Mathew Fy
GRU
Some users use something like a toe clip backwards to act as a heel rest / guide. I've seen the metal ones cut down and strap-based heel holders. @castlerobber ?
Amputee Cruzbike Riders?
- Thread starter vmi1056
- Start date
benphyr
Guru-me-not
@bladderhead has a post or several about his heel clips, possibly under a Silvio thread.
vmi1056
Active Member
I appreciate that. I actually live in North Florida, North of St. Augustine, South of Jax. That would be quite a haul. The 100 mile trial looks tempting.
vmi1056
Active Member
Yeah I use to have pedals that had heel straps when I first started on my trike. I have also experimented with magnetic pedals as well but they were heavy and the magnets were so strong, once I was locked on, I couldn't get my foot off! I will take a look at the heel clips. I am currently running multi-directional release SPD on the lightest tension on my Freestyle. Would be flat pedaling it for a while learning so the heel clip idea might work. Thanks for the tip.
castlerobber
Zen MBB Master
Wasn't me, but I've seen those here on the forums. I think I've even seen plastic mini toe clips mounted on the back of the pedal to keep the heel from sliding off.
@vmi1056 I was so nervous about clipping in on my first Cruzbike, that I bought (inexpensive) pinned mountain-bike platform pedals to use while I was learning. Those worked better for me than the stock pedals. Maybe add that to the equation?
vmi1056
Active Member
Yes that is a great idea. I have used the Shimano XT PD-T8000 pedals that have pinned platform on one side and SPD clip-in on the other, loved having the option to do either/or with one set of pedals. The pins work great, especially the longer ones, they have great grip for the bottom of the shoe. Thank you.
Frito Bandito
Zen MBB Master
I have been using Shimano PD-EH500 pedals which can be used with regular shoes and SPD cleats, but will soon put on the PD-ES600 pedals because they are more than 100g lighter, and more aerodynamic. I also loosened up the screws to the lowest settings to help unclip more easily. So far, I haven't ever gotten unclipped even under (my) heavy pedal pressure.
bladderhead
Zen MBB Master
https://forum.cruzbike.com/threads/silvio-s-30-thailand.11047/page-5#post-124639
The above link gets you an image of my heel-clips. They might help an amputee.
The above link gets you an image of my heel-clips. They might help an amputee.
vmi1056
Active Member
100-mile trial is underway! Been out practicing drills for a couple of days now. Have about 10 miles of quick spins around the neighborhood. Working on low-speed tight turns in cul-de-sacs, starting from a dead stop, and just getting use to the feel. So far so good. Took me a while to get the adjustments worked out and I am still tweaking it to find that sweet-spot. My prosthetic leg needs about a half inch more distance on the return stroke to not hit the handlebar so I may look at a shorter crank for that side but for now, I’m adapting. I can also definitely “feel it” after I go out for 30 minutes or so, upper body is getting a work out for sure. Looking forward to getting more miles under my belt and I am sure I will have questions and feedback as I progress. Thanks everyone.
Attachments
Frito Bandito
Zen MBB Master
That is AWESOME!!!!
Enjoy the bike tweaking though. It'll cost a bit but it's fun and you'll learn what works for ya.
Enjoy the bike tweaking though. It'll cost a bit but it's fun and you'll learn what works for ya.
Andrew Wilson
Guru
Outstanding !!!
DocS
Guru
This is awesome!
Congratulations on your new Cruzbike and to the tribe!
If you're looking for a group to ride with, I belong to a Veteran group called Team RWB (Red White and Blue). They are a very inclusive group. You don't need to be a Veteran to ride or join them in events. "Team Red, White & Blue’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity." https://www.teamrwb.org/about-us/mission/
We have amputees and folks with other disabilities that ride with us as well as abled bodied people. Some are on recumbents, but most are on standard diamond framed bikes...
We have chapters all over the world, so there's a chance, there's one near you...
Keep up the good work!
Blessings,
Rudy
Congratulations on your new Cruzbike and to the tribe!
If you're looking for a group to ride with, I belong to a Veteran group called Team RWB (Red White and Blue). They are a very inclusive group. You don't need to be a Veteran to ride or join them in events. "Team Red, White & Blue’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity." https://www.teamrwb.org/about-us/mission/
We have amputees and folks with other disabilities that ride with us as well as abled bodied people. Some are on recumbents, but most are on standard diamond framed bikes...
We have chapters all over the world, so there's a chance, there's one near you...
Keep up the good work!
Blessings,
Rudy
vmi1056
Active Member
Hey Rudy, I appreciate that! I am a veteran and have ridden with some folks from the Wounded Warrior Project in the past. My amputation is not service related but those guys were great and welcomed me in. I will definitely check out Team RWB and I know they have a local chapter near me in Jacksonvillle.
Now back to practice, those dead stop starts are kicking my butt!
bladderhead
Zen MBB Master
Definitely one of the tribe. To which welcome.vmi1056 said:
DocS
Guru
Awesome!
Thank you for your Service!
I also ride with a Disabled Veteran group called Operation Comfort and I've ridden with Wounded Warriors. Nearly everyone in that group rides a trike or handcycle. There are a few of us who are up on 2 wheels.
Blessings,
DocS (AKA Rudy)
vmi1056
Active Member
Well the Cruzbike Gods brought me down to earth today (not literally, I didn’t fall). Went on a 20 mile trail ride yesterday, first time clipping in and that felt great. Practiced some one handed riding, reaching for a water bottle, you know, practical stuff. Had to avoid the occasional dog walkers who think they own the entire trail, felt really good about the ride.
Today decided to take one of my go to 10 mile loops, older community, chip seal, older roads, lots of curves, ups and downs, and light traffic. Hadn’t felt that uncomfortable on the bike since day one. Wasn’t ready for a couple of the sharpe turns, couldn’t get my cadence and gearing right on the inclines, just felt out of sorts. To top it off, got squeezed by a car which lead me into a half filled pot hole, jerking me into the lane, luckily the car had gone by. Did manage to stay upright however. Highlight of the ride was a lady flagging me down and asking me questions about my riding because her seven year old is also an amputee and is having trouble on her bike, gave her some tips and resources that worked for me. I’m thinking the purpose of that entire ride was to have that interaction.
I think I may have gotten a little ahead of myself, going to hit slow speed maneuvers and dead stop starts next couple of days and take it back to basics. All in all, no complaints, everyday I wake up is a great day. Cheers everyone!
Today decided to take one of my go to 10 mile loops, older community, chip seal, older roads, lots of curves, ups and downs, and light traffic. Hadn’t felt that uncomfortable on the bike since day one. Wasn’t ready for a couple of the sharpe turns, couldn’t get my cadence and gearing right on the inclines, just felt out of sorts. To top it off, got squeezed by a car which lead me into a half filled pot hole, jerking me into the lane, luckily the car had gone by. Did manage to stay upright however. Highlight of the ride was a lady flagging me down and asking me questions about my riding because her seven year old is also an amputee and is having trouble on her bike, gave her some tips and resources that worked for me. I’m thinking the purpose of that entire ride was to have that interaction.
I think I may have gotten a little ahead of myself, going to hit slow speed maneuvers and dead stop starts next couple of days and take it back to basics. All in all, no complaints, everyday I wake up is a great day. Cheers everyone!
