Bike Fitting
A more comfortable, faster you
Are you uncomfortable on the bike?
You shouldn't be.
Discomfort & pain are not normal.
A professional bike fit can help you:
Ride fast
Ride pain-free
Why have a bike fit?
Some common reasons include:
To eliminate pain or discomfort
To improve performance via aerodynamics, improved posture, improved power, improved muscle length-tension relationships, placing muscles in the centre of their torque curves
You've bought a new bike & want to get the most out of it
You aren't sure where to start when purchasing a new bike
You are a junior cyclist who has grown
You've purchased new shoes and need the cleats fit accurately
You saddle just isn't comfortable
Because it's cheaper to fit your bike correctly in the first place than to treat the injuries arising from a poor position
You should never be uncomfortable because of your position
If your position is uncomfortable then it simply isn't the correct position for you
Why use a Sports Physiotherapist?
My professional expertise is cycling
David is an experienced Sports Physiotherapist and is qualified to:
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Diagnose injuries
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Treat injuries
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Understands anatomy & cycling biomechanics in detail
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Can relate your cycling mechanics to your pain & your performance limiters
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I have trained formally at tertiary level for 6 years, not just completed a weekend course
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I individualise your fit to your goals, your musculoskeletal abilities, & the motor program generated by your central nervous system which dictates how you pedal
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Provide appropriate advice & re-training for optimal cycling posture & knee tracking
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For racers I can help you improve your musculoskeletal attributes over time to achieve a more competitive position
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Sports Physiotherapist for QAS Road & Track Cycling (6yrs)
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I can differentiate between a bike fit issue & rider musculoskeletal issue causing symptoms. I am qualified to offer a correct diagnosis & treatment in both instances
More information about bike fitting
What type of bikes do I fit?
Road
Time Trial & Triathlon
Track
Mountain Bike XC
Recreational / commuter
e-bikes
Gravel bikes
Initial Bike Fit:
What does the process involve?
Your bike fit takes up to 2hrs
Bring clean bike, shoes, knicks, spare parts (eg stems)
I take your history
I examine you - how flexible are you, how strong are you
Anthropometric measures (how long are you arms & legs)
These factors help determine what position you can (& cannot achieve) on a bike
I measure your bike, your joint angles when pedalling, observe your technique & identify any faults that need correcting
Your bike is then adjusted to your individual body
Consideration is given to comfort, power output, aerodynamics, ability to breathe easily, biomechanics & any individual concerns / injuries / limiters
Your position details are provided for your records after the consultation
Junior cyclists
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I aim to assist a developing body to attain the best position possible
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I advise on frame and component sizes so as to accommodate growth & minimise the need to constantly replace bikes
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I recommend measuring your childs height & inseam every 3 months, and monthly if they are in a growth spurt. If their growth is >3cm then a review of their position is recommended (approx. every 6 months)
Pre-purchase bike fit: 30min
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Before spending a lot of money on your new ride, why not organise a pre-purchase bike fit to make sure you get the correct frame size & style, correct crank length, handlebars & pedals that will best suit your individual body?
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This takes only half an hour & costs $160.
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Best suited to road, track & mountain bikes.
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I can help you make the best choice & prevent costly mistakes like cutting the steerer tube too short or buying the wrong sized floor stock from an eager salesperson.
Fitting Bike pre-purchase bike fit: 2hr
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This is a comprehensive full bike fit taking 2hrs. I use our own Wahoo Kickr fitting bike which permits a range of frame geometries, crank lengths and aerobar / handlebar positions to be trialled.
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Best suited for time trial / triathlon and road bikes with integrated stem/handlebar.
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Comprehensive report with aerobar coordinates, frame geometry, crank length & more is provided to help you make the best possible purchase decision.
Bike fit review
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For existing clients this is a 60min consult.
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I recommend an annual review for racers or every 2yrs for recreational cyclists.
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Your body & needs can change over this time frame & your position often requires some adjustment.
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You need a review if you buy a new bike, change crank lengths, change shoes or pedal brands
Time trial / track pursuit bike fit
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Fitting a TT bike or track bike with both sprint & pursuit bars can take longer than 2hrs.
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Please bring a spacer kit and screws for your aero bars if you wish to achieve an optimal position.
Bike fit costs
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New bike fit: 2hrs $420
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Bike fit review: 1hr $260
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Junior bike fit: 90min $260
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Pre-purchase bike fit: 30min $160
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Pre-purchase fitting bike: 2hrs $420
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Fit 2 bikes: 3hrs $680
Additional Bike Fitting Services
These are additional services for your convenience
Saddle Fitting
Arguably the most important part of the entire fit is your saddle. Yet many people simply accept the one "that came with the bike". Only by sheer luck would this actually match your backside.
At Cycle Physio I offer the opportunity to test a range of ergonomically designed modern saddles that have scientific validation that they actually unload your perineum (the bit you sit on). Brands include Sella SMP, SQlabs & ISM, who have a wide range for the wide range of cycling bottoms out there.
A modern saddle will outperform the traditional style saddles for comfort, perineal blood flow and reduce nerve compression, allowing the rider to rotate the pelvis forwards to achieve a suitable spinal posture and position on the bike.
Leg Length Differences
At Cycle Physio David is frequently asked to evaluate cyclists for true structural (ie bony) leg length differences. We stock a range of shims suitable for all major pedal brands and various thicknesses of shims to place inside the shoe to correct a short leg.
David Wadsworth can advise on when a scan is required for leg length discrepancies and when different length cranks might be required.
Cleat Wedges & Shoe Selection
Cleat wedges are small wedge-shaped bits of plastic used instead of an orthotic and are placed between your cleat and the shoe. They have become very popular in the lay media, with some authors (who incidentally sell such items) advocating that nearly everyone needs multiple wedges.
Wedges are rarely required if the feet are assessed properly by a professional, and rarely are they superior to a properly constructed orthotic. David can refer you to a podiatrist for professionally scripted orthotics when required, and on the rare occaision a wedge might offer a superior result can supply for each type of pedal.
David Wadsworth can advise on cycle shoe selection, with poor selection of width being a common cause for toe and foot numbness.
