Here at Cyclesoles™ we are out to improve the science of speed. Our studies show that without proper support, the transverse metatarsal arch of the foot collapses, which allows the talus to internally rotate (pronation), which then allows the tibia to have an internal rotation. This causes the knee to collapse inward, which typically affects the hip. This translates into a huge loss of power.

The Cyclesoles™ custom footbed acts as a power transfer, where the force from the leg enters the heel of the foot to move the power to the forefoot, and thus to the pedal. This power transfer just can’t be accomplished with custom shoes or cleat positioning because neither system accommodates the largest area of power loss as it is transferred to the forefoot, which is the transverse metatarsal arch or mid arch.

Biomechanical Correction

Biomechanical anomalies are one of the largest causes of discomfort and overuse injuries to avid and novice cyclists alike. One of the biggest benefits to users of Cyclesoles™ custom footbeds is the ability to adapt for biomechanical inequalities and alignment issues.

While the Da Vinci man is theoretically perfect, most of us have some bilateral discrepancies. These issues can include leg length discrepancies, pronation (fallen arches), supination (high arches) talonavicular misalignment, and, of course, any combination of these problems.

Unlike other pseudo-custom insoles on the market, Cyclesoles™ custom insoles can be molded and shaped to accommodate any of these issues. This adaptive shaping allows for a more powerful and ergonomic alignment.

Pain Alleviation

It is no secret to anyone that exercise is a double-edged sword. Our bodies need exercise to keep fit, firm, happy, and healthy, but exercise can also cause us pain and discomfort and continued use can lead to cessation of exercise or even surgery to fix what we broke through misuse. Since cycling goes a step beyond "natural" exercise (running, swimming, and other activities that don’t include a tool or mechanism), we have an even greater chance of damaging the joints and muscles in our bodies. Proper alignment on the bike is like preventative medicine. It keeps the cyclist from having overuse issues and thus prevents injuries and pain. Also, proper fit can’t be achieved on a bike without proper foot alignment. Time and time again we see cyclists with knee alignment issues, pelvic alignment issues, and leg discrepancies which have led them to become frustrated with cycling.
Again, Cyclesoles™ custom footbeds can help alleviate many of these issues and are the building block to a proper bike fit and ultimately a pleasant riding experience.

Power Enhancement

Everyone wants to ride faster or climb better, whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice rider losing those few extra pounds. What most of us don’t know is that we are losing power with every pedal stroke due to inefficient transfer of that power from the big muscles in the leg (quadriceps, gluteus complex, etc.) down to the forefoot.

To help explain this power loss we need to look at the mechanism of power transfer. The leg and foot in an overly simplified nature, is basically four pivot points on varying length levers. The pivot points are: metatarsal, ankle, knee and hip joints. Levers are: bones of the foot, lower and upper legs. Each lever is acted upon by a force (muscles) and power is transferred from lever to lever via the pivots. Ultimately this force is put into the pedal.

Primarily, power is lost at the knee due to deflection (knee moving in or out of the plane) and as it travels from the unsupported heel into the forefoot (remember that our feet were designed to strike at the heel and roll the power forward). If there is no support given to the mid arch of the foot, there is a great deal of power lost in the flex of the midfoot (where most of the joints in the foot exist).

Thankfully, Cyclesoles™ custom foot beds support both of these major power loss points. By creating a fully supported mid arch, the Cyclesoles™ custom foot bed takes the power from where it enters the heel via the tibia and transfers it to the forefoot without the loss of power through mid foot flex.

Also, thanks to the ability of a highly trained, certified Cyclesoles™ foot tech to align the talonavicular joint as well as the knee during molding, the Cyclesoles™ custom footbed also helps align the knee so that it stays in the power plane during the pedal stroke.