It is time to get those 'NO GAP' orthotics ordered!!

It's that time of the year again! 

For most health insurers, December 31st marks the point where your benefits reset. It means, if you want a 2nd set of orthotics to use in your cycling or walking shoes, now is the time to use your benefits prior to the reset period.

All our valued clients at The Pedaler are entitled to 2nd set of orthotics with no 'out of pocket' costs with the use of their Private Health Fund*. If you haven't seen our podiatrist and need to upgrade your orthotics, now is a good time to get the process started prior to the end of the year to ensure you can make use of this unique benefit next year as well.

Make sure you book a time soon, or give us a call to avoid missing the December 31st deadline as we get quite busy in December.

We are fortunate to be one of the few remaining Podiatry Practices that still has its own lab. This allows us to create unique solutions for all your shoe and foot issues.

If you’ve been putting off seeing a Podiatrist to organise orthotics to alleviate pain, improve comfort or prevent potential problems, then get in now and we can prescribe your custom set of orthotics now, then issue you with a 2nd set in the new year at NO GAP.

The benefits of being a Pedaler Patient!!

(*must have had previous orthotics from The Pedaler for a No Gap set - please check your health fund for details)

Common question number 1. Do I need a new shoe or a cycling orthotic to help my foot pain?

When we have clients book an online appointment at our Milton headquarters, or in one of our satellite locations at North West Physiotherapy, the most common added note to the booking is “I’m not sure if I need new shoes or whether the problem is coming from my feet”. This is an entirely appropriate question to ask and one which requires a little bit of analysis on our end to work out a solution. However there are a few clues as to where your problems are coming from.

Typically as we progress through the sport of cycling, our duration and frequency of activity increases. The toughness of the terrain also changes enormously as our confidence grows. I’m often surprised how quickly some riders progress from beginners to Gran Fondo warriors! (You know who you are guys) Cycling is certainly a sport that rewards you for your endeavours. That said, as we build our volume of riding the risks of developing issues with our shoes also grows.

Typically feet begin their pathway to pain insidiously. The exact timing isn’t always clear yet once a pattern emerges, the trend becomes very strong. That said if you change your shoes and the pain commences it’s highly likely the shoes are responsible! Aside from that simple scenario shoes can still be to blame if your volume increases to a point where you begin to feel discomfort on longer rides.

Some signs that it is likely the shoes are causing the problem are:

• Numbness in your toes or the ball of the foot on longer rides

• Isolated pressure points in the upper of the shoe

• The sensation that your feet are swimming in the shoe causing your toes to claw down

• Heel slippage

• Reaching the limit of tension on your closure system (either maxed out or dialled in)

• Red marks on bony prominences after your shoes come off

• A sloppy foot feel inside the shoe

• Pain which has gradually emerged as a shoe has become older and more worn out

• Painful toes especially the little toes

• Sore bunions on the inside or the outside of your foot

There are instances where the foot pain is caused by both foot issues and the shoe being inappropriate. In these cases working on a solution for both will likely get the best outcome. Generally when we do this we will tick off one box at a time to ensure we are getting an outcome clearly defined by the variable we have changed and avoiding confusion. I also find many clients who typically wear orthotics inside their normal shoes benefit somewhat when we create a cycling orthotic solution as well.

In either case, if you are getting pain in your feet when you ride, let us know and I am confident we can find a solution. All our shoe fitting takes place on the indoor trainer to ensure we are spot on and ready to roll. We also have a fantastic relationship with Lake Shoes internationally and Cobra9 Cycling Orthotics that allows to create awesome solutions for all cyclists.

Nathan White Podiatrist

EOFY Health Funds Reminder - Use it before you lose it

Carbon Fibre Orthotics for running and cycling

It’s approaching Jun 30 and for those with Private health Insurance that rolls over at the end of the financial year, now is the time to ensure you get that last massage, physiotherapy, dietetics or podiatry appointment in before it resets again on Jul 1.

It’s also a good time to remind our loyal clients that everyone who has had orthotic therapy with us previously is entitled to one fund only (no gap) set of orthotics a year using the same foot molds. If you are in doubt, fire us an email and we can let you know when you last reviewed with us for your cycling, walking, running or pressure relief orthotics.

If you are after a second set, contact us with your name, details and orthotic request and we can ensure we have the whole process finalised before June 30. If you have other queries, call us on 07 31296331.

Why we sell lake shoes at The Pedaler.

We have always carried a range of cycling shoes at The Pedaler. Our cycling Podiatry background makes it perfect for us to help cyclists understand which cycling shoes work best for them. Initially we carried a range of brands however we now carry only Lake cycling shoes. Why? Read on.

Lake have been around for almost 40 years. As it is with many cycling shoe brands, the fortunes of the company fluctuate largely depending upon the latest and most contemporary options that become available. Lake has been at the forefront of cycling shoe technology for some time investing in a suite of functional and occasionally wacky options. Despite the full range of options available, some of the shoes lacked the aesthetic appeal of their rivals. This has all changed now with a fantastic custom cycling shoe range to choose from and a standard cycling range that now looks the business whilst remaining true to their core values - providing cycling shoes that make you comfortable and well fitted.

