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 and custom-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!

Handcycle racing is divided into four divisions, H1, H2, H3 and H4 depending on a person's ability/functionality. You should read the UCI rule book for details on how the classification is done to determine what division you would be placed in. Local SA classifiers can be consulted, and should be consulted before you purchase a handcycle, so that you know what type of handcycle to buy. This is particularly important for people who should/could ride in the kneeling position. Get classified for handcycling before you make the financial investment. Trust me it can be a costly mistake to buy the wrong handcycle!


Buying a handcycle can be an expensive exercise, so why not consider buying a locally built handcycle (applies to South Africa)?
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 2009, 2010 and 2011 Toer de Kaap, and it performed like a pro!

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.

Watch this space for pictures and a write up of the soon to be released Xcaliber Avenger.
*** Update ***
The Avenger is currently under test, having some minor adjustments made...


Imported handcycles:



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. Although still available for purchase, not suitable for racing. If you want to ride fast or race, please do not buy this model!









The newer TopEnd Force 2 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 are obtainable from Ernst van Dyk. The Force 2 is around R25,000 and the Force R is around R48,000, depending on exchange rate and where you are in SA.




TopEnd Force R - this is a great aerodynamic bike - you cant go wrong with buying one of these if you intend racing. This is a great handcycle for class H1, H2 and H3 racing, and makes a decent touring bike as well!







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.

Made in Switzerland is the Carbonbike, see their website http://www.carbonbike.ch


There are other models available from Top End - see them here : Bike-on.com
These are mostly older models, fine for recreational riding, but not competitive if you intend racing.

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