Help please - different leg length and cadence

[Sepia]

Hi All

I have a cycling related physical health problem and would like some ideas and suggestions from those who understand the theory better than what I do. At the end of the day I will have to make my own decision but I want to keep on riding.

 

About two years ago I had a bad OTB and broke my hip. After two constructive operations my left leg is 2.5cm longer than my normal right leg. Amongst other problems, I have less power in the damaged leg and battle to keep a decent cadence. So, in lieu of this......

 

Would a longer drive side crank help make up the difference of the leg length variance?

Would an old type Biopace crank help?

 

I am currently already riding with a compact crank on my road bike but hills still seem to get the better of me. I really would like to help this leg along the best I can, especially over longer distances of say 80kms and more. Your thoughts, ideas and will be appreciated. Something for me to think about.

With thanks .

[fanievb]

Maybe chat to a bio?

[Sepia]

Maybe chat to a bio?

Been there, done that.

Done two bike fits and they helped.  Bio's did nothing for me even during recovery. 

 

Thanks for the input.

[Spoke101]

don't go anywhere near the old "Biopace" there will probably make your situation worse as the biggest gear will be in your pedal dead spot. Rather try Rotor rings as this is the opposite with the smallest gear being in the dead spot.

 

As for having one crank longer than the other, I wouldn't recommend it as your one leg will be forced to move faster than the other. Rather start off slow and find some flatter routes or chuck a 11-28T or bigger 11-32T(derailleur dependent) on the rear wheel.

[Sepia]

Thanks Spoke. I was worried about this different leg speed.

I am running 28 already and will try a 30. Your knowledge and input is greatly appreciated. I am just grateful to be able to still ride my bike.

Info on Rotor rings is noted.

Wise advise, thank you.

[V12man]

It would be interesting to analyse your pedal stroke properly using a suitable power meter that does left right graphing - so wattbike or the crank based power tap are the easiest to access at a gym or the bike power studio - then you could have a baseline for remediation after you have identified specific differences.

 

Hip ops generally need a fair amount of rehab because of their invasiveness - and sounds like you have some weakness to address - trick is to find it and then see if specific work helps.

[Sepia]

Thanks Doc. Good place to start.

It is also the numbness I get in the leg after about 30kms. Circulation? Stop for a bit and it goes away but on hills this gets worse. I was thinking of a mechanical means of aiding my predicament. Must try a watt bike and see what comes out of it.

[Rolfalps]

2,5 cm is quite a big difference but have you tried packing the cleat on the shorter leg ? I don't think you will be able to make up the difference but you could narrow the gap which might help

[Cippo]

Check with Dr. Geroen Swart on who he would recommend in KZN. Possibly you will need a longer crankarm on one side to compensate. 2.5cm is alot to make up with cleat shims. Maybe a combination of the two. Good luck with finding a solution. The doctor (The Doctor) is here on the hub.

[Sepia]

Check with Dr. Geroen Swart on who he would recommend in KZN. Possibly you will need a longer crankarm on one side to compensate. 2.5cm is alot to make up with cleat shims. Maybe a combination of the two. Good luck with finding a solution. The doctor (The Doctor) is here on the hub.

Thanks Cippo.  Was my way of thinking.  The physiological side of things is a given so I was more interested in the "mechanical" aspect.  2.5 is a huge amount and it makes me walk like a crayfish, even with the correct inserts.  Inserts do not fit too well in my cycling shoes so will have to look at building up the cleats/longer crank arm.  I will never make up 2.5cm but any help will will surely make a difference.  No matter how small, it will be better.

Thanks

[Ispeed_V]

Have a similar issue whereby my right leg is +/- 3 cm shorter than the other. (Due to scoliosis of the spine). Result being that my right leg is approximately 20% weaker than the left. I would keep on cramping in the right VMO after about 3-4 hours in the saddle.

 

Haven't changed my setup but have been doing numerous strength exercises to build up the muscle strength in the leg. Has made a great improvement and thankfully no more cramping.

[Sepia]

Have a similar issue whereby my right leg is +/- 3 cm shorter than the other. (Due to scoliosis of the spine). Result being that my right leg is approximately 20% weaker than the left. I would keep on cramping in the right VMO after about 3-4 hours in the saddle.

 

Haven't changed my setup but have been doing numerous strength exercises to build up the muscle strength in the leg. Has made a great improvement and thankfully no more cramping.

Thanks for this.  20% sounds about right for me too?  No cramping though. 

Have you ever thought about changing your set up?

Maybe I should just accept my predicament....

Would prefer to try and better my situation and tap into this forum for insights and practical information and then decide.

Thanks again and good luck!

[V12man]

Thanks Doc. Good place to start.

It is also the numbness I get in the leg after about 30kms. Circulation? Stop for a bit and it goes away but on hills this gets worse. I was thinking of a mechanical means of aiding my predicament. Must try a watt bike and see what comes out of it.

Numbness could be circulation, could be nerve impingement somewhere - if it's pins and needles type numbness, then a good neurologist is a start, otherwise possibly a vascular surgeon.

 

Seeing as you are in Natal, go and visit my old classmate Mike Marshall - let  him advise - I trust him to point you in the right direction.

 

http://www.centreforsportsmedicine.co.za/?/info/team

[Erroli8a8]

I Would shim my cleats.

Once that is done I would spend time in the Gym pushing weights but single leg, this will build each leg and not allowing your stronger leg to compensate.

[River Rat]

Shifting your cleat slightly forward on your shorter side will help a bit, but a good bike fit should do this in any case.

[SwissVan]

Have you experimented with your seat height, it might be worth trying lowering it a bit more than normal until the good side feels restricted or to low then raise it slightly and then shimming the short side slightly. You don't want to go and add a massive shim on the short side as large shims create other issues (excessive ankling... )

 

Strongly suggest you try and contact Steve Hogg and ask his advice or read some of his articles.

 

https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/bikefit/2011/04/foot-correction-part-3-shimming/