Phil Burt, former head of physiotherapy at British Cycling and expert in bike fitting, dives into the fascinating world of cycling. He explores how riders' needs are evolving, the impact of indoor cycling on performance, and the science behind bike fit adjustments. Burt also discusses shorter crank lengths and reveals that Bradley Wiggins was using 165mm cranks during the Rio Olympics. Get insights on how personalized bike fitting is revolutionizing comfort and efficiency for cyclists at all levels.
Phil Burt emphasizes the importance of personalized bike fitting, tailoring adjustments like saddle height and crank length to enhance cyclists' comfort and performance.
The rise of indoor cycling during the pandemic has changed injury patterns, necessitating awareness of increased strain and adapting setups to prevent discomfort.
Burt champions shorter crank lengths for improved cycling efficiency, suggesting they reduce hip flexion and enhance power output while minimizing injury risk.
Deep dives
The Appeal of Custom Bikes
Custom bikes offer the unique joy of having carefully selected components tailored to personal preferences, making the riding experience more enjoyable. Trek's Project One program exemplifies this trend by allowing cyclists to customize their bikes from a selection of designs, colors, and personalized paint jobs to suit individual tastes. The process can be overwhelming, yet it reflects the growing demand for unique, one-of-a-kind bikes that resonate with riders’ identities. For those looking for complete creative freedom, the Project One Ultimate program presents an opportunity to create a fully bespoke bike, ensuring every detail matches the rider's vision.
Bike Fit Insights from a Physiotherapist
Philbert, an esteemed bike fit physiotherapist, emphasizes the significance of proper bike fitting for cyclists of all levels, including amateur riders. He discusses the importance of understanding individual biomechanics and the need for tailored adjustments, such as saddle height and crank length, to improve comfort and performance. Notably, Philbert suggests that many cyclists ride with crank lengths that are too long, which can lead to discomfort and inefficiencies in power transfer. His approach encourages cyclists to trust their comfort levels and adjust their setups accordingly, thereby enhancing their overall riding experience.
The Impact of Indoor Cycling on Injuries
The rise of indoor cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted different injury patterns associated with this form of training. Indoor cycling typically involves a fixed setup, leading to increased saddle contact time and potentially exacerbating issues such as knee pain. Philbert notes that the lack of natural breaks characteristic of outdoor cycling places more strain on specific muscle groups, revealing individual weaknesses more quickly. As cyclists adapt to this new training environment, it’s crucial for them to recognize these changes and adjust their approach to avoid injury.
Short Crank Lengths and Their Benefits
Philbert advocates for shorter crank lengths as a means to increase comfort and efficiency while cycling, challenging the traditional norms of crank sizing. He explains that shorter cranks can help reduce the amount of hip flexion required during pedaling, which in turn can alleviate discomfort and enhance overall power output. This adjustment can be particularly beneficial for riders over time as their biomechanics evolve and change. By promoting a more natural cycling position, shorter cranks can help mitigate the risk of injury and improve performance for both professional and casual cyclists.
Mental Aspects of Competition in Cycling
The psychological factors surrounding competition in cycling are significant, with riders often feeling the pressure of performing against unknown expectations. The dominant presence of cyclists like Pogaccia can create a mental block for others in the peloton, as they may perceive themselves as unable to compete effectively. Luke Rowe discusses how mental resilience is critical in overcoming these fears and transforming the competitive landscape. Acknowledging and addressing the mental aspects of racing can empower cyclists to believe in their capabilities and ultimately change the dynamics within the sport.
In this week's episode James is joined by Phil Burt, former head of physiotherapy at British Cycling and Team Sky and the man who literally wrote the book on bike fit. They discuss micro adjusters and macro absorbers, how riders' needs and wants are changing, and the affect of indoor cycling on the body.
Phil also explains the theory behind shorter cranks, the advantages, and how Bradley Wiggins was already on 165mm cranks at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Interview starts at 10:38.
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This episode is brought to you by Trek's custom Project One programme, which offers
full custom paint, components and setup on every Trek bicycle.
Check out Trek.com to start designing your dream bike now.
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