FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 3, 2013
“I’d say that about half the people I see when I’m riding have an improper fit,” Ford said. “What I mean by that is the placement of their seat, handlebars, pedals and cleats aren’t properly adjusted to accommodate the size, flexibility, strength, and movement deficiencies of their bodies.”
In other words, a proper bike fit isn’t just about the bike.
“A good bike fit takes into consideration both the bike and the body, then works to adjust each in order to maximize comfort, performance and prevent injury and wear,” he said. “If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or numbing sensations when you ride an hour or less, you may need a little tweak in your bike or yourself.”
Ford says that when riding a bicycle, a person experiences three main points of pressure: on the seat, on the feet, and on the hands – a triangle of pressure points. One of the goals of bike fitting is to achieve a comfortable equilibrium between the three. Anything that upsets this balance, related to either the body or the bike, can lead to discomfort, pain, and the increased chance of long-term injury.
From carpal tunnel, elbow, and Achilles issues to pain in the shoulders, knees and lower back, Ford warns that an improperly fitted bike will commonly reveal a person’s musculoskeletal deficiencies through pain, numbness, low endurance and a general reduction in performance.
As a specialist in movement and athletic performance, Ford suggests cyclists seek a professional bike fitting evaluation in the following cases:
A proper bike-fitting assessment should consider injury history and involve flexibility testing and a cycling motion analysis. Ford points out that while several reputable bike shops are great at fitting a bike to a generalized body type, physical therapists are trained to determine the optimal mechanical balance between a cyclist and his/her bike.
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