Why we stopped putting shoes in our retail space.

Recently we discussed our move to exclusively selling Lake shoes, alongside this shift we have been gradually removing the shoes from the shelves and providing a more intensive shoe fitting service for clients. This might seem confusing and counter intuitive, but there is a good reason why we have done this and the results are encouraging.

Lake CX402s on the feet of Josh Amberger - Photo Mark Fountain

Cycling shoes are notoriously difficult to fit well. Heavy, unforgiving materials in the uppers combined with stiff soles and a tight fit often cause compression and areas of irritation. As well as this the aesthetics and marketing hype of new products can override good fitting principles and leave customers uncomfortable and unhappy in the long run. When attempting to get the fit right, we have found that professional ‘screening’ of the feet and lower limbs contribute enormously to satisfactory outcomes. At The Pedaler we have experienced Podiatrists with enormous cycling knowledge who have this process perfected.

At The Pedaler we have experienced Podiatrists with enormous cycling knowledge who have this process perfected

Initially we ran a more typical bike store set up. We stocked shoes on shelves and encouraged cyclists to try shoes on with the assistance of our staff. Sometimes the outcomes were satisfactory and in others, less so. Sometimes wasn’t good enough for us, so we decided to only sell shoes once a Podiatrist had given the fit their tick of approval. With this more thorough approach to the process the outcome was always satisfactory.

Hence, we embraced that outcome and changed the way we fit shoes. Rather then have a client spend 45 minutes trying on a range of shoes and becoming increasingly confused, we conduct a foot screening and assessment session with our Podiatrist to guarantee the fit. There is a consult cost for this, but that’s the price for an expert opinion.

This process also enables us to procure any style, size, colour and width option in the ENTIRE Lake range. That’s pretty damned special given just how extensive their range of shoes are.

This also enables us to procure any style, size, colour and width option in the ENTIRE Lake range!

So if you want a pair of guaranteed comfortable shoes, it pays to book in and make a time to get it right.

Lake CX332 paired with COBRA9 SemiPro

Welcome Tara To The Pedaler Health Team!

The health team at The Pedaler continues to grow with the arrival of Tara, our new resident Dietitian!

Tara has many years experience in dietetics, guiding the nutritional journey of officers with the Australian Defence Force, the QLD state Hockey, Water Polo, Judo and Rowing teams, and many individuals achieving extraordinary outcomes in endurance sports. Tara is passionate about helping patients learn how nutrition science can positively impact their performance in life, work, or as an athlete.

Alongside being an Accredited Practising and Sports Dietitian, Tara leads an incredibly active lifestyle currently competing in long distance road and trail running races. Through both her study, and her own athletic endeavours, Tara personally understands the determination, effort and accuracy required for nutrition science to translate into enhanced performance.

Tara is available for appointments on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s at The Pedaler.

Call us on (07)31296331 to make an appointment

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!

The Pedaler Health Team is growing!

Our collection of heath specialists has grown again in 2019. We have recently added two new massage therapists to The Pedaler Health giving our clients access to massage 3 days per week. We are excited to welcome Amie on Mondays and Thursdays, and Vicki on Fridays. Both clinicians have a wealth of experience dealing with cyclists and multi sport athletes.

Amie and Vicki join Nathan (Podiatry), Anouksa (Physiotherapy) and Matthew (E.P) who consult weekly from The Pedaler.

We will be announcing a few new names to the health team over the coming weeks to help us look after the needs of Brisbane’s cycling, running and multi sport community. We are also excited to almost be ready to roll out our two new key technology additions to The Pedaler as well - Saddle Pressure Testing Hardware and a Virtual Wind Tunnel. These are hugely exciting additions to our business and allow athletes a chance to get more comfortable on the bike whilst also being more efficient. These new features will be handled primarily by Anouska - our Physiotherapist.

Whilst we are usually busy, we typically have appointments available each week so give us a call and let us help you get more comfortable. All health bookings can also be managed online as well.

Back at it on the Weekends!!

With the summer of cycling back on the radar, and the demand from our regulars taken under consideration, we are back at it Saturdays from 7am till noon. We snuck a few in before Christmas, but we can confirm that our increased hours are to remain in place. Enjoy a Fonzie Brew with the crew and break down the weekends racing in our clubhouse type atmosphere.

YES, we make running orthotics!!

We are well known for hand crafting cycling orthotic solutions for all athletes from Pros to weekend warriors. Our off site Northern Suburbs Orthotic Lab allows us the freedom to create all types of unique solutions for cyclists and yes, also for runners as well.

Our access to the Carbon Lab at our facility means we can create light weight dynamic ‘Pure Carbon Fibre’ running orthotics for intermediate / advanced runners and also a mixed Carbon / EVA version for beginner / intermediate runners who may be a little heavier.

The main benefits of using Carbon Fibre as the core material of a running orthotic are

• light weight

• excellent stiffness and memory

• very low volume

• snappy dynamic return to shape properties

• improved foot feel

There Is a good reason why Nike are using Carbon plates in the midsoles of their latest trainers.

The only trade offs for Carbon over Plastic is the materials are more expensive (that’s our problem, not yours) and that the life span of a carbon device is closer to 12 months. Whilst this isn’t as long as a standard plastic polypropylene version, it does provide far better foot feel over the life of its use and with our standard No Gap policy on 2nd sets, you won’t be out of pocket when you replace them anyway (must have applicable health insurance).

If you’re looking for a more dynamic lightweight solution for your running issues, make a time to discuss your needs and issues with us at The Pedaler and let us work with you to create a unique cutting edge solution.

The Pedaler Labs

Post-Noosa Tri Remedial Massage Recovery Special!

Though it is the highlight of Queensland’s annual Multi-sport calendar, the Noosa Triathlon Festival is always a gruelling affair, and this year was no different! If you’re suffering from those post-event tensions and cramps, We have a deal that will get you back into the swing of things.

The special: 1 hour Remedial Massage / Myotherapy session - $75!

This offer is only valid until November 9th, So get in quick to book a spot! To claim your discounted session enter the code NOOSA into the booking notes section when you book HERE. (discount only applies to 1hr sessions)

The Pedaler and North West Physiotherapy Team Up!!

After 6 months of discussion and behind the scenes work, we are very pleased to announce that The Pedaler and Cobra9 Orthotic Labs will be teaming up with North West Physiotherapy to provide Sports Podiatry, Orthotic Services and Bike Fit assistance from their Everton Park location.

We are stoked to be working with the well established and professional team on the Northside who are renowned for their quality holistic physiotherapy and with whom we have shared patients with in the past. It also provides easy access for our Northside clients helping them to schedule appointments around their work and school life more conveniently.

Our mission at The Pedaler has been to provide high level Cycling and Sports Podiatry services without compromise. This attitude fits perfectly with North West Physiotherapy who were looking to expand their health services with the certainty that comes from years of industry experience, and the benefits of a one stop shop for orthotic fabrication. Ron and Roger from NW Physiotherapy and Nathan from The Pedaler hope that with the successful collaboration between the two businesses we will see expansion in the near future to both the Keperra and Eatons Hill locations as well.

As of November, you will be able to access high level Sports and Cycling Podiatry, Running/Walking/Cycling Orthotic services and basic bike fit from the Everton Park location. All high end bike fit clients will still be directed to The Pedaler HQ at Milton to enable access to our bike fit technology.

We look forward to caring for a greater portion of the Brisbane community and we are thrilled to be working alongside such a quality team. Call (07) 3353 4111 or book online from next week.

Nathan