A professional bike fitting can help to prevent overuse injuries, improve cycling performance and enhance overall comfort.
The best money that can be spent to enhance bicycle performance is to get a professional bike fit. A cyclist can spend lots of money upgrading the components on a bike without actually improving the bike’s performance. The cyclist may look flashy, riding a tricked out bike, but if the bicycle doesn’t fit properly, the cyclist will be uncomfortable when riding more than a couple of miles.
Professional Fit for All Bikes
A professional bike fit can be done on any type of bike, whether it is a mountain bike, road bike, time trial bike, or other type of bicycle. Professional bike fitting sessions typically last between 1 and 2 ½ hours, with prices ranging anywhere from $75 to $150.
Types of Professional Bike Fitting
Bike shops offer different methods to professionally fit their customer’s bikes. Check around with a few local bike stores and ask which method they use. Serotta Personal Fit System and Fit Kit Systems are two methods of bike fitting which bike shops may offer to their customers.
Measuring the Cyclist
The bike shop pro will take measurements of the cyclist’s body during the bike fitting session. The cyclist will also be asked questions about their age, height, weight and typical workout routine. The bike fitter will also want to know what the cyclist hopes to gain from having their bike professionally fit. For example, an amateur racer may bring their time trial bike in for a fitting in the hopes to become a more efficient rider, and get setup in a more aggressive position on the bike, ultimately helping them become a faster rider.
Computer Aided Bike Fitting
Certain methods of professional bike fittings, such as the Wobble-Naught Laser Precision Bike Fit, use a software program to analyze the cyclist’s data. The bike fitter will enter all the cyclist’s measurements, and other information that was collected during the bike fitting session, into a computer. The software will calculate recommendations on how to setup the bike based upon the cyclist’s data.
Bike Fit Recommendations
The bike fitter will then printout the computer’s recommendations and use the printout to adjust the cyclist’s bike. Adjustments may include raising or lowering the seat, moving the seat forward or backwards and lowering or raising the handlebars. Certain equipment upgrades may be necessary, such as switching to a shorter stem, at an additional cost to the cyclist. A comprehensive bike fitting session will also look at the cyclist’s cleat placement, on the bottom of their biking shoes, and make any necessary adjustments.
In Conclusion
Check around with a few local bike stores and ask about their bike fitting procedures and what they charge for a professional bike fitting session. Cyclist’s of all ages and abilities can benefit from a professional bike fit.
