Question: I'm a 39-year-old former athlete, still in decent shape from speed- and power-oriented sports. I'm also new to cycling. My progress is being stalled by calf cramps, and I've been told that it's because I "ankle" too much when I pedal. Is that straining my calves? -- Tom P. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: For some reason, leg cramps seem more prevalent in athletes like … [Read more...] about Can Pedaling Style Cause Calf Cramps?
Pedaling
What’s Causing My Ankle Pain?
Question: My ankles hurt after rides, but I don't know if it's due to my pedaling form, lack of stretching or a bike-fit issue. I've even thought it could be caused by my Shimano shoe/Look pedal combination. Any ideas? -- Jeffrey S. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Cycling can hurt ankles in several places. The pain might be in the front on the tendons that run from the top of your … [Read more...] about What’s Causing My Ankle Pain?
Cycling Sports Medicine Tips from an Expert
By Coach Fred Matheny Andy Pruitt’s name has become synonymous with sports medicine for cycling. As director of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, Pruitt has made a career out of treating world-class riders. He has served as chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team and is an elite athlete in his own right, too. He lost his lower … [Read more...] about Cycling Sports Medicine Tips from an Expert
Crankarm Study Says Length Doesn’t Matter
By Coach Fred Matheny Have you ever wondered why bicycles come with a relatively narrow range of crankarm lengths? Most cranks commercially available range from 165 to 175 mm. This 1 cm span equals about 1/3 inch yet is supposed to fit riders from under 5 feet tall to well over 6 feet. Very tall cyclists can buy 180-mm cranks from a few companies, but that's generally … [Read more...] about Crankarm Study Says Length Doesn’t Matter
A Cadaver Tries to Kill the Concept of Floating Pedals
By Fred Matheny There can be a conflict between results of lab studies versus real-world experience. Often, the researchers conclude one thing while clinicians and coaches find the opposite to be true. This conflict between scientific conclusions and a real cyclist's performance on the road was clearly shown in a series of biomechanical studies undertaken by Maury Hull, … [Read more...] about A Cadaver Tries to Kill the Concept of Floating Pedals