Mitigating flexibility loss from bicycling

[JusticeZero]

In Kurz "Stretching Scientifically", it is warned not to bicycle because it is thought to reduce flexibility. The specific mechanics causing this, I admit to being hazy on. The only thing I have seen in response to this was an admonition that "If bicycling is your sport of choice, you do not need that leg flexibility."

Bicycling for me, and many others, is not a "sport", but simply the way that we intend to get from place to place. Owning and operating a car, according to the AAA, costs in the vicinity of $9,000 a year, and I want that money to pay off my student loans and to travel to Brazil for my next rank test.

Does anyone know what exactly causes this issue, how much of an issue it is, and if there is any way to mitigate the described flexibility decrease?

[bushido_man96]

I have not heard of this, and I know some TKD practitioners that do bike at times. I ride the cardio bike, mainly because I hate running. I think as long as one remembers to stretch dilligently after exercising, then it shouldn't become too great of an issue.

[JusticeZero]

How much exercize would you consider to necessitate stretching? For shorter and more frequent trips, would simply dialing the speed down to not be strenuous be enough to not need a full stretching routine after arriving?

[DWx]

I would have thought that flexibility would be lost only if you didn't stretch out properly after extended use. I use the bike at the gym as part of my warmup, quads and hamstring can feel pretty tight after that because you're not using the full extension of the leg to pedal. If you're only doing short trips I wouldn't bother stretching unless it specifically felt tight but for longer periods definately consider putting aside 5 mins to stretch out.

[bushido_man96]

How much exercize would you consider to necessitate stretching? For shorter and more frequent trips, would simply dialing the speed down to not be strenuous be enough to not need a full stretching routine after arriving?

I'd say that if you are warm after the workout, then go ahead and stretch. Take advantage of any time after being warmed up to stretch out a bit.