Are you new to cycling or ready to ride like a pro? Let's talk about bike fitting and why it's important to give your feet the attention they deserve. Although cycling is a full-body experience, your feet are the unsung heroes of the power transfer. They are the link between your body and your bike, so it's essential to ensure they are properly set up for the job.
The first step is to make sure you have the right cycling shoes. While online shopping is convenient, it's important to do your research and find shoes that are comfortable and provide adequate support. Some questions to ask yourself are: Do these shoes feel like a pair of slippers? Are they wide enough, do they have a stiff enough soleplate?
Next up is cleat position. In my opinion it is far better to have your cleats as far back as they can go. This helps reduce pressure on the dense bone and capillary structure of the forefoot, not to mention reducing the leverage of your ankle, which can cause instability in your kinetic chain and lead to injuries. The cleats then need alignment for your individual stance and feet angle. The general rule is to get your feet facing front as you would walk up the stairs. With correctly set up cleats you will severely reduce the likelihood of injury, and your body can focus on transferring power from your legs to the bike.
If you are doing this for yourself, be sure to tighten the bolts evenly to the manufacturers torque ratings. However, avoid extreme positions that may strain your joints or muscles and negatively affect your balance and control on the bike.
It's worth noting that all cyclists are not the same. Differences in your skeletal make-up, previous injuries, and strains can affect your cycle cleats' position or angle. Therefore, getting properly measured and trying shoes on before buying can help avoid issues. Still, having an experienced set of eyes on your position and pedal action will help in the long run.
Before making any drastic changes, ensure you're setting yourself up for success. Proper bike fitting is the key to unlocking your full potential on the road and avoiding injury, whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to cycling. That is why CORE Bike Fit will be Creating Optimal Rider Experience in partnership with the Dartmoor Classic This year.
At the Dartmoor Classic this July, our stand will be offering FREE foot measuring and general bike fitting advice. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to cycling, we believe that a proper bike fit is the key to unlocking your full potential on the road and avoiding injury. Come and say hello, grab a coffee, and let us show you how we can help. With a little bit of attention and care, you'll be pedalling like a pro in no time.
