The Longest Climb: 1600m on a handcycle

We’ve talked before to Bowhead bikes founder Christian Bagg about the development of the Bowhead trikes. Ebike technology is allowing him not just to make throttle assisted machines, but also hand cycles, where the rider gets a workout just like any other ebike rider. Or perhaps – given the relative size of arms to legs – more of a workout.

In this video, Christian attempts to hand cycle up Triune Mountain on the latest prototype of the Bowhead RX. The mountain stands at 2600m (8500 ft) and the loose, steep, gravel climb starts at 1000m (3280 ft), with a total of 1600m (5250ft) of climbing laying in store for him.

“I was a mountain biker before I was injured and wanted to be a mountain biker after I was injured. But the technology just wasn’t there.” – Christian Bagg

“My vision was to make this handcycle mountain bike. From the very first prototype of the RX is about an 8 year gap before technology caught up.” – Christian Bagg

This summer the Bowhead Team turned a concept drawing in to the bike that’s available today.

The bike we’ve got today has the tried and tested unique articulating design that allows the bike to traverse cambered terrain. But it also has the benefit of components such as the Bosch Motor providing pedal assistance, opening up so many more doors for adventure. The wireless shifting of SRAM AXS along with all the other amazing componentry that are available today. So much technology came together at the perfect time to build the Perfect Handcycle Mountain Bike.

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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