Everything you ever wanted to know about handcycling, but were afraid to ask   People say riding a bike is so easy, you never forget how to do it.  Riding a handcycle is so easy, you won’t know why you hadn’t yet tried it.

Handcycling has been around for more than two decades, and the design of the trikes that have revolutionized exercise and recreation for people with disabilities continues to improve, making them faster, more agile, and more accessible for anyone who wants to get in the saddle.   The crank of a handcycle is positioned near the upper body of the rider and propels the front wheel, rather than the rear wheel, of the cycle.  Handbrakes, located near the hand pedals or seat (depending on model), work the same as typical bicycle brakes.  The seats, or saddles, on handcycles are more supportive than bicycle seats, resembling the seats used on recumbent bikes.   Rather than being designed specifically for people with disabilities, the first handcycle design took shape in the hands of nondisabled cyclists looking to increase the use of human-powered vehicles.  Although they have failed so far to spawn a new age for American transportation, they did create the opportunity for people with disabilities to get back in the saddle.   Handcycles come in all shapes and sizes.  Most of the ones found in today’s market are built for weekend warriors, yet can handle the typical rigors of regular riding.  But the ones you see in the magazines--sleek-bodied cycles being pumped by hard-bodied hunks--are built specifically with the racer in mind.   Whether you’re looking for fun in the fast lane or just plain fun, all handcycles offer the best opportunity for people with disabilities to get out and enjoy life, meet new people, and provide lackadaisical bodies with the much-needed exercise they deserve.  And for those looking to test the athletic boundaries of their body and mind … oh yes, the handcycle can do that too.     Which Trike to Choose?   The best handcycle fit depends on individual wants and abilities.  The weekend cruiser wanting to ride recreationally with family and friends may want a handcycle with a more traditional seating position (as if seated in a wheelchair).  Someone interested in racing or competing will be happier with the lower, more agile three-wheeled cycle, where the rider is seated in the saddle just above the ground, with legs outstretched.  The following models represent some of the more popular handcycle designs on the market.

Getting Attached Choosing a “clamp-on” cycle is the most inexpensive way to get on the road and start riding.  The design allows a wheelchair user to clamp on a handcycle attachment, while staying seated in the chair, without assistance.  This design instantly transforms the typical everyday wheelchair into a road-ready handcycle.  The attachment requires no tools and takes up less space in storage than the traditional handcycle design.  The model pictured to the right is the Quickie Cyclone.  Notice how the attachment lifts the casters, the front wheels of the wheelchair, slightly off the ground for easier pedaling.

Another design for handcycles situates the rider in an upright position, or a position that is more like being seated in a wheelchair.  This design is easier to transfer into without assistance.  The high rider handcycle allows the cyclist to enjoy riding and conversing with others at eye-level and is more stable than the racing handcycles.  They are shorter from front to back, which allows for a smaller turning radius.  These handcycles are not built for speed, and since the rider’s center of gravity is higher than the low riders, they are easier to tip over at higher speeds.  Pictured here is the Quickie Shadow Mach 2.

The low rider design is the most popular among cyclists with disabilities, simply because they are such a blast to ride.  The more aerodynamic low rider allows for faster speeds, more stability, and an unparalleled ride.  This is the only design used by racers and is not recommended for leisure riders.

However, most handcycle manufacturers offer noncompetitive riders a “base” model, which is slightly heavier and has fewer gears than the sleeker racing models.  For example, check out the Top End XLT Gold, pictured on top, compared to the Top End XLT, pictured to the left.  The base model XLT is still race-ready, but the XLT Gold is obviously the sportier choice, especially with a 27-speed external cassette hub and Shimano Ultegra/XT components.

Lean vs. Pivot-steering All uprights pivot steer, that is, the front wheel turns, while the rest of the bike remains upright, like a typical bicycle.  Lean-to-steer handcycles are turned by leaning the cycle, which pivots at hinge-points.  The most popular lean-to-steer handcycle is manufactured by Freedom Ryder. Some lean-steer cycles can be problematic if you have concerns with trunk stability.  Freedom Ryder’s lean-steer handcycle uses a dampener to increase or decrease the ease with which it takes to lean and steer, but some riders are still more comfortable with a pivot-steer handcycle.     Rider Safety   As with all cycling, it is always a good idea to wear a helmet, carry plenty of water, and avoid overexertion, especially if you are not an experienced rider.  Keep in mind that the low rider handcycles are, as the name suggests, low to the ground and more difficult for drivers to see.  Wearing a bright-colored jersey or shirt is also a good idea.    Unfortunately, every couple of months or so there is news about a handcyclist who has been killed while training.  Be sure to obey all traffic and cycling safety laws.  These rules of the road can mean the difference between the handcyclist as a speed demon and the handcyclist as a speed bump.  Placing a safety flag on the handcycle is advisable.     The Politics   For about the last ten years or so, handcycling has managed to crank its way into events previously dominated by wheelchair racers.   Many people with disabilities who race wheelchairs continue to be the biggest opponents against allowing handcycles into marathons.  They argue that handcycles belong in cycling events, not running races.  Also, when “crank chairs” are allowed into marathons with big cash purses, prize money decreases because another category has had to be created.   Even worse, some race organizers do not recognize a difference between crank chairs and racing chairs, so they do not create separate categories, which is unfair to both parties.    Some wheelchair racers point out that it is obvious handcyclists know they do not belong in marathons, since they only refer to handcycles as "crank chairs" when they are entered into the long-distance running events.   One seasoned rider from the Texas Gulf Coast area states that the marathon offers the perfect venue for handcyclists: not too long, not too short.   Handcyclists maintain that to keep handcranked wheelchairs out of marathons is discriminatory.  But how can marathon officials be accused of discrimination against the Disabled when they allow people with disabilities to compete in racing chairs?  Nondisabled runners are not allowed to use gears, so why should competitors with disabilities be allowed to use gears?   People with disabilities rightfully demand an equal playing field at work and school, in governmental policies and the market place, and for entertainment and sports-related opportunities.  Are "crank chair" users asking for more than they need?   The debate continues.     Read a Handcycling Narrative     For Additional Info…   Now that you know a little bit about handcycling, perhaps you’re ready to find a ride.  Check out the following links for product information, message boards, and more:   www.ushf.org/ - The United States Handcycling Federation is the official organization for events held in the United States.   www.adaptiveadventures.org/ - Adaptive Adventures, located in the Rocky Mountain region, offers access to a variety of sports and includes an informative page for handcycle enthusiasts.   www.home.earthlink.net/~depauldtp/ - Paul’s Handcycle Diary is a self-service calendar for the handcycling community from the United States Handcycling Federation.   www.bike-on.com/ - Bike-On.com is a site dedicated to personal classifieds, selling used handcycles, racing chairs, and everyday chairs, as well as other equipment for competition and fun.      Life Is Full greatly appreciates and acknowledges contributions made to this article by Adaptive Adventures, the United States Handcycling Federation, and SpinLife.com.         © 2005 J Carlton Media LLC

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