The more comfortable you are on the bike, the more efficient you’ll be. Cycling with good posture is one way to ensure comfort over long distances while lessening the risk of unnecessary injuries. Good bike posture also enables you to recruit more muscle groups for increased power and improved balance, making it easier to steer and control your bike.
While no one bike position is right for every cyclist, there are some basic principles you can try to achieve good cycling posture. Let’s take a look at what good cycling posture is and what you can do to improve your position on the bike.
THINGS YOU CAN DO
Whether it’s aches and pains or your position just feels a little off, there are several things you can do to improve your cycling posture. The tips below are a good place to start:
GET A BIKE FIT
A professional bike fit is one of the best investments you can make. From handlebar reach to saddle height to cleat position, a bike-fit specialist can fine tune your bike posture according to your body type to ensure you’re comfortable and stay injury free.
IMPROVE YOUR FLEXIBILITY
Poor range of motion can make it difficult to achieve good cycling posture. The hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexors play an important role in your posture as you pedal. Lacking flexibility in any of these areas can lead to bad habits and poor posture as you ride. Follow this guide for a few basic stretches every cyclist should do to improve your overall flexibility.
STRENGTH TRAIN
Other than poor position, bad cycling posture is most often caused by weak muscles. As you ride more, if your muscles aren’t strong enough to support the position, you’ll eventually begin to fall into bad habits such as lowering your head, rounding your back and not tracking your knees as you pedal. Work on a strength-training program designed to strengthen your core and support your weight on the bike.
