Hand Cycles 

 

While preparing our website we found this part of the website hardest to do. We are determined that, at CentreBike every one who comes through the door is a cyclist, full stop.

 

But it was necessary to put hand cycles in a different part of our website for a number of reasons. They, by their very nature, are different machines most people are probably unaware of them. Of those who do know of them, most I am sure, like myself, would find them extremely hard going.

 

There is however a strong market for them that largely mirrors the two wheeled cycle market. There are more upright hybrid style machines, for that leisurely cycle along one of the National Cycle paths or perhaps a sunny day at the coast.

 

This goes through to the low slung alloy framed machines. And the riders, we’ve all seen them, though more often, in sports wheel chairs at the Glasgow Marathon or perhaps the Great North Run, fitness fanatics, immense upper body strength visible through the inevitable Lycra top, "aggressive“ sun-glasses, so focused on what they wish to achieve they are oblivious to their surroundings. The hand bikes these athletes use just look the part. Skimming the ground, when on a downhill section, the sensation of speed, handling and feeling of exhilaration must be excellent.

 

These people exist in road cycling too, and I say hats off to them, but most of us are not like that. At CentreBike we do cater for the elite road cyclist/ hand cyclist but we are here for all. Perhaps you are wishing to get back to cycling or maybe you find yourself in the market for a hand bike, why not come along and see us? We always have hand bikes and trikes in stock.

 

 

From when CentreBike opened we were determined to supply cycles to all sections of the community. I found it difficult to get in touch with hand cyclists, largely because I didn't know any.

By coincidence I had just read the excellent "If you fall" by Karen Darke. This fascinating book, a tale of inspiration and endeavour, goes into some detail about Karen's numerous adventures, including a lot of hand cycling and I thoroughly recommend it.

I decided to email Karen who I didn't know, but she was the only hand cyclist I knew of, and ask if she could point me to any organisations who might be interested in the service I was trying to supply. Karen was good enough to respond and give some ideas how to move things forward. The picture above and the one at the top of the page is Karen.

I emailed several  of the organisations Karen suggested, all of whom do excellent work, mainly for people with spinal injuries. But I have to say, the people at Spinal Injuries Scotland have been extremely supportive. Dougy Johnstone gave me some ideas and lots of encouragement. I have put a picture of him on his hand bike here, it is a good example of the leisure machines that are available, as opposed to Karen's sports machines.

In stock just now we have a Pacific Handy an alloy framed road machine, light enough that it can be lifted with one hand. Shimano Nexus 7 speed gears and road tyres. This versatile machine comes in two variants the first with the seat at wheelchair height, more for the leisure cyclist. The second (pictured) for budding road cyclists with the seat mounted far closer to the road, with the obvious advantages in handling and cornering. All for only £900.

We are keen to extend the range of hand bikes we supply. There maybe a make and model you are looking for. Why not phone or email and let us get it in for you where you could actually see it, and decide if it's the bike for you.