What's the deal with a handbike?!
The name gives it away!
Hand bike?! It's pretty much what you'd expect, a bike you power with your hands! There are different types out there and, if I'm honest, I was expecting them to be heavy and insanely hard work. As it turns out they're actually much more agile and cooler than I thought, its a beautiful thing!
Why wouldn't you just ride a regular bike?
I'm the last person I expected to see on a handbike. I've had a fairly consistent love/hate (mostly hate!) relationship with anything sporty and still wouldn't say I'm sporty now despite spending most of my free time either on my bike or kayaking! Bizarrely it took me becoming disabled to suddenly want to go and ride a bike, which might not sound like it makes any sense!
The idea of not being able to move around as freely as I'd like made me go in search of something that would allow me to do just that, to explore the environment around me whilst moving at a pace I choose. An adapted mountain bike that doesn't require leg power ticked the box. 'Regular' bikes are a little too demanding of leg power!
Is it hard work?
Yes and no! If I'm wanting the challenge I'll switch off the electric assist!!! Living in a hilly place I felt that electric assist was necessary, I'd have been a bit crazy not to add it! I can select the level so it's still a challenge, but it's on my terms. Having the power kick in by itself would have taken away my chance to increase my strength and the sense of achievement when I've managed to get around on a lower setting. Finding routes that are wide enough is another challenge!
So, it's a bike for disabled people then?
It didn't take long for my able-bodied husband to have a go on this!!! He's got a love for the mountain bike trails on his 'regular' bike, but really enjoyed the change this bike offers.
I'm certain that you don't have to be disabled to ride this bike! I'd say it's a fantastic thing for anyone who wants to be more active, those of you who are up for trying something different. It's not exclusive to those of us who find ourselves somewhere on the wide spectrum of medical barriers to cycling!
