physios and bikefitting

AndyRubio
AndyRubio Posts: 880
edited September 2009 in Training, fitness and health
Hi,

Are there any places where they look at your musculature and other physical characteristics such as pedalling style, and your bike setup, and using their expertise, give you the best setup as well as advice on improving your riding style?

I suspect that Cyclefit used to do this, but they don't do it now unless you're buying a bike.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,
Andy

Comments

  • bobpzero
    bobpzero Posts: 1,431
    specialized bg fit?
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    edited September 2009
    Possibly Retul but I think there is only one place in the UK that does them, in London...
  • AndyRubio
    AndyRubio Posts: 880
    edited September 2009
    bobpzero wrote:
    specialized bg fit?
    Does that require buying a Spesh? I got a Cervelo R3, a Felt TT bike and a few others.
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Possibly Retul but I think there is only one place in the UK that does them, in London...
    Just looked up Retul - it looks like a bikefitting service, like bikefitting.com which is all about the bike.Doesn't look like they'll advise me on what changes to make to my pedalling style, position etc. Looks pretty nice n hi-tec though, me likey.

    The question struck me cos a physio once pointed out that I've got flat feet and that my knees point inwards. As I was leaving he said that I should pedal with my knees pointing out to get more power. It's that kind of thing I'm after - this guy was a physio not a bike specialist though..
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Spesh BG doesn't require a purchase but is 120 quid.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    There are now 3 retul places...

    http://www.retul.com/fitter_list.asp
  • bobpzero
    bobpzero Posts: 1,431
    checkd the q & a from the specialized concept store pdf. and you dont need a specialized bike for the bg fit. its all ive got in northern ireland, tho i dont know of any others in NI.
  • hmmmm BG FIT is still all about the bike isn't it - and the technicians aren't physios, they're bike shop people who've done a one-day course on how to use the software.

    Any others out there?
  • Try Epic Cycles if not too far - if it is too far, travel there anyway. They charge £25 per hour, should get done in 2 (maybe 3 max) hours. They're not physio's as far as I'm aware but they'll put your bike on a turbo, watch you pedalling and make adjustments as you go along. No measuring, no computers, just eye, judgement and experience. I spent an hour and a half there earlier in the year (fathers day treat, thanks kids :D ), and the changes they made have made a vast improvement. I've cycled for 20 years, and thought I had a good riding position - took a short time to get used to the new set up, but unbelievably better. Best £50 "upgrade" I've ever bought.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    AndyRubio, there was an article, either in Cycling Active, or the latest Cycling Fitness, naming a company that will come to your house if necessary, to do all you're asking.
    I wont have access to the mags until this evening, but will post again later with the website mentioned, unless anyone can beat me to it..... :wink:
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • That'd be great thanks hopper1!
  • I'm going here on Thursday http://www.penninephysio.co.uk with my bike.

    I have a problem with the cartilage in my knees due to the way the knee cap tracks so I went to see Alison Whiteley there last Monday and she suggested bringing the bike so she could look at my riding position and set the bike up. She used to race herself and was physio for the British Olympic cycling team. might be worth giving her a call.
  • Her name's cropped up before. I wonder if she'd help me even though I don't have an injury?
  • Sounds like you are actually looking for cycling coaching - there are some very good ones around in the UK at the moment who I am sure will be able to help you for a pre-arranged fee...
  • Indeed yes I know a great coach who's been invaluable over the last 2 years, but sadly funds are limited. The thing is, most coaching as I know it is done via spreadsheet and email, and so by its nature isn't done in person. i guess a coach who has the knowledge of a sports physio - as my man is - could do what I want.

    Anyone experienced a coach who does this kinda thing? Or is a coach that does this kinda thing?
  • I've not had any experience of working with this coach but this is what I immediately thought of when I read your post

    http://www.davelloydcoaching.com/home.p ... g_Services

    if you give him a go let me know how you get on so I can see if it's worth me doing to!
  • heh heh great minds I though the same thing - he'll go out and watch you ride. I suspect I'm not up to the standard of his normal *coachees* - doesn't he coach Wendy Hooovenagel [insert her real surname here]?
  • I know I'm not up to that level (only been cycling for 2 months after an 8-10 year lay off, relationships and marriage getting in the way lol) but generally I've received a lot of coaching in other sports and there is always something that you can learn.

    As perverse as it sounds I want to do the ramp test too - just to see how feeble I am and how much I can push myself!

    I'm thinking of cycling with a club next year as I am only enjoying the cycling part of the tri I am training for!
  • This chap http://www.theendurancecoach.com/ Marc Laithwaite might be of interest to you - he's a triathelete, doing a PhD in sports science and works for British Cycling. He does all the VO2 max stuff at his place, jolly nice fellow too.
  • why are all the good coaches in the liverpool/manchester area when I live in Basingstoke and work in London?
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    La Bicicletta in Sheffielld are Serotta/Cyclefit trained. Poss they might help
    M.Rushton
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    The article I read was in Health & Fitness Cucling...

    www.sound-coaching.co.uk

    Maybe it's of some help to you... :wink:
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • Have a look here http://bikedynamics.co.uk/ They did a good job ony knee.