Weaker leg grown bigger than 'stronger' leg, why?

BeauMaximus

Since I started cycling about 18 months ago, I have noticed that my weaker left leg thigh muscles were more defined than those in my right leg, but still slightly smaller.
Now, my left thigh is defnately also bigger than my right thigh.
What can be causing this? could it be something as simple as cleat positioning, causing a greater strain to be put on my left leg?

thanks,

chrisvanderkaap

Did you think about a leg length discrepancy?

This could explain said difference.
There's a way to measure this but you'll need someone help and a massage table.
or if you're flooded with money you could get yourself (or borrow) some garmin vector pedals and measure power output L-R.

A simple cleat spacer or even verus wedge in your shoe might be an option to even it out but measure first!

C

lef

+1 on leg length discrepancy as a possibility , even if its just 'functionally' shorter due to tight hamstring on one side or injury etc. I have a leg length discrepancy from a tighter hamstring on my right side (my stronger side) which results in a functionally shorter leg. With left/right balance on a powermeter im typically putting 53-54% power through the weaker leg. I do now have a 3mm shim which helps to balance things out a little.

lef

...I should mention shimming was done by an experienced bike fitter. I wouldn't add shims without such guidance.

BeauMaximus

Thanks, hadn't thought of that.

I have been thinking of getting a proper bike fit anyway, can anyone recommend a really good, experienced one in the south-east?


I gather from previous threads on this forum that there are bike fitters and there are bike fitters!

Cheers

sungod

there's cyclefit in central london, as well as the fitters, they've got an in-house physio who can do the more complex assessment/corrections

http://www.cyclefit.co.uk/

maybe a bit on the pricey side but after a couple of years intermittent knee problems (i'd had a bike fit and a few other attempts) i went there, the physio found out why and fixed things, so overall it was good value, just wish i'd gone there sooner

lef

I've had a couple of fits at cyclefit and they really help me to move towards pain free cycling. The pre-assessment was very good. I also recommend Velosport in Putney which is BikeScience using Retul. I had a fit there recently and the position was perfect.