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From: Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: TANDEM BICYCLES
Message-ID: <12972@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 20 Jul 90 20:18:55 GMT
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Index Number: 9362

 V> As of today, Vixen is the happy mother of a brand new, five 
 V> speed, Kent Tandem bicycle!
 V>  
 V> The new Kent cost $299.00 and with tax and shipping to the store 
 V> added, it comes to about $340.00 altogether.

Hoping not to detract from Vixen's obvious joy, I've had this lying
around and have been meaning to post it.  This seems like as good a
time as any.

The following article appeared in the disibilities newspaper GLOBAL OPTIONS
March 1990. (PO Box 31, Lynbrook, NY 11563 (516) 599-6770. It
describes a tandem that is similar to the Counterpoint. 

SUNBURST PROD'N PROTOTYPE

As a spin-off from the development of the Handbike, the first tandem
prototype, called the handbike Tandem, for disabled and able-bodied to ride
together was completed.  The Handbike Tandem is conceptually a merging of a
Handbike and a standard bicycle. In the interest of independence and equality,
it is designed to be ridden by one rider alone on either the front or rear
position.

The experience gained from both the development of the handbike and the
Handbike Tandem has led the researchers at the Veterans Rehabilitation
Research and Development Center in Palo Alto, California directly to the
design of the Sunburst.

Although similar to the Handbike Tandem in configuration, the Sunburst
combines arm and foot powered recumbent cycling in the front with a standard
bicycle in the rear. The back rider steers from a remote linkage from the
handlebars to the front wheel, and pedals in a standard bike posture.  The
front rider sits in a recumbent position and powers with any combination of
arms or legs.

Both riders have a clear view ahead.  The front cranks directly couple,
allowing the front rider to assist or passively exercise his or her own less
functioning limbs. For those who prefer not to use their legs, a leg rest
attaches to the seat. A free wheeling system allows the front rider to rest
while the back rider continues to pedal. If a rider is unable to pedal at all
he may just go for the ride.
When the Sunburst comes to a stop, the front rider can lower a secure
kickstand. The front drive system and seat can be detached, yielding a single
rider bicycle. An improved version of the Sunburst design has been completed
by Keith Bontrager, a custom bicycle frame builder in Santa Cruz, CA.

A similar tandem, called the Counterpart, developed independently of the 
Sunburst, is available from Copunterpoint Conveyance Ltd., Seattle, Washington.

... Be yourself.  Who is better qualified?

--
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