Unboxing my Top End Force 3 Handcycle

This year I finally got my very own handcycle thanks to a generous grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation. I got approved for the grant in March and the handcycle finally arrived in August.
The decision to get a Top End Force 3 came down to the fact that this handcycle was part of a partnership between the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Top End. By choosing a brand partner product I was more likely to get approved for the grant so that's why I went with this bike. It's not the best bike out there on the market but it's one that will get me out with my family and friends and that's all that matters right now.
The unboxing of my Top End Force 3 Handcycle was definitely harder than I expected and I'm so grateful to my husband for swooping in and rescuing me halfway through!
Challenged Athletes Foundation:
www.challengedathletes.org/
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[@heidiwachtel2592]

I cut a square hole in my chain guard to see the gears. Made a huge difference. There is also an option of electric thumb gears which helps. I have quad paws and can still use the thumb shifter. We also used cut off pool noodles where my legs go for padding when they spasm. Have a blast on your new bike!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks for the tips! Poop noodles are brilliant!

[@annecosta6745]

Sweet bike! I’m amazed at the strength that you have to transfer up so high. Such an inspiration to me and so many! I hope you have beautiful weather and are able to enjoy your bike more!

[@EmpoweredPara]

It took me many years and lots of exercise to gain confidence to transfer that far. Thank you!

[@rsanders1569]

I was shopping today for a handcycle and came across your video. Well done. Authentic, not just a "Hey this is great and perfect with no effort". I'm a former top 4 quad wheelchair tennis player. Left sports for a career. I retired last Sept from work and I want to get in much better physical condition. I have a few concerns about he handcycling: 1. Size of the bike. 2. Comfort of the seating. 3. Price tag. I sold my home and moved into a 2br apt so no more garage. I have spinal stenosis after a lifetime using a chair in 8 different vertebrae so I have to make sure the fit it right. Like most adaptive equipment, the cost is grossly expensive. Again great video and look forward to more of your adventures.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Totally agree with you. Price is insane. The bike I really wanted was $10 000. I actually got a grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation for my bike so it was free! I'm not in love with the bike but it's ok. The seat is not super comfortable but I'm sure it's mostly because I'm not used to it yet. I wish I had better information for you on what bikes are out there at an affordable cost.

[@kellyjarrett1408]

What a great video thank you for sharing!

[@WheelingwithmeBethB]

Oh i so hope to have one one day too!!! Sooo sweet my friend!! Congrats its a beaut!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I hope so too!

[@Lost_and_found85]

Awesome bike, fun times

[@paralifetv-youreverydaywhe8314]

Sweet Ride! I'm still cruisin on 22 year old Varna! It's still works like a charm!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I hope mine lasts that long!

[@jamesbeck4490]

Wish I was close as mine is put together since I’m a disabled veteran, best to watch video on wheelchair to hand cycle transfer and changing tire , Have Fun be safe, u need a flag

[@ericvanherwaarden6798]

My best friend participated in the HandBike Battle (HBB) in Austria in 2019 in a TopEnd Force 3. About a year ago he bought a Wolturnus and gave me (no disabilities) his 'old' bike, becauae he was sick of training alone. HAND CYCLING IS GREAT!!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

What an awesome friend you are!

[@NicholetteBrian]

This is great, we have the mountain trike but love using the hand cycle sometimes!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'll have to check out the mountain trike!

[@keyup2626]

No way you gave up, points for even trying. You look like a pro using the new hand cycle.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Lol thanks. It was doomed from the beginning haha. My husband kept telling me to give up and I finally listened!

[@keyup2626]

@@EmpoweredPara that’s ok you’ll never know if you don’t try.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@keyup2626 true!

[@Jaggededge112]

Very nice Brittany!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks 😊

[@Ozzie4Para]

My friend who's also a para (just like me) invited me over to his house to go hand cycling with him. He has a couple hand cycles and it was a new experience for me. First thing he told me was to not go too fast around corners. So what does my dumb self do? I took the first corner too fast and down I went. Served me right for not listening to my friend who's been doing hand cycling a lot longer than me. lol

[@EmpoweredPara]

I've never spilled! Knock on wood!

[@aussierednecksinger28]

You can build a recording studio with all the foam as well. Bonus.

