CORRECT BICYCLE SET-UP TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF INJURY

BY FRAN MOORE MCSP W

ithin the sport of cycling, be it road, track or touring, ensuring

that the bike is correctly fitted to the cyclist is of prime importance. For cyclists of all abilities, ages and gender, correct bike set-up is paramount in promoting comfort, enhancing performance and preventing injury. A practical guide clarifying key points for any cyclist is provided. Knee pain has been advocated as being the most commonly reported overuse problem in cyclists (1), having been reported to occur in 25% of the cycling population (2). This is closely followed by back and neck complaints (3). It has been suggested that many of these injuries can be prevented or cured if the bike is correctly set-up for the individual cyclist (3). Obtaining the correct bike position for cyclists is a complex process. ‘Posture height’ refers to saddle

For cyclists, correct bike set-up is paramount in promoting comfort, enhancing performance and preventing injury. Many cyclists when starting out, and even when they gain more experience, have little insight into how to set-up their bike correctly. There is a multitude of often conflicting information available on this topic which can be difficult to follow and could appear confusing to someone who has limited knowledge in the area. Furthermore, much of the information fails to stress the relationship between poor bike set-up and injury. This article will look at the reasons why correct bike set-up is essential, with particular reference to injury. A practical guide clarifying key points for any cyclist is provided.

IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT MANY INJURIES CAN BE PREVENTED OR CURED IF THE BIKE IS CORRECTLY SET-UP FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CYCLIST

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position, cleat alignment and pedal position. ‘Posture length’ refers to reach and handle bar position (3). Addressing both of these components should ensure that the bike is correctly set-up for the cyclist. If any of these factors are not correctly adjusted or fine tuned to the cyclist, this can predispose the cyclist to injury (3). The first category of injuries relating to the lower limb often occurs as a result of a poor ‘posture height’, especially a poorly fitted saddle (3). Poor saddle set-up has been linked to overuse injuries at the knee (4,5). A saddle set too low has been associated with increased knee flexion and loading through the patellofemoral joint, creating a risk of developing

patella and quadriceps tendonitis (4) and (6). Similarly, having the saddle too far forward increases the knee flexion angle, which has been linked with quadriceps tendonitis (4). Injuries falling into the second category affecting the lumbar spine and neck are commonly related to poor ‘posture length’, normally as a result of over or under reaching from saddle to handle bars (3). If the cyclist adopts a position that is over-flexed and shortened s/he may develop low back pain and/or neck pain due to the effect that this position will have on the vertebral column (3). The shoe pedal interface is another important factor in the prevention of injuries (7). Incorrect cleat alignment

sportEX medicine 2008;37(Jul):6-9