Solving Saddle Problems - Part 2 - Feet & Pedals
I'm going release these segments of "Solving Saddle Problems" as I finish editing them, so look for this content to be released in (hopefully) steady drips
Introduction for all segments: There are three main areas that we need to look at or consider when talking about saddle issues, and it usually has to do with balance in one form or another.
Balance in weight distribution through the contact points. There should be a certain amount of weight taken through the feet, saddle and hands and when this balance is upset it can cause problems at any contact point.
The location and nature of how the soft tissue contacts the saddle.
The direction, magnitude and symmetry of the movement of the pelvis on and over the saddle
So I'll be addressing each of these mechanisms for the different contact points on the bike. For instance, in this next video I'm going to discuss all the ways that bike fit problems at the feet and pedals can (1) create excess weight-bearing for the saddle, (2) cause the pelvis to contact the saddle in a skewed manner, and (3) move in an asymmetric path over the saddle. From there we'll move on to the saddle itself and then finally to the hands/handlebars.This video covers the first discussion on the feet and includes a brief introduction before hitting the first two bike fit issues -- improper fore/aft cleat position and poor support of the foot in the shoe.
DIY Video Bike Fit Part 1: Hardware, Software, Setup
DIY Video Bike Fit Part 2: Joint Landmarks
DIY Video Bike Fit Part 3: Bike Fit Joint Angles
Insoles
Icebug Slim Low Volume Insole With Arch Flex Technology,Yellow - Medium Arch,10 M US
Solestar
Ergon IP3 Solestar Insole: Size 38-39
Ergon IP3 Solestar Insole: Size 40-41
Ergon IP3 Solestar Insole: Size 42-43
Ergon IP3 Solestar Insole: Size 44-45
Ergon IP3 Solestar Insole: Size 46-47
This next video covers the issues of q-factor (or stance width) and proper cleat rotation.
https://vimeo.com/253647202/a6a624afad
Cleat Fore-Aft
generally a little farther back is safer than a little too far forward
Newton's Third Law - equal and opposite force on the pelvis comes from the pedals
What can we feel/test/measure to know this is a problem?
Video Bike Fit: excessive toe down angles -- cleats too far forward? (Keep in mind that this would then create more knee flexion at the bottom of the pedal stroke)
Cleat fore often goes hand in hand with central foot and toe issues -- numb toes, hot spots, foot cramps -- and can also cause heel/Achilles and calf overuse issues
If you move the cleat back, you're effectively shortening the leg so you likely will have to lower the saddle height as well.
poor bike fit can foster these compromised ankle mechanics
often these issues can be learned - riders are taught to manipulate their foot in some way ("drop the heel") which over time creates a problem
toe down too much? -- cleats back
foot flat or heel down too much? -- cleats forward
one leg can "act" shorter
often see with one sided saddle discomfort because of the imbalance in the pedal stroke
during video bike fit likely to see differences in knee extension or ankle position -- i.e. knee extends to 37° from full extension on one side and 43° on the other
leg length shim is often helpful to overcome some coordination or proprioceptive issues and get the "short" leg more involved
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.