Cycle Safely
Cycling seems the easiest thing in the world. But it’s only easy when it’s safe and when you’re bike is set up correctly.
More and more people start riding a bike for many reasons. They like it because it’s healthy, fun and environmental friendly. Not many, though, realize that it’s not only sit on the saddle and turn the pedals.
You need to make sure your bike is set up correctly. Only then it will be safe, comfty and enjoyable. “Given that a bike is a fixed piece of equipment, if your position is wrong, it’s your body, not the bike, that has to adapt. This increases sports injury risk and reduces your power output.” said Phil Cavell from CycleFit.
Mr Cavell says that while checking the bikes at CycleFit about 99% of people are not in the harmony with their bikes. It is then absolutely necessary to have your bike checked and set up correctly.
Another thing is pains and aches. Cycling should be a comfortable activity. It’s OK to feel slightly tired in the leg muscles after a long ride but if your neck, shoulders, back or lower back ache, it probably mean your bike needs some more adjustments.
“Your legs and knees should never feel as if they are overstretching at the bottom of the pedal stroke or being crushed at the top,” says Nicole Cooke, author of the Cycle for Life. One of the most common mistakes is the set up of the saddle height. While adjusting your saddle you need to take into consideration your symmetry, flexibility and paddling technique.
Don’t miss the tomorrow’s blog for some more cycling tips.
