Julie Mallis, BikePGH Education Program Manager and Matthew Tinkey MS at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

While navigating traffic safely, enjoying trail rides, and advocating for safer streets, it’s good to pause and check back on your own personal health and self-care.

How are you holding your handlebars? How are you sitting on your saddle? What angles do your knees make when you pedal and why should you care? Did you know that minor adjustments to your bike saddle and stem prevent hindering pain and long-term injuries.

Experts at the UPMC Sports Medicine Cycling Performance center can tune your bike to your body’s unique needs and help you ride pain-free. Cycling Performance Specialist Matt Tinkey, MS, ATC explains, “The knees and lower backs are the most common complaints I have heard over the past 10 years. Most of these issues can easily be corrected or alleviated with simple adjustments of your position on the bike.”

BikePGH Executive Director Scott Bricker tested out the UPMC Sports Medicine Center in 2008.

Scott shared his experience at UPMC with a blog that detailed each step of the bike fitting. His post highlighted how an improper fit can lead to a number of physical issues including joint injuries, muscle strain, and lower extremity issues (i.e., saddle sores and even impotence in men). After the fitting, Scott felt less pain and gained more power in his pedal stroke during his daily bike commute to work.

Since then, the practice has moved to a new facility in Cranberry and we wanted check it out and see what they’ve updated!

Dartfish Video Analysis

This patented technology developed by Dartfish enables the team at UPMC to measure critical angles at various points in the pedaling stroke and study various biomechanical anomalies.

This innovative tool can improve cycling posture and pedaling mechanics to produce more power, while enhancing comfort and safety.

Test Out a New Saddle

The Cycling Performance Center now offers the option to test saddles. Finding a saddle that properly fits your bottom is extremely important. The perfect saddle will help prevent painful saddle sores and give you the ability to ride for longer distances.

 

Stem Length Measurement

Another key step in a proper bike fitting is indicating the correct stem length. This positioning directly impacts the hips, lower back, shoulders, neck, elbows, and wrists.

Interested in Preventing Injury and Riding Longer?

If you’re not already a member of Bike Pittsburgh, consider joining and use your membership card to save 20% off of any fitting service. Schedule a bike fit appointment by contacting Matt at 1-855-93-SPORT (77678) or visit their website.

The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex is conveniently located in Cranberry: