THE TRYKEBAR FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
This deceptively simple looking piece of equipment is not just a tow-bar, although that could be one of it’s many functions.
The Trykebar enables any special needs person or child, able to ride and pedal a trike, to enjoy the freedom of the open road or off-road trails, while at the same time enjoying the protection afforded by the person in front (in cycling parlance the “Captain”), who will create as safe an environment as possible by addressing the moving and stationary hazards and obstacles that are part of cycling, but which may well be beyond the comprehension of the rider on the Trike (in cycling parlance the Stoker).
The Trike’s steering, speed and radius of turn are completely under the control of the Captain, as is it’s interaction with other moving and stationary obstacles and hazards.
This creates an as-care-free environment as possible, and makes it easier for any trip, either to the mall or beach or picnic, to be one of maximum pleasure, exercise, well being, and just plain fun for both Stoker and Captain.
The towing mechanism is easily detachable which enables the tricycle to be used on its own for developmental purposes or other use. We can supply a suitable trike if required.
Father and son enjoying a ride together. | 
Renee-The innovative Caregiver. |
"Ashley ASKS to ride her bike, she never used to do that. I cannot thank you enough.”
Many special needs kids and adults, with or without suitable equipment like special pedals, harnesses, seat backs etc. are capable of sitting on an adult trike and pedalling it considerable distances.
So actually going somewhere like shopping , picnicking etc. would add to their pleasure and well being, except a journey of almost any kind involves vehicle traffic, and worse, their drivers, hills, curves and sharp corners, off-camber grades, trail pot-holes and bollards. Hazards normally encountered and dealt with by regular cyclists on an ongoing basis, but outside of the scope of most special needs . However........
This deceptively simple looking piece of equipment takes care of all those problems and provides an affordable way to make all trips as safe and as pleasurable as possible.
The other item we need is someone to be at the front end of the Trykebar, on a well prepared bike, (or trike or tandem),who is capable of taking care of all the hazards mentioned above for themselves, and thanks to the Trykebar, the trike rider as well.
The Trykebar connects to the Trike and while it allows the Trike rider to pedal, change gear, brake, wave to friends, get some exercise etc. they have absolutely no control over the steering.
The Trykebar allow the front rider to control the speed and turning radius which is very important, plus of course avoiding any other hazards.
It really works well!
The trike is what is usually known as an adult trike because it has spoked wheels, is chain driven and can be multi geared. However it is available in a range of frame and wheel sizes to fit even fairly small children, and can be used in conjunction with modifications which are available as add-ons to suit the different needs of the rider.
The Trykebar tow-bar attaches to the towing bicycle (or another trike) at the seat post with the patent pending U-Hitch, which provides appropriate articulation and is easy “on-off” using a simple hitch pin.
The other end of the trykebar tow-bar attaches to a clamp on the Quill of the handlebar stem of the tricycle being controlled. (The clamp is unobtrusive and remains in place even when the tow bar is disconnected .)
There are two types of connections at the stem clamp if you chose to disconnect the tow bar when the trike is not being towed:
One is tamper proof and consists of a 7/16” grade 8 bolt and Nyloc lock nut which requires a couple of 5/8” wrenches to connect and disconnect.
The optional extra ($25/US $25) is a tool less connector. Again “on-off” is a simple operation and to attach consists of sliding in a 1/2" pivot-pin held in place with a hitch pin. To remove- consists simply of pulling the hitch pin and the pivot-pin.
The tow-bar which is approximately 48 inches long is available with a set of joints to knock it down to half it’s length for storage etc.
These joints are Quick-release type and tool-free.
(You do need a 6mm allan wrench to install the stem clamp, but that’s a one shot deal)
The seat post attachment fits all known sizes of seat-posts, and needs about 2” of seat post showing, but to be on the safe side I need the info as Per (click here). Side view pix of both vehicles is a good idea.
The stem attachment fits the two usual sizes of quill on tricycles-25.4mm (1”), and with the shims supplied -22.2mm (7/8”). If you have a different size we can probably custom adapt for you.
The stem clamp takes up 2” of space and must still allow insertion to the minimum mark on the stem. It seems to just make it on all the ones we tried, but if it doesn’t make it on yours a quill extender takes care of it-see pic.
The other information I need to quote you a price, is the size of the front wheel of the trike-it’s written on the tire-,and if your towing bicycle is normal with 26 “ or 700c wheels. If not how different is it-say a recumbent or whatever.? The pix will help.
Another measurement that helps is the height above ground where the quill comes out of the headset. See pic.
I don’t want to make this seem complicated because the standard tow-bar will fit pretty well any combination of towing and towed vehicle. Just want to be sure it all works when you receive it.
What our Customers are saying about the Trykebar:
"Got the tow bar installed. No problems and works great. It really is something special to be able to go for a bike ride with my boy. Thanks again for the great service. Best regards, Leon."
"Tonight we created a memory of a lifetime~ We rode bikes for the first time in 24 years together as a family. My son sang the entire time. Thank you for building this for Brandon. He is so happy! Take care and thanks again! Cheers to you on an awesome job!" - Ann and Gordon Christie, Virginia Beach, VA
Prices:
- Standard one piece Trykebar.................$375 (US $375)
- Optional Set of joints................................$50 (US $50)
- Quill extender...........................................$10 (US $10)
- Quick disconnect at Trike Tow bar..........$25 (US $25)
Terms FOB Mill Bay Vancouver Island BC Canada. Packaging and shipping, taxes etc are all extra.
All trailers shipped from Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. See the ordering page for more information about how to purchase a Tony's Trailer.
http://www.tonystrailers.com
766 Handy Road, Mill Bay
British Columbia, Canada, V0R 2P1
Phone: (250) 743-9915 E-mail: tonyhoar@shaw.ca
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Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.