Handcycling/sore elbows

Mike_Stan · 03-17-2006, 02:55 PM

Anyone else who handcycles have sore elbows?

Art Vandelay · 03-17-2006, 03:00 PM

Mike - Yes. The inside of my elbows get very sore. It is golfers elbow (tendonitis). Resting the arm is the cure. I have started to wear a support band below the elbow which seems to help.

JustinB · 03-18-2006, 12:27 AM

I don't ride a handcycle but I saw one on TV.

That being said, I do (did?) have extensive experience on regular bicycles. Most knee pain was from bike that did not fit well. I'm going to go over some things that are translated from bicycles, and hopefully someone like captain gimp will come in and say either "yeah" or "you idiot". Or both.

Anyways, with a bicycle it is important to have near full extension of the legs to get full power, but never hyper-extending.

The next step was to adjust the crank arm length to what was comfortable.

Crank width is going to be next for handcycles. Try a range of closer together vs farther away.

Hips would hurt if you rocked back and forth on the seat. I'm not sure that has a direct corelation with hand-cycling.

Next, I would look at the height of the cranks relative to your shoulders. Someone here should have good suggestions on what to go for.

I had all my bikes professionally fitted. Seat angle, height, handlebar stem length, crank arm length, cleat orientation. Consider talking to your dealer/manufacturer to get recommendations for properly fitting your bike, and you should be able to ride pain free.

-- JB

03-17-2006, 02:55 PM	#1
Mike_Stan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington DC Posts: 112	Handcycling/sore elbows Anyone else who handcycles have sore elbows?

03-17-2006, 03:00 PM	#2
Art Vandelay Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 28	Handcyling Mike - Yes. The inside of my elbows get very sore. It is golfers elbow (tendonitis). Resting the arm is the cure. I have started to wear a support band below the elbow which seems to help.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
elbows	amanda	Care	5	10-21-2003 08:35 AM
elbows	amanda	Announcements & Feedback	1	10-20-2003 10:26 AM
Arms itch near elbows	nevada	Care	1	01-05-2003 12:15 PM
Elbows	Polett	Care	4	06-12-2002 07:06 AM

03-18-2006, 12:27 AM	#3
JustinB Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Somewhere - Out there Posts: 467	I don't ride a handcycle but I saw one on TV. That being said, I do (did?) have extensive experience on regular bicycles. Most knee pain was from bike that did not fit well. I'm going to go over some things that are translated from bicycles, and hopefully someone like captain gimp will come in and say either "yeah" or "you idiot". Or both. Anyways, with a bicycle it is important to have near full extension of the legs to get full power, but never hyper-extending. The next step was to adjust the crank arm length to what was comfortable. Crank width is going to be next for handcycles. Try a range of closer together vs farther away. Hips would hurt if you rocked back and forth on the seat. I'm not sure that has a direct corelation with hand-cycling. Next, I would look at the height of the cranks relative to your shoulders. Someone here should have good suggestions on what to go for. I had all my bikes professionally fitted. Seat angle, height, handlebar stem length, crank arm length, cleat orientation. Consider talking to your dealer/manufacturer to get recommendations for properly fitting your bike, and you should be able to ride pain free. -- JB