Balance, Body and Bike
Cycling is one of the kindest sports on joints — and one of the harshest on posture. Here's how to keep your body working with the bike.
Bike fit matters more than kit
A £200 bike fit will outperform a £2,000 bike upgrade for almost every recreational rider. The forces your body absorbs in the saddle for 3+ hours add up — small geometry changes have outsized effects on neck, lower back and knee pain.
Off-bike mobility is non-negotiable
Hip flexor length, thoracic extension, and ankle dorsiflexion all degrade rapidly in serious cyclists. A 15-minute mobility routine after rides preserves what the saddle is silently taking away.
When to see a physio
Any pain that lasts more than two rides, any numbness in hands or feet, and any knee pain that follows a position change. These are early signals — addressed quickly, they resolve in 1–2 sessions.