Handcycle Non-Standardization
As a result of running some very extreme gearing the handcyclist may end up riding with a motley array of hardware: SRAM long cage front/bottom derailleur. A SRAM or Shimano cassette while running a completely customized chainring combo that is shifted with a chainring derailleur actuated directly by a hand operated lever bolted to the derailleur itself. Add to this mix such things as rider dexterity issues or personal preferences that drive the choice of shifters and you have a component stew that can give an inexperienced local LBS "wrench" nightmares!
The typical local mechanic knows very little about such setups and so for the handcycle owner, doing research online about components and setup is key before going to the shop. It may seem odd or even offensive to some riders to tell a mechanic or salesperson what is needed but that is often what is required! However, the better and more experienced local mechanics have usually heard of a handcycle even if they have not worked on one. This blogger knows of a very experienced mechanic working at a national bike store franchise who has done team support for handcycles. It is unusual but once in a while you do find a rare gem of a mechanic. Get to know them, tip them generously when you use their services, as they are sometimes your best resource even if you do your own repairs.Informative Maintenance Links
The following is a compilation of web resources that have been of help in figuring out service procedures, parts compatibility and adjustment. If any readers have other suggestions I will gladly add them to later edits. Email me at: g_damerow(at)yahoo.com
For very helpful, well-illustrated and detailed service procedures on just about every brand and type of bike component out there, Park Tool:
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help
Among the major three, (Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo) Shimano has the most comprehensive documentation available. Want to know the largest chainring size that will work with that E-type bottom bracket mounted front/bottom derailleur? Google the part number and Shimano will have it.
http://techdocs.shimano.com/techdocs/index.jsp
SRAM also has a support section on their site. Not as comprehensive but still contains useful information.
http://www.sram.com/service/sram/all
For those Campy Cultists there is the very refined looking service section of the Campagnolo website. (Campy Cultists. Uh oh. Here come the comments. A question to ponder: What if Steve Jobs had worked at Campy and not Apple?)
http://www.campagnolo.com/jsp/en/doc/doccatid_1.jsp
By the end of his life, Sheldon Brown was probably so saturated with bike knowledge that he had sprockets where his brain should have been! Sheldon was known for his innovative and non-standard thinking and for using unusual combinations of parts and components. (Example: His his 63 speed bike. http://sheldonbrown.com/otb.html) Such outside-the-sprocket thinking is sometimes just what you are looking for as a para bike mechanic. If you are in need of strange and unique information or tips on unusual components Sheldon's site will probably have it. The site is now maintained and updated by his friends over at Harris Cyclery.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
Two other sources of basic information on parts and part compatibility:
http://www.ebay.com
http://www.amazon.com
No, that was not an error! Often sellers will list a part or component by part number reference and to better inform the buyer on compatibility, the seller will list what the component will and will not work with. Not all information is reliable or applicable to some setups but one component listing often leads to another and then you find out the information you need. Ebay has a very good search engine and can oftentimes narrow down the search faster than google alone.
Lastly, I have posted all of the above major links in my "links" box at the upper right side of the blog for future reference.
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