69. Pedal Perfect: Exploring the Benefits of a Professional Bike Fit | Dr. Tim Tracy

Key Takeaways

• Cycling does not have to be uncomfortable. A bike fit will adjust the three points of contact so that they do not cause undue strain and pressure.

• The way a person moves off the bike will mimic the way they move on a bike, so doing a functional assessment alongside a bike fit is a key component of pain reduction.

• Improving your cycling performance starts with the breath. If you are not using oxygen efficiently, you will become fatigued more quickly.

Have you been wanting to improve your cycling performance but just do not know where to start? Unless you are a professional cyclist, you may not have ever heard of a bike fit and may even think that discomfort is a normal part of cycling. In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew speaks with Dr. Tim Tracy, a Board-certified orthopedic physical therapist with a specific focus on cycling-related issues, cycling performance, and bike fitting. Dr. Tim explains the importance of a bike fit for not only improving performance, but reducing pain and injuries as well. 

 

Many people think that cycling is supposed to be uncomfortable, but in actuality, it does not have to be. When you have a well fitted bike and the proper cycling technique, you will be able to cycle for longer with less physical strain on your body. Since every person’s body moves differently, Dr. Tim combines a bike fit with a functional assessment in order to see where each clients’ baseline is. Learning techniques for pelvis stabilization, changing positions while riding, and even just diaphragmatic breathing can be game-changers in overall performance and reduction in pain, strain, and fatigue. 

 

A professional bike fit is an incredibly useful tool for any cyclist wanting to reduce discomfort and improve overall performance. If you notice that you are having a lot of lower back or hip pain while riding or afterward, consider seeing someone like Dr. Tim for a bike fit. 

 

Quotes

• “If people aren't experiencing significant issues, then they're just leaving a lot on the table as far as the discomfort they have that they kind of brush aside and think that that's a normal part of cycling.” (11:21-11:36 | Dr. Tim)

• “We all are going to move differently, and those unique differences need to be looked at functionally. How people move off the bike will often mirror how they move on the bike.” (15:59-16:12 | Dr. Tim)

• “Until we can have you moving well, making the most and have an awareness about how to interact with the seat and the handlebars and the pedals, there's going to be some things that aren't going to be fully resolved.” (22:18-22:28 | Dr. Tim)

• “When you change one thing on a bike fit, you change everything.” (32:45-32:47 | Dr. Tim) 

• “The most likely energy-saving benefit will come from a bike fit versus spending infinite endless amounts of money on carbon shiny objects.” (36:49-36:59 | Dr. Tim)

 

Links

Connect with  Dr. Tim Tracy:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/physiotimt/

 

Connect with Physio Room: 

Website | ​​https://physioroomco.com/ 

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/physioroomco/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/physioroomco

Andrew’s Personal Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dr.andrewfix/ 

Andrew’s Personal Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/andrew.fix.9/

 

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