Should I get a professional bike fit?

Ask any new road or tri bike owner “whats the number one recommendation that you hear from people” and it will probably be a resounding “get a bike fit”. However, at a few hundred dollars for one session, is it really necessary?

We listened to the feedback from a number of new and seasoned athletes and a good majority of the population said yes. Many of the responders even provided reasons for its importance such as comfort and reducing the risk of injury. However, there are a few who disagreed. Typically, these responses would have been ignored as outliers, but these individuals were seasoned veterans of the sport… Why would an experienced rider say no to a professional bike fit?

Don’t get a bike fit…
If you are comfortable with your bike and have the experience to make adjustments, a bike fit may not be necessary. Based on responses we reviewed, 8% said they would not get a fitting for their next bike. One responder refused to spend the $300 to have a few micro-adjustments, while another mentioned that he had too many bikes to justify the expense. In any case, their decision to decline the bike fit is justified by their experience and the ability to make the necessary adjustments.

Get a bike fit…
If you are considering getting a professional bike fit, then definitely get a bike fit. A professional bike fit will help you stay comfortable and injury free when riding. You just spent thousands of dollars on a bike… spend the additional money to make sure that you get the most out of it.

Don’t be surprised…
A bike fitter will look at your body and provide professional feedback. Unfortunately, feedback sounds a lot like criticism in many cases. A bike fitter may inform you that your hamstrings are too tight, your knees stick out when you pedal or your core strength needs to improve. If you are a new rider, this is a lot to absorb. If you are a seasoned athlete, its even harder to consider. In any case, take the feedback as constructive criticism for improvement.

I have to buy what…
After getting a new bike, the last thing you want to do is replace a part that is barely used. Unfortunately, a bike fitter will observe from an unbiased perspective and let you know if a saddle is not right or if your handlebars are too narrow. In many cases, they will work with the existing equipment as much as possible, but the orinal components that come with a bike cannot fit everyone.

Do your research…
Bike fitters are a lot like bikes, they come in various sizes and shapes. Some have been proven over time, while others are new to the market. There are numerous bike fitters with extensive track records, while others have been in business for a few months. In addition to experience, bike fitters employ various measuring tools to evaluate your position from different angles. Retul and Guru Fit are just two examples of this specialized equipment. Changes are happening constantly, so do your research to see what seems right for you.

Still not convinced…
Even with the overwhelming push to get bike fits, there are people who will not go. These individuals believe that sufficient information is available to perform their adjustments with the help of their GoPro, while others have that “friend”. If you do decide not to go to a professional, you still have the following options:

• As mentioned above, go to your friend… Find that person with a lot of experience. Athletes who ride extensively typically know what “right” looks like and will be able to provide some feedback
• Use an app… There are some available on the Apple and Android platform if you search for terms such as “bike fit”. Be wary, the app you are using may not have been developed by an experienced professional.
• The community… There are many communities on the internet that are willing to help. Many have guidelines on the information you need to provide to get useful feedback from the community on your bike fit.

Final notes…
A bike fit will not cure everything. A good fit will make you more comfortable, but it will not fix a knee or ankle problem that some people have. It will not cure the soreness you will experience after a long ride. Riding is a journey… enjoy it, including all the aches and pains.