Bicycles come in various different sizes, geometry and components. Bike manufacturers use adjustable components so that a rider can be properly accustomed to a bike. With the help of trained bike fitters who know the adjustments that are needed to be made to the components so that a rider is comfortable with the bike.
The benefits of bike fit can be best experienced by;
• Improved performance:
Your bike is set so that you get maximum performance. When your body is set in a position that you get proper muscle engagement and proper muscle recruitment. It will allow the rider to use multiple muscle groups in most effective and efficient manner, produce better power that enhances your endurance capabilities and perform to your optimum level.
• Improved comfort:
A professional bike fit makes sure that your legs are in the proper position while you are riding and get maximum comfort. Your leg is set in a bio-mechanically neutral position which minimizes the load on your muscles and joints.
• Better selection of equipment:
Many people buy bicycles based on brand names. But there are chances that top brands produce products that doesn’t fit you well. This is the case of most beginner riders. This can result in the purchase of an expensive and very compromised bike which you will not like to ride on. Proper bike fitting can find you good components that suit your riding. This can save you a lot of money.
• Reduce fatigue:
Many riders experience numbness on their foot, hands, genitals etc. This is due to the lack of proper bike fit. A proper bike fit can reduce fatigue, numbness, injuries and helps you recover faster. In a bike fitting session, lot of adjustments are done. Both to the bike and also your riding posture. Some basic adjustments done while doing a basic bike fit are:
• Saddle level:
Depending on the rides you do and the physical problems you have whilst riding, the saddle level is adjusted accordingly.
The benefits of bike fit can be best experienced by;
- Beginners
- People who can’t get comfortable with their present bike setup.
- Competitive cyclists.
• Improved performance:
Your bike is set so that you get maximum performance. When your body is set in a position that you get proper muscle engagement and proper muscle recruitment. It will allow the rider to use multiple muscle groups in most effective and efficient manner, produce better power that enhances your endurance capabilities and perform to your optimum level.
• Improved comfort:
A professional bike fit makes sure that your legs are in the proper position while you are riding and get maximum comfort. Your leg is set in a bio-mechanically neutral position which minimizes the load on your muscles and joints.
• Better selection of equipment:
Many people buy bicycles based on brand names. But there are chances that top brands produce products that doesn’t fit you well. This is the case of most beginner riders. This can result in the purchase of an expensive and very compromised bike which you will not like to ride on. Proper bike fitting can find you good components that suit your riding. This can save you a lot of money.
• Reduce fatigue:
Many riders experience numbness on their foot, hands, genitals etc. This is due to the lack of proper bike fit. A proper bike fit can reduce fatigue, numbness, injuries and helps you recover faster. In a bike fitting session, lot of adjustments are done. Both to the bike and also your riding posture. Some basic adjustments done while doing a basic bike fit are:
• Saddle level:
Depending on the rides you do and the physical problems you have whilst riding, the saddle level is adjusted accordingly.
 |
| Saddle needs to be at level to avoid knee pain or back pain. (Pic courtesy: https://www.canyon.com/en/service/supportcenter/article.html?supportcenter_articles_id=148 ) |
• Saddle height:
Improper saddle height can cause pain all over your body. It is really important that you have a proper saddle height whilst riding for efficient transfer of power to the pedals.
Improper saddle height can cause pain all over your body. It is really important that you have a proper saddle height whilst riding for efficient transfer of power to the pedals.
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| Adjust Saddle height to ensure adequate stretch without allowing the Knees to lock |
• Handlebar reach:
This adjustment is made to give you better breathing and power. If you want to be aerodynamic, you get down on the drop bar.
• Ride position:
Your ride position is corrected so that you get to ride different terrains more efficiently. Mainly your back should be straight, relaxed shoulders and a slightly bent elbow.
• Setting clip-less pedal cleats:
If you are using clip-less pedals, an improper setting will give you pain on your foot. A proper orientation of clip-less pedal cleats is necessary for an injury-free ride.
• Stem length:
The length of the stem that comes custom on your bike may not suit everyone, improper stem length can cause severe back pain. So the stem length is determined that suits your body posture.
This adjustment is made to give you better breathing and power. If you want to be aerodynamic, you get down on the drop bar.
• Ride position:
Your ride position is corrected so that you get to ride different terrains more efficiently. Mainly your back should be straight, relaxed shoulders and a slightly bent elbow.
• Setting clip-less pedal cleats:
If you are using clip-less pedals, an improper setting will give you pain on your foot. A proper orientation of clip-less pedal cleats is necessary for an injury-free ride.
• Stem length:
The length of the stem that comes custom on your bike may not suit everyone, improper stem length can cause severe back pain. So the stem length is determined that suits your body posture.
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| Dr. Kristophe de Timze (M.I.T) comes up with easy thumb-rules for Bike fit (Photo courtesy: http://cyclingtips.com.au/2010/04/science-of-bike-fitting/ ) |
Given above are some of the adjustments done while doing a bike fit. Every one needs a proper bike fit. Today, there are a lot of professional bike fitters. Fitting can be great and give a jumping off point to your riding. But make sure that you go to the right person to do the fit so that your money is well spent for the long run.
Ride responsibly.
Ride responsibly.
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