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)

What makes a comfortable cycling shoe?

We are frequently asked the question; ‘'what are the best cycling shoes?’’ and to be honest, there is no blanket answer for this one. There are certainly cycling shoes that are made with better materials and have design features that set them apart from their peers, but when it comes down to it, you need to make sure you get the right shoe for your foot.

There are a few key points to ensure you are on the right track when it comes to finding a good shoe fit.

• The length of the cycling shoe should ideally run just past your longest toe (not necessarily your big toe). On occasion there might be just a slight touch at this point when sitting but it should diminish when on the bike (we often trial shoes with patients on the bike to double check). Avoid getting shoes where the gap at the end of the shoe is more then one centimetre as it makes the shoes widest point DIFFERENT to the widest part of your foot. It’s a common mistake as riders go longer for width. As the shoe gets longer, the widest part of the shoe also moves forward. It also then becomes very difficult to get the cleats far enough back for an appropriate fit.

• The width of the shoe should cradle the foot without FIRM compression. It’s totally acceptable for the walls of the shoe to push on the foot, but not to compress and create issues. The insole of the shoe will normally be narrower then your foot - that’s ok because the upper will balloon a little around your foot. As a rule of thumb, if the insole is wider than your foot, then your shoe is too wide. There are exceptions here for feet with specific problems, but as a rule of thumb, an insole that is a little narrower then the foot is fine.

• Toe Box Shape is crucial for reducing the potential for toe issues and numbness. Make sure your foot type and toe shape suits the upper shape of the shoe. They are all different, so don’t cram your foot into the wrong shoe. Also, toe box volume or ‘depth’ differs across shoe ranges. If you have a big forefoot or big toes, get a deeper toe box. Some shoes are very narrow here and this can create huge issues.

• Heel Cup width and fit is also very important. Each shoe brand has different heel cup shapes that can hug the heel well, or cause irritation and numbing. The back of your heel is very boney and often has lots of lumps and bumps. If this is the case, look for a softer heel cup. Many cycling shoes now have adjustable heel cups or mouldable heel cups as well. These certainly do help improve the fit. As a rule, if you have lumpy heels, don’t look for a lightweight shoe with no heel padding.

• Closure Systems vary across all shoes. In general, the more the merrier. More straps or boa dials may slightly weigh down the shoe somewhat, but it certainly improves the specificity of the fit. Laces, whilst being difficult to adjust whilst riding also provide a very secure and comfortable closure system. Ideally, if you have issues with your forefoot, it is normally a good idea to have a closure system located in this area to allow for micro adjustments.

• Stiffness becomes important as your ability starts to improve. Just like your bike, the difference in shoe stiffness becomes realised as you demand more from your riding. The stiffer sole creates a more effective lever arm for pedalling and makes for a better riding experience in general. Keep in mind however, correct fit becomes more important in high performance shoes due to their high levels of rigidity.

• If you have problems, pain or numbness in your shoes, seek help from a qualified podiatrist or chat to your bike fitter. If you aren’t sure who to see, then check on the partners page of cobra9.com.au/partners for those who have more experience dealing with cyclists and cycling shoes. There is also a useful brand by brand advice sheet regarding which cycling shoes suit certain feet.

  Nathan White

  Podiatrist
  

Please Note: Due to the wide variety of fit options available across the brands we supply, we do not hold a large amount of stock instore. Shoe fittings are available by appointment only.

Introducing: the Ridley Noah Fast

The Noah range incorporates years of experience in developing aerodynamic standards in the cycling industry. Synergies between experienced in-house R&D engineers and top sprinters in the pro peloton have led to industry-leading breakthroughs. Proven by world-class performances like Robbie McEwen’s Green Jersey win and André Greipel’s victories on the famous Champs-Elysées. The Noah has become a synonym to aerodynamic performances, and the Fast is certainly no exception.

The Noah Fast Disc is Ridley’s top-level aero model, and was built from scratch with every feature rebuilt. This powerhouse is unrivalled when it comes to cutting through wind thanks to component integrations of the fork, handlebar, seat post clamp, thru axles and cables, next to F-Surface Plus, F-Wings and spacer profile updates. On this bike every rider is able to find his perfect position accurate to 1mm as result of our whole bike approach, where every part needs to fit together perfectly.

Thanks to adaptations in the fork, seat post and handlebar the bike's total weight is about 250 grams lighter than its predecessor. Subsequently the rim version is able to stay below 7 kg on the scale, without the need of exotic lightweight components. Light as a feather, when speaking aero.

