Gears and drivetrain modifications for handcycles
06-27-17, 06:43 AM
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Gears and drivetrain modifications for handcycles
Hi all,
I'm a wheelchair user and a handcyclist; I'm currently running a Team Hybrid Cougar S24 on an RGK MaxLite (meaning I have what is known as a "bolt-on" bike, that literally just attaches to the front/bottom of my wheelchair and away I go. Very upright position, lots of core engagement).
My Cougar has the stock chainset 44/36/26 with a 24 11-34T cassette, with a gripshift on the right for the bottom (rear) shifter, and a Deore Trigger shifter on the left for the top (front) dérailleur. 20" front wheel, 559 or 590 on the back depending on what I'm doing at the time.
I'm finding that with the current setup, I'm getting over the top of my gears and not adding appreciably more power - this is especially notable when I have the power assistance turned on. To this end, I'm thinking I should go up to something like a 54.
I've got wireless shifters (XShifter) coming in the next month or so, and I figure that this is as good as any to make a modification I've been intending to make for some time - namely, switching from 3x8 to 2x11.
My intention is to switch my outer chainring to either a Q-Ring or an Osymetrics ring - but frankly, I've no idea what I'm looking at when it comes to the non-circular chainrings, and there is very limited documentation or information available, either regarding the fitting and configuration, or the optimal type to use for handcycling; All the instructions and documentation available assume out-of-phase cranks, but handcycles are always in-phase.
I have an entire spare identical bike to prototype on (slightly twisted frame from a car deliberately driving into me, bloody Uber drivers), so mistakes aren't entirely fatal - but this handcycle is my primary transport and method of commuting through London, so reliability is somewhat important.
Suggestions, thoughts, ideas.
I'm a wheelchair user and a handcyclist; I'm currently running a Team Hybrid Cougar S24 on an RGK MaxLite (meaning I have what is known as a "bolt-on" bike, that literally just attaches to the front/bottom of my wheelchair and away I go. Very upright position, lots of core engagement).
My Cougar has the stock chainset 44/36/26 with a 24 11-34T cassette, with a gripshift on the right for the bottom (rear) shifter, and a Deore Trigger shifter on the left for the top (front) dérailleur. 20" front wheel, 559 or 590 on the back depending on what I'm doing at the time.
I'm finding that with the current setup, I'm getting over the top of my gears and not adding appreciably more power - this is especially notable when I have the power assistance turned on. To this end, I'm thinking I should go up to something like a 54.
I've got wireless shifters (XShifter) coming in the next month or so, and I figure that this is as good as any to make a modification I've been intending to make for some time - namely, switching from 3x8 to 2x11.
My intention is to switch my outer chainring to either a Q-Ring or an Osymetrics ring - but frankly, I've no idea what I'm looking at when it comes to the non-circular chainrings, and there is very limited documentation or information available, either regarding the fitting and configuration, or the optimal type to use for handcycling; All the instructions and documentation available assume out-of-phase cranks, but handcycles are always in-phase.
I have an entire spare identical bike to prototype on (slightly twisted frame from a car deliberately driving into me, bloody Uber drivers), so mistakes aren't entirely fatal - but this handcycle is my primary transport and method of commuting through London, so reliability is somewhat important.
Suggestions, thoughts, ideas.
