Suitable trike for a large man

[itsbruce]

Some friends of mine worry about the health of their father, whose weight puts strain on his heart, has given him on-off problems with diabetes etc.  We're not talking 29 stone here, but the combination of the heart strain and the pressure his weight puts on his knees makes walks of any length a problem.  It occured to me that bikes can be gentler exercise, being more efficient and not having the same impact on the knees.  He couldn't cope with a regular bike, but I've suggested to them that he might be able to ride a trike; not only would it remove stability problems but trikes can have a tweedy, vintage image which would appeal to him (and psychological motivation is important).

Does this sound reasonable?  If so, can people suggest suitable models/manufacturers?

[sprogs]

HI. Having peaked at 35 stone I can sympathise with his situation. I have severe osteo-arthritis in both knees and cycling has been the only way I have kept my mobility. One problem was that sitting on any kind of saddle at that weight was extremely painful, numbness was the least of it. Recumbents were the only way for me. If you can get a local fabricator to make the frame, "atomic zombie" (Brad Graham) on the net has some great designs that can be built quite cheaply and they are bomb-proof. Lightfoot do a heavy rider trike but shipping is prohibitive. The best one I had that was upright was the Pashley loadstar, a bit on the heavy side but a joy to ride. try and get one where the wheels are supported on both sides, that way you won't bend any axles. I'll have a nosy around and see if I can come up with any suggestions. Do you have a budget in mind? Be careful of the cheaper trikes on ebay as the join between the front and rear sections are too weak for a heavier rider.

[itsbruce]

I don't think he'd consider anything more recumbent than a semi-recumbent.  Am enquiring about his actual weight, because I notice some trike manufacturers do mention maximum weight restrictions.

[itsbruce]

It turns out he's 25 stone, maybe a little more.  So semi-recumbents may be his only option.  That said, anybody know of adult trike models that come with a bucket seat option?

[Arch]

Have you looked at Mission?

adult trikes, adult tricycle, triad chopper trike, trilogy

I see that some of their adult trikes mention a Max Rider Weight, but this one doesn't:

trikes for disabled cycling, adult trikes, adult tricycles, special needs cycling

Although that may just be an omission, as I see it comes with "Gripshit" gears... 

Worth an enquiry though.

Unfortunately, not recumbent or semi recumbent, and a bit large (and not cheap!), but one of these will take almost any weight you can throw at it...

Pedicab Rickshaws - Cycles Maximus Trikes for the 21st Century

I suspect that some overloading could be got away with on an trike, if the rider was gentle, and took care to avoid running over potholes and kerbs and so on. It's jolts and shocks that really cause damage.  It might also be handy to get a good local bike shop or engineer on side, someone who could look at any necessary strengthening. 

Good luck to him anyway.

[itsbruce]

Have you looked at Mission?

adult trikes, adult tricycle, triad chopper trike, trilogy

I see that some of their adult trikes mention a Max Rider Weight, but this one doesn't:

trikes for disabled cycling, adult trikes, adult tricycles, special needs cycling

I did look at them and at that very trike   Given his weight and health issues, it seems the best choice so far.

[Arch]

Coincidence....

I was at the York cycling festival today, and got talking to the chap from Quest88 - they do all sorts of disability aids, but also all-ability cycling stuff for adults and kids.  They have trikes for example:


   Disabled Bicycles and Tricycles for Adults


He was saying that many of their trikes are specially designed to cope with larger people.  They may be more expensive of course, being a more specialist product, and I realise that your friends' father isn't disabled as such, or at least has the potential to improve his condition, and these trikes may look a little more out of the ordinary, but I though I'd throw it into the mix....

He also mentioned that it can be possible to get grants to help with mobility aids - that might also be worth looking into?

By the way, where is the gentleman based?  There might be a local organisation that can loan a suitable machine to try out. There are some local and national organisations listed here:

VeloVision Online