Garmin and Physio endorses Kickbike

Welcome to the 25th anniversary of the commercial production of Kickbike.  There have been a lot of changes since our very first container load of Kickbikes came out of the factory.
 

  • 25 years old - Future of Kickbike
  • Safari 25th anniv model
  • NSW Footbike race day
  • Physio Endorsement

25 years of Kickbike production. 

The first container of Kickbikes that arrived in Australia had just 2 models, a yellow City Cruiser model, and our base Sport Classic or training model in Black, both in steel frames.  Interesting that we still have these 2 models, and they are conceptionally very similar, and are still steel frames. The differences now in the City G4 and the Sport G4 have been cosmetic. 

The biggest changes, have been the introduction of our Aluminium framed models which now give us Racing specific models, Off-Road models, which are also very popular for Dog Sledding, as well as a kids version, a folding model, and now more terrain specific models.  We now have 14 different models, and all have something different to offer. The basic training principles of course, still apply, in that they are brilliant for Cross Training, and the development of your core muscles. They are low maintenance, and a lot of fun, and simple to learn to use.

We are now getting sports Coaches, Physio Therapists and Human Movement experts all recognising that Kickbike is valuable as an efficient cross training tool for most sports.  I know the endorsement at the end of this email was included in one of last years newsletters, but it really reflects where Kickbike is going, and proves that we are on the right track.

Safari 25th year anniversary Model.

When Kickbike first came out, several of the early adopters found that they loved getting out and doing some distance tours, which they called "Safaris". This year, being our 25th anniversary we have introduced a new model that is great for cruising and touring.  We decided to call it Safari. And one is pictured at the head of this email. It's probably got all the best parts about the earlier models, and is packaged in one Kickbike. Check it out at shop.kickbike.com.au 

Footbike NSW Race day - 

The Australian Footbike Association (AFA) are holding a NSW race day this Sunday. For all those interested in checking out the racing aspect, please go the Footbike.com.au for details of the race day.  All Kickbikers are welcome to attend and/or participate.  You must be an AFA member to race for National ranking points, but you are welcome top race in the Novice category if you are just checking it out. There is age category racing as young as 5-6 years, and up to the Super Vet category for 60 years plus, so everyone can have a go. Register at footbike.com.au/event/nsw-race-day

Physio Endorsement - Victor Popov

has 30 years experience as a Sports Physiotherapist working with elite teams and athletes including-

  • AIS and QAS teams and athletes
  • Brisbane Lions AFC (1999-2008)
  • Australian Olympic Teams (1992, 1996, 2000)
  • Russian Olympic Team (2012)
  • Professional Cycling Teams at Tour De France (5 tours)
  • Australian Swimming Team (1987-2001)
  • Australian Cycling Teams (1987- 2000)
  • Individual Athletes such as Robbie McEwen, Stuart O'Grady, Sam Riley, Susie O'Neil, and Shane Watson.

In my 30 years as working as a Sports Physiotherapist in elite sport, I have come across many useful and not-so-useful rehab tools. The Kickbike definitely falls into the 'useful' category. We used Kickbikes back in the early 2000's at the Brisbane Lions AFL club as part of our rehab process for a number of injuries. The loading and motor patterning associated with riding the Kickbike had very useful stability and propulsion components: the stance leg load stimulated glut, core and spinal stability (in a functional posture), and the propulsive leg action activated glut, hamstring and calf muscles with minimal impact loading.

This combination of central stability; postural setting and control; limited impact glut, hamstring and calf activation and the capacity to vary the load/speed makes the Kickbike a great rehab tool in late stage rehab for any lower limb injury that affects these parameters. Obviously, the capability to add aerobic loading is also an extremely valuable component of using the Kickbike: both from a rehab and conditioning perspective. The Kickbike is an excellent conditioning advice for all but is extremely beneficial for people who can't run (due to the shock/impact issues) or ride a bike (neck/low back posture issues) as it allows for conditioning and stability exercise in a posture and with an intensity that can be tolerated.
Victor Popov
B. Phty.
Sports Physiotherapist.

Have an awesome month and Happy Kicking.

Bruce Cook
Kickbike Australia