Monday, February 6, 2012
Women's Fit on the Bike
ITS ALL ABOUT THE TUSH
By: Bina Bilenky TrahanFeb 3
If you have been reading my columns you know that I recently attended the Serotta International Cycling Institute for their personalized fit class. If you haven’t been reading, shame on you.
I was one of three women who attended the class; the rest of the class was of the hairier gender. Well, I guess in cycling that might not be the case…but that’s a study for another day, and maybe not appropriate for here.
Women may be more petite or have wider hips than some men, but they also might be taller or thinner than some men. Obviously there are many variations to anatomical geometry both across the board and within a specified gender. So is fitting a woman really different than fitting a man? Time to find out!
“The process is the same”, says Steven LeBoyer, director of the Serotta Fit Lab Services. 1/3 of the Serotta Fit Lab’s clientele consists of women, so Steven has had a lot of fitting experience on this topic: “The key phrase to remember when buying cycling equipment is, size & shape. Whether it’s men or women, there are 3 contact points that need to fit properly.” Those 3 things are shoes, handlebars and saddle. Shoes and handlebars are pretty straightforward but nonetheless important. “The foot is the transfer point of your power to the bicycle and a proper fitting shoe is important for performance and comfort.” Handlebar width can be determined with a simple shoulder measurement. Cleat placement can get tricky, but if you can find your first and fifth metatarsal, then you are on the right path. I recommend “Anatomy for Dummies” before taking the Serotta Personalized Fit Class. Or maybe, that’s just me….
“The process is the same”, says Steven LeBoyer, director of the Serotta Fit Lab Services. 1/3 of the Serotta Fit Lab’s clientele consists of women, so Steven has had a lot of fitting experience on this topic: “The key phrase to remember when buying cycling equipment is, size & shape. Whether it’s men or women, there are 3 contact points that need to fit properly.” Those 3 things are shoes, handlebars and saddle. Shoes and handlebars are pretty straightforward but nonetheless important. “The foot is the transfer point of your power to the bicycle and a proper fitting shoe is important for performance and comfort.” Handlebar width can be determined with a simple shoulder measurement. Cleat placement can get tricky, but if you can find your first and fifth metatarsal, then you are on the right path. I recommend “Anatomy for Dummies” before taking the Serotta Personalized Fit Class. Or maybe, that’s just me….
While the fit starts at the foot, and there are many things in between that can be adjusted or swapped out, a common problem is the saddle. Steven elaborates, “The saddle is both the cause and solution to the issues mentioned during the interview. Many women that have brought their current bicycles to us have been set up on their bikes in too upright a position. This is most likely the result of what I call reverse fitting: customer tries out a ready-made bike and feels too much pressure on forward soft tissue. Rather than changing saddles the salesperson shortens the stem and raises the bar to shift weight toward back of saddle. The customer ends up in a “comfortable” but inefficient, low performance position.”
Another issue with saddles is that historically women’s saddles were wider and made with more padding to accommodate softer tissues. Because of the extra padding, they need to ride more upright to be comfortable, which means a shorter top tube and shorter reach. And then they wonder, “Why am I not riding fast? Why don’t I look right on the bike?” I ask myself the first question all the time, and sadly it has nothing to do with the fit. More interval training for me…
Another issue with saddles is that historically women’s saddles were wider and made with more padding to accommodate softer tissues. Because of the extra padding, they need to ride more upright to be comfortable, which means a shorter top tube and shorter reach. And then they wonder, “Why am I not riding fast? Why don’t I look right on the bike?” I ask myself the first question all the time, and sadly it has nothing to do with the fit. More interval training for me…
Steven describes the saddle as the most misunderstood bicycle component. Its purpose is to support the sit bones. He reviewed a study that evaluated the heat and pressure imprints on 1500 cyclists; the results of the study point to the importance of fitting the individual, rather than focusing on men’s saddles vs. women’s saddles.
Fun facts from Steven regarding saddle selection:
-Many women have no anatomical reason to select a women’s specific saddle. – The shape of the padding and the saddle itself is more important than the width of the saddle. – When the sit bones fit the saddle, pressure on the frontal soft tissue will go away.
