Let's cut to the chase: cyclist's knee pain. It's the unwelcome guest that crashes my long rides, turning what should be a joyful adventure into a painful slog. After one too many 40+ mile rides ending in discomfort, I knew it was time to take action. I'm aiming for longer, more ambitious routes, and knee pain simply wasn't on the itinerary.
My investigation led me to three key areas:
- Building Endurance: More saddle time = stronger legs. (A classic, but crucial point!)
- Pedal Power-Up: Ditching flat pedals for clipless.
- Precision Bike Fit: Ensuring my setup wasn't the culprit.
While increasing my ride frequency is a matter of time and spring's arrival, the other two demanded immediate attention.
Clipless Conversion: Why Everyone's Clipping In (Almost)
Confession: I'm a die-hard flat pedal enthusiast for gravel riding. The freedom and control are undeniable. But let's be real, when it comes to endurance, professionals lean heavily on clipless pedals. Why? Efficient power transfer. It's a game-changer for long distances.
So, I took the plunge. New clipless shoes, SPD pedals, and a leap of faith. Do I love them? The jury's still out. I'll share my full verdict after logging some serious miles. But for now, let's focus on the star of this show: the AI bike fit.
MyVeloFit: AI to the Rescue (and My Wallet's Relief)
A professional bike fit was on my wishlist, but the £120-200 price tag made me wince, especially after investing in new shoes and pedals. Then, a friend pointed me towards MyVeloFit. An AI-powered bike fit, sizing, and mobility assessment—all online, no app download required. With rave reviews and a £35 price point (even better at £27 during my purchase), it was a no-brainer.
Mobility Matters
Before it even looked at my pedaling, MyVeloFit had me doing a series of stretches and movements. It was a mobility check, they called it. Turns out, it wasn't just about getting the perfect power transfer; it was about understanding my body's quirks and limitations. And yes, excuse the gardening attire in the picture, but honestly, the prospect of a pain-free ride trumped a pristine garden any day!
The DIY bike fit process
Armed with my phone and a makeshift trainer (garden chairs and a removed chain—necessity is the mother of invention!), I was ready. The initial balancing act in clipless shoes was… entertaining.
The process was straightforward: record videos, upload them, and let the AI do its magic. Within minutes, I had a detailed analysis of my angles and measurements. The recommendations were clear and actionable. I adjusted my seat height and position, re-recorded, and repeated. After about five iterations, I found my sweet spot in under an hour. Not bad for a DIY job!
Caveats and Considerations
It's worth noting that MyVeloFit analyzes your riding posture from one side only. It doesn't assess your front or rear view. Also, cleat positioning adjustments are outside its scope, which is a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, the improvements are looking very promising!
The Million-Dollar Question: Does It Work?
The verdict is still pending. I need to put in some serious mileage to truly gauge the impact of the AI bike fit. Stay tuned for an update after my next few long rides.
Update: 1 month later
Clipless pedals? We broke up. Honestly, I prefer the full confidence of bailing without a mid-air crisis. Plus, the constant "click-clack" in town made me feel like a tap-dancing gnome. Losing 2% uphill performance? Totally fine. I'm not racing; I'm just trying to stay upright!
Update: 5 months later
Since that AI bike fit, my knees have been literally pain-free! Seriously, zero pain. I'm convinced the AI is some kind of digital wizard. It works!
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