Should I buy it?

[jplw]

I found a handcycle for sale. It's an Invacare Excelerator Xlt, but pretty worn. The guy was cool, he took me for a test ride along the chicago lakefront and then came down to $500. Is it worth it? I can't tell. If I get it then end up getting a new one, could I get $500 for it? These are the questions that I'm fighting with right now. Any input?

[CapnGimp]

Can ya post pics??
You say it's 'worn'. Bear in mind that the running gear is all 'bicycle' parts and therefore easily fixed/replaced. Judiciously choosing the store and repairman, it is relatively cheap.
This is my thinking... if I got on and RODE that puppy for a bit, then 500 bucks is a good deal. You know how much they cost new? It gets even higher when they throw in all the'extras' that REALLY should be standard>frown<.

If it looks good to ya, go for it. After a season on it riding, you'll know MUCH more about what you want or need and can use. Good luck either way. If ya can get pics to post, we will help ya more.

[racer]

Yeah, I totally agree with the Capn on this one. Like he said pics would be helpful though. You say its fairly worn. Worn in what way? What parts? Again like the Cap said you are basically dealing with an up side down bicycle so parts/components are easy to come buy and unless you are talking about a critical weld that is going to pop or a serious bend in the frame(screwing up alignment), any local bicycle shop could more than handle any repair oriented needs down the road.

Racer

[jplw]

I didn't take my camera with me so I don't have any pics. It's got a 7 speed nexus hub, instead of derailers. Is the front wheel supposed to be straight up and down or tilted to one side. The handles are way loose and wiggly. The chain skipped when I was trying to take off from a stop, in first gear. The guy said that if you try to turn too tight when you're peddling the chain tends to come off. He had an extra hub and a couple of extra back wheels, because the spokes kept breaking. Is this all just maintainance or a jacked up bike? I guess any repairs couldn't add up to the price of a new cycle, right?

My only other concern is that my clonus kept hopping, inflaming my ankle and the turns seemed to hurt my knees. Some of my right turns left a tire burn on my left leg too. I assume that most of this was due to positioning or turning too hard.

I do know how much they cost new, but there is a trade off with everything. I'm going to look at it again with a friend who has been riding for a few years now and get his input. I might buy it tomorrow and see what happens when I get it home. He has a Lightning. I guess hey turn differently and might not tweak my knees. I haven't beenable to try it out yet, but If I get this one in good condition and still want a different cycle, I know I should be able to sell it for what I put in to it.

Thanks for you input, guys. It always help when trying to work things out.

[CapnGimp]

1#Nexus hub is a PLUS, easy to maintain

2#HANDLES WIGGLY? do you mean the grips you hold?, if so here is one to get your buddy's opinion on, whether it's stripped, worn or whatever.

3#Chain can come off on right turns, if you pedal WHILE turning---it rubs frame you can't pedal a full rotation, on right turns as the chain goes against the frame

4# Breaking spokes are a wheel build/maintenance problem, which can be fixed by any bike shop, I do all my own work myself, but I assume you being a high level injury, can't, so find a reliable guy to do it for ya. They shouldn't charge a lot. It's not a hard thing to do. Spokes are relatively cheap, they just have to be made to fit the rim and hub combo you have.

5# chain skip that's MOST likely a worn chain, or has alignment/ tension adjustment wrong. Get your buddy to see what it is. adjusting the derailleur is pretty straightforward to fix this problem

6# front wheel bent?? should be NO tilt to left or right side when wheel is straight forward, otherwise, you have a bent fork or gooseneck (frame)



check around for best pics, look through the threads here

7# tire rubs leg...they make leg guards to keep your leg from getting touched by the wheel, I'll post a pic of mine, it is found on most all recumbent style like XLT, just a piece of padded tubing that goes around sides of front wheel to block leg, it's a simple add-on


EDITED to correct my overlooking you HAVE an xlt, same thing I have

[CapnGimp]

here is a pic of the LEG GUARD on my XLTpro and me chasing the sun home the other nite...

[NJenn]

Did you buy yet?

My main caveat is this: you are going to grow out of those 7 speeds pretty quickly. Especially as a quad (I have upper extremity involvement too), you're going to want those extra gears at the bottom. I'm glad I have them. I got an XLT Pro just like Capn's off of Ebay for just under a grand. I'm happy with it. I have spasticity/clonus, too--hardcore. If you get a bike, I can give you some tricks for stabilizing your legs. But Capn might beat me to it since I think I got my best tips from him!

[jplw]

No, I didn't buy it yet. I set up a time to lok at it again, but I ended up canceling. I went to a waterski clinic earlier that day and found out there was going to be a handcycle clinic next Wednessday. I'm going to demo a couple of new ones, so I have something to compare it to. I'll get back to you on Wednessday or Thursday.

Leg guards would probably help.
Bent forks? I hadn't thought of that.
Dad chain?
I may want extra gears. Hmm?

Thanks,

[jplw]

Okay, I bought it. I'm happy that I did it so far. Once I got it home, cut off about 400 zip-ties, and cleaned it up a bit, it doesn't look nearly as bad. I have to buy a few things for it now. Leg guards, maybe a new chain, and I might need a new seat frame (it's bent a little). Otherwise, I still got a pretty good deal.


I went for my first ride with my daughter this evening and the hills by my house kicked my butt. Time to practice. Thanks for all of your input, everyone.

[CapnGimp]

You can get someone to straighten the seat frame for ya. They aren't too tough. Might even get someone to fab you a leg guard. Chains can be gotten online cheaper than a bike shop usually. Wal mart even carries them. Just be sure to get the right WIDTH of link. Shop for prices.
Glad you got it. How old is your daughter? Bet she was happy to be out with you. Did you have a rough time getting in the seat? It gets better with practice and experimentation.
Yepper, those hills will kick your butt for a while. But after you get strength and endurance built up, it won't be so bad. Give it a few weeks. Stay hydrated, avoid riding in the heat of the day and enjoy!
If ya got any questions about parts or finding, give me a shout. Happy for ya partner!