Choosing a new handcycle is very exciting due to the multitude of handcycle manufacturers and their compatibility to specific disabilities and cycling terrains. Similar to bicycles for the able-bodied, adaptive cycles are available for touring, dirt, tandem, and of course the road. So now before you buy, you have to think about where you want to go and how much you may be willing to spend to get there.

Handcycle in the Dirt
To get off the road it is beneficial to have a handcycle that is propelled by the rear wheel. Only a few manufacturers currently are producing this style of bike. Greenspeed, One – Off handcycle, Varna, and the Explorer are a few.

The design of these bikes varies from seated to a kneeling forward position. When we tested out several bikes, the deciding factor for my wife was comfort while riding. She traveled from Tahoe to Chicago to make her decision, and in the end she chose the seated position of the Greenspeed for all-day riding comfort.

Handcycle on the Road 
If you like it low and fast with the possibility of competing in a few marathons a year, there are some great road bikes being produced. Manufacturers such as Invacare, Freedom Ryder, Quickie, Schmicking, Alois Praschberger, etc. all have incredible bikes that can be custom ordered to match your needs. My advice is to test drive whenever possible! These bikes often have design features that match specific disabilities.

Steering: If you have abs, you may try Freedom Ryders body lean steering, if you have limited trunk control, maybe the Quickie Shark is the right bike for you; it can be controlled through a headset attached to the cranks.

Seating: many speed bikes like the Schmicking now offer a kneeling option, which is great for individuals with double amputations or low spinal cord injuries. However, quadriplegics and individuals with high spinal cord injuries may find that position impossible to perform in; perhaps the Top End Quad Pro could be just right for you.

Legs: When steering and getting into many bikes it often requires the legs to straighten, bend, and move. Remember that the Varna 1 was designed with the double amputee in mind.

Handcycle Touring     
Nearly every bike manufacturer on the market makes entry-level bikes that are made for the slow weekend ride around the park. These are bikes for individual riders less technically inclined or those who have a difficult time contorting their bodies into the faster, lower-to-the-ground machines.

Comfort is key with this group; there are three to seven easy-to-shift gears, riders crank backwards to brake, there are user-friendly features and no maintenance is required. If this all sounds great to you, check out the Quickie Mach 2.

Tandem  
My favorite handcycle tandem was part of a World T.E.A.M. Sports Face of America Ride. It was a custom made tandem that positioned a low hand bike in the front and a normal rear of a bike for a blind rider in the back: very cool. Greenspeed built a recumbent hand/foot tandem for Karen Darke that is a little on the long side but very cool as well. Another style of tandem has been used to include an individual with a disability in passive movements on the front of the bike; the Adventurer Tandem from Freedom Concepts allows the person in the back to control the bike, while the rider in front feels the wind in his face and can peddle if he chooses.

Adaptive Modifications
You will always want to modify your bike in order to fit your specific needs, leg length, seat back height, cushion, crank arm length, shift controls, breaking and grips. Grips are the most essential modifications for many; http://www.bike-on.com/ has several models available including the popular community handcycle grip package which is on the wish list of many adaptive cycling programs. 

Get out there!