Parts for hand ergometer (exercise bike)

[mekanik]

If made from solid you could place one bearing in the centre of the handle and one @ the end

[irving2008]

If made from solid you could place one bearing in the centre of the handle and one @ the end

My original design was like that but with a bearing insert at the far end of the tube, means a longer axle of course. But none of the commercial units are like that as they offer a range of handle shapes (i.e. bent tubes) for different disabilities so really I'm copying a tested approach.

[mekanik]

Understand now but if you do not intend to add various extensions your first idea is a better/stronger design,also you would not need the pinch bolts and the slot that is going to weaken the assembly @ the point of most strain, making a shaft with a step to locate the bearings so they are captive on the shaft. if that makes any sense, unfortunately i am not proficient with sketchup as i could better explain with a drawing.
regards
Mike