The Hand Trike

During the Summer of 2003, I decided to buy a hand trike. The big questions were: what kind, what size, what price, where to buy. The Internet was the best place to start. A quick search turned up the website of a bike shop in Philadelphia that handles two manufacturers' models. One was domestic and the other was Austrailian. I loved the Austrailian model and all the innovations that it provided, but the cost was not for the uninitiated. Later, maybe. The domestic manufacturer made a more reasonably priced unit and I would not have to wait 8 to 12 weeks for the delivery.

Jay's Pedal Power Bike Shop was the first stop on the quest for a suitable trike.

Jeff was most helpful in determining a place where I could see and try various models before plunking down the downpayment on something I might not like. In Philadelphia, there is an organization that has access to trikes and other specilaized propting equipment that members store at their riverside boat house. Most of the equipment is canoes, kayaks and skulls. The Berks Adapted Sports Association had just what was needed. There were several different types and models that were equipped with various options.

One type is steered by leaning left or right and the whole seat-crank-front wheel assembly pivots as a unit so that your legs do not bind with the front wheel. It is better for racing and high-speeds since one can continue to crank without punching the handgrips into your belly on a tight turn.

This on is steered in a traditional bicycle fashion. One turns the handgrips left and right to turn just the front wheel. On a tight turn, you cannot have the crank in the "7 o'clock" position unless you are extremely thin front to back. The other issue is your knees are close to the rim and must be kept away from the moving parts especially when turning. This method worked better for me.

With 24 gears in three ranges of 8, this machine can climb most grades that one finds out on the rail trails and side roads. Most times I can stay in the Middle 8. Occasionally, on such courses as the C&O Tow Path, there is a need to drop to the lowest of the low gears to get up the grade.