Handcycle Styles
This our guide to the various handcycle styles. This wiki is organized using Bookstack, which organizes information as shelves, books, and pages. Each Page below describes a handcycle style and has a list of handcycle models along with prices that fall under each style.
If you are interested in adding more information or editing this wiki, please e-mail us at info@ablebodied.org to ask to be added as an editor.
- Delta Gravel
- Delta Off-road
- Delta Road
- Delta Recreational
- A-ATV
- Tadpole
- Attachable
- Prone
- Handcycle Guide
- Recumbent Trike
- Recumbent Trike
- Recumbent Trike
Delta Gravel
Description: The classic Delta handcycle style with two wheels in the back and one in the front. The gravel version of delta is more upright than road, has mountain bike tires, but no suspension and less clearance than off-road.
| Pros | Cons |
|
Low center of gravity makes it more stable on turns More space to swing leg over crank Less complicated drivetrain (might be more reliable) More comfortable than the tadpole style |
Bad turning radius Lower clearance Traction issues with front wheel spinning going up hills on gravel |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Top End E-Force 3 | $12,199 has e-assist |
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| Top End Force 3 | $5,999 |
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| Sport-On XCR Gravel | |
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| Sport-On XCR | $6,399 has e-assist |
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| Sport-On Troublemaker | $4,995 has e-assist |
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| Lasher Arc | $9,995 |
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| Lasher Arc-E | $14,995 has e-assist |
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| Maddiline Sterrato | $14,100 has e-assist |
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| Maddiline Race-X/XE | $9,900 has e-assist |
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| Freedom Ryder E1 | $6,349 has e-assist |
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Delta Off-road
Description: The classic Delta handcycle style with two wheels in the back and one in the front. The gravel version of delta is more upright than road, has mountain bike tires, but no suspension and less clearance than off-road.
| Pros | Cons |
|
Ability to go off-road Suspension makes ride smoother, even on roads with potholes |
Front wheel drive will cause issues on inclines Crappy turning radius makes a lot of off-road trails impossible |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Bowhead Rogue | $13,999 has e-assist has suspension |
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| Lasher ATH-FS | $14,995 has suspension |
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| Lasher ATH-FSe | $20,995 has e-assist has suspension |
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| HandBikeGarage.it Scrambler | $9,000 has e-assist has suspension |
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| Maddiline CWX | $14,800 has e-assist has suspension |
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| Maddiline XTrail | $14,800 has e-assist has suspension |
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Delta Road
Description: The classic Delta handcycle style with two wheels in the back and one in the front. The road version is usually lower to the ground and you lay almost flat. Handcylces are optimized fo low weight.
| Pros | Cons |
|
Low center of gravity makes it more stable on turns Low wind resistance means you can pedal faster Generally lighter weight |
Hard to be seen on the road as you are so low Almost no clearance Traction issues with front wheel spinning going up hills on gravel |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Top End Force R | $9,999 |
 |
| Top End Force RX | $9,999 |
|
| Top End Force G | $7,999 |
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| Maddiline Carbide3 | $25,900 |
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| Maddiline Pro Evo | $10,900 |
 |
Delta Recreational
Description: The classic Delta handcycle style with two wheels in the back and one in the front. The recreasional version is significantly taller, so you have a level transfer to your wheelchair.
| Pros | Cons |
|
Easier to transfer ijn and out of Usually simpler in design Less expensive |
Not really meant for "proper rides" Can tip on turns if not careful |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Top End Lil' Excelerators | $4,999 |
|
| Top End Excelerator | $4,999 |
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| Top End Excelerator | $4,999 |
|
A-ATV
Description: Adaptive all terain vehicle does not have a crank, but can be used on off-road trails and many times trails most handcycles cannot go.
