Handcycling 101 - Handcycling Basics

The purpose of this page is to introduce newcomers, coaches, instructors, rehab and adaptive recreation professionals to the sport of handcycling. We realize no one resource is complete, so please email us at info@ushf.org or call 303.459.4159, with questions!

History of the Sport

Handcycling began in the 1980s as a recreational sport. Early equipment was hard to find, clunky, and expensive. The leap from “leg only” powered to “arm powered” was made by cyclists from within the ranks of the human powered vehicle movement. Ironically, the original handcycle was not intended for someone with a disability. Nonetheless, the development made it possible for individuals of all abilities to experience the joy of cycling.

Today, handcycles reap the benefits of both the modern cycling industry and cutting-edge wheelchair technology, including light weight components, high pressure tires, wide-range gearing systems, hi-tech. seating systems, hydration systems, and ingenious steering systems for optimal handling.

Handcycling was approved as part of the IPC Cycling Program in 1998 and was included at the World Cycling Championships for the Disabled that same year. In 2004, the IPC included a race for handcycles (men only) at the Paralympic Games in Athens Greece for the first time. Although handcycle racing is still relatively new, it has become very popular worldwide and athletes in the U.S., Europe, and Australia compete in respective national race series.

Although handcycling is popular with the racing crowd, most handcycles are purchased by recreational athletes. In contrast to racing wheelchairs, handcycles are easily adjusted, simple to operate, and very easy to transfer in and out of. As a result, thousands of people with and without disabilities are handcycling to improve cardiovascular and aerobic health, increase upper body strength, ride with friends and family, and improve overall fitness.

Equipment

Thanks to modern technology, handcycles come in a variety of styles, making them accessible to people of all abilities – abled-bodied, spinal cord, MS, amputations, etc… -- to experience cycling. There are a lot of concerns when fitting a handcycle to the individual. When fitting specific models of handcycles, coaches, volunteers, and therapists should consult with the manufacturer and/or local or regional experts (i.e. Adaptive Adventures, U.S. Handcycle Federation) for specific adjustment protocols. In general, handcycles are available in the following configurations:

	Upright Handcycle Gears: 5 or 7 Use: Recreational Riding Only Ages: All (comes in youth and adult models) Manufacturers: Invacare, Sunrise Medical Versatile Design intended for new and beginning handcyclists. Easy to transfer in and out of from everyday wheelchair. Short learning curve. Natural, easy steering.
	Youth Handcycle (Recumbent) Gears: 5 or 7 Use: Recreational and Youth Racing Ages: Children under 18 or Small Adults Manufacturers: Invacare Versatile, recumbent design for youth and people with shorter legs. Low center of gravity facilitates higher speeds than the upright. A great starter bike….especially for kids looking to race in the future. Adjustable footrests allow for some growth.
	Recumbent Fork Steer Handcycle Gears: Any variety up to 27 Use: Recreational, Touring, Racing Ages: All – adjustable or configurable for each rider Manufacturers: Invacare, Sunrise Medial, Schmicking, Varna Fork steer handcycles have a natural feel, and represent the most handcycles sold. They work well for both low and high-level injuries, and most have adjustable footrests, seat angle, and come with a variety of gearing, wheel and tire configurations depending on intended use: racing, touring, or just riding with friends and family.
	Recumbent Lean Steer Handcycle Gears: Any variety up to 27 Use: Recreational, Touring, Racing Manufacturers: Freedom Ryder, Lightning Lean steer handcycles have been around for a long time, and are the favorite of many top athletes. There is a longer learning curve with lean steer handcycles, and they are less stable at high speed. Many athletes like the lean steer system because it feels similar to mono skiing, using your whole body to steer the handcycle. Lean steer handcycles work well for lower-level injuries, although some athletes with high-level disability use them.
	“Trunk Power” Handcycle Gears: Any variety up to 27 Use: Racing Manufacturers: Invacare, Schmicking, Sunrise Medical, Varna Trunk power handcycles are the newest, cutting-edge development in handcycling. Trunk power is best-suited for athletes with most or all of their abdominal muscles. Trunk power uses the weight of the upper body as a pendulum to put power in to the stroke.

Racing

Handcycle Racing in the United States is governed by the United States Handcycle Federation (USHF) and (see www.ushf.org) and USA Cycling, and is integrated within able-bodied bicycle racing. Many races throughout the U.S. include handcycle divisions. The USHF promotes a national series in addition to the National Handcycle Championships each summer, which includes all of the handcycle classifications recognized by U.S. Paralympics (see www.usparalympics.com) and the International Paralympic Committee.

Rides & Clinics

There are an ever-increasing number of rides, introductory clinics, and equipment expos & demos across the country. Most are hosted by WS/USA regional sport organizations, DS/USA chapters, and similar organizations. Colorado-based Adaptive Adventures (see: www.adaptiveadventures.org) hosts more than 30 days of handcycling each year including group rides, youth camps and clinics, introductory equipment demos, and races (including the 2004 and 2005 National Championships), and even an “all abilities team” as part of the grueling Ride the Rockies tour. The website is also a great resource to find similar events and programs in other regions.

Training & Nutrition

Handcycling is a great way to improve overall health and fitness. Top handcyclists are some of the best athletes in the world. Paralympians train 15-20 hours per week during peak season, and can sustain 20+ mph speeds in races longer than 25 miles. Handcycling is also a low-impact, long distance sport and athletes in tours, centuries, and ultra marathons can log as much as 100 miles per day.

There are a variety of coaching and training resources out there. Most can be reached through the U.S. Handcycle Federation website (see: www.ushf.org) or the Adaptive Adventures website. Some key resources are: Cyclists Training Bible (Joe Friel), see: www.trainingbible.com, and Carmichael Training Systems (Coaches for the 2004 Paralympic Team), see: www.trainright.com.

Cyclists who routinely ride must fuel their body and maintain hydration to sustain endurance and energy. There are a variety of products available, and coaches should consider special dietary needs of the disabled athlete when developing a program. In addition, athletes with thermo-regulatory concerns (i.e. cervical injuries) must be cooled down with water from an external source at regular intervals. For information about nutritional and hydration issues, visit the website of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute: www.gssiweb.com

Safety

No cyclists should ride in a public or private area without an approved helmet! Coaches, volunteers, and therapists should purchase a supply of helmets in a variety of sizes for their program. Velcro and compression straps in a variety of lengths and sizes are also recommended to help athletes of different sizes and abilities get fitted properly for equipment.

When offering instruction to new handcyclists, be sure the participant is aware of how to stop and steer the handcycle. It is also important to send an able-bodied volunteer with new riders who may require assistance.

Resource Summary

Adaptive Adventures: www.adaptiveadventures.org 877.679.2770
U.S. Handcycle Federation: www.ushf.org
International Paralympic Committee: www.paralympic.org
U.S. Paralympics: www.usparalympics.com
USA Cycling: www.usacycling.org
Joe Friel’s Training Bible: www.trainingbible.com
Carmichael Training Systems: www.trainright.com
Gatorade Sports Science Institute: www.gssiweb.com