-The muscle development and fat placement on women may necessitate a different saddle shape than men, but it is not because of the width of the sit bones.
-Many women have no anatomical reason to select a women’s specific saddle. – The shape of the padding and the saddle itself is more important than the width of the saddle. – When the sit bones fit the saddle, pressure on the frontal soft tissue will go away.
-The muscle development and fat placement on women may necessitate a different saddle shape than men, but it is not because of the width of the sit bones.
Steven dislikes labels such as “women’s specific”. “Its not relevant. There is nothing wrong with a woman riding a “man’s bike; It’s all about the geometry.” “Women’s specific” is not so much the deciding factor, as is the geometry and fit of the bike and the size and shape of the components. A woman my size (very petite!) and a woman who is 5’10 would most likely not share the same equipment just because they are women and the product is labeled “women’s specific”.
Some words of wisdom from Steven: “Whether buying a ready built bike or a custom made, you need to find a fitter/salesperson that is knowledgeable and will spend the time with you. If it’s a ready built bike, assume the saddle needs to be replaced since it’s improbable that the one sent from the factory will fit properly. Select a bike shop/fitter that has a large selection of saddles that can be tried. The right fit for women, and men, is comfortable and maximizes performance. There should be no pain or regular discomfort when riding. Whether it’s numbness in the hands, neck, or lower back pain or constant saddle discomfort, these are all signs of a bad fit and are unnecessary. Sometimes it’s just a small adjustment to the saddle angle or height that can make a ride so much more enjoyable.”
Some words of wisdom from Steven: “Whether buying a ready built bike or a custom made, you need to find a fitter/salesperson that is knowledgeable and will spend the time with you. If it’s a ready built bike, assume the saddle needs to be replaced since it’s improbable that the one sent from the factory will fit properly. Select a bike shop/fitter that has a large selection of saddles that can be tried. The right fit for women, and men, is comfortable and maximizes performance. There should be no pain or regular discomfort when riding. Whether it’s numbness in the hands, neck, or lower back pain or constant saddle discomfort, these are all signs of a bad fit and are unnecessary. Sometimes it’s just a small adjustment to the saddle angle or height that can make a ride so much more enjoyable.”
Some words of wisdom from me: Don’t let your cat sit on your computer while you are watching Spinnervals and riding the trainer. It makes for a very inefficient, stop and go training session; and keeps me wondering… “Why am I not riding fast?”
Friday, February 3, 2012
BFSC Ride Schedule - February 4 & 5
Sunday Road Bike Ride Start time is 9:00 AM.
Sunday, Feb 5, Mountain Bike option there is a group meeting
at the Champion Cycling & Fitness Beach Store at 6:00 AM to caravan to the Ocala
area Santos State Park mountain bike trails for Champion's annual Super Bowl Sunday
mountain bike ride. Meet at Santo's Trailhead ready to ride at 9:00 AM.
TOSRV ride
dates are April 14 & 15. This year they return to the original start
location in Quincy FL and this year TOSRV will finish on Saturday and start on Sunday
from downtown Albany GA. Registration is now open. http://www.ridetosrv.com/
Beaches Weekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)
The
Beaches Weekend forecast is continued nice warmer temperatures. Saturday’s
8:00 ride time forecast is 62F with an 13 mph ESE wind and Partly Sunny.
Sunday’s 9:00 ride time forecast is 64F with a 8 SW wind and Partly Sunny & 20% chance of rain.
Beaches
First Street Cycling Ride Schedule
Saturday
– 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles
The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6
miles.
The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley
Bridge.
The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV
Bridge
Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210
Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH
See link for the Map on the right.
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway.
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH
See link for the Map on the right.
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway.
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway
There
are THREE Optional Ride on Sunday.
6:00 AM,
Sunday, Feb 5, Mountain Bike option there is a group
meeting at the Champion Cycling & Fitness Beach Store at 6:00 AM to caravan
to the Ocala area Santos State Park mountain
bike trails for
Champion's annual Super Bowl Sunday mountain bike ride. Meet at Santo's
Trailhead ready to ride at 9:00 AM.
9:00 AM
Mountain Biking at Hanna Park
Meet at
the front Parking Lot ready to ride at 9.
Entrance
Fee $1.00
This is
a group ride. We will regroup at the trailhead or trail fork, so that you can
ride at your pace.
9:00 AM
Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge – 40/50 miles
Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Champion Cycling Annual Santo SuperBowl Sunday Mountain Bike Ride
Sunday, Feb 5, Mountain Bike option there is a group meeting at the
Champion Cycling & Fitness Beach Store at 6:00 AM to caravan to the Ocalaarea Santos State Park mountain bike trails for Champion's annual Super Bowl
Sunday mountain bike ride. Meet at Santo's Trailhead ready to ride at 9:00 AM.
Ocala Mountain Bike Association
Saturday, January 28, 2012
BFSC Ride Schedule January 28 & 29
To our BFSC riders participating in the Suwanee Bike Club's 50 miles mountain bike ride this Saturday, have a safe and fun ride.
BFSC Sunday's Road Ride Start Time changes to 9:00 AM.
With the winter cooler weather it has been suggested to change the Sunday road ride start time to 9:00 AM and match the mountain bike start time. This will allow the day to warm up a little more and maybe more road bike riders will join the Sunday ride.
Beaches Weekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)
Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule
Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles
The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.
The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.
The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge
Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210
Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH
See link for the Map on the right.
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway.
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH
See link for the Map on the right.
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway.
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway
There are TWO Optional Ride on Sunday.
9:00 AM Mountain Biking at Hanna Park
Meet at the front Parking Lot ready to ride at 9.
Entrance Fee $1.00
This is a group ride. We will regroup at the trailhead or trail fork, so that you can ride at your pace.
9:00 AM Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge – 40/50 miles
Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.
Friday, January 20, 2012
BFSC Ride Schedule January 21 & 22 - Sunday Road Ride Start Time Change to 9:00 AM
BFSC Sunday's Road Ride Start Time changes to
9:00 AM.
With
the winter cooler weather it has been suggested to change the Sunday road ride
start time to 9:00 AM and match the mountain bike start time. This will allow
the day to warm up a little more and maybe more road bike riders will join the
Sunday ride.
Pro
Bike Racing season has started on TV. The Tour Down Under has been on NBCSports TV (Comcast Channel 448) all week at 5:30 PM & 12:30 AM. The TDU
will be on Friday, Saturday and the finish on Sunday.
If you
are interested in checking out a new mountain bike or would like to try
mountain biking at Hanna, Bicycle Etc. is sponsoring a TREK demo day this
Sunday, January 22 at Hanna Park from 10:00 to 3:00.
Beaches Weekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)
The
Beaches Weekend forecast is a nice warmer temperature for a change. Saturday’s 8:00
ride time forecast is 59F with an 11 mph SSW wind and Partly Sunny. Sunday’s
9:00 ride time forecast is 61F with a 6 mph SSW wind and Partly Sunny.
Beaches
First Street Cycling Ride Schedule
Saturday
– 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles
The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6
miles.
The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley
Bridge.
The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV
Bridge
Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210
Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH
See link for the Map on the right.
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway.
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH
See link for the Map on the right.
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway.
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway
There
are TWO Optional Ride on Sunday.
9:00 AM
Mountain Biking at Hanna Park
Meet at
the front Parking Lot ready to ride at 9.
Entrance
Fee $1.00
This is
a group ride. We will regroup at the trailhead or trail fork, so that you can
ride at your pace.
9:00 AM
Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge – 40/50 miles
Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
NBC Sports Cycling (formally Versus TV) TV Schedule - Comcast Channel 448
The 2012 Epic Cycle Schedule
This TV schedule is subject to change and all times are considered ET. All events are same-day delay or next-day delay except for the Tour de France, Tour of California, and USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
This TV schedule is subject to change and all times are considered ET. All events are same-day delay or next-day delay except for the Tour de France, Tour of California, and USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
The Tour Down Under Classic (January 15 at 3 p.m.) and Tour Down Under (January 17-22 at 5:30 p.m.)
The first stop on the world cycling calendar, the Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. Watch the heroes of the peloton as they race past Adelaide, Australia's outstanding beaches and world famous wine regions. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the best in world cycling.
The first stop on the world cycling calendar, the Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. Watch the heroes of the peloton as they race past Adelaide, Australia's outstanding beaches and world famous wine regions. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the best in world cycling.
Tour of Qatar: February 20 at 4:30 p.m.
As much as providing an early-season form guide for those looking to peak later in the year, Qatar is also a key stepping stone for Classics riders to reacquaint themselves with vicious cross winds and nervous bunch racing.
As much as providing an early-season form guide for those looking to peak later in the year, Qatar is also a key stepping stone for Classics riders to reacquaint themselves with vicious cross winds and nervous bunch racing.
Tour of Oman: February 26 at 3 p.m.
Hailed as an ideal early season training ground by the cyclists, this race is a major test in endurance as well as around a loop of the ancient seaport of Sur.
Hailed as an ideal early season training ground by the cyclists, this race is a major test in endurance as well as around a loop of the ancient seaport of Sur.
Paris-Nice: March 4 at 3 p.m.; March 5-9 at 4:30 p.m.; March 10 at 3 p.m.; March 11 at 11 p.m.The 70th edition of the race offers something for every type of rider.
Criterium International: March 25 at 11 p.m.
The race, known as the "mini Tour de France," moved south to Corsica after having been held in Charleville-Mézières, in the French Ardennes, since 2001; it marked the return of top-flight cycling to the island since the Tour of Corsica disappeared in the 1980's.
The race, known as the "mini Tour de France," moved south to Corsica after having been held in Charleville-Mézières, in the French Ardennes, since 2001; it marked the return of top-flight cycling to the island since the Tour of Corsica disappeared in the 1980's.
Tour of Flanders: April 2 at 11:30 p.m.
The Tour of Flanders is a Flanders Classics road cycling race held in Belgium every spring, a week before the Paris-Roubaix road race. It is part of the UCI ProTour and one of the so-called monuments of the European professional calendar, and contributes to the UCI World Ranking points. It is the most important cycling race in Belgium and, along with Paris-Roubaix, the world's most important cycling race held on a single day.
The Tour of Flanders is a Flanders Classics road cycling race held in Belgium every spring, a week before the Paris-Roubaix road race. It is part of the UCI ProTour and one of the so-called monuments of the European professional calendar, and contributes to the UCI World Ranking points. It is the most important cycling race in Belgium and, along with Paris-Roubaix, the world's most important cycling race held on a single day.
Paris Roubaix: April 8 at 7 p.m.
Paris-Roubaix is one of the oldest races of the professional road cycling calendar. First run in 1896, it has been stopped only by the two world wars. The race usually leaves riders caked in mud and grit, from the cobbled roads and rutted tracks of northern France's former coal-mining region. However, this is not how this race earned the nickname l'enfer du Nord, or Hell of the North. The term was used to describe the route of the race immediately after World War I. The organisers give levels of difficulty to the cobbled sections, evaluated by length, irregularity of the cobbles and the condition of each section and its position in the race. The course passed through ruins, craters and destruction. Every year seems to bring a new controversy and greater glory to the victor. This is truly a cobbled classic race that should not be missed.
Paris-Roubaix is one of the oldest races of the professional road cycling calendar. First run in 1896, it has been stopped only by the two world wars. The race usually leaves riders caked in mud and grit, from the cobbled roads and rutted tracks of northern France's former coal-mining region. However, this is not how this race earned the nickname l'enfer du Nord, or Hell of the North. The term was used to describe the route of the race immediately after World War I. The organisers give levels of difficulty to the cobbled sections, evaluated by length, irregularity of the cobbles and the condition of each section and its position in the race. The course passed through ruins, craters and destruction. Every year seems to bring a new controversy and greater glory to the victor. This is truly a cobbled classic race that should not be missed.
Fleche Wallonne: April 21 at 12:30 a.m.
