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How To Handcycles
FAQs & 'How to' Videos - Handcycles
Chris Peterson has been designing handcycles since 1990 for Top End. He has worked relentlessly through the years on improving them to be fast and competitive.
Always pushing the envelope, Peterson was instrumental in helping competitive handcycling to grow and develop as a sport.
The rules for handcycling do not exclude able-bodied individuals which gives Peterson a chance to personally test out his designs. Not to be left out, Peterson is a competitive handcylist and consistently finishes in the top 10 both in Europe and the USA.
Always pushing the envelope, Peterson was instrumental in helping competitive handcycling to grow and develop as a sport.
The rules for handcycling do not exclude able-bodied individuals which gives Peterson a chance to personally test out his designs. Not to be left out, Peterson is a competitive handcylist and consistently finishes in the top 10 both in Europe and the USA.
- If a person is just starting out, are there some key words of advice on how to operate a handcycle?
The first key thing is to make sure you know where and how to use the brake. Handcycling is so much fun, you can get going and forget this really easily. 2nd-Most people complain that the handpedals hit their legs while turning. To avoid this, you should coast through the turns with the handpedals in the "up" position. 3rd-The chain falls off. This is a common mistake of not knowing how to and when to change the gears. Basically, don't cross the chain or have the upper chain ring in the largest (most difficult) ring and in the easiest gear on the bottom as this "crosses" the chain too much and it will fall off. - What are the key things I need to check each time I ride?
Great question. You should check your tire pressure, brakes, the security of the rear wheels (make sure the axle is tight), check that the hook and loop fastener on the seat positioning strap and footrests works properly, check your helmet, safety flag, mirror and make sure you have a charged cell phone. - I have a hard time turning in tight spots with my Force R. I would assume that most of the Force series handcycles would have the same solutions. Please share how this is done.
The key to turning any of the Force Series handcycles in a tight corner involves the "pump" method. If you cannot make a full turn, just crank a half or quarter crank, bring the crank back up again, turn a little bit a at time until you "pump" your way around. If you need to turn a full 180, you will need to keep the handpedals in the up postion so the cables do not get tangled up and push backwards on the rear wheel with your other hand. Then you would do the "pump" forwards and manually push backwards until you are turned around. Watch Team Invacare's Mark Ledo use these methods on this video. - What are the different drinking systems available for handcycles?
Recreational riders usually use a water bottle and cage system and elite athletes use a backpack hydration system or special water bottle hookups with changable straws. Experienced athletes love to share their tricks so don't be afraid to ask them! - How do you transfer in and out of the Force or Force R? They look so low to the ground.
With some practice and observing other athletes it can be done with ease! Some people use a "step" method by first transfering to an inbetween height step stool. Here is the best way: In: Place the crank arms in the 2 o'clock position so you have more space for your body. Engage the parking brake, move close to the handcycle and engage your wheelchair's wheel locks if equipped. Place one leg across the seat and one hand on the far side of the handcycle seat, then transfer down. Be sure to secure your feet in the leg rest straps and use the seat belt. Out: Reverse the procedure using the rigid back rest to push off. Watch Team Invacare's Matt Updike transfer in and out of his Force X Hancycle. - How can I try a handcycle?
The best place to try a handcycle is at our Tour de Force Handcycle Product Tour, an Abilities Expo, organized handcycle event or race. The United States Handcycling Federation (USHF) has a complete event/race schedule. There are also organizations that have a fleet of handcycles available to try. These organizations include Adapted Adventures, National Abilities Center, Operation Comfort, and Achilles Track Club. If you fill out the contact us form, we can get back to you on your options. - How do I figure out which is the best handcycle for me?
The first question to ask yourself is “Why do I want one? Is it for recreation or am I more serious and plan to race or go on long distance rides?” If recreation is your goal, the Excelerator and XLT are great models as they feature a low maintenance 7 speed hub with reverse hands-on braking. For touring, long distances or hilly terrain we recommend the XLT PRO. For racing, the fastest handcycles are any of those in the Top End Force Series. For complete details check our product catalog or contact us for our free “How to select a handcycle CD” - What are the main differences between the Top End Force, Force R, Force X, Force G and XLT PRO?
The Top End Force, Force-2, Force R and Force X are arm-powered, super-reclined, lay down, low to the ground, aerodynamic handycle that compares to what everyone in Europe is using. This style is used by H1,2 or 3 Classifcations. The XLT PRO offers a reclined position but a higher seat height than the Force or Force R so it is mainly used for touring not racing. The Force G is primarily a trunk powered unit and best for those with great trunk control but not as aerodynamic so it is not a model usually chosen for racing but if it were those using it would be a H3 Classification. The Force K is a kneeling position and used by only the most able or H4 Classification. For more detailed information please fill out the contact us form and we can help you figure out which is the best model for you. - What are some of the differences between the Force and Force-2?
