Getting fit

Richard Goodman

Actually perhaps I should have said getting fitted

One of the cycle-related things I did during the break, as a present to
myself, was to book a cycle-fitting session. It was good - good to get
confirmation that I had set my zero-float cleats up correctly myself and
they needed no adjustment, to the surprise of the fitter, and that my feet
don't pronate much at all etc., and to confirm the adjustments I wanted to
make to my present bike.. if it would only provide enough scope for
adjustment, which it doesn't, quite . What was most interesting,
though, was to get some guidance about posture. It's amazing the difference
a relatively small change can make to how you employ your leg muscles. I
suppose it's something a coach would tell you, but I don't have a coach and
for most us I guess riding a bike is something we just get on and do,
without thinking too much about it. Of course, we look for a bike/set up
that offers a position within our comfort zone, but even then within that,
as I found, there is a 'sweet spot' where everything works so much better -
the upper body is perfectly balanced and stationary while the pedals spin in
smooth circles. Unfortunately, however, it does now mean that my desire
for a new bike has now transformed itself into a confirmed _need_ ! I
think I feel some more spending coming on... Cycle fitting should come with
a health-warning - this could be harmful for your wallet

Rich