A handcycle is a thought that has been rattling around in may head for awhile.
For the last couple of years I've been looking at adding a handcycle to my rides. I want to take some of the strain off the issues with my legs and hips. For the last decade I've been keeping my upper body and arms strong knowing that I would eventually need to give my legs a break.
The process of exploring handcycles was put hold in November of 2021 when a surgery on my left shoulder and bicep(tenodesis) became necessary. The shoulder recovered after about 6 months but it took me up until now to get my bicep repair strong again. For most of the first year of bicep strength training my bicep would easily cramp. With patience, creativity in developing a strengthening routine and hard work I got past the cramping and now my left arm can lift the same weight as my right arm but not as many reps yet. Strength training also includes stationary hand cycling in the gym. It also helps me prepare for hand cycling on the road. BTW I tend to get a better cardio workout with the stationary handcycle than I do with my trike. I can push hard on the handcycle but not on the trike. If I push hard on my trike my compromised legs make me pay a price. Another reason to include a handcycle in my riding routine.
Now I'm looking at two manufacturers of handcycles, Maddiline and Lasher. I started looking at the electric assist Maddiline Race Xe first about a couple years when I was riding exclusively on the pavement. Recently I started looking at the fully suspended electric assist Lasher FS as I'm starting to spend more time off road. The Lasher can easily handle the pavement with shock adjustments.
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| Lasher FS with 1,000 watt Bafang Assist. The beefy suspension on the Lasher can handle just about any terrain. |
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| Maddiline Race Xe with 750 watt Bafang Assist. There is also a rear suspension version. But if I go with suspension the Lasher is the way to go. |
For more pictures:
Final comment for now. I've worked hard over the years staying as fit and active as I possibly can given what I've got to work with. Over those years I've always been willing to adapt as my situation changes.
If I can't be good for myself how can I be good for the fools who love me.
