What is a bike fit?
A bike fit is a process of adjusting a bicycle to properly match the rider's individual body dimensions, biomechanics, and riding style. The goal of a bike fit is to optimize comfort, efficiency, and performance while reducing the risk of discomfort, pain, and injuries.
During a bike fit I will assess various aspects of the riders anatomy, flexibility, and cycling goals. This will involve taking measurements, observing the rider's posture and movement on the bike, and conducting an interview to understand any existing issues or discomfort.
Based on the gathered information, I will make adjustments to the bike's components such as saddle height, saddle position (fore/aft), handlebar reach, handlebar height, and cleat position for clip-in pedals. These adjustments aim to optimize the rider's position on the bike, ensuring proper alignment and efficient power transfer.
A bike fit offers the following benefits:
Enhanced comfort: Proper bike fit reduces strain on the body, minimizing discomfort and potential injuries.
Increased efficiency: By aligning the rider's body with the bike, a more efficient pedaling motion can be achieved, leading to improved power output and reduced fatigue.
Injury prevention: Correct positioning helps minimize stress on joints, tendons, and muscles, reducing the risk of overuse injuries.
Performance improvement: An optimal bike fit can help riders maximize their performance potential by leveraging their biomechanics and minimizing energy waste.
Do I need a bike fit?
Whether or not you need a bike fit depends on several factors, including your cycling experience, goals, comfort level on the bike, and any existing discomfort or pain you may be experiencing while cycling. Here are some situations where a bike fit can be beneficial:
New cyclist: If you are new to cycling or just starting out, a bike fit can be helpful in ensuring that you start off with a comfortable and efficient position on the bike. It can help you avoid developing bad habits or positioning that may lead to discomfort or injuries later on.
Frequent cyclist: If you ride regularly, especially for longer distances or extended periods, a bike fit can significantly enhance your riding experience. It can optimize your position for improved comfort, efficiency, and performance, allowing you to enjoy your rides more and potentially prevent overuse injuries.
Persistent discomfort or pain: If you experience discomfort or pain while cycling, such as in the knees, back, neck, or hands, a bike fit can help identify and address the underlying causes. By making adjustments to your bike's setup, a bike fitter can alleviate or reduce the discomfort, potentially improving your overall cycling experience.
Performance-oriented rider: If you are focused on performance, such as competitive cycling or setting personal records, a bike fit can fine-tune your position on the bike to maximize your power output and aerodynamics. Optimizing your biomechanics can lead to improved efficiency and potentially better race times.
Bike upgrade or change: When you get a new bike or make significant changes to your existing bike, such as replacing major components, a bike fit can ensure that the new setup is properly adjusted to your body and riding style.
How does it work?
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1 Rider Interview
I need to understand what you want to achieve on your bike & why you wanted a bike fit. Our main aim is to understand what your Optimal Rider Experience is and what you want from the Bike Fit.
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2 Physical Examination and Rider Limitations
Do you have any previous injuries? We discuss these and I take a look at your mobility off the bike assesing your mobility, limitations and asymmetries.
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3 Focus on your feet
The most important interaction with you and the bike - your feet. We make sure your shoes fit and your cleats are located in the correct position. If purchased we will also take a look at unlocking the neural potential your feet hold - see foot activation for details.
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4 Assess current rider position
Utilising motion tracking cameras and software we plot your current position and document your current setup. This allows us to compare old v new and also highlights any areas we need to focus on.
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5 Bike Adjustments
Riding your bike on a fixed trainer, we work together using the latest bike fitting technologies to look for potential improvements iw your position. We can test any position on our Purely Custom Fit Jig and
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6 Bike Fit Complete
We document your new setup and compare your original video footage to your new footage. Any changes we agreed are then either carried out or booked in to be undertaken to your bike at a later date. You are alsp rovided with full report from your visit
#focusonyourfeet
How much does a bike fit cost?
Bike Fit £230 - 3 hours
Rider interview
Assessment of riders functional limitations
Body positioning
Cleat Optimisation
Foot activation including cost of all footbeds and shims
Post fit notes and recommendations
What do I need to bring to my bike fit?
1) The Bike you want to be fitted to you in a clean condition. Additional bikes can be bought with prior agreement and are charged at £45 per bike. Please let me know in advance so I can ensure we have time at the end to make the adjustments
2) Cycling clothes you would normally wear riding. Please no baggy clothes, we need to be able to see what position your body is in and what effect it is having on your muscles
3) Cycling shoes and socks you wear!! Make sure your shoes are clean and cleats are free from debris. Removing it to adjust them loses time in your fit and I cant guarantee we can get everything done if I am cleaning stones out to adjust cleats. Remember #focusonyourfeet
4) Water and a towel. Make sure you bring a bottle if you sweat a lot and a towel to keep fresh. I have a dressing room so no need to wear your kit to the appointment.
5) An open and inquisitive mind. The whole process is fun and explorative and requires you to be open and clear on your goals. Please ask questions, it is much more engaging for both of us and we always get a better fit when the communication is flowing easily.