Why am I bent?
Stand in front of a mirror and look at your feet, legs, hips, arms, etc. Chances are one arch is higher than the other, each leg/knee has a unique shape, your finger-tips hang at different lengths, one shoulder is forward, etc.
Most imbalances/formations have counterparts to maintain function and a sense of balance in bipedal activities – standing, walking, running. These can be exacerbated or reduced by unilateral functions like racquet sports, golf, using the computer mouse, physical therapy, etc. Imbalances become a liability when subject to the fixed-symmetry of a bicycle.
For example, a low arch and/or bowed leg can increase same-side distance between saddle and pedal and hand pressure. I might alter this effect by placing the appropriate sized shim or wedge under the short side shoe.
Correcting imbalances involves modifying the bike – saddle, bars, geometry, shoe, pedal, etc. – to fit the person, with a baseline established by proper weight distribution longitudinally, and between hands, feet, and Pelvis.
My experience is that a positive outcome occurs near the point that the spine ascends vertically from the sacrum towards the head, with equal vertebral translation and rotation through T-9. It is a bit more complex than just having your head above your butt because unilateral curvature can create contralateral muscle imbalances host to any number of other symptoms.