Importantly for us the Lake range pretty much covers the entire spectrum of foot types within its catalogue which is quite rare amongst cycling shoe brands. We often recommend certain brands for narrow feet or wider feet, or those with unusual toe shapes however Lake can pretty much cover the lot. As a clinician, it makes it a lot easier knowing that we are going to get a quality solution every time.

It doesn’t mean that at a shoe fitting appointment we might not recommend a different brand from another retailer, or advise a patient to stick with the option they have used previously, however we can recommend a Lake option and be confident we won’t have issues.

Another benefit of Lake cycling shoes is they fit our Cobra9 custom cycling orthotics perfectly as well. It’s a huge bonus, working easily with a shoe to provide the best and most comprehensive option as required by each client.

Finally, the guys behind the Lake product are super helpful and agreeable. We have worked with the parent company to create cool custom options and fit up entire teams with rock solid shoes. We also liaise with Lake International as required to discuss tricky fitting options. If they’re not in stock, they will source them for us as quickly as possible.

All our shoe fitting options are done via appointment to ensure we can allocate the appropriate time and resources to get the outcome we all want. We will often fit the shoes when they arrive (the range is enormous and carrying all the shoes virtually impossible) on the bike to ensure comfort is felt where it’s needed most. If required we will also then fit our prescription orthotics or ‘off the shelf’ COBRA9 devices to ensure the whole foot to pedal junction is dialled in.

If you want comfort, support or just a pair of properly fitting shoes then make a time to get your feet sorted!

DON'T MISS OUT. Free Orthotics*

It's that time of the year again! 

For most health insurers, December 31st marks the point where your benefits reset. It means, if you want a 2nd set of orthotics to use in your cycling or walking shoes, now is the time to use your benefits prior to the reset period.

All our valued clients at The Pedaler are entitled to 2nd set of orthotics with no 'out of pocket' costs with the use of their Private Health Fund*. 

Make sure you book a time, or give us a call to avoid missing the December 31st deadline as we get quite busy in December.

We are fortunate to be one of the few remaining Podiatry Practices that still has its own lab. This allows us to create unique solutions for all shoe and foot issues.

If you’ve been putting off seeing a Podiatrist to organise orthotics to alleviate pain, improve comfort or prevent potential problems, then get in now and we can prescribe your custom set of orthotics now, then issue you with a 2nd set in the new year at NO GAP.

The benefits of being a Pedaler Patient.

(*must have had previous orthotics from The Pedaler for a No Gap set - please check your health fund for details)

Use it before you lose it

It's December, and now is the right time to make sure you have received the best value from your amazing health insurance.  If you haven't been to see us this year, need a quick orthotic review or body tune up, now is the time to get it done.  With most health insurers resetting on January 1, make sure you don't waste your benefits.

Contact us now to make an appointment.  Get ready for 2017!

Getting the most from your Health Insurance

Most people who pay for the benefits of Private Health Insurance, wish to get the most out of our coverage.  We pay for the privilege so why not make it count.

One of our niche differences at The Pedaler is the provision of Podiatry alongside our cycling retail passion.  We have a collective 20 years of experience within the field.  If you need help finding comfortable shoes, or understanding the basis for your aches and pains, we are there to help.  Having HICAPS onsite means you can claim while in store.  Neat and tidy.

Make a time to sit down with us and ask us the tricky questions.  

12 months on. The Pedaler story thus far.

It has been 12 months since we kicked off this new venture and it is amazing how much has changed in that time.  The journey continues but I felt it may be interesting to provide some insight into where we have come from.

My background has always been specialised sports podiatry.  This has been my bread and butter for the last 16 years.  Over the last 9 years, cycling orientated podiatry has also become a focus. I love riding.  I love bikes and I enjoy the culture around the industry.   

My first foray into the cycling industry was through Cobra9 Cycling Orthotics.  I started this company in Hobart in 2009 with my close friend Chris Angel who had reintroduced me to cycling in 2007.  We started making specialised carbon insoles for cycling shoes and grew from there.  We played to our strengths.  We also enjoyed plenty of nights on the wines thinking big about our fledgling company.

In that same year, we sponsored our first race team - Cobra9 Racing.  This was a bunch of early adaptors and hubs, including myself, who raced down the grades and got belted at events routinely.  The first kit was fairly basic but the core and ethos was born.

As the racing team grew, so did our associations within the industry.  Our earliest supporter Dion from 4Shaw has hooked us up with socks since 2011.  I can still remember his email discussing a collaboration (rare in that time) with our socks.  I ignored the email as I didn't have a clue who he was.  A year later, 4Shaw was huge and meekly I finally replied to his email and we organised our first hook up.

