Bike Fit and Body Work

As a chiropractor and an amateur racing cyclist I have the unique perspective of understanding the challenges the body undergoes while cycling. I feel the problems myself and I see them when they come through the door from my patients.

I have extra training in the intricacies of a bike fit which explain if a fit is done properly it always needs a combined approach.

1. Fit the bike to your physical/flexibility limitations

2. Get some help with your physical/flexibility limitations to improve the situation.

It never works if you just roll up to a bike fit and they adapt around your problems - it's like changing the tyres when the wheel alignment is wrong, the tyres will always need further replacement.

The four most common problems cyclists experience:

1. Low back pain - normally a problem with core strength (or weakness), poor bike fit and inflexibility

2. Neck pain - also a problem with core strength (or weakness), poor bike fit and inflexibility

3. Wrist pain - normally a nerve problem from too much pressure and weight carried through the hands, core strength (or weakness), poor bike fit and inflexibility

4. Knee pain - more to do with cleat positioning, lack of in shoe foot bed and saddle position errors

Anyway, after a discussion with a long term client Steven, he told me of his desire to upgrade his machine and asked me where should he go to get the ultimate fit and the best machine. I recommended Jimmy at Sigma Sports, he’s been in the industry for years both at Sigma and Cycle Fit. He listens to your needs and removes ego from the fit process. A good fit should be all about form and function. Everyone wants to look pro, but sometimes your body can’t cope if you don’t have the core strength/flexibility.

Even if you haven't had a fit and just want a stronger, more flexible body for cycling, I've made some videos on how best to improve your spinal flexibility (the basic neck and low back routines), how to improve your posture and neck strength (posture routine) and lastly the advanced low back routine will build better core strength.

Please read on to get some insight from Steven and thanks Steve for sharing your views.

Steve’s thoughts….

For over 10 years I’d been perfectly happy with my bike and my amateur cycling achievements. The considerable back pain I experienced on high mountain passes was, I felt, part and parcel of endurance riding and being in my 40s.

The time came however this year that I was able to justify to myself and my wife that a new bike was in order. But where to start and could a proper fitting now tackle some of my discomfort (discomfort that had now reached my tackle!).

Since 2012, Dr Craig and the Putney Chiropractic team have kept me in working order. Regular adjustments maintain my flexibility and avoid neck and headaches. Knowing Craig knew as much about bikes as he did about backs he was the obvious place to start my enquiries. He immediately introducing me and my spine x-rays to Sigma Sport’s Jimmy Wilson and a couple of weeks later I was peddling on his rig. His approach is low fuss, direct, but pragmatic, understanding that some of us are willing to sacrifice some comfort for cosmetics. He presented me with an optimal solution based on my body and budget; a bespoke Seven titanium frame with a change of saddle type and a much changed riding position.

I took the plunge and after a number of fitting and design sessions I was rolling around Richmond Park on a new bike with a fresh sense of optimism and child like excitement. Two weeks later I was competing in France and riding up Mont Ventoux pain free (well no back pain at least!). I have the best of all worlds; much improved comfort, some new PBs and a distinct bike that turns the occasional head.

- Steven Tredget