The world of professional cycling is divided not into racers and non-racers but rather by varying degrees of users. Among the cyclists I make orthotics and wedges for are persons who consider themselves racers but may only accumulate 60 miles in a week or less during certain parts of the year. Hardly a professional training schedule you might say, but consider that they often come to me in an off season or on a down-training schedule and their mileage reflects their current load. My recommendation and fabrication technique is based on their current needs which may include less aggressive FF wedging, more flexible materials, and greater pedal float to actually allow for less influence over the STJ, greater medial midfoot excursion at full peak knee extension moment, and knee valgus during peak power stroke angles. (I also move the pedal axis proximal by 5mm)
WHY? Because at reduced loads and distances, (and in the absence of pathology) it's just plain comfortable!
As their distances and workloads increase, I switch them to firmer orthotic materials (carbon fiber), fully corrected wedge angles, stiffer soled shoes (again, CF), tighter degree of float, etc...until they are locked-in to their full training/raceday LE posture.
WHY? Because at reduced loads and distances, (and in the absence of pathology) it's just plain comfortable!
As their distances and workloads increase, I switch them to firmer orthotic materials (carbon fiber), fully corrected wedge angles, stiffer soled shoes (again, CF), tighter degree of float, etc...until they are locked-in to their full training/raceday LE posture.
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