| Pros | Cons |
|
Can get to inaccessible places you never thought you could go |
Not as much of a workout Less challenging |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Bowhead Reach | $16,999 has e-assist has suspension |
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| Bowhead Ranger | $18,999 has e-assist has suspension |
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| Quadrix Quadrix Axess e3 | UNKNOWN has e-assist has suspension |
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| Quadrix Quadrix Axess Touch e3 | UNKNOWN has e-assist has suspension |
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| Quadrix Quadrix Watt's e3 | UNKNOWN has e-assist has suspension |
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| Quadrix Quadrix Ibex e3 | UNKNOWN has suspension |
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| Quadrix Quadrix Hand's | UNKNOWN has suspension |
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Tadpole
Description: Off-road style handcycle with two wheels in the front and the drive wheel in the back.
| Pros | Cons |
|
Good turning radius Rear wheel drive for better traction going up hills High seat leads to easier transfer (but lifting leg over crank can be a challenge) |
High center of gravity so may tip Fairly complicated drive train |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Bowhead RX | $17,999 has e-assist has suspension |
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| Sport-On Jeetrike | $15,299 has e-assist has suspension |
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| Reactive Adaptations Nuke | $12,800 has suspension |
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| Reactive Adaptations Wildcat T1 | $8,000 |
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| Reactive Adaptations Mako | $17,800 has e-assist has suspension |
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Attachable
Description: Attachable handcycle that clamps a third wheel onto your wheelchair.
| Pros | Cons |
|
No need to transfer Easier to store You bring your wheelchair with you |
Generally poor traction on uphills You are more tippy in your wheelchair |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
Prone
Description: Off-road style handcycle where the user is kneeling and facing downwards
| Pros | Cons |
|
Good for descending as you have a handlebar as in a regular bike Can use arms to balance off of rocks |
Harder to transfer into Harder to pedal and steer Les comfortable |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Sport-On Explorer | $13,399 has e-assist has suspension |
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| Reactive Adaptations Bomber RS | $11,950 has suspension |
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| Reactive Adaptations Hammerhead | $15,100 has suspension |
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Handcycle Guide
There are different styles of handcycles that are optimized for different use cases. The Delta style handcycle is the more classic design with two wheels in the rear and one in the front. It is great for road and gravel riding, but the front wheel can lose traction on the dirt, so off-road handcycles started to have two wheels in the front and the drive wheel is in the back so that you get significantly better traction. You can click on each style to see the pros and cons as well as a list of handcycles and prices under each style..
| Style | Description | Image |
| Delta |
The classic Delta handcycle style with two wheels in the back and one in the front. The gravel version of delta is more upright than road, has mountain bike tires, but no suspension and less clearance than off-road. This is a great beginner handcycle and with e-assist is the most comfortable ride you will get on the road. |
|
| Delta Off-road | The off road version Delta has suspension, which helps absorb bumps and makes for a much smoother ride over bumpier terrain. Note that front wheel drive can lead to traction issues on steeper hills. | |
| Delta Road | The road version is usually lower to the ground and you lay almost flat. Handcylces are optimized for low weight, which can help with independent loading into a car. | |
| Delta Recreational | The recreasional version is significantly taller, so you have a level transfer to your wheelchair. | |
| Prone (Off-road) | Off-road style handcycle where the user is kneeling and facing downwards. Generally most capable at handling hardcore downhill sections or climbing over rock gardens. | |
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Off-road style handcycle with two wheels in the front and the drive wheel in the back, much better traction and tighter turning radius. | |
| A-ATV | Adaptive all terain vehicle does not have a crank, but can be used on off-road trails and many times trails most handcycles cannot go. |
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| Attachable | Attachable handcycle that clamps a third wheel onto your wheelchair. | |
Recumbent Trike
Description: A foot powered trike with two wheels in the front
| Pros | Cons |
|
Has three wheels so easier to balance on |
Heavier than a two wheel bike You need leg strengtht to use |
Recumbent Trike
Description: A foot powered trike with two wheels in the front
| Pros | Cons |
|
Has three wheels so easier to balance on |
Heavier than a two wheel bike You need leg strengtht to use |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Reactive Adaptations Stinger | $$9,500 |
|
Recumbent Trike
Description: A foot powered trike with two wheels in the front
| Pros | Cons |
|
Has three wheels so easier to balance on |
Heavier than a two wheel bike You need leg strengtht to use |
Handcycle models
| Handcycle | Price | Image |
| Reactive Adaptations Stinger | $9,500 |
|