Should we?

Paul – at a recent bike fit class I attended a physical therapist/bike fitter was rather adamant that bike fitters shouldn't be playing with wedges and it was "prescriptive medicine" and it sparked some interesting debate.

Thanks for the question. There are many ways to look at the forefoot tilt issue. Here are few.

You can choose to ignore it but you are knowingly allowing people to connect improperly.

If you do not look at this area why bother with things like seat height? Perhaps a PT should be the only person to address seat height as well….?

I believe we do bike fits as a form of pre-hab. We do this so cyclists may potentially avoid Rehab. Perhaps the PT, knowing this, is actually waiting for the injuries/discomfort to occur – this way he can fault the bike fitters as being incapable of a good bike fit. This may make him look like a hero. Not sure if this is insecurity or self promoting. Either way it is disappointing to hear this.

It is well documented now that over 90 percent of the population has a tilt or angle at the forefoot. Chances are less than 10 percent will be close to getting this connection correct, if you do not address it. Not good odds.

I believe bike fit is about helping people. A thirsty man will feel much better with a half glass of water but a full glass will do him even better. You decide if you want to offer a half glass service or a full glass service.

I could go on and on but I would prefer to just share the experiences and knowledge we have to help others help others.

Lastly I am sure others could share even more reasons why we try to provide the full glass of water.