At Pacific Cycles, we make it no secret that our goal is to make bikes for everyone. And when we say everyone, we also mean individuals who live with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s, or even general mobility challenges. For those individuals, we have made the RACERUNNER.
Why the RaceRunner?
As one of the most common motor neuron diseases in childhood, cerebral palsy includes a whole group of disabilities that stem from the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to maintain balance and posture, and move in general. This means that individuals who have cerebral palsy will certainly struggle to keep their balance on a regular bicycle.
But they aren’t the only individuals that have such an issue. A spinal cord injury, that damages the cells and nerves which are responsible for communication between your brain and the rest of your body, can also cause loss of muscle function, or even a loss of autonomic function in certain body parts. And then there are individuals with muscular dystrophy or other mobility challenges.
For most people, any one of these conditions would mean that they think they are simply unable to propel themselves without help. However, we disagree with this line of thinking, which is why we’ve created the RACERUNNER. It’s a trike that has no pedals and helps individuals move on their own, engaging major muscle groups that would otherwise be difficult to engage.
What Is It?
At its core, the RACERUNNER is just a trike that has no pedals. Look a bit closer, though, and you realize that you’re looking at a customizable walker suitable for various terrains that will significantly improve muscle strength and motion range, without the risk of harm.
So, how does it work? Well, there are two wheels at the rear and one at the front, with a 16” size that puts the entire trike a bit lower to the ground. This makes it easier for users to reach the ground and propel themselves unassisted.
At the front is a handlebar with comfortable grips that can be used to hold on to the trike. The grips are foam padded, so friction won’t be an issue, and you also have a front brake with a comfortable lever that’s easy to use. What’s great is that you have an adjustable stem, so the angle and handlebar position can be tailored for comfort.
At the rear is the chest plate, which is basically the main interface between the rider and the trike. The chest plates come in five sizes, and are adjustable, as well as being extremely comfortable, to ensure that every rider can find a suitable position which allows them to look past their condition.
Versatility is Key
What makes the RACERUNNER so good, aside from the well thought out construction and build quality, is the versatility. We understand that not every individual is the same, and not everyone has the same needs out of a running frame. This is why we made sure that every component that can be adjusted ,is easily adjustable.
The plates and handlebar are the two main components of this adjustable system, but even those two offer a variety of options. We already went over how you can adjust them, but equally important is why you might want to adjust them.
When you’re trying to train a certain muscle group depending on your condition, or when you’re trying to slow down muscular or spinal degeneration, it is crucial to use a running frame like the RACERUNNER in a position that is comfortable for you. You want to be able to propel yourself on your own and strengthen your muscles without feeling discomfort in any other area, and that’s where the RACERUNNER excels.
Empowerment for Every Individual
When all is said and done, few running trikes can get you everything the RACERUNNER can, and do so in an incredibly well thought out package with excellent build quality. It’s comfortable, it’s versatile, and it lets just about any individual strengthen their muscles and slow down muscular and spinal degeneration.
Add to this the optional accessories like a basket, seat belt or even a support steering system if you need it, and you’re looking at a running frame trike that’s brilliant every step of the way, for just about any individual that needs one. No exceptions.