Proper fit of the bicycle.
After cyclists have carefully made adjustments for proper fit, minor aches and pains may develop before the body adjusts to the new riding posture. This is normal--so resist the temptation to fiddle with the position much. They will become accustomed to the new riding position after a few rides, and cycling performance will be improved. Then they can concentrate on bike handling skills and fitness confident that their riding position is as good as can be. Proper bicycle fit requires careful review of bicycle selection, saddle height for proper leg extension, fore-and-aft positioning of the knee over the pedal, saddle tilt, handlebar position, and positioning of the upper body for optimum comfort and performance. Further research on the effects of maintaining an aerodynamic position for extended periods of time needs to be investigated to review fatigue patterns in lower and upper body musculature. The underlying principle of positioning a cyclist on a bicycle is to remember that the bicycle is adjustable, and the cyclist is adaptable.
Burke
E R
ER
Biology Department, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans