‘A bike fit is the detailed process of evaluating the cyclists physical and performance requirements and abilities, and systematically adjusting the bike to meet the cyclists goals and needs’ (Medicine in Cycling Group).
Bike positions have changed and evolved over the years, as has the technology used for bike fits. In recent years dynamic fit methods have superseded the static fit because it captures a more functional version of the riders position when pedalling.
My approach is to perform an accommodating dynamic individualised dynamic fit.
- Accomodating – Understand how you are made and fit the bike to your biomechanical specifications as opposed to fitting you to ‘generic’ optimal position based on industry data.
- Dynamic – use video analysis to capture the pedalling action and analyse this video by using specialist software.
- Individualised – incorporating your cycling needs and preferences (see pillars)
I appreciate that I am biased towards physiotherapist led bike fitting but I fully believe that there are many significant advantages. As a PhD physiotherapist I have a 20 years academic grounding in human biomechanics and therefore am in a qualified position to modify and adapt individuals position on the bike to optimise comfort and performance.
It must be difficult for a bicycle mechanic to understand the complex interaction of common biomechanical features that commonly occur in combination such as femoral retroversion combined with torsion through the tibia in combination with forefoot varus and how these can be accommodated in the fit.
