, but the advantage they'd provide over your Pro would be marginal at best. If you're looking at buying something brand new, I would wait a little bit. Top End will soon be releasing the new version of the Force R. Also, it'll be interesting to see how the new bike from Intrepid turns out. I am going to go test it next month. From what I've heard/read, it has a pretty interesting frame and seating design. Plus, it has 700c wheels. It sure is great to see all of the continued improvements in the handcycling industry!

06-26-2012, 01:15 PM	#20
Patrick Madsen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Blaine, Wa Posts: 3,877	I agree TWL, my first handcycle in'76 we literally used a plastic kitchen chair for the seat with drape hangers and rain gutters for footrests. We've come a long ways since then.