Looking to Improve Your Bike-Riding Experience?
Consider a Bike Fitting
May 2025 Newsletter
Warmer temperatures mean we’re getting closer and closer to peak bike-riding weather. While there’s nothing more exciting than cycling through Breckenridge’s gorgeous scenery, discomfort at the end of your ride — whether a sore back, numb hands, or aching knees — can certainly dampen your enjoyment.
These concerns often aren’t a problem with you — they’re a problem with your bike’s setup. At Breckenridge Physical Therapy, we love helping patients ensure their bike fits their body, providing a comfortable and more efficient ride.
Today, we want to answer some of the frequently asked questions about our bike-fitting services — and encourage you to schedule an appointment to get your bike adjusted before summer!
1. Why should I consider getting a bike fitting?
A proper bike fit supports the way your body moves while you ride, which offers several great benefits:
- Reducing pain in your knees, hips, back, and neck before or after riding
- Improving energy efficiency, so you ride with less wasted movement
- Preventing overuse injuries caused by poor posture
- Increasing power output by aligning your joints correctly
- Supporting endurance for longer, more comfortable rides
2. What signs indicate that my bike setup might be off?
Riding a bike is supposed to be comfortable. If you notice any of these issues during or after your rides, we encourage you to set up a bike-fitting session to find out what might be going on:
- Tingling or numbness in your hands, feet, or groin area
- Lower back or neck tightness
- Knee pain, especially in the front or sides of the joint
- Consistently sliding forward or backward on your seat
- The sense that one side of your body is working harder than the other
3. Does a physical therapist approach a bike fitting differently than those performed at a bike store?
We sure do! We have the training and education to assess your bike and your body, a dual focus that allows for a truly comprehensive approach. Some of the key differences include:
- Personalized adjustments based on your posture and mobility
- Screening for muscular imbalances that affect pedal stroke and position
- Addressing past injuries or conditions that influence your riding mechanics
- Recommendations for stretches and exercises to support better positioning on your bike
- Identification of movement issues that a standard fitting might overlook
4. What’s included in a bike fitting session at Breckenridge Physical Therapy?
- A full physical assessment of your mobility, muscle strength, and movement patterns
- A dynamic fit while riding on a trainer to evaluate real-time body mechanics
- Adjustments to saddle height and tilt, handlebar reach and drop, and pedal-cleat position
- Follow-up strategies to maintain improved posture and form while riding
All our fittings are performed one-on-one and tailored to your body’s specific needs rather than general measurements.
5. Can a bike fitting help prevent injuries?
Absolutely! A properly fitted bike helps you avoid some of the common repetitive use injuries that plague cyclists, such as the following:
- IT band syndrome (tightness in the outer thigh)
- Patellofemoral pain (discomfort in the kneecap)
- Lower back strain
6. Can a bike fitting improve my cycling performance?
Yes! Even minor cleats, seat angle, or bar height adjustments can improve cadence and speed. Some of the improvements our patients report include:
- Improved pedal efficiency
- More consistent power output with reduced fatigue
- Better breathing and less neck strain
- Faster recovery after rides
7. Is a bike fitting worth it for casual or recreational riders?
Of course! Comfort and injury prevention matter regardless of your reason for riding.
Furthermore, newer or less experienced cyclists often have more to gain from a fitting because they have yet to pick up poor habits from a misaligned bike. They’re also less likely to have developed chronic overuse issues, and a bike fitting sets them on the right path to preventing them entirely.
Comfortable Cycling Starts with the Right Fit
Whether you’re training for a long-distance event or just want to pedal comfortably around your neighborhood, a bike fitting from Breckenridge Physical Therapy can make every mile smoother and more enjoyable.
So, as you gear up for the summer season, make sure to schedule a physical-therapist-led bike fitting at our clinic. Our thorough approach will set you up for comfortable, efficient rides all summer long.
Patient
Success Story
“I have received excellent treatment at Breckenridge Physical Therapy, including a disabling injury to my iliosacral joint, which was cured in 6 weeks, and treatment for osteopenia by strengthening my muscles. Alex is a skilled professional, highly recommended.”
—Kimberly A.
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
Looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal? This Stir-Fry Rice Bowl is packed with fresh vegetables, warm brown rice, and a perfectly poached egg for a deliciously balanced dish. This meal is both comforting and nutritious — perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Try it out and enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 medium zucchini, julienned
- 1/2 cup sliced baby portobello mushrooms
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups hot cooked brown rice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots, zucchini and mushrooms; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until carrots are crisp-tender. Add bean sprouts, spinach, water, soy sauce and chili sauce; cook and stir just until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat; keep warm.
Place 2-3 in. water in a large skillet with a high side. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break cold eggs, 1 at a time, into a small bowl; holding bowl close to surface of water, slip egg into water.
Cook, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until the egg whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Using a slotted spoon, lift eggs out of water.
Serve rice in bowls; top with vegetables. Drizzle with sesame oil. Top each serving with a poached egg.
Exercise of the Month
Crab Walks (Band Above Knee)
Start by standing with an exercise band wrapped around your legs just above your knees. Brace your abdominals and bend slightly at your hips and knees. Step to the side, pushing through the grounding leg, and then actively pulling that leg back under the hip to continue moving in the same direction as many steps as directed by your provider.
If you are not sure about how to do this exercise, please consult with your physical therapist before starting.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Justin Welch
PT, DPT, C-PS
Dr. Ellie Allan
PT, DPT, C-PS
Dr. Alexander Kuck
PT, DPT, C-PS
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
