Pedal Without Pain
HAND & WRIST
Usually felt as numbness or tingling in the fingers, possibily radiating into the hand and or wrist.
Try tweaking your BRAKE HOODS
If your wrists are cocked and angled toward your pinkies, you’re asking for trouble. Adjust your hoods so your wrists are neutral (in line with your forearms). And wrap your bar with cushy tape to absorb road chatter.
And watch your GAMING ADDICTION
Hours of jamming your thumbs into the PS2 controller may help you reach Mortal Kombat nirvana, but it’s hell on your hands and wrists. Take a break every 15-20 minutes. Other offender: computer mice and laptop keyboards. Avoid bending your wrists while working at your computer, and take regular breaks.
KNEE
The most common site of pain for cyclists. Can be over, under, on the side or right on the knee.
Try tweaking your SADDLE POSITION
If the backs of your knees hurt, lower your saddle. Pain in the front or sides? Raise it. If they hurt on the outside, try bringing it forward a bit.
or, CLEAT ADJUSTMENT
To eliminate undue stress, your cleats should be positioned so the ball of your foot is directly over the axle of the pedal.
And watch your AROUND THE HOUSE HABITS
Whether you’re bent over fixing the sink or down on all fours playing horsey with the tots, excessive kneeling or squatting can damage the patella (your kneecap). Avoid squatting past 90 degrees and, when possible, sit rather than kneel. Also, no matter how urgent the call, avoid dashing down stairs. The combined angle and force is particularly hard on your hinges.
Next article A whole new you: Head to toe tricks to give you your best cycling body-ever.
Kenneth