[@EmpoweredPara]

lol there's looking the bright side!

[@jennyi6u6]

Nice looking handcycle. I will be looking forward to your follow-up. Not such an easy transfer and setup it seems. Practice makes perfect?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Lol definitely harder than I thought! And the transfer will take a while to get uses to for sure!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Follow up might be next summer. Snow flies soon here!

[@joewahrerMotorcycleMan]

You are a daredevil! 😇It is neat seeing you out there cruising. How hard is it? Now that you have had sometime to ride, do you recommend the handcycle?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I haven't ridden enough to really give a good review. I'll make sure to do one this summer!

[@red2775]

Wow cool handcycle. And yes it's a wise choice to have your husband help with assembly men are much better than woman in things like that...especially directions we don't even need a map!!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Omg don't get me started on how bad I am at directions lol. I am fine when I am completely alone but put someone else in the car with me and my brain gives up on it lol.

[@red2775]

@@EmpoweredPara have you ever tried the hand cycles with the adjustable seating? It enables you to go into a sitting position

[@slave288]

Been handcycling now for 16 years on a Quickie Shark. All handcycles require a very large turning radius, just part of their nature since the steering is just on a very small tire surface and the trike itself cannot lean like common bikes do. Also, shifting, at least the top, hand racket is always a bit uncomfortable to do, but the more you do it the more you get the hang of it and yes, leave the guard in place, safety always. One thing to remember, hills suck!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah the turning radius is huge! My new bike is definitely more than the ones I have borrowed before but i'l get used to it! Hills suck unless I'm on the way down lol.

[@tinyhouseme3159]

Are you still riding this bike ? Pros and cons? Any funding advice ? I'd love one with battery assist and maybe mountain bike tires. Thanks.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Haven't riden it this year yet and didn't ride it enough last year to really give a good update. I'll make sure to do that this summer!

[@morgancalvi6675]

Wow...you guys move fast 😳! Wouldn't it have been easier of you just broke the box down?

[@EmpoweredPara]

It would have been easier if I just let Joe do it lol from the start!

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara LOL

[@garyseckel295]

They literally do make handcycles with seats as high as your wheelchair seat! Just bought a used one with 36 speeds!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I know, I've seen a few, but I think the lower ones are better bikes.

[@garyseckel295]

@@EmpoweredPara Understand. Not wheelchair bound yet (limited dual forearm canes usage) but I bought an as new $3,900 handcycle (with 36-speeds!) needing tires and tubes for $550 off of Ebay!. I do want wheelchair seat height for THIS exercise trike. Currently ride Hase delta E-assist recumbent trikes. Best to you both! Gary

[@disableddave1707]

Nice! I wish my disability income was enough to buy one. Even second hand hand cycles in my area are the equivalent of 1000usd. I am not an athlete but it might be nice to try cycling again.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I applied for a grant though the challenged athletes foundation. The high fives foundation is another good grant provider! No way could I pay for it out of pocket!

[@Titus357]

Take a peek online at the "Foldawheel folding electric wheelchair, weight 46 pounds, and folds and sits in the car back seat or rear trunk area. $2500 Amazon and Ebay clone $800. I use a $500 electric lift when I'm weak, moves it from car to the ground very quickly.

[@stevedeann]

I really enjoyed your video. I want to move up (or down) from my Excelerator to the Force 3. I got my handcycle with a grant through the Challenged Athletes Foundation. My mind says, yes to a Force 3 and my C5/6 quad hands/body and my wife say, no. My quad hands (closed) and lack of triceps keep me from transferring down from my chair and then back up. My wife uses a Hoyer lift to get me on and off of my handcycle now. We are in our late 50s so it's getting harder for her to deal with the sling. Now I want this recumbent bike. Hmmm. I know they are out there, but I would also need to modify the bike so I can shift and apply the brake. I'm asking a lot from my quad bod. Check out my new KZbin channel showing different adaptive sports - Active Quad Steve Campbell.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'll check it out and subscribe! As we age we have to be more careful and intentional about our activities! Bravo for staying active. My friend uses an old bath lift to get in hand cycle.

[@eduardonieto2355]

That is a cool bike usome.👍🌹❤🌹

[@MikeB-Android-Teacher]

*He still lost lol. You know why? When you get married you become ONE, correct? Haha.*