Help for an unlucky friend

punkfreq

punkfreq

Likes Dirt
Ok people I need your help.

Long story very very short, i have a friend who had a very serious accident a while back, and lost the use of his legs. I wont go into details, but the bottom line is he is pretty down about not really being able to do much any more. I was thinking it would be pretty cool if i could organise some kind of bike that you can use without the use of your legs. You all know the thing im talking about. Also, it would really be helpful if anyone could scrounge up any pictures or info on disabled mountain biking.

Appreciate it
 
Dan.

Dan.

Farkin guerilla
ive seen bikes that you pedal and steer on the handlebars thats connected to the front wheel
ive also seen one where you push forward and back on a stick to drive the pedals
hope you sort something out for him
from daniel cox
 
Binaural

Binaural

Eats Squid
It's a bit tricky to design a bike driven by the arms, since they are much smaller than legs and can't provide much power, so the best designs allow you to use your body to enhance the power of the strokes you can deliver, depending where on the back the break is.

I have seen a bike driven by the arms for disabled people, which used a rowing action, two bars and a bike freewheel to drive a long, low frame via a couple of chains. Hard to remember, but I think it had a geared hub (seen a long time ago in an engineering journal, if that's any help). The rider was strapped in for stability and presumably to provide something to push against when pulling back on the arms.

From what I remember, it looked very fast and cool, although it might suffer from the usual recumbent problems of slow steering and poor visibility. On the plus side, riding a bike like that guarentees gigantic arm and chest muscles.
 
Tomas

Tomas

my mum says im cool
Fundraiser?! What an excse to help an unfortunantly disabled mate get back into riding? Print some T's? Corperate Sponsorship? LBS sponsorship? Get your mate heavily involved. Maybe get him to get in touch with others? Help get others back on these four wheeled bikes? I know many people who have had these things happen to them. They have gotten though it by channeling their energy into something enjoyable and having a good time.

Best of luck to you and your mate.
 
Skin

Skin

Likes Dirt
Are you talking double amputee or Wheel chair ....?

If so have a look at this :- http://www.peakfuel.co.nz/story.htm

it's a guy from NZ that doesn't have his lower legs but still stomps around on a Xc Bike....

If your talking wheel chair ... i Think Greenspeed(Melbourne) make a hand pedal recumbent .....

I'd get your mate to get in contact with "wheel chair sport Australia" im sure they will have options to get your mate back on the bike in no time...

Best of luck to him...
 
johnny

johnny

I'll tells ya!
Staff member
Yeah good work boys!

There's also a wheelchair down hill seen I think....? I remember seeing pics in a bike mag a few months ago if anyone can remember what I'm talking about. Sorry I can't give anymore info than that, but rest assured that there is definately a scene out there somewhere!
 
GoingDHfast

GoingDHfast

Likes Dirt
punkfreq said:
Ok people I need your help.

Long story very very short, i have a friend who had a very serious accident a while back, and lost the use of his legs. I wont go into details, but the bottom line is he is pretty down about not really being able to do much any more. I was thinking it would be pretty cool if i could organise some kind of bike that you can use without the use of your legs. You all know the thing im talking about. Also, it would really be helpful if anyone could scrounge up any pictures or info on disabled mountain biking.

Appreciate it
Click to expand...
Get in touch with Greenspeed, they'll be able to help you out. Disabled bikes are something they specialise in. I've used one of their tandem recumbents on the great victorian bike ride, and absolutely reccommend them. Couldn't fault their design and workmanship over 1000+ km's of use.

http://greenspeed.com.au/
 
Dane

Dane

Likes Dirt
I haven't seen it, but check out a movie called Murderball. Also I've got an old amb with wheel chair DH racing in it, I'll see if I can dig it out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top