The disc model adds about 500g because of the heavier groupset, brakes & wheels. The stiffness of the bottom bracket & head tube is further increased to its predecessor. You’ll keep feeling the power you’ll put on those pedals. At the same time, the lowered seat stays also create vertical compliance to enhance comfort.

Equipped with disc brakes, it is ready to conquer everything in its path no matter the weather conditions or terrain. Compatible with both mechanical and electronic shifting. 

The Ridley Noah Fast is now available for pre-order, for a late September release.

Why do I get pain in my arch when I ride?

Contrary to popular belief, arch pain does exist within cycling.  The long held view that arch pain/strain only occurs with running or ambulatory activities is incorrect.  Why?

As we know, cycling is an incredibly repetitious sport.  With repetition, there is huge potential for a small issue to become a large one over a period of time.  Generally, the work performed by your foot can handle the rigours of cycling but in some cases, certain foot types can generate arch pain.  The location is typically on the outside of the foot as opposed to the inside with runners.

There a multiple reasons for outside (lateral) arch pain.  The most common relates to the shape of the foot and the incongruent shape of your stiff carbon cycling shoe.  In many people, the outside of the foot is quite flat (I hate the term lateral arch) and the cycling shoe in this region certainly isn't.  Different cycling shoes vary in their 'drop' and if your foot can't bend around this carbon shape, then pain will emerge over time.  Different shoes have differing levels of sole curve which can accentuate this issue.  

Another reason for lateral arch strain relates to the width of the foot and compression from the cycling shoes upper on the lateral border.  There is muscle, nerve and vascular tissue on the outside of the foot in that location and constant compression will trigger an ache.

Lateral pain can also be a result of fatigue and strain on the small muscles on the outside of the foot when under load. The lumbricals and abductor digiti minimi quinti muscles (yes, that's their real names) are located in the region and act as stabilisers for the foot when under pedal load.  Certain foot types, pedaling styles and lower leg angles can place higher loads on these structures causing fatigue and pain over time.  An understanding of the mechanics central to the problem is required to fashion a solution.

If you suffer from foot strain or other niggles when you ride, make a time to see our Podiatrist or Physiotherapist for an assessment.  We have all the tools required including custom cycling insoles required to reduce peak load on these structures and allow you to get more enjoyment from your riding.

Nathan

Podiatrist

The Evolution of The Pedaler

When you're busy in the middle of a business, it's easy to forget the huge changes that have occurred across the past few years.  We started creating Carbon Cycling Orthotics in 2009, and at that time, we weren't planning on creating a comprehensive Health Practice in Milton, Brisbane.  

With the addition of Physiotherapy and Bike Fitting, we can now manage the full range of services that athletes require.  

The timeline of services and projects looks as follows

• July 2009 - Cobra9 Cycling Orthotics created

• July 2009 - Cobra9 Racing starts

• January 2014 - Cobra9 Intebuild Racing forms

• August 2015 - The Pedaler Opens

• September 2015 - Podiatry, Retail Online

• February 2016 - Workshop , Bike Sales Online

• September 2016 - Coaching Commences

• November 2016 - The 4064 Cafe Opens

• January 2017 - Dedicated Workshop Manager Commences

• June 2017 - The Pedaler Hit Squad Forms

• September 2017 - Exercise Physiology Commences

• December 2017 - Brisbane Continental Forms

• January 2018 - Dedicated Massage Therapy Room created

• April 2018 - Physiotherapy Services Commence

• July 2018 - Bike Fitting Services Commence

We now have the ability to fully cater for the needs of cyclists and multi-sport athletes from start to finish. 

1. This means advice for the beginner on bike servicing and catering for their initial set up needs. 

2. We can help those suffering hot spots or poor shoe fitting with our Podiatry services and Cobra9 Cycling Orthotics. 

3. We can modify a bike during a bike fit within our workshop and change handlebars and stems easily and professionally. 

4. Physiotherapy and Podiatry can work together to ensure a comprehensive treatment platform is issued. 

5. We can provide the exercise programs and tools required to ensure injury risk is minimised and follow that up within our coaching programs. 

6. Our coaching programs can be measured against testing provided by our Exercise Physiologist.   

7. We can source and set up new bikes for clients alongside our workshop and bike fit services. 

8. Ongoing body maintenance is managed by our massage therapists who provide feedback to Physiotherapy as required. 

All these seperate but linked services are provided right here in Milton and offered in conjunction with access to the best coffee available in the 4064.  That's right, you can grab a Fonzie Abbott coffee from our cafe while you wait.  

Buying a Bike at The Pedaler

we always take a thorough approach to new bike purchases At the pedaler, 

regardless of your budget.

We start with your current bike, on which you will receive a fit assessment from our in house Physio, Anouska. From this, we can make note of any major differences between your old bike, and your desired new bike. Frame sizes are not all created equal, and it is important that we consider that you may not fit the same frame size across different brands. A great example is Colnago's range, a 52s has a 54cm Centre to Centre top tube, so if you are riding a 52cm frame and are looking at a Colnago, you may be better on a 50s, which has a 52cm Centre to Centre top tube.  

Upon assessing your former position, we will also determine measurements for your stem length, bar width, seat post set back, saddle type, crank length and pedal offset. To determine these, we look at flexibility, riding style and ultimately what you want to be getting out of the bike. After that, we order your new frame. 

When your new frame-set arrives in store, we give our customers the option to build it up with our 3T test range. This allows us to look at you on your new bike, and make any changes that we see fit, without coming to the awkward realisation that the stem we thought would work for you, does not....  We then recommend our customers spend a week doing some real world testing of their new bike, and once you are happy with your fit, we can tie off the minor details of your build. We have found that this approach is the most effective way to ensure tour customers are always comfortable on their new bikes. 

Building dream machines for our clients is the most enjoyable and fulfilling job we undertake at The Pedaler, and all of them start as ideas that needs finessing.  Have a chat to us at The Pedaler and experience the comprehensive and personalised approach that we are well known for. 

The Pedaler offers Free Screening for all Primary School Children*

With The Pedaler situated close to the Primary School Catchments of Milton State School, Rainworth State School and Petrie Terrace State School, we are happy to offer our Podiatry Screening Service to all primary aged students at no gap*.

This allows parents who have queries regarding their child's foot type, or concerns related to Sporting injuries and other aches and pains to have their children assessed and treated with no 'out of pocket' expense.

Our head podiatrist, Nathan White, has two children studying at Milton State School, and understands that parents sometimes have questions that they are hesitant to ask based on costs and time concerns.  This option removes that barrier and allows parents to have their children's feet fully assessed and helpful advice provided.

Simply call or book online at The Pedaler and advise us that you are booking a Primary Screening Session (use the code 'Primary Screening' in the notes section of an online booking) and we will ensure your loved ones are looked after properly.

*No Gap service - we will not charge an out of pocket gap for patients with Podiatry Cover on their Private Health Insurance.  Check with your Private Health Insurance or call us for more details.  Conditions Apply

Physiotherapist Anouska Edwards joins The Pedaler team.

I've known Anouska for around 10 years initially as a rider on the Pensar Race team where my mates Hads and Terry were racing and also through the early incarnations of Twittersphere under the Fittoride handle (correct use of handle?).  There is still an unanswered direct twitter message from Anouska to the Cobra9 twitter feed from 2011 that I promise I'll get around to responding to at some point.

Early on, I knew Anouska was a good physio.  Good physiotherapists have a way of finding themselves in ever increasingly important and interesting roles.  Anouska always seemed to be working with a National team of some description.  When Anouska moved to the UK a few years ago, we touched on the idea of some mutual work for the UK team whereby Anouska's physiotherapy expertise could work in conjunction with my Podiatry skillset.  We have both worked amongst cyclists for a huge period of time and simply there are still not a whole lot of practitioners in our field where this is the case.  Given how highly I regard Anouska's skillset, the notion that she would like to work with me on occasion is a huge compliment, or at least I'm taking it as such.  I'll press Anouska on this point when we have coffee next.

Now that Anouska has returned to Brisbane, Australia, we finally have the opportunity to work together.  I for one, am pretty excited by the prospect.  When we were looking for a Physio to complete our team of health practitioners at The Pedaler, getting a professional of Anouska's quality was the highest priority, and her return from overseas is extremely serendipitous.  

Initially Anouska will be treating once a week from our rooms starting on the 19th of February.  You can book online or call us to schedule. Where required, Anouska and myself may consult together to ensure we have the best possible treatment outcomes going forward for previous and future clients.

Anouska is the physiotherapist of choice to ensure you can ride pain free and with improved function.  Her twitter handle says it all - Fittoride.  I can't put it more eloquently then that.

Anouska Edwards - Physiotherapist