Here at Cyclesoles™ we’re 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 rotate internally. This causes the knee to collapse inward, which often 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 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. Cyclesoles™ Custom Footbeds adapt for biomechanical inequalities and alignment issues such as pronation (fallen arches), supination (high arches), talonavicular misalignment, medial or lateral deviation of the knee, or any combination of these issues.

Pain Alleviation

Our bodies need exercise to keep fit, firm, happy, and healthy, but exercise can also cause us pain and discomfort. 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 us from overuse issues and reduces injuries and pain. Proper foot alignment is critical to proper overall bike fit. Time and time again we see cyclists with knee alignment issues, pelvic alignment issues, and leg length discrepancies which have led them to become frustrated with cycling.

Power Enhancement

Everyone wants to ride faster or climb better. Unfortunately, most of us are losing power with every pedal stroke due to inefficient transfer 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. Put simply, the leg and foot mechanism is comprised of four pivot points (metatarsal, ankle, knee and hip joints ) on varying length levers (bones of 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.

Power is most often lost at two points: at the knee due to deflection (knee moving in or out of the plane) and in the foot as it travels from the unsupported heel into the forefoot. Without support 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.

Cyclesoles™ custom footbeds support both of these major power loss points. By creating a fully supported mid arch, the Cyclesoles™ custom footbed 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.

In addition, certified Cyclesoles™ foot techs are trained to align the talonavicular joint and knee during molding, to keep the knee in the power plane during the pedal stroke which effectively reduces the amount of power lost as a result of deflection.