There are many handcycle models available and you need to choose the right one for you. How do you do this - if there aren't any demo models to try out in country?

Trust me it can be a costly exercise if you buy the wrong one, as you may find that it is unrideable and your hard-earned money is wasted.



The Xcaliber Stealth is exclusively hand-built to order in South Africa - see the For Sale page for further details. See their website: Xcaliber for more information.



Your first step is to do a critical analysis of your actual abilities - not what you'd like to be able to do, but what you actually can do. Then...

See the wiki on handcycles.

Of course a lot depends on what you intend using the handcycle for - racing, touring or casual  rides with friends. Many different designs have been tried over the years with varying success. However, it all depends on having a handcycle that suits your abilities rather than your desired abilities - harsh reality!



Buying a handcycle can be an expensive exercise, so why not consider buying a locally built handcycle?
The XCaliber handcycles are custom built right here in South Africa, so you save on all the import costs. This is a solidly built handcycle - I can personally attest to this as we had one on the 2000 and 2010 Toer de Kaap, and it was passing the imported bikes!

I like the clean no-fuss look of this handcycle. Contact Eugene now for a quote and give him this web reference number H410.

Eugene also rode his XCaliber to third place in the OCC 42km race in George in Feb 2009.






This is Allejandro Albor - an American double amputee who is the only road racer using 'opposing pedals' on his handcycle. He designed and built his own bike. The bike is a lean-steering model, similar to the Freedom Ryder design and he certainly is fast on a predominantly straight course. Where there are tight turns he is slowed in the corners by the steering limitations of the bike, but he is generally so strong and very light so he can generally catch up on the straighter sections of the course. This design is suitable for amputees.





The Quickie Shark S. You need to be a reasonably big person to feel comfortable on this bike. Be sure you know what you are ordering. There are 2 very different models - the Shark and the Shark S. In Sa currently, the Shark S costs around R60K from the agents, CEMobility. NB. If you intend doing any decent riding, you need the Shark S model.







The TopEnd Gold was a very popular model on the racing circuits around the world up to a few years ago. Suitable for people with trunk strength.









The new TopEnd Force and newer Force R - more reclined seat backrest than the Gold. The more reclined position is more stream-lined and allows the rider to apply more power to the pedals. Suitable for people with high level injury and limited or no trunk control. These bikes also retail for over R60K in SA.





The Schmicking is a real piece of artwork. Handbuilt in Germany under the watchful eye of Thomas Schmicking, a handcyclist himself. These bikes are custom built for the individual and they are very willing to do custom modifications for you. Build time is quoted as 8 weeks, but 10 weeks is more realistic. Pictured here is the kneeler version of the frame. They have an exellent 'quad' version with reclining backrest and innovative gear-changing and braking system for people with limited or no hand/finger function.


There are new models available from Top End - see them here : Bike-on.com


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