Hello everyone,

When I went to my local bike shop to buy my road bike, i was only fitted for the frame size.

I have done a few 150 mike charity rides and realized that my quads are dead after.

They are the only muscles being abused and overused to the point that I can barely walk.

Ive done a little research and an article I read stated improper fitting can cause this.

Apparently your quads, hamstrings, and calves should all work together and be equally sore.

Anyone have suggestions on how to fix this issue?

Ive heard it could be improper seat height, cleat position on shoes, or a combination?

Thanks

It will help if you can post several photos of yourself on the bike. In the meantime, moving the saddle back a bit will bring the hamstrings into play which will help round out the pedal stroke.

Just learn to pedal circles. You can pedal circles with pretty much any fit. It helps a lot if your saddle height is correct. Pedaling down a flat, low traffic road, unclip a pedal, put your heel on that pedal and resume pedaling. Without trying, your heel should just barely kiss the pedal at the bottom of the stroke or the pedal should leave a small gap below your heel. Either works, some prefer one way, others the other. It's maybe 2-4mm difference.

A more forward cleat placement engages the calf while moving the cleats all the way back takes the calf out.

Fore-and-aft saddle placement also makes a small difference. Bracing with your core, you should be able to lift both hands off the bar without sliding forward off a level saddle. If you can't, try moving the saddle back a cm or so. Moving the saddle fore and aft will make a tiny difference in saddle height.

you bought a bike then jumped promptly into a 150 mile group ride, of course you will feel Sore.

Sore quads are usually caused by a seat that's too low and/or too far forward. (See if your at heel-on-pedal and knee-over-pedal, use that as a starting point.)

interesting. thanks for posting!