BikeFit
the synergy of your body and your bikeIf you want to get more out of your cycling then you need to have the right bike, it needs to be fitted correctly to your body, you need to keep it correctly adjusted and, finally, you need to know how to get the most out of your bike by unlocking the secrets of optimum pedalling. This is where a good, professional Bikefitter can help you go faster, go further and, above all, be comfier.
Here at EliteBikeCoach we demystify bikefitting and explain the different services that a professional bikefitter will offer. Read on to find out more about how these services can help you, plus what to look for when choosing a bikefitter. I include a few bikefitters who I personally recommend.
BikeFit: More power, more comfort, more joy. Get fitted right.
- “Faster. Further. Comfier.” Maximise your speed, comfort and efficiency.
- Correct adjustment of saddle, handlebars and pedal cleats.
- Full verification using turbo trainer and video.
- Takes account of your individual riding style and fitness.
- Full report with measurements for future bike fits.
- Before and after pictures and videos showing improvement.
£100 (guide price plus any parts)
Each human body is unique, including yours. To go faster, further and be comfier, your machine must be carefully adjusted to the dimensions, angles, flexibility and riding style that are uniquely you. This allows you to work safely to your upmost efficiency without stressing your joints and causing problems.
A bike fit should start with the shoe fit. This involves aligning the position of the feet on the pedals by setting up the cleats correctly. This means you get optimum transfer of power to the pedals and avoids any twisting in the ankle, knee and hip joints, which can lead to pain. Some fitters also check whether you would benefit from custom footbeds or orthotics which they often supply.
Next, making the bike fit you is a systematic process of finding the position that is the most comfortable, efficient and powerful for your body. This position is unique to you and is usually done by measuring certain body angles and looking at how your body moves while you are on the bike fixed on a turbo trainer.
Your bike will then be adjusted to fit you. Your saddle needs to be the right height, set-back and angle. Your handlebars need to be the correct width for you. The height, reach and drop of your bars are then set so that it’s comfortable for you when you’re riding on the hoods as well as the drops. Sometimes you will need new handlebars or a new stem fitting.
Some fitters use video and cameras to confirm the correct adjustment of the bike for ultimate efficiency as well as comfort. You should get a full report with all your measurements, plus pictures & videos of you before and after your bike fit.
Expect a 3 hours session at the Bike Fitters workshop. The cost should include a full report, including any pictures and videos taken during the fitting. You should expect to pay around £150 for the 3-hour session.
Articles to come in the future.
“I went out on my bike this morning and what a difference, really. I could feel that I was in a better position as soon as I set off and felt good on the journey. At the moment the saddle feels much better, but I will only know following a longer ride. So thank you for making the difference! I also wanted to say how pleased I was that we came to your bike fit experience, it was surch a surprise for me to see what was involved and realise the positive benefits. I will probably now purchase some cycling shoes and fit the cages back on the pedals. Here's to more cycling!”
Hilary S.
- Take the worry out of getting a good bike.
- Receive expert advice on which bikes are best for you.
- Avoid getting an ill-fitting bike.
- Avoid unnecessary injury or pain.
£100 (guide price)
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just started, buying a new bike can seem daunting. What makes and model is best for you and within your budget? Critically, how do you make sure you get the right size? If you want to make sure you get the right size, make and model for yourself with no worry then you are looking for a Chooser package.
In this session, you either bring along your existing bike or you can be measured against one of theirs. The bikefitter should go through with you what you do and don’t like about your current bike and what you’re looking for in your new one. They can then guide you through what’s out there and help you draw up a shortlist of ideal bikes to choose from. You should also get advice on trusted local bike shops and recommended online retailers to use. You then go shopping with confidence!
Finally, once you’ve got your new bike, you will need a full Bike Fit to set it up properly for you, including any required component changes.
Expect a 1-2 hour session at the Bike Fitters workshop. The cost should include a full report and, if they are independent, a list of recommended bikes and shops and on-line suppliers.
Articles to come in the future.
“Thank you for your time on Saturday. Your comments on pedalling was informative and I tried to apply on the Sunday ride. And I noticed a difference on hill climbs! It would be good to have another Saturday session to look at this in more detail.”
Marc H.
- Keep your bike fitted correctly to your body.
- Check for maladjustment.
- Avoid injury or pain.
£50 (guide price plus any parts)
Once you’ve had a BikeFit, it’s important that you get it checked every now and then. This is because your position and flexibility changes over time and the set-up that fitted you perfectly back then might not be so comfortable or efficient now.
In this session, the Bike Fitter will go over every aspect of your BikeFit and adjust anything that is needed: saddle height and position; handlebar drop and reach. Plus you’ve probably changed your cleats or shoes, so these should be checked for correct alignment as well.
Expect a price of around £50 for a 1-hour session at the Bike Fitters workshop.
Learning Hub articles to come in the future.
“Hi Rachel - The bike is certainly more comfortable and faster. I recorded a PB on Pedley hill. Looking forward to seeing the videos. Thanks again.”
Andrew K.
- Unlock your maximum power.
- Become more efficient.
- Maintain your body in the optimum position.
- Get faster, go further, be comfier.
£150 (guide price for 3 1-hour sessions)
Once your bike has been fitted and adjusted to your body, the next step is to learn how best to work with your bike. So why not use the same methods used by modern professional cyclists to unleash your potential and be the very best rider you can be?
Typically, over one or more one-to-one sessions, you will be taught how to use your core muscles of your abdomen and improve your shoulder girdle strength. This makes you stronger, more stable and able to push harder on the pedals. You will also learn how to pedal more efficiently, with more of your energy going into the pedals. This means less energy being wasted through poor biomechanics and inefficient pedalling technique.
Your improved posture and core functionality will also help you avoid common back aches and pains. This means you can ride faster and further in comfort.
Expect a several session at the Bike Fitters workshop at about £50 per hour.
Learning Hub articles yet to come.
“Many thanks and by the way, my bike is fab and totally different to ride!”
Victoria A.
“I went out on my bike this morning and what a difference, really. I could feel that I was in a better position as soon as I set off and felt good on the journey.”
Hilary S.
“Thanks very much for all your help. I thought the bike fit was great and the bike certainly feels like it fits! Average 17mph, I think thats a PB for me, so a good start.”
Guy L.
“I had a great ride yesterday through South Beds. Did 80 miles, with no pain in my knees at all, so we must have got something right!!”
Peter M.
Brian
Pedalworks
Dunstable, UK
Pedalworks
5-7 West Street
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
UK
LU6 1SL
01777 888888
Royce Murphy
Velocity Sports Cycling
Bracknell, UK
Velocity Sports Cycling
3 Lawrence Grove
Binfield
Bracknell RG42 4BL
07785 386080
CycleFit
London, UK
CycleFit
The Fire Station
14 West Central Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1A 1JH
