TiFit
Unlike other manufacturers, the frames of TiLite chairs aren't made from standard parts bolted together. Not a single tube is bent until your order is placed - your wheelchair is created directly from your measurements. TiFit allows for custom frame options including:
Custom frame depth - specified independently of the seat, allowing you to balance the chair, adjust the centre of gravity forward, and increase handrim access.
Front frame angle - allowing you to position your body, legs and knees for maximum comfort, stability and function. Chairs built using "standard" frame parts often cannot accommodate the frame angle, front seat height and rear seat height that best suits you, resulting in compromises.
Seat taper - customise the front seat width independent of the rear seat width to better conform to your body shape.
V-front end - fitting to the shape of your legs in a more natural way than an inset frame. Conventional front frames and insets are also available.
Ergonomic seat - a bend in the rear of the seat frame that creates a well for the pelvis; this increases seat stability. Ideal for experienced users who know their optimal seated position.
TR frame
The TiLite TR Rigid Wheelchair features TiLite's flagship swept-in dual-tube frame. While it may seem counter-intuitive that a dual-tube frame be higher-end than a mono-tube one, for TiLite's T-series, this is actually the case. Able to utilise narrower tubing than the mono-tube ZR, it is just as lightweight, and the frame significantly increases rigidity and decreases flex - allowing more of your energy to go to propelling yourself, rather than be lost to flex in the frame.
The traditional downside of dual-tube designs was that they took up more space to transport, once the wheels were removed. The swept-in TR frame isn't like a traditional "box frame" - it's compact and just as transportable as a mono-tube frame.
The aerospace-grade titanium frame provides excellent vibration dampening, unrivalled by conventional aluminium frames. As the metal with the strongest weight-to-strength ratio, it gives unparalleled durability.
The TR is a welded chair, saving over 800 g of weight compared to the TRA, making it the lightest TiLite chair (joint with the ZR). This obviously sacrifices adjustability in the process; it is therefore best suited to experienced wheelchair users who know how they want their chair configured.
Customisation
Each TR is individually built with a wide range of options to match your chair to your lifestyle requirements. This includes industry standards such as Spinergy wheels and Natural Fit handrims, as well as carbon fibre sideguards, a great selection of footrests, castors and more.
As a Permobil company, TiLite chairs are available with their range of Roho Agility lightweight air backs and cushions, and third-party seating can also be fitted if desired.
Style
TiLite's titanium chairs offer a level of style above and beyond the competition, and the sweeping curves of the TR's frame give it a striking design. As with most manufacturers' chairs they can be customised with a range of frame colours and accents. Where they really differ is the option for the raw titanium finish to the frame - the satin finish has an understated elegance to it, and you can add "tattoos" to this to really stand out. Our demo TR features the flaming skulls of the "Need for Speed" tattoo with "Red Pepper" highlights - it really turns heads.
Our Verdict
TiLite have a well-deserved reputation for offering some of the best quality wheelchairs available. Their precision fit is a level above what you will get from conventional manufacturers. The TR is a little more expensive than the adjustable TRA, but for those who know their ideal setup, the weight savings justify this cost.
The TR gives the best ride of any TiLite chair - if you've never tried a TiLite dual-tube wheelchair before, give it a go and you will feel the advantages.
