As Physiotherapists, we’re expert in recognising how to help you manage injuries and improve performance. In the context of bike fitting, that may mean supporting your biomechanics to address asymmetries that can lead to excessive loading and injury.
How to correct my asymmetry?
Leg Length Shims, such as the Form Universal 3-hole, can serve the purpose of correcting asymmetries and reducing excessive load. This can solve saddle pain, improve pedalling efficiency, and improve performance.
These sit under the cleat, between the outer sole of the shoe, and come in 2-3mm thick options. It’s important to have these recommended to you by your Physiotherapist & Bike Fitter, as if applied incorrectly, can further exacerbate asymmetries, load and cause injury.
But why?
Used to compensate for leg length discrepancies, these are often clinically indicated for those with (one leg, shorter than the other). Signs of this include overreaching on one side at the bottom of the pedal stroke or increased saddle pressure to one side. A Leg Length discrepancy is most accurately diagnosed with an X-ray, however a Specialist Physiotherapist will be expert in utilising a combination of saddle pressure mapping and physiotherapy assessment to determine the need during a fit.
Why do bike fitters like them?
I use the Form Universal 3-hole, as its discrete and curved to match the shape of the sole of a cycling shoe. A chamfered front makes it easier to clip in, when compared to other shims.
Available for all pedal types direct from Bike Fit Kit