Just wanted to introduce myself... My name is Keith and I'm a Right-Leg Above the Knee Amputee (RAKA). Lost my leg over 30 years ago, when I was 15, to osteo sarcoma (bone cancer). I've been looking to increase my cardio so I bought a handcycle (Freedom Ryder LC-1) about 3 months ago and I've been riding it consistently about 3-4 times/week. It's a lean-steer (you turn with your body, like skiing) and it's been a great workout (arms, chest, stomach, sides, lower back). I'm happy with my handcycle, but I am always curious to see what adaptations may exist with a "regular" bike.
My apprehensions (as a RAKA) with a regular bike:
1) How do I pedal on my right side? I don't have the muscle to bring up the right pedal from its lowest position to its apex unless I power through with my left leg and have the momentum carry me through. That becomes tiring pretty fast for my left leg (esp. the quads)
2) I can't always guarantee that I will lean left when coming to a full stop. If I accidentally lean right, I would have to hope that my prosthetic knee locks; otherwise, I'm on the ground.
I'll be scouring the threads for options, but I'm willing to listen to everyone's opinions.
On that note, hello everyone!!!
Last edited by kleonin; 07-17-12 at 01:58 PM.