How to Hand Crank a Sprinter

A sprinter is a road bicycle often used for racing. Many bicycle manufacturers designate specific models of their road bicycles as sprinters. The problem with hand cranking a production sprinter is that it only has two wheels. If your hands are occupied with cranking the wheels, it is difficult or impossible to steer. There are several ways that problem can be overcome, but each requires substantial modification to a production two-wheeled bicycle.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check with companies that specifically deal with handicapped mobility modifications. Ford Motor Co. maintains a number of mobility providers throughout the country. Most of these are small shops that market standardized systems for handicapped drivers, but many of these shops design specific solutions for individual drivers. They are experienced in developing unique systems for individual drivers that maintain safety and control.

    • 2

      Get a recumbent tricycle. Take it to a bicycle specialty shop where it can be modified to allow for hand cranking without loss of steering. A recumbent tricycle can be fitted with road style wheels and rims, then modified so that one hand cranks the wheels while another steers. If you take it to a mobility provider, it can be modified so that you crank it with your hands while steering it with your legs.

    • 3

      Buy a handcycle, specifically designed to be cranked by hand. There are over 20 companies in the U.S. that specialize in manufacturing or modifying bicycles specifically for handicapped people that need to crank the wheels by hand. These bicycles come in a wide variety and styles, including road models used for racing and sprinting.