Custom Bike Parts

What Is A Custom Bike Fitting?

What is a custom bike fit and why is it so important? Or is it important at all? Should the average, novice cyclist be concerned with a custom fit or is that something best left to professional cyclists? Perhaps more importantly, why should anyone spend hundreds of dollars to have one? After all, can't custom fitting be accomplished by any individual with the guidance and advice from the wealth of information available on the internet and in any number of books and publications? These are valid questions that deserve an honest, informed answer.

The days of swinging a leg over the top-tube of a cool-looking, drop-bar, road bike and giving a lift on the saddle and stem in order to ascertain a bike's "fit" should be a thing of the past. But, unfortunately, this is not the case. There are many things to take into consideration when "fitting" a road bike. I'm limiting this to road bikes as the typical mountain bike is available in such a limited number of sizes that sizing is typically a bit more straight forward. Most road bikes are available in a wide range of sizes that will typically vary in two or three centimeter increments from one size to the next. Many people can conceivably be "fit" on a number of different frame sizes, sometimes even from the same manufacturer. Making matters even more confusing is that there is no industry standard for how frames are sized.

Does this sound confusing? It is. That is one reason why there are so many road bike riders out there who suffer needlessly. Sometimes the suffering is only in terms of performance, but too often it is in the form of pain. Very real, and sometimes debilitating pain. Pain in the feet, knees, back, shoulders, neck and hands should not be an issue for those wishing to really enjoy the benefits of cycling.

A comprehensive, custom bike fit should allow the individual to feel confident that 1.) their position on the bike is not hindering their performance in any way, and that 2.) their position allows them the maximum amount of comfort, for the maximum amount of time. This can best be accomplished with a comprehensive, custom fit session that will typically include a basic physical assessment and a rider interview where riding background and goals are ascertained. A careful assessment of a rider's current riding position is then determined as the basis for the changes to be made. A custom fit is going to encompass the three main "areas of contact" with regards to riding a bike; the feet, the seat and the hands. In that order! This is an important point as many people are often tempted to start with the hands by making mis-informed adjustments to handlebars and stems. Careful, incremental adjusting of things such as cleat position on the cycling shoe, saddle height, and fore/aft positioning, and stem reach are just a few of the fit components that will be addressed in any competent, custom bike fitting. An important aspect of a custom bike fit is how it will change and evolve over time. Factors such as rider weight gain/loss, conditioning level, equipment changes, are just a few examples that can have a dramatic effect on fit.

The individual need only search "bike fit" on the internet in order to begin feeling bewildered by the sheer volume and variety of information out there regarding fitting and sizing bikes. As if the process of choosing a bike wasn't daunting enough for most people, the whole idea of really "fitting" a bike seems almost an afterthought. In reality, bike fit, and more to the point, how different manufacturer's bikes of the same "size" can fit very differently is crucial to getting a great fit on a bike. The difference between a "good" fit and a "great", custom fit can make a person's bike that they've been riding for years seem like a whole new machine. No amount of fitting expertise, however, is going to allow an improperly sized bike to be a "great fit". At this point, I'm sure it's obvious where I stand...or sit, with regards to custom bike fitting. Individuals can, with careful planning, the help of a good friend, and a willingness to experiment, get a fairly good fit, but not likely a truly "great" fit on their own.

A great riding experience will start with a "great" fit. If you're in the market for a new bike, seek out those bike shops that offer fitting services. Find out how the fittings in the shop are performed. Any reputable bike fitter is not going to be offended to fit you on a bike that you purchased at a different shop. If you're in the market for a new bike, ask what is and isn't included in the purchase price, as custom fitting can run into the hundreds of dollars. Some retailers are able to offer this service with the purchase of new bikes, while others do not, or can not. It is surprising how many bicycle retailers, both large and small, offer little or no "real" custom fit services at all.

Don't be afraid to ask your local shop what type of fitting services they offer. Is it a lifetime fitting, or are follow-up visits charged at a separate rate? Is any credit given toward the purchase of any part or parts that the fitter might suggest be replaced with a more appropriate size (i.e. saddle, stem, handlebar)? Go see the fitting area for yourself. Does it have bike fit specific tools; i.e. inseam measurement device, a Brannock device, a goneometer, a Fitmaster, levels (laser or otherwise)? Is it a separate and distinct part of the shop? In addition, I would caution the individual to be wary of any fit service that relies too heavily on a computer based system. Especially those that make bike brand recommendations.

Cannondale, Trek, Scott, and Specialized are just a few of the bigger bike brands that manufacture a wide range of road bikes. More importantly these companies offer bikes that are not only riding type specific (i.e. racing, touring, etc), but are also gender specific. Many women are comfortable on standard (men's) road bike frame geometries, many are not. Details such as shorter top tubes, shorter reach shift levers and women specific saddles, are a few of the key items that can make a significant difference in rider fit and comfort. As you explore your professional bike fit options, be sure to assess whether you're happy with what you currently ride, or whether it's time to invest your fit dollars in a new bike. Keep in mind that trying to "make" an ill sized bike fit is a losing proposition.

Paying a trained professional to custom tune your position on a properly sized bike is perhaps the best monetary investment any cyclist can make.Take the time to evaluate and explore your custom bike fit options and invest your dollars with confidence. Trust that your local fit professional is going to have your best interests in mind, and will take the time to address your particular fit needs.