The Top End Force R is a full on race machine. This handbike adopts a very modern design with its fully reclined position to maximise aerodynamics. The package is complimented with short, narrow cranks and the rear wheels are positioned perpendicular to the road with no camber at all, all very much in vogue with recent handcycle design. From a personal point of view the fit of frame on the test model wasn't ideal but as this is a custom built machine it was obvious that few simple tweeks would have made this bike a great ride. For me slightly wider cranks and an increased bottom bracket height would have provided me with an ideal machine.

The frame is finished well, the welds are neat and the paint finish good, the upholstery is excellent and easy to adjust. Fittings are very good with the choice of SRAM gearing a good one in my book. The Top End crankset looks beefy and certainly looks stronger than than some of their earlier models. Crank width and length are customer preference options availble when ordering. The brakes work well and as the Zipp rims have machined brake surfaces standard brake blocks can be used. Overall the bike looks very impressive and business like, a true racer.

When using a new bike for the first time always take a few minutes to set up and get right but this is time well spent. Once on board it was clear that this machine is very comfortable and very secure the upholstery is excellent and easy adjusted. I generally ride in a fairly upright position so to go to such a radically reclined position was an interesting experience but really not a problem. Onto the road and a few turns of the cranks and I was away excellerating with ease this machine rolls beautifully. Moving up a couple gears and putting in a little power I glanced down at the speedo and I was doing 18 mph with very little effort. The bike is balanced and feels stable at speed even through the corners but with the low crank position it was not possible to pedal through the turn. The route I chose was fairly flat so I can't be specific on its climbing capabilities but on a longish drag it did not feel unduly sluggish and heavy. This speed machine was fitted with optional Zipp 404 deep section carbon wheels, again these are full on race oriented wheels, tyres where 23mm Continental GP4000. As with any carbon rimmed wheels they can be fairly noisy but hey what a blast they are and they look great. I would have loved to have tried this set up with an even narrower tyre fitted such as a 21mm Vittoria open corsa CX I firmly believe this would have further improved the performance.

In conclusion: If you are in the market for a full on, no holds barred, race machine and you want to stay up with the front of the bunch then this machine is for you. Even in the short time I had with it I had a blast with it. The Force R is gaining popularity amongst racers which is evident in race photos appearing on the net where it is appearing on regular basis.