Handcycling got its start over 10 years ago as an adapted form of the tri-wheeled bike used by the elderly. Small racing wheelchair companies took the idea and made simple recreational handcycles as an alternative form of exercise. The handcycles had a seating posture similar to a standard wheelchair and used standard wheelchair parts for the rear of the cycle and bicycle parts for the front wheel and gearing. Handcycling hadn't grown as popular as other recreational activities such as road racing, tennis, or basketball, but still enjoyed a steady growth in popularity. Soon the handcycle made the logical move from a separate piece of exercise equipment to an attachable front end that could be used with an everyday wheelchair. This idea made sense since the standard handcycle of the time was a blend of bicycle and wheelchair, it cost less to purchase, and it was easy to store and haul. As happens in most sports, the handcycle would become a catalyst for competition. The handcycle started to take on a more streamlined and aerodynamic look. But unlike many of the other sports, handcycling was easier on the body, could be used casually on family outings or in competition, and was great fun. This began the wild popularity of handcycling and has led to the explosion of handcycling manufacturers, handcycle design, handcycle events and competitions world wide, and of course handcyclists. Handcycling has also become a popular cross-training sport and has found its way into off road sports and home exercise equipment. Today handcycling is the fastest growing sector of disabled sport.