best spin bike lemond image
atomicdoug
I've been racing bikes on and off since the early 90s. Lately I notice during extended pacline riding that my hamstrings get tight, to the point where its uncomfortable. Is there a way I can adjust my saddle position to put more load on my quads and less on the hamstrings? I am pushing down too much on the pedals vs spinning? I set my saddle height using Lemond's formula.
Answer
I'll bet your problem has more to do with overdevelopment of your quads, possibly in combination with a lack of stretching to help keep your hams loose. This is really common in cyclists. A stretching program is the best thing you can do...either some basic exercises or yoga classes.
Cycling positions just naturally produce an imbalance in your leg muscles. Strong quads and tight hams are the norm for frequent riders. If it gets pronounced enough, it can create knee stability problems and even backaches.
If your saddle height is correct according to Greg's .883 formula, then you should be ok. Lowering your saddle will only make the problem worse, and raising it may have no effect or it could start to cause you knee or achilles problems if it's too high. I'd start with gentle but frequent stretching and maybe consider talking to an experienced sports trainer or rehab specialist if you're really having troubles.
Hope this helps some...
I'll bet your problem has more to do with overdevelopment of your quads, possibly in combination with a lack of stretching to help keep your hams loose. This is really common in cyclists. A stretching program is the best thing you can do...either some basic exercises or yoga classes.
Cycling positions just naturally produce an imbalance in your leg muscles. Strong quads and tight hams are the norm for frequent riders. If it gets pronounced enough, it can create knee stability problems and even backaches.
If your saddle height is correct according to Greg's .883 formula, then you should be ok. Lowering your saddle will only make the problem worse, and raising it may have no effect or it could start to cause you knee or achilles problems if it's too high. I'd start with gentle but frequent stretching and maybe consider talking to an experienced sports trainer or rehab specialist if you're really having troubles.
Hope this helps some...
Indoor Cycling Spin bikes?
KT
I'm looking to purchase an indoor spin bike. Unfortunately, I know nothing about what brands or features to investigate! I am 5'0 so I'm also concerned with buying something that will adjust well to my size. Any advice would be great! =)
Answer
Some bicycle and sporting goods stores sell stationary (indoor) bicycles. You can also buy them online. Shop around carefully because there are important differences between a LeMond RevMaster, a Schwinn stationary bike, a Spinner (tm) bike, and a Keiser M3. Most stationary bikes do adjust to fit people between approximately 5' and 6'3".
Contact the manufacturers to see if they can refer you to a local fitness center that has their bikes. Then you can go test them. Otherwise, try to find them at a store and take a test ride. This is important because you don't want to be stuck with a bike you dislike or makes you uncomfortable!
See if you can get any free DVDs or training. Is there any support if the bike breaks or needs maintenance? How will you learn to set up the bike properly, to ride with proper form, to exercise safely and to train appropriately?
You can also buy a a trainer, a frame that holds a regular bicycle still while you ride it. These are readily available at bike and sports shops too. I would definitely visit a local bike shop to discuss options involving trainers.
Some bicycle and sporting goods stores sell stationary (indoor) bicycles. You can also buy them online. Shop around carefully because there are important differences between a LeMond RevMaster, a Schwinn stationary bike, a Spinner (tm) bike, and a Keiser M3. Most stationary bikes do adjust to fit people between approximately 5' and 6'3".
Contact the manufacturers to see if they can refer you to a local fitness center that has their bikes. Then you can go test them. Otherwise, try to find them at a store and take a test ride. This is important because you don't want to be stuck with a bike you dislike or makes you uncomfortable!
See if you can get any free DVDs or training. Is there any support if the bike breaks or needs maintenance? How will you learn to set up the bike properly, to ride with proper form, to exercise safely and to train appropriately?
You can also buy a a trainer, a frame that holds a regular bicycle still while you ride it. These are readily available at bike and sports shops too. I would definitely visit a local bike shop to discuss options involving trainers.
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