Bike Prescriptions

Atlas Sports Physiotherapy’s Roslyn Penfold has many years of experience assisting International & Australian riders achieve optimal biomechanics on the bike. As a former Australian medallist on the velodrome, and ACTAS scholarship holder, Roz fully understands the intricacies of bike set-up. She is one of a select group of physios to work with Brian McLean, the leading AIS cycling biomechanist who ensures Australia’s top cyclists have the edge.

Riding a bike may seem a simple activity, according to here-say something you never forget how to do. However the interaction between the rider and the bike is a complex one. Many variables affect the ultimate riding performance. One of the most potent factors in bike performance is the position of the body on the bike.

Riding position influences:

• Power production required to move bike
• Physiological efficiency
• Motion resistance [caused by drag]
• Physical wear & tear I.E longevity of body parts

Other performance influences include:

• Pedalling technique
• Pedal / foot interface
• Component choice

The aerodynamic qualities and weight of the bike / rider combination will influence the retarding forces, that is tyre drag / wind & weight resistance etc. On top of all this your body has one best position, meaning less time lost to injury.

An understanding of these above factors will assist in optimizing your cycling performance. Many parameters will affect your overall bike position. Some of those measured and corrected by a bike prescription at Atlas Sports Physiotherapy are:

• Top tube length
• Seat tube length
• Frame angles
• Seat height
• Seat fore / aft position
• Handlebar height
• Stem length

Best bike set-up = most efficient set-up = Best outcome from your training time.