Bike fit is the process of determining and implementing an ideal position on a bicycle. An ideal position varies from cyclist to cyclist. For the purposed of this post we will only focus on a preventative fit and a fit for an injured/recovering cyclist.

Performance fits are similar, in that both fits should make your position more efficient and safe. My focus is on either preventing excessive forces to be placed on certain body areas, or purposefully reducing those pressures to support healing tissue.

Aerodynamic and power improvements are often achieved at the same time (It is hard to produce a bunch of power when you are in pain), however they are not the primary focus for the injured cyclist.

Bike fitting is like getting a suit tailored (not sized). You buy your suit that is the closest size but the tailoring fits it specifically to your body. Bike fitting takes your equipment and positions it in as close to an ideal position as possible. There are times when fit will benefit from a new bike part (usually stems and saddles) but I try use what you already have as much as possible.

Interview

To best understand where you’ve been, where you are and where you want to be. The interview is the “meet and greet” of the session. Have a coffee on us and we’ll get you settled in. We will discuss your injury history, any discomforts that you are currently experiencing, assess your physical limitations and what your expected outcome of the session is. 

Physical Assessment

 In order to understand a rider’s limitations on the bike one needs a reasonable understanding of their physiology. We carry out a standing evaluation, assessing the way you stand, your foot posture/stability, spinal posture, differences in muscle bulk and any asymmetries present in the body. Next,  a “range of motion” examination is carried out assessing hamstring, quads, glutes and hips. We check for a leg length discrepancy as well as assessing your feet. 

Foot & Saddle

The single most overlooked and misunderstood part of bike fitting is the foot/shoe/pedal interface. Unfortunately it is also the most important part of your fit. The foot is the foundation of the fit - it’s where all the power goes! Or doesn’t as the case so often is! Your shoes will be checked for correct fit, we will assess cleat location, arch support and wedging both inside and outside of the shoe where needed. We have found using the latest saddle pressure mapping technology that saddle pressure can be reduced by up to 50% by simply administering arch support, solving saddle issues. Go figure!

Positional Interventions

 Once your feet have been stabilised we can begin making changes to your position. Saddle height and setback are optimised as well as reach and handlebar drop. We will assess optimum handlebar width, crank length and saddle choice. All of these changes are made using the latest saddle pressure mapping and video analysis software, drawing footage from four cameras - front, back, left and right in order to achieve a true 360 degree understanding of your position. 

Bike Set Up

 The final part of the session is to transfer the findings from the jig on to your bike. If you are considering a new bike then we can make recommendations based on the findings. Rest assured, we remain brand agnostic and happily fit any brand or style of bike. If you are still having issues following a bike fit with us, we will treat you for free until those problems are corrected - This is only available provided that the optimum position can be replicated and all necessary changes are made. 

Do you adjust my existing bike during the session?

Yes. 

Typically enough time is allocated at the end of the session to make minor adjustments to your bike.  

If your bike requires proprietary/3rd party parts that we do not stock and that need to be purchased directly from the manufacturer, or on more complex bikes a suitable workshop booking may need to be made where the bike will need to be left with us. 

Only 1 bike can be adjusted during the session. For additional bikes a bike set to fit data service is required.  

What do I need to bring with me to the session?

Cycling kit (this must include lycra shorts and a close fitting base layer or summer road jersey)

Existing shoes (if you do not already have cycling shoes please wait until your bike fit, as we will assess your feet and recommend you the most suitable pair of cycling shoes).

Your existing bicycle (if the fit is for a new bike not yet purchased we still recommend bringing your existing bike)