Tarasov Rowcycles have been developed to give the rider a unique, complete body training experience. Our patented row-drive™ power train technology allows the body to generate maximum potential energy and efficiently transfer that energy to the power train of the cycle. A person’s legs are much stronger than their arms. Row-drive™ recognizes this and harnesses the force generated by the legs in a 2:1 ratio to the energy generated by the arms during and equivalent stroke. In the row-drive system, one stroke of the legs produces an amount of energy delivered to the power train that is approximately two times greater than the energy delivered by an equivalent arm stroke. This allows both the legs and the arms to perform to their maximum potential during training even though the arms and legs are not equal in strength.
 
Arm and leg stroke mechanisms work independently. When the rider pushes with their legs, they move; when they pull with their arms, they more; or when they push and pull with legs and arms simultaneously, they move. All this happens while the rider sits stationary.
 
To maximize your enjoyment and training potential, we recommend beginners spend time to study the basic movements involved in the row stroke with the goal of building a solid foundation in rowing technique. A smooth rowing stroke consists of four phases: the catch, the drive, the finish, and the recovery. Please check the body position in each phase as explained below. We have also added information and drawings on the kinesiology and biomechanics of the stroke movement from a well know study by Dr. Thomas Mazzone published in 1988.
 
The Catch
  • Extend arms toward the arm stroke source while gripping the handlebars firmly.
  • Your upper body should lean slightly forward with your back straight but not stiff.
  • Your legs should retract on the foot stroke pedals until your shins are vertical (or as close as flexibility will allow).
 
The Drive
  • Begin the drive by applying force to the foot stroke pedals and thrusting your legs forward.
  • Pull the handlebars toward your abdomen.
  • Keep your arms straight and hold your back firm to transfer your leg power up to the handlebars.
  • Bend your arms gradually and thrust back with your upper body, leveraging against the thrust being applied by your legs until you reach a slight backward lean at the finish.
The Finish
  • Pull the handlebars tight to your abdomen.
  • Straighten your legs.
  • Let your upper body extend back slightly to apply maximum force.
The Recovery
  • Extend your arms toward the arm stroke source.
  • Extend your upper body forward from the hips to accompany the arms.
  • Slowly bend the legs to backward along the foot stroke path to recoil the foot stroke drive motion.
 
The Catch
  • Again recoil the legs backward until the shins are vertical.
  • Lean your upper body forward at the hips.
  • Extend your arms fully toward the arm stroke source.
Prepare for the next stroke.