Returning patients: Please call the office to book an appointment.

Your Guide to Bicycles and Bicycle Shoes

Biking is one of the best forms of exercise, and there are few places more glorious to pedal than central Massachusetts in springtime. Whether you prefer a leisurely outing on the paved path around Blackstone River or the more challenging terrain of Sparrow Trail, our community offers easy access to a wide range of scenic adventures.

Your experience and preferred type of route determine what kind of bike and footwear are best. Below, Central Massachusetts Podiatry offers guidelines to help you gear up for the spring cycling travels of your choice.

Bike Type

There are an extensive array of bike types (mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes), as well as, subtypes (racing bikes, cross-country bikes, trail bikes), each offered in a variety of different materials (steel, aluminium, titanium and carbon fibre), price points (hundreds to thousands of dollars), and different options of components and features (frames, gears and brakes).begin by choosing the type of bike that suits where, how often and how far you plan to ride. Some of the most popular choices are:

Finding the right fit

After you’ve selected your bike type, focus on fit. Experienced bike store personnel can help with this. A professional fitting should entail measurement and adjustment of your cleat position, seat height and the reach and drop to the handlebars. Proper fit ensures your comfort while riding, as well as, help you avoid feeling aches and pains the following day. The final step should be a 10-minute test drive that includes a short hill. Try several bikes to decide which ride is most comfortable.

How to choose shoes

The selection of available bicycle shoes is nearly as overwhelming as bikes. In general, bicycle shoes are made with stiffer soles than traditional athletic shoes to facilitate the transfer of energy as you pedal. The two most important factors in picking a shoe are pedal compatibility and fit. A clipless shoe-pedal combination offers superior control and efficiency. When it comes to riding around town, the best choice is a shoe with rubber outsoles and recessed cleats that allows you to walk easily when stopping for a latte or smoothie. As with any shoes, comfort is key. Try on lots of pairs and remember to do so wearing the same thin cycling socks you plan to wear while biking.

Once you’ve chosen your bike and footwear, pop on a properly fitted helmet and enjoy the ride.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Dr. Feldman's best advice for Marathon Day

Are you running the 2023 Boston Marathon? Watch and share these tips from Dr. Neil Feldman. Ultramarathoner and triathlete, he ran the Boston Marathon 12 times and finished the Leadman Series in 2022. Learn some of his rituals for success on race day.

Best treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Almost everyday a patient comes in with excruciating heel pain, after trying every tip and spending hundreds of dollars in shoes and products that promise a solution for Plantar Fasciitis. Watch this free CMP webinar before you google or buy anything.

Learn how foot neuromas are treated

Neuromas main symptoms are a shooting pain between the toes and the ball of the foot and abnormal sensations, like having a pebble inside the shoe or if the sock is bunched up in that area. Learn how these are treated in this webinar with the CMP doctors