Biomechanics, bikefitting and the riding position, many definitions that take up a topic that is always much debated: that of be efficient when pedaling and feel “good” on the bike. We had a chat with Luca Bramati, currently a cyclocross technician for FAS Airport Services, which also thanks to the evaluation equipment of its Bramati Point of Canonica d'Adda, is a point of reference in terms of biomechanics and positioning in the saddle, even for pros. Not only that: we asked him for advice on “correct position”, for those who use road bikes and cyclocross bikes.
A check-up every two years
We assume that A saddle check should be a good habitIt is for those who "work" on a bicycle, it should be for those who ride for pleasure. Luca Bramati's advice is to do a check-up at least every two years, net of accidents, injuries and/or physical problems.
Luca, let's consider an athlete's biomechanical assessment and optimal positioning. Are there any differences between the beginning and the peak of the season?
Is critical make distinctions between professional athletes and amateurs. In the first case, we're dealing with riders who, nowadays, are "tight" in every season. During the winter, they gain a couple of kilograms, or a little more. The riding position does not undergo any particular changes, because the “belly” is either non-existent, or negligible. As far as the amateurs, the speech is different. Often the moment of the biomechanical evaluation coincides with the actual resumption of cycling activity. Not infrequently there has been considerable weight gain.
Does weight affect posture?
It exponentially affects the pedaling and how you feel in the saddle. As it goes on you lose weight, the body has less difficulty in stretching and a lower position is also sought. In these cases it is It's necessary to revise your position to properly utilize the front end of the bike. The angle of thrust on the saddle, however, remains unchanged.
Can major changes in riding style occur over the course of a season?
If the The initial biomechanical assessment is correct, there are no upheavals: maybe it's a matter of a few millimeters. But even in this case, a consideration is necessary, and I'd like to give an example. Not infrequently We underestimate the difference that comes from using winter clothing, which is thicker than summer clothing. They are just a few millimetres, but they are capable of changing the position on the saddle and varying our perception of the gesture.
If you're injured and need to stop exercising, is a biomechanical assessment recommended before resuming?
Yes, I recommend it and it is It is essential to consider the type of injury the athlete has suffered. The first step is to make a visit and a thorough investigation from theosteopath. This step is important and establishes (or not) whether the body has the correct structural setup. Only at a later time you can have a biomechanical visit and the following bike fitting. I've had to interrupt assessments because the cyclist had postural problems caused by asymmetry in his body, for example, caused by an accident. These are aspects that should not be underestimated, very important for health, even in the medium and long term.
Road bikes and CX bikes. What's important to note?
What I want to say is that In cyclocross there is no need to exaggerate the aspect of aerodynamics. Lowering the handlebars too much isn't helpful. In fact, it's counterproductive. The more you are pressed down towards the front end and downwards, the more the load of your body shifts and weighs down the front end, which consequently sinks into the mud. It's crucial to distribute the load evenly on the bike. Then there's the saddle height...
To what extent is it determined?
It is necessary to evaluate the type of shoes and pedals. Generalizing: compared to the road bike, the CX should have a saddle height that is 3 or 4 millimeters lower. Instead, if we evaluate the horizontal, the line of the cyclocross bike is shortened by between 0,5 millimetres and 1 centimetre, compared to the road bike.But it is always necessary to carry out a thorough and specific biomechanical assessment.
Can you give us some examples of professional athletes you evaluate from a biomechanical perspective?
For example Joel Bertolini, who uses the road bike for training, adopts a handlebar position that is 1,5 centimetres lower than the CX bike. Furthermore, it uses both types of footwear, road and off-road, with the resulting adjustments in terms of saddle height. He is a very well-prepared rider also from a technical point of view and he is very sensitive to the different changes in position.And then there are two more examples…
Katarzina Sosna divides her time between road, time trial and cross country Lucia Bramati also uses offroad shoes on the road
Katarzina Sosna divides her time between road, time trial and cross country Lucia Bramati also uses offroad shoes on the road
Who are you talking about?
One is My daughter Lucia, who also uses off-road shoes on her road bike. This allows her to maintain the same saddle height on every bike.. Katarzina Sosna Instead, Lithuanian, among the strongest in the world in MTB Marathon, is a case in itself, a very complete athlete who also practices the discipline of the time trial, where she excels. In this case too I compare myself with atechnically well-prepared athlete, competent and sensitive when it comes to bike settingsHe hasn't done any cx this season, but usually It arrives with four bicycles (time trial, road, CX and MTB) and each one receives particular attention during the biomechanical evaluationShe uses different types of shoes, road and mountain bike, so the heights of the bike also change.
