Hand Crank Tricycle for the Handicapped & Cross Trainer
* Extended cariovascular and muscle toning exercise
* with 21-speeds, you can really feel the workout
* Sunday picnics are always fun with a ride in the park
* Exciting activity for children
* Steering is firm and precise, no leaning or wobbling
* Ideal for the active senior lifestyle
* Take a leisurely ride through town or your favorite golf course
* Various models to choose from, select the one that's best for you
* The Armstrong - for the workout enthusiast
* The Cruiser - for a leisurely ride
* The Lightning Bolt - for active youths
A hand-cranked cycle does many things: it helps build upper-body strength, gives a cardiovascular workout, and gives independent mobility, too. Most customers of Mobilis hand-cycles from Rideable Bicycle Replicas are wheelchair users, but we have found that many able-bodied athletes also value the cross-training aspect of hand-cycling. Equally, many older riders find that the stability of a tricycle handcycle is ideal for gentle exercise.
The Mobilis is a quality machine with almost ten years of development behind it, and is designed for training or general mobility. Three sizes are available, from the child-size "Lightning Bolt" (with 20" wheels) to the full-size "Armstrong" (with 26" wheels). All have powdercoated CroMo frames, and the front drive assembly has a patented stabilization system. The design priority is ease of use, and straightforward handling: the steering is stable and precise.
The riding position is natural and comfortable, low for stability and offering excellent vision without straining neck or back. Both the crankarm and footrest are adjustable, and the seat backrest can be removed to suit. Weight is between 30 to 48lbs (13 to 21kg) depending on model and specifications. Standard derailleur gearing or hub gears can be fitted: usually a 21-speed derailleur on the Armstrong, and 7-speed on the smaller models. from a bicycle shop.
Vintage Bicycle Chain
Bicycles have not always had the same type of chain. In the early days, bicycles didn't have chains at all... the pedal cranks were connected directly to the front hub of the bicycle, like a child's tricycle. Eventually, technological advancement made the use of chain possible, allowing for many new innovations that would evolve into the bicycle as we know it today. Early bicycle chain was primitive and did not perform nearly as smoothly as modern chain does. One type of early bicycle chain, often referred to as block-chain was a simple design that consisted of a block, linked by two thin pieces of metal on the sides and pins to hold them together. There was a lot of friction involved with this design. This problem was solved by roller-chain, which is what modern bicycles still use today. The roller chain has an additional component... a piece of tubing around the pin that acts as a bearing, greatly reducing friction as it rolls over the sprockets.
Often, someone not familiar with vintage bicycles will acquire an old bike and learn that they are unable to find a replacement chain that will fit the bikes sprockets. In all likelihood, their bike was equipped with a 1-inch pitch chain... a type of chain that has not been available at bike shops in many decades. 1-inch pitch chain, commonly referred to as "skip-tooth" chain, was used on most bicycles from the 1900's through the mid 1950's. This chain fits sprockets where the teeth are one inch apart. This chain is also wider than modern half-inch pitch chain. This configurations means that the chain fits a sprocket that has half as many teeth as modern one where the teeth on only 1/2 inch apart. So the question is... where do you get new skip-tooth chain? Unfortunately, you can't. If you insist on un-used chain, your only option is to buy some from a vintage bicycle dealer, at a swap meet or on eBay. You can expect to pay up to $100 dollars for a brand name chain that is new in the box. Fortunately, if your bike was equipped with 1/2 inch pitch chain, the same type used on modern bicycles equipped with single speed hubs, you can buy new chain from your local bicycle shop. If you buy inexpensive BMX chain from a department store, be aware that this chain is usually not long enough to fit vintage full size bikes. There are ways to make the chain longer, but the better plan is to buy a correct chain from a bicycle shop.
The "Superior" Hiwheel
Our top of the line bike is based on the Gormully and Jeffery American Challenge/Ideal. It incorporates steel castings copied directly from an original G&J we have here at RBR.
The head, neck, bar clamps, and spade grips from the original G&J bikes were copied faithfully, and have been used to make a bike very close in appearance to the original. The handlebars can be made with a cowhorn bend, straight or dropped at the ends to the width specified by the rider. Handle grips are rubber, in spade configuration, adjustable to angle and comfortable to hold. The bike comes with a bell, as well as a sprung leather hammock style saddle, adjustable rear step, and pantguard. Oil lamp is out of stock and no longer included. Pedals are antique style rubber block, and the cranks are our adjustable 3 hole cottered type. Finish is a black powder coating. Red or black wheel rubber optional. Step, bars and clamps, grips and springs, are powder coated.
The front wheel is one of our own make, 38", 48", 52", 54" or 56" tall, with 60 stainless steel spokes tangentially laced on the rim, with a solid rubber tire. The rear wheel is 16" and fully adjustable with a solid rubber tire. Main wheel bearings are sealed precision and rear bearings are enclosed. Frame is steel tube with an .095 wall and the forks are .065 wall. All parts MIG welded.
Sizes offered are: 38", 48", 52", 54", and 56" - sized to the rider by inseam.
Specifications:
38", 48", 52", 54", or 56"
Stainless front spokes, nickeled rim and hub
Powder-coated frame & forks
Sprung leather hammock saddle
English rubber grips
Rubber block pedals
Adjustable 3 hole cranks
Solid rubber tires, red or black.
Handle bar: Moustache or Semi-straight Style
Spade type grip handle, or Wood pear shape
Oil lamp out of stock - no longer included
Bowl bell
4 wheel sizes standard
Original G&J style castings -
head, neck, bar clamps and spade handles
Pantguard
Adjustable rear step
Rear wheel with Phil Wood rear hub, zinc spokes
Weight of 52" bike approx. 38 pounds