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1) Introduction
The 2Can
Two-seat, recumbent 'sociables', as their name implies, make
cycling a pleasure shared. There is simply no comparison between the side-by-side
companionship and comfort of a sociable and the loneliness of the back-seat
of a tandem - where riders spend their journeys contemplating their companion's
posterior.
TOUCAN ENGINEERING LIMITED set out
to create the ultimate sociable. It had to be fast and stylish, sturdy and ergonomic
and accessible to people who are unable to manage a ‘conventional’
bicycle.
The result - the 2Can - made its national debut at NAIDEX 2004.
Fast and nimble enough to satisfy cyclists in a hurry, sturdy
and reliable enough to pay its way in a cycle hire business or serve as a workhorse
and packed with features and accessories that make it accessible to the elderly
and disabled, the 2Can brings a new dimension to cycling.
You can with the 2can - and you’ll
love it.
2) Features
The 2Can Family
Some of the features that make the 2Can the ultimate cycling experience:
Independent Drives and Gearing allow each rider to contribute according
to his or her ability.
Comfort: Side-by-side bucket seats offer car-style comfort, while the recumbent
position gives you more pedal power than the sit-up-and-beg posture required
for conventional bicycles. Touring is a pleasure - not a pain in the butt.
Accessibility: Handcranks can replace pedals for riders with lower limb
disorders. Blind or partially sighted drivers can enjoy the wind in their
faces and carry on a normal conversation with their sighted co-riders
Steering : The centrally-mounted joystick steering is sensitive, precise
and intuitive to use. The steering is quickly converted from righthand drive
to lefthand drive.
Stability : The three-wheels and an exceptionally low centre of gravity
make the 2Can safe and stable, whether at rest or cornering at high speed.
Standard bicycle parts are used wherever possible to allow routine maintenance
to be handled by bicycle repair shops.
Durability The 2Can's TIG-welded steel frame is designed and built to last.
These characteristics are now available in three versions.
3) Different versions available
2Can Tourer: This is the lightest version,
built for maximum speed and performance. Ideal for cyclists who want to go
places, it can be custom-built to order.
2Can Familly: Designed to make cycling a pleasure
the whole family can share, it features an integral rear luggage platform
and can carry one or two child seats, a wheelchair or a big ‘boot’
for shopping, luggage etc.
2Can Inclusive: Designed for hire companies,
clubs, holiday centres and other multi-user environments, it features sliding
seats for fast easy adjustment without tools and a specially strong frame.
Like the other versions, it can be stood on end for storage in little more
space than would be taken up by a conventional bicycle.
All the version are available with a range of modifications - including hand
cranks - to make it accessible to those who are unable to handle a conventional
bicycle.
4) Accessibility
The 2Can can easily be transformed into a handcycle. This is possible with
an additional accessory: a handcrank.
The handcrank in few words:
Belt Transmission just to avoid lubrication problems and to have improved
comfort. Perfect synchronization, noiseless and light, belts are really ideal
for handcrank transmission.
Fully adjustable in length and angle and used with the sliding seat, the
handcrank can be adapted to each rider with only one Allen Key.
Handlegrip on the handcrank are specifically manufactured for this kind
of use so they have a very good ergonomic feel.
Handcranking is either tandem cranking (handgrips on the same side) or reciprocal
cranking (as in a conventional bicycle), it depends on the rider.
Using hands and feet at the same time is possible by synchronising the pedals
with the handcrank. So handcranking becomes a great pedaling help.
Options available:
The whole 2Can was designed in term of full cyclist accessibility. That is
why for example, handlebar can simply be adjusted in order to make the disable
transfer easier and a lot of accessories are available on request.
Handcrank: Arm cranking produces power at about twice the efficiency as
that in conventional wheelchair propulsion, with hands pushing directly against
the wheels. With this handcranck you could at last ride as the same level
of your team mate.
Footrest: With a number of adjustments, the footrest can suit many people
(you could use it asymmetrically for example with one pedal and one footrest).
Headrest: Adjustable in height and deph with a 35Kg/m3 foam and a watterproof
nylon mesh, the headrest is a very comfortable accessory.
Harness 4 or 5 points: A 4 or 5 point harness allows a carer to limit involuntary
motion or simply as an additional security measure.
Wheelchair storage: Thanks to the free lenght available on the back of some
versions, a wheelchair could be store on the back of the 2Can.
