Biomechanical Bike Fit and Clinical Assessment
The Bike and Body: A Beautiful Relationship
The bicycle and the human body are both really neat machines. When both are finely tuned, riding a bike feels smooth and fun. But…
Sometimes, the body sustains an injury or develops a different movement strategy over time. Or maybe the bike has crashed or has wear and tear of the well-used kind. Or maybe the body changed and no longer meshes with something on the bike. Or maybe the bike never fully fit to begin with, but you bought it and dealt with the minor inconveniences.
Finally, something has to give.
When Body Biomechanics and Bike Fit Come Together
Physical therapy specializes in understanding the interaction of muscles, joints, nerves, and fascia to create movement patterns; this is biomechanics. Bike fit assesses how different bike components (ie. saddle, pedals, handlebars, stems, etc.) are oriented and whether they are located optimally for the rider.
Physical therapy evaluations and bike fit assessments can be their own separate entities. Yet, bringing them together in one setting is a thorough, efficient method to feeling better on the bike. It’s also a good way to prevent future injuries.
Flow PT and Pilates apply 22 years of physical therapy experience, 18 years of biking (road, tri, and mountain), and 17 years of integrating bike fit with physical therapy treatments.
Flow Physical Therapy and Pilates is happy to offer the following to Asheville and western NC:
The Comprehensive Clinical Body and Bike Fit - $350
A 2 hour office session. This includes:
- In clinic history interview regarding injuries or pain (past or current) and cycling regimen (type of cycling, training load, etc)
- Physical therapy evaluation of muscle strength and length, joint mobility, soft tissue mobility, and posture
- Measurements for proper saddle fit and positioning
- On bike assessment (using an indoor stationary bike trainer) of body alignment, static and dynamic measurements for fit parameters, and movement strategies
- Adjustments as needed for cleat positioning, seat positioning, shifting/brake assembly positioning
- Recommendations for bike component replacements if needed
- Education in optimizing riding technique for injury prevention
- Home exercises to address any problems impacting cycling
The Tune Me Up Bike Fit - $180
1 hour session for patients who already have a completed PT evaluation and a home exercise program with Flow Physical Therapy and Pilates. This session includes:
- On bike static and dynamic assessment (using an indoor stationary bike trainer) of body alignment, measurements for fit parameters, and movement strategies
- Measurements for proper saddle fit and positioning
- Adjustments as needed for cleat positioning, saddle/seat positioning, shifting/brake assembly positioning
- Recommendations of bike component replacement if needed
- Education in optimizing riding technique for injury prevention
*NOTE: Both bike fit services are retrofits, meaning you already have a bicycle you are using and want it to fit better. Please see your local bike shop for fit recommendations on purchasing a new bike.