The Flèche Wallonne is an international cycling race of one day, a classic, which takes place in Belgium during the spring. 2010 saw Team BMC'sCadel Evans resplendent in the rainbow stripes of the world champion, didn't hit the front until the last 100 meters of his victory in the northern classic.
The Flèche Wallonne is an international cycling race of one day, a classic, which takes place in Belgium during the spring. 2010 saw Team BMC'sCadel Evans resplendent in the rainbow stripes of the world champion, didn't hit the front until the last 100 meters of his victory in the northern classic.
Liege Bastogne Liege: April 22 at 12:30 a.m.
The oldest of the classics, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, draws an end to the spring racing season. La Doyenne is one of the "Monuments" of the professional racing calendar and is part of the Belgian Ardennes Classics series. Don't miss the arduous climbs riders will be facing throughout the route.
The oldest of the classics, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, draws an end to the spring racing season. La Doyenne is one of the "Monuments" of the professional racing calendar and is part of the Belgian Ardennes Classics series. Don't miss the arduous climbs riders will be facing throughout the route.
Tour de Romandie: April 24-27 at 5 p.m.; April 28 at 10 p.m.; April 29 at 10 p.m.
Amgen Tour of California: May 13 at 11 p.m.; May 14-18 at 5 p.m.; May 19 at 7 p.m.; May 20 at 6:30 p.m.
The move of this event into May two years ago allowed the Tour de France-style road race to visit locations that would not have been possible previously. Due to the incredible success, the race will remain in May to provide fans with the most action-packed, exciting race possible.
The move of this event into May two years ago allowed the Tour de France-style road race to visit locations that would not have been possible previously. Due to the incredible success, the race will remain in May to provide fans with the most action-packed, exciting race possible.
Criterium du Dauphine: June 3 at 9 p.m.; June 4-7 at 4 p.m.; June 8 at 3 p.m.; June 9 at 1 a.m.; June 10 at 7 p.m.
The Critérium du Dauphiné (before 2010 known as the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré) is an annual cycling road race, run over eight stages in the Dauphiné region in France during the first half of June. The race was inaugurated by a local newspaper, the Dauphiné Libéré, which gave its name to the event. For many years, organisation of the event was shared between the newspaper publishers and the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO): in 2010, the newspaper ceded all organisational responsibility to the ASO, and the race's name was abbreviated. Along with the Tour de Suisse, the Dauphiné is an important race in the lead-up to the Tour de France in July, and it is part of the UCI World Ranking calendar.
The Critérium du Dauphiné (before 2010 known as the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré) is an annual cycling road race, run over eight stages in the Dauphiné region in France during the first half of June. The race was inaugurated by a local newspaper, the Dauphiné Libéré, which gave its name to the event. For many years, organisation of the event was shared between the newspaper publishers and the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO): in 2010, the newspaper ceded all organisational responsibility to the ASO, and the race's name was abbreviated. Along with the Tour de Suisse, the Dauphiné is an important race in the lead-up to the Tour de France in July, and it is part of the UCI World Ranking calendar.
Tour de Suisse: June 9 at 2 a.m.; June 10 at 9 p.m.; June 11-16 at 5 p.m.; June 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Tour de France: June 30-July 22, times TBDThis year's race will be the 99th Tour de France and will start in Liege and end on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.
Tour de France: June 30-July 22, times TBDThis year's race will be the 99th Tour de France and will start in Liege and end on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.
2012 Pro Cycling Challenge: August 20-25 at 4 p.m.; August 26 at 2 p.m.
Paris Tours: October 7 at 7 p.m.
Paris-Tours is a French single-day classic cycling race every October from the outskirts of Paris to the cathedral city of Tours. It is known as the "Sprinters Classic" because it frequently ends in a bunch sprint on the 2.7 km long Avenue du Grammont, in Tours.
Paris-Tours is a French single-day classic cycling race every October from the outskirts of Paris to the cathedral city of Tours. It is known as the "Sprinters Classic" because it frequently ends in a bunch sprint on the 2.7 km long Avenue du Grammont, in Tours.
© 2012 NBC Sports.com
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