The main difference is that the Force-2 comes in two sizes/colors: the 15" seat width is red and the 17" seat width is blue. It is perfect for beginning competitors but does not have V crank arms or the some of the upgrades that are available on the Force. Are V Cranks compatible with the Force-2? No, but they can be ordered as a parts order if also ordered with upper crank assembly. Retail price to switch will be $400.Can wheels be upgraded to carbon fiber? Carbon wheels can be added as an aftermarket part and the standard wheels can be used for training.
I would like the handpedal power plate upgrade, how do I get them on the Force-2? You would need to order new right and left handpedals with power plates as an aftermarket part and keep the original as backups.
Are there any other sizes or colors available? No, so sorry. These are ordered ahead in bulk to get the great price. If you want to order a different color or size, you can order the Force but the retail price is $4295.
How do you change out the front cassette and/or chainrings? You can change out different front wheel cassettes by ordering the cassettes as an aftermarket part, however, to change out the upper chainrings will require the additional purchase of the V crank and upper crank assembly to be compatible, plus the chainrings, which could run about $500.
- I want to go the distance, possibly race. Which seating position should I choose?
This really depends on your goals and your disability. There are three different positions: the recumbent position, the trunk powered position and the kneeling position. • The recumbent style is when you are reclined in a semi-lying position using mostly arm, shoulder and chest muscles. It is relaxed and very aerodynamic. This position is preferred by paraplegics (T10 level and above) and quadriplegics. • The trunk-powered position is a position where you sit up straighter utilizing a rocking motion that applies your whole upper body including your trunk. For this position you need good balance. • The third position is the kneeling or amputee position and this requires excellent balance. You sit flat or angled downhill and then lean forward to generate power. - How fast will I go?
Speed depends on your seating position, fitness level and disability. Top speed of over 30 MPH are possible. I train with other riders, (even able bodied ones) plus use a cordless speedometer and heart rate monitor to help me get faster. - Are there any tutorials or videos on how to change all those gears?
I found this website that is geared towards bicycles but works the same as a handcycle. See if this helps. http://bicycletutor.com/gear-shifting/ - What crank width is best?
Crank width is dependant on shoulder width and leg clearance requirements. A good rule of thumb would be to select what is currently listed as standard on the order forms. Athletes are "spinning" more with higher rpm and using more narrow and shorter cranks. - How do I determine the best crank length and width?
The crank length is not necessarily determined by the length of the cycler's arms. Most competitive racers in Force handcycles are using shorter (170mm - 185mm) and narrower (14" - 16") crank arms and spinning rather than muscling the gears. The crank height and back placement are positioned to make sure the cranks don't hit the legs or chest rather than the crank length being compromised for this situation. A strong cycler may want to have longer cranks to increase the leverage he/she is able to generate into the crank but the longer crank arms could wear down a newer or weaker cycler. Making smaller crank circles does not cause the cycler to exert as much energy.The crank width is more determined by the chest and leg widths. This is especially true with the Force G handcycle when the cycler's torso is used to crank and is sometimes positioned slightly over the crank assembly and the S cranks are used to clear the chest and legs.
Generally speaking, it is best for a new handcycle owner to choose the standard lengths and widths listed on the order form. The crank arms are easily replaceable and after the cycler has used them for some time, he/she will be able to make a better decision about these dimensions.
- What crank length should I choose?
The cranks should complement your sitting position and body size. At the end of your peddle stroke your arms should be slightly bent and not fully extended. The more you move your body the longer the crank can be. Most people in the reclined position use crank lengths between 160-170 mm. Top End crank arms are designed so that they can be changed easily to try a different length. - I have heard that there are many of our wounded service members using handcycles. Do you have any video of them using the handcycles or how they adapt them for their injuries?
Yes, many service men and women are finding that handcycing is a great way to build strength and endurance for both mind and body. There were about 80 competitors at the 2010 Veterans' Wheelchair Games last year. There are some great devices that allow those with both arm and leg amputations to use handcyles. and many of them shared their stories. - Do you have any advice on aerodynamic positioning and set up on a Invacare Top End Force R Handcycle?
Team Invacare's Matt Updike shares some great tips on how to achieve this on this video clip. - I have an Invacare Top End Force R Handcycle and want to travel to a race. How do I remove the fork?
Please see this instruction sheet for complete details. - How do you prepare for a race? And once at a race, what should I do before the start?
USA Paracycling Team member Matt Updike shares his secrets with us on this video. - Do you have anyone that can tell me why they like this sport and how they got into it?
Yes, we asked this question to some athletes at the 2011 Top End/PVA Euro American Handcycle Championship race this past February. A member of the PVA Handcycle team, US Paracycling team and former Paralympian tells you why in this video. - I would like to compete but don't know how to get started.
USA Paracycling Team Member Matt Updike shares his words of wisdom. - Do you have a demonstration or video showing how to lubricate my chain?
Yes, please view this video which was taken at the 2010 Veteran's Wheelchair Games Handcycle tune-up clinic prior to the race. A local bike shop demonstates this perfectly.
