Bike Fitting

A bike that is properly fitted to your individual riding characteristics and comfort is the key to producing power. If you are not comfortable, you can not produce power optimally. A comprehensive bike fitting addresses such biomechanical issues as leg length discrepancies, riding style, muscle imbalances, back and neck pain, saddle soreness, and flexibility. Bike fitting may be an ongoing process as you become more competitive and desire a more aerodynamic position. The fit for a recreational rider should be different than a competitive cyclists.

As a part of our fitting process we can incorporate video analysis to identify technique issues with your cycling. USA Cycling Elite Coach Matt Russ has been trained by the Serrotta Cycling Institute in advanced triathlon bike fitting.

You may have spent thousands of dollars on your new bicycle. It just makes sense to ensure it fits you properly.

"I incorporated the techniques you showed me on my rides this week-end and was AMAZED at the difference. I can honestly tell you that I enjoyed a mostly pain-free ride for the first time since I can't remember when! Thanks again so much. It was the best $$ I ever spent!"

- Marsha Spear

A competition grade bicycle is not cheap. Once fully outfitted, you will have probably spent thousands of dollars. In order to get the most value out of your investment your bicycle should fit you like a glove. The three main considerations in fitting a cyclist are comfort, power production, and aerodynamics. You must choose a balance and proportion of these three elements in order to achieve your optimal fit. This proportion will be based on a variety of individual characteristics such as the type of cycling you will be doing, competitive level and experience, muscle imbalances or previous injuries, and your personal biomechanics and riding style to name a just a few.

"I rode 46 miles on Sunday and 33 miles on Tuesday without the slightest bit of pain in my knee. Unbelievable!!! The setup feels good and I actually feel more relaxed on the bike. More power also."

- Jim Thompson

Comfort comes first, even for a competitive cyclist. If a cyclist is very uncomfortable on their bicycle they can not produce power, period. Some discomfort is normal, but cycling should not be painful. If you are experiencing joint, back, or neck pain it is time to look at your fit or perhaps your pedaling mechanics. Saddle soreness or numbness should be addressed immediately.

"My bike never felt right. My neck, shoulders and back always hurt, and after longer rides, my knees sometimes hurt. After fitting me correctly, nothing hurts, my bike feels amazing, and climbing is easier because I have better leverage in the saddle."

- Linda Silberman

The fact that every person is unique does not make bike fitting easy. Some are bow-legged or duck-footed. Torso length, leg length, and arm length all vary from person to person and in proportion to each other, and sometimes vary from left to right on the same person. Backs can be rounded, swayed, or curved, and hips vary in widths. The bottom of the foot may angle inwards or outwards. It is not always appropriate to adjust your bicycle in consideration of a biomechanical condition, and knowing when and how takes a great deal of expertise.

"I felt like I was able to apply significantly more power and my lower back pain was practically nonexistent."

- Mike Morrisey

When you are injured, your body compensates for the injury by using different muscles to do the work of the ones in the injured area. Even after the injury heals you may continue to work in a compensatory fashion. This may be habitual and can cause a variety of problems with pedaling mechanics. Tight hamstrings can lead to lower back problems on the bike, and cycling in general can lead to muscle imbalance over time. Again, it takes a professional to diagnose and correct these issues. This may mean adjusting your fit to a more neutral position while the area is stretched or strengthened. If you are experiencing an overuse injury a professional may be able to adjust your fit to alleviate it entirely. If you are experiencing joint pain do not wait for the issue to resolve itself!

There are a wide variety of fitting systems that use ratios, formulas, algorithms, computer programs, etc.. These are even available online and each of these has its pros and cons. The most important thing to remember is that every fitting system simply gives you a starting point. No computer can tell you how your bike should optimally fit because no computer knows your riding style, biomechanics, injury history, etc.. This is where the art of bike fitting begins and it takes one to one interaction with a trained professional to fit you properly.

We can incorporate video analysis to examine how you ride before we fit you. This allows us to determine not only how you are sitting on the bike, but how you are riding it. A form issue can be causing your problem, or your fit can be causing your form issue. It is important to learn the difference before making adjustments.

For more information or to Schedule your bike fitting

Pricing (does not include parts)

Basic Fit $100- Ensures you are positioned on your bike correctly for competitive level, sport type, comfort, and power. Approximately 1 hour. Measurements are marked on the bike.
Advanced Fit $150- A more detailed fit process that includes foot / pedal interface correction or adjustment, rider biomechanical / flexibility asessment, or a fit that includes the physical addition of aerobars. Measurements are marked on the bike, and all details are recorded in our data base for reference. Athlete is given a physical copy of the report.
Advanced Fit with Video Analysis $200
Video Analysis stand alone $75 per hour.- To address cycling form, technique, economy, and injury prevention.

Additional Resources...

Learn More about coach Matt Russ

Read "A Proper Bike Fits Makes a Faster Cyclist"
Read "Determining The Correct Bicycle Size"

Read "Get Acclimated To Go Aero"

Does this look comfortable?