I just bought one off eBay and so far it's great except for one little niggle (well two actually but I've resigned myself to having to attach it to the chair while not sitting in it! Even Arnie Schwarzenegger would struggle.)

The crank arms, being quite long, bash my knees unless I strap them together (which I don't find too comfortable), and I could really do with some advice on how to widen the distance between the hand grips.

I saw a video clip of someone riding a two wheeled kneeler handcycle and this had angled cranks that achieved exactly what I want. Has anyone got any ideas of where I could find some like this? I don't think a bike shop could help because although I've not taken the crank arms off, they look to be mounted on a square shaft. I don't recall bikes being like that, but it's been a while since I had one in bits.

I have emailed Praschberger's site trying to get a user manual, but they don't seem eager to respond. Any other ideas please?

Try a bike shop. Seriously. I'd come over if I could (spent a wee while getting to know bikes very well) and I'd be surprised (unless you got an arse hole) if they couldn't help you.

I'll have a look through my CTC (Cyclist Touring Club) magazines tonight to see if I can find you a supplier.

Look on the Varna website for their bullhorn cranks. If they fit, these would be just what you're looking for.

Go to the bottom of this page

http://www.varnahandcycles.com/handcycles.htm

Thanks. If they fit, they would probably be perfect - except for the £259 plus shipping! That's half what I paid for the whole thing.

I spoke to Draft wheelchairs (who seem to be about the only Prasch dealer I could find) and was advised that my best option would probably be to get the crank arms cut and welded at the angle I wanted. Seems like a plan if Clara can't come up with anything.

Thanks again.


Hiya. I have to admit to having an arsehole although sometimes I kind of wish I didn't - if you know what I mean. Would it stop the bike shop helping me?

Do bike shops sell things like angled cranks (presumably for folk with fat thighs like mine)?

Depending on what the cranks are made of you might heat and bent them but that could be a quick way to need a new set!

The cranks on my Trakker look like they might be cast steel and wouldnt bend.

Tin

Thanks Tin. I think that's worth a try. I'll have a better idea what they are when I've got them off. I've bent 1/2" bar ali like that before and found it surprisingly easy to do but, rather than do it myself, I think I'll toddle down to the local forge and seek expert advice.

If you could send a foto of the cranks we can try and find a solution to your problem. The bull horn cranks i had on the two wheeler were from varna and as you say damed expensive. Also they were so wide they were uncomfortable to use.

Since then I found a mate who does jobs on bikes for me, he is a very talented home builder and has made V shaped cranks before. He uses steel bicycle cranks and cuts and re welds them. Will make a set with plenty change for £50. Would need to see what sort of Bottom bracket set they fit onto? Hence a foto might help and the internal width i.e the wdith needed to clear your legs.

Other option might be alteration of the existing cranks provided they are steel not ali.

Send me an email to paul.robinson2@jacobs.com and will see what we can do.

Ta

Thanks mate.

The main issue at the time I posted was that I had a badly torn adductor muscle that meant I could not pull my right knee in. The tear is gradually mending and I'm pretty sure that when it's completely healed, I'll be able to get my knees out of the way of the cranks - even if I have to use a strap. I won't know for sure for a few weeks more, but I'll certainly bear your offer in mind if I still have a problem.
I'm very grateful for your advice.
Thanks.
Geoff.