What is different about
my bike fit?
1) I am a Physical Therapist and a licensed cycling coach –
that allows me to assess YOU and YOUR BODY: flexibility, strength,
coordination, and past/current medical history. Bike shops know
bikes--not bodies-- and they do not have the time or the background
to find out much about your personal needs.
2) My bike fits are oriented towards your goals, whether those be
to increase comfort, to improve handling, to maximize efficiency,
or simply to get rid of or prevent aches and pains.
3) I use a Computrainer (stationary trainer hooked to your bike
and to a computer). which allows me to assess:
• If one leg is working more than another
• If you are pedaling smoothly: pulling and pushing –
using your hamstrings and quads
• The effects of change in position on your efficiency, which
is measurable by heart rate, and pedal mechanics (that is, if a
change in fit makes you work harder at the same speed, that is not
a good thing)
4) I assess the distribution of weight between front and rear tire,
which is one of the most important factors in a bike’s handling
5) I take time with you! My bike fits average 1-2 hours as needed
to fine tune what your needs are.
6) I make recommendations for exercise that will help you improve
your weaknesses in flexibility, strength, and/or pedaling mechanics
In short, I collect a great deal of information on you, and I fit
the bike to you and your needs. Most shops follow the general guidelines
for bike fit that are appropriate for racers and that have become
the blanket standard for everybody, regardless of whether or not
they race.
The following is an example that illustrates the advantages of having
a trained professional fit your bike TO YOU.
The standard tilt on a saddle is one that is horizontal and that
is great for most people. However, research out of Israel suggests
that if you have lumbar disc problems, a 10 degree downward tilt
(providing there are no neck issues) will relieve some of the pressure
on your back and sciatica. On the other hand, if you have some degeneration
of your back (stenosis), if you want to increase your power, or
if you have some discomfort in your hands while riding, then tilting
the seat downward like this is a very inappropriate thing to do
and will almost assuredly worsen your symptoms and/or performance
on the bike.
So, is a bike shop going to know these things? Are they going to
look at the pedal changes with the change in position…. More
than likely, the answer is no. These are just some of the many advantages
of having a custom fit by a trained professional.
Read
what some of my clients have to say >
