Foot to Pedal
For some Cyclists saddle and bar positional changes aren’t the only thing that need to be considered in a bike fit.
It often becomes apparent when watching the cyclist on the fitting jig that there is an asymmetry in their position. They are not sitting square on the bike. There can be many reasons for this Including leg length differences, central nervous system issues. As well as, injuries, flexibility issues etc. Whilst some of these are better resolved by medical professionals such as physiotherapists. Some can be successfully accommodated with in the bike fit studio.
During the bike fit intake process we will perform a rudimentary leg length test. As well as, muscle flexibility test to see if we can find anything obvious that may lead to a positional asymmetry. Not everyone that has an asymmetry may experience discomfort. Or a lack of performance so we may not look to make additional adjustments.
For those that do, it may be worth a follow up session after the initial bike fit to run a series of tests and experiments with shoe shims and wedges to see if further improvements can be made.
Fitting shims and wedges – Foot to Pedal
Fitting shims and wedges can help cyclists achieve improved performance, improved endurance and increase comfort. Issues cyclists may experience can include foot numbness, uneven pressure on the forefoot, saddle discomfort, and pedalling inefficiencies, hand numbness etc. In general, we are looking to improve the connection between bike and cyclist.
As well as shims and wedges the bike fit process also considers the use of insoles. During the initial intake when examining the foot, we will take note of the foot shape for example whether the foot arch is high, medium or low, long or short etc. The use of insoles within cycling shoes can help with comfort, support and proprioception. Proprioception is the body’s awareness of where it sits in space. The appropriate insole can improve positioning on the bike as the body recognises that it isn’t straight. Knee tracking may also improve with the right level of support and foot cramps can disappear too. In the studio we stock a range of different height preformed insoles from Sidas and custom moulded foot beds from Formthotics.
Insoles, leg length shims and wedges are all well and good if a correct fitting pair of shoes are being worn. Again, during the initial intake of the bike fit, shoe size will be considered and advice given if the current shoes are inadequate in any way. The studio holds a range of Lake cycling shoes in different models, lengths and widths.