Design

Our frames look sleek and simple because we have no extra tubing. After we choose each tube diameter and wall thickness carefully, we place each tube strategically for the best strength and rigidity. If you removed just one tube it would not allow the bike to perform properly or not at all. There are no extra brackets or parts that don't contribute to the purposeful function of our bikes.

We go to great pains to be sure everything on our bikes is designed to be 'ergonomically correct' so its compatible with the human body. From our proprietary (patented) leg supports to our unique and generous frame adjustability, we let the human body dictate where and how each piece is created. Our FRH-1 has 'one of a kind' (patent pending) frame geometry and body positioning which is a further example of this. It is designed to not twist up your legs when executing a turn. If you've ridden other headset steered/pivot steered handcycles you know this is a problematic issue. We've cured this problem with our unique design. It may look like other handcycles, and simplicity can sometimes be hard to spot, but trust us, one ride will prove this important point. (See more details on the FRH-1 site.)

Our frame adjustability is the simplest design on the market and offers more range of adjustment than any other handcycle. What this means is that with only one 5mm Allen wrench you can quickly and easily place the cranks in the perfect position that fits you best for the most comfort and power delivery. By only loosening three bolts, you can adjust the seat back to most any angle you choose, from the forward trunk power position to a comfortable aero laid back position and anywhere in between.

We now have an optional "jointed seat tube". (ACCESSORIES page) for those that want to attain an even more aero position. The joint in the tube allows you to adjust your shoulders more upright which keeps your head and neck more vertical and comfortable, and allows better power input to the cranks. This valuable feature is attained by loosening only 'one' bolt.

We were the first to employ a simple 'set screw' in our axle clamp. This allows you to quickly remove the axle for shipping or transport and reinstall it without getting your rear wheels out of alignment. We also install stainless steel Heli-coils in the axle threads so they will last a lifetime.

You've probably noticed that some handcycles use a separate axle and some have a full frame using 'two' main frame tubes with lugs 'in' the frame. A separate axle from the frame gives several benefits. The first obvious benefit is that it takes less tubing for your frame when you use a separate axle. Instead of two main frame tubes, we use only one. Less tubing means less weight. If you can achieve optimum frame stiffness when using only one, then we feel one is superior.

Some 'race bikes' use two main frame tubes or spars. This is mostly to allow the rider to be placed 'very close' to the ground. On some models they also position the rider in a very 'laid down flat' position for the least amount of wind resistance. In every day use ground clearance becomes an issue and so does the lack of visibility. Not only is it hard for others to see you, but its also hard for you to move your head around and see them (not to mention the scenery). This works for a 'race bike', but just like cars and most any other vehicle you can think of, a 'race version' does not make the best 'every day' version. Performance is vitally important, but the vehicle must be designed to operate within the parameters of its intended use.

This next benefit is probably not realized by most people at first, but might be the most beneficial. When our handcycles were ridden around the world in 1995, (see World Records) we noticed that in the videos from the trip, when the riders were going over rough ground, the rear wheels were going up and down absorbing the bumps and taking advantage of the flexibility of the 'separate' tubular rear axle. This built in 'suspension' gave the riders much more comfort on their long journey. We pioneered this design years before the 'World Ride 95' and we've been using this design ever since.

A properly designed frame will have built in flex where desired and stiffness where desired. Stiffness is needed in the crank assembly and the seat back. We use triangulation in the seat assembly, triangulation in the front end assembly and three inch ovalized tubing in the main frame.

Our proprietary (patented) adjustable leg supports have become a standard in the industry. They are constructed of 6061 T-6 aluminum. Because we anodize them with R5 clear, we use special plastic shims where they insert into the frame so they won't get scratched. Other handcycles paint their supports and use a metal on metal connection.

Another benefit is the way our bikes can be quickly and easily disassembled for transport or shipping. From our easily removable crank arms and axles, to the simple way our FRH-1 two piece frame connects and disconnects using only one bolt, our bikes can fit into smaller boxes or vehicles than any other handcycle. This benefit is 'built into' the design, adds no extra weight, complexity or compromises and is not an 'added option' which costs more like on other brands.

Our seat backs and bottoms are constructed with 6061 T-6 aluminum. They are custom contoured to wrap around your body. We use two densities of foam then cover them with the finest nylon fabrics that are UV protected for years of use. They are included with each bike, not 'optional' as on some other handcycles.

Our wide cranks are unlike any others on the market. Notice that our crank arms come straight out off the crank spindle. We were the first to use a single pinch bolt with alignment pin design to hold the arm to the shaft. This design is far stronger and simpler than any other wide cranks on the market. There aren't any weak , welded angled joints to bend or break and the single bend arms are designed to clear your legs when mounted in a low position. This is much cleaner, stiffer and lighter. You also don't need a special crank puller wrench to remove them like you do with splined or tapered shafts when you want to transport your bike. You only need one 5mm Allen wrench.

Two other proprietary design firsts that we're sure you will appreciate are our 'short and offset' spindle designs. The 'short spindle' design gives you more leg clearance between the crank arms than any other cranks when mounted in that 'low crank' position.

More important, is the 'offset spindle' location. This unique design we invented simply moves the spindle to the rear of the handle which means that your fingers do not have a shaft located between them. You'll be amazed at how comfortable this new design feels. You won't want to use any other T-handle design after you've used these. As your powering up that steep hill you'll realize that more comfort means more performance too!

Our 'patent pending' cable routing design is another example of curing annoying problems with 'simplicity'. Long life, balanced feel and routed out of your field of view are several benefits. See the FRH-1 page for more details.

The value of simplicity is often taken for granted and can be easily missed. Maybe now you can see that there's more to the picture than meets the eye when it comes to the design of a handcycle. The biggest benefit of simplicity is Performance. From the simple way we offset our T-handle spindles and route our cables, the way our FRH-1 and Superbikes steer without twisting your legs, and our Body Lean Steer Superbikes carve the corners like no other, performance is the feeling you get when you ride our bikes. We like to say "the proof is in the ride".

As stated above, quality is part of our philosophy. Our frames are constructed of 6061 T-6 aluminum (heat treated after welding to aircraft specifications and fatigue tested) and 4130 Chrome Moly. All our aluminum stirrups, axles, axle lugs and seat pans are made with 6061 T-6. The axles and stirrups are anodized in R5 clear. The axle is first finished in a brushed aluminum finish to protect it from scratches. The axle lugs are CNC machined and utilize stainless steel 'Heli-coil' thread inserts for strong long lasting threads. Our seat foam and fabric are top quality and the fabric is UV protected. We use stainless steel fasteners throughout. Our bikes have a two or three coat (depending upon color) powder coat finish for long lasting durability.