Please send us your suggestion or remarks, do not hesitate to contact us. Moreover,
cycles can be built to customers own specifications by arrangement so ask us
for further information.
5) Technical data
Dimensions
Wheelbase = 1.7m
Length = 2.2m
Width = 1.3m
Ground clearance = 0.15m
Weight 35-45Kg
Transmission
Two fully independant drive · cranksets allow the two riders to pedal
at their own different speeds in different gears without affecting the steering.
21 gears for each crankset. Twist grip shift gear change.
Front sprocket 22-32-42 teeth with <<mega range>> 11-34 sprockets.
Possibility to change the side of the joystick in order to steer lefthand
drive or righthand drive.
Braking
Two independent disc brakes on rear wheels for extra safe braking in all
conditions.
One front V-brake for parking.
Pedalling position
Recumbent position maximises pedal power.
Seat adjustments to suit everyone from children to tall adults.
Comfortable seats banish saddle soreness on long distance rides.
Full adjustment of the rake of the seat without tools.
Frame
Steel frame with 50,8mm OD
TIG welding for extra strong joints.
Polyester coating for a hard, durable finish.
6) News
The 2Can made its public debut at the Disability North Exhibition (DNEX) 2003
– and it has been going places ever since. These pages will keep you informed
about where you can see it in 2004 (if you do, please come and have a chat with
us) and what’s happening in our company.
News in France:
The Français Connection I: Matthieu Lanz, a post graduate engineering student
at Lyon University, spent the last four months of 2003 working with us in
Middlesbrough. Most of his work concerned stress analysis and was valuable
both to confirm the 2Can was built to last and to point the way to further
exciting developments.
The Français Connection II: We are delighted that Matthieu has agreed to
maintain his links with us, both by continuing to carry out research for Toucan
as part of his main post graduate project and by introducing the 2Can to France.
Matthieu and the 2Can are becoming a common sight in the streets of Lyon and
he has already booked the 2Can in at two major events:
June 2004: L'Ardéchoise, the 15th (www.ardechoise.com).
One of the most popular cycle races in France, it featured more than 15,000
riders in 2003. A must-see event for cycling enthusiasts – and a chance
to try out the 2Can!
May 2004: (www.24heures.org).
The "24 Heures de l'INSA" Lyon, 14-16 May is a famous bicycle race
held annually during the biggest student event in France, involving 40,000
students! Come along, road test the 2Can – and if you are up to it,
try to beat the record of 900 km in 24 hours!
News in England:
May 2004: NAIDEX (www.naidex.co.uk).
Come and see us on Stand 894 at Naidex, May 11th to 13th at the NEC. This
is the UK’s premier homecare, disability and rehabilitation event and
it marks the 2Can’s debut at a national exhibition. We will be featuring
the 2Can Inclusive.
October 2003: DNEX (Disability North Exhibition www.disabilitynorth.org.uk).
It was the first exhibition where we presented the optional handcrank on the
2Can.
Other News:
The strangest request we have ever had came from two members of the Army Physical
Training Corps, who asked if we could design a trailer capable of hooking up
behind the 2Can to tow a piano on a circuitous route from Edinburgh to London.
While the ride – which was intended to raise money for the BBC Children
in Need Appeal - had to be postponed for 2003, we still went ahead and designed
the trailer. Strong enough, obviously, to carry a piano, it helps to make the
2Can an environmentally friendly workhorse for parks, large industrial sites,
industrial estates, town centres etc.
7) Contacts
If you want further information regarding the 2Can. Contact us directly
by mail: Toucan Engineering Limited, 40 Staindale, Cleveland Park, Guisborough,
TS14 8JU
8) Links
General information:
http://www.cycleweb.co.uk
: Cycleweb is a free resource for all users,
and they run it as a service to cyclists and to the cycle trade. They don't
charge to post information on most parts of the site.
http://www.velovision.co.uk: Velo
vision magazine covering specialised bikes, cycling as transport and human power.
http://www.rtrmag.com Recumbent & Tandem
Rider Magazine is the authoritative, informative and entertaining magazine for
riders and enthusiasts of recumbent and tandem bicycles.
http://www.ihpva.org The
British Human Power Club was formed to foster all aspects of human-powered vehicles
- air, land & water - for competitive, recreational and utility activities,
to stimulate innovation in design and development in all spheres of HPV's, and
to promote and to advertise the use of HPV's in a wide range of activities.