With Cobra9 growing, the racing team became an important focus for marketing purposes. The team has grown from 5 riders to around 35 currently.  The team's involvement has shifted from Elite B, to Masters A and now to the Elite A level.  The team now competes regularly at NRS events and occasionally at UCI races.  The same underlying ethos remains. Race hard and enjoy the experience because the journey is the destination.  Every moment we race, travel and train is there to be enjoyed.  It won't last forever and the time to embrace it is now. As we commence preparations for season 2017, Cobra9 Intebuild Racing has become one of the longest standing active cycling teams in Queensland.

The team's emergence and increased prominence has grown some of our most important connections within the industry.  Long time supporters Megabake emerged out of this evolution and Wurkstand grew alongside the team's journeys.  Industry heavyweights, Attaquer jumped into our corner in 2013 which has been enormous for our brand and business.  I can't speak highly enough of the crew behind this particular company in terms of their professionalism and work ethic.  In an industry full of hollow promises and whingers, these guys keep delivering.

The Pedaler was conceived to capitalise on these strong brand associations.   However it would be another 12 months before the shop opened.   In the foot hills of the iconic Park Rd 'Eiffel Tower' where the cycling scene kicked off in Brisbane, The Pedaler was born.  The business model was supported by a sports focused Podiatry business in parallel with a strong core of quality cycling brands.  

We set out to only carry brands that we believe in.  POC safety gear fits this concept neatly as do the shoe offerings from Suplest, Fizik and Lake. The fabled Italian brand Colnago was our primary bike brand followed shortly after by Johnson Bikes from Ben Johnson in Noosa. Another example of a quality human in the cycling industry.

Our onsite lab has allowed us to build all types of orthotic solutions for our clients.  It also helps us ensure the best fit for our clients and their cycling shoes.  We have grown from one shoe brand to four and hope to create a proper 'wall of shoe' for our customers. It naturally plays to our strengths as qualified podiatrists.

None of this would be possible without our crew.

Our staff started with a very small core group. Podiatrist and now born again trackie, David Gruhl has been with us from the start.  He has been a stellar example of continuous endeavour and purpose.  His manual therapy skills have been incredibly important to our practice and his relationships with trainers and industry professionals continues to grow. 

Phil Cavdarski has manned the front desk regularly since opening and always presents with purpose.  He also brings humour and coffee.

The most recent arrival to our team in March of this year was Josh Prete. He is a huge addition for us as we have transitioned into comprehensive bike servicing and more complex builds. His customer relations are impeccable and he has grown into an integral part of The Pedaler providing assistance in developing brands and generating new market directions.  

We also need to laud the assistance of some other 'staff'.  Hadleigh has cleaned up our books enormously and allowed us more time to focus on the business and less time spent trying to untangle my BAS musings which look a lot like a scene from 'A Beautiful Mind'. Dugald runs the racing team with an efficiency that could only come from working at Australia Post for decades.  Adam my brother is a constant with the race team and co owner at Cobra9 Cycling Orthotics.  Daniel of Cycling Enquirer fame has also helped us look better then we really are on a regular basis driving much of our social media. 

Abbie and myself continue to learn important lessons daily. The first 6 months were pretty intense.   Up front costs associated with starting the business from scratch were epic and the ongoing expenses were uncomfortable.  As our community and the business has grown, the pressure has eased and the head space this allows has fuelled more creativity.  We like enjoying our days at work and subscribe to concept that our staff are our most valuable asset. We toast mars bars, take suicidal photos on Douglas St, create album covers and enjoy the experience.  In this way, the ethos of The Pedaler is similar to the race team's.  Enjoy the journey now.  Our other motto is just as important.  Don't spend every moment of every day worrying about the next.  If you have a quiet period, relax and use it.  

In our first year we have also had our fair share of set backs.  We lost our mate and most loyal fan JJ to depression.  He was an enormous help for us over the first few months of our journey. He was also our biggest supporter and it was a huge shock to lose him in such painful circumstances.  We hope to create an event in the coming months as a fitting memorial to our mate and one that typifies what this colourful character meant to the Brisbane cycling scene.

We also lost another of our best friends Steve Small from Wurkstand.  He was the victim of a hit and run on his way home from work in Noosa.  It is impossible to put into words how much he helped us create The Pedaler and also, how much he meant to our race team.  His untimely death is still painful to digest.  Fittingly at our 1st Birthday, we will unveil our Tribute kit to Steve.  All profits from this venture will go to his family to help reconcile a tiny portion of their loss.

There are more ideas and business ventures we are hoping to launch in the coming months. We remain loyal to our foundation brands and will grow from this base.  We also remain focused on providing comprehensive best practice Podiatry care and a top shelf customer experience. Each interaction is a relationship, not a transaction.   

Thank you all for your support.  Come along on Saturday to our Sausage Festival and enjoy the snags (maybe even a few vegan versions by popular demand).  Tunes, drinks, banter and epic snaps.  It's The Pedaler way.

Nathan