Photo courtesy Pasadena Cyclery
Getting a professional bike fit is one of the most commonly skipped steps when buying a new bike, but it is one of the most important. If you want to ride happily and pain-free for many years and miles to come, do yourself a favor and give yourself the gift of a proper bicycle fit.
Everyone’s body is different. Some of us have long legs and short torsos; some women struggle to reach their brake levers due to small hands; some people may pedal a little bit differently than others. Luckily, bicycles are machines with many adjustable parts. In fact, every touch point on the bike can be changed out, altered or moved to fit you.
After getting to know you, your bike fitter will set your bike up on a trainer and have you pedal, so she or he can analyze how you currently ride your bike. Be prepared to work up a sweat; in order for you to really settle into your riding habits, you will need to be on the bike for a while.
It’s easy to be wowed by technology during a bike fit. A fitter may use multiple video cameras; infrared tracking, pressure monitors and other fancy equipment. The fit process itself may seem quasi-magical, but it’s important to take the time to understand it. If you have questions, ask.
If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. If you wonder why a fitter is making a particular change, inquire. You may not love the answer if, for example, the reason you have back pain has more to do with lousy posture and inadequate core strength than anything fit-related. But it should all explainable.
Be prepared for some new equipment. Sometimes a bike fit includes changing parts like a handlebar, stem, or saddle. Be aware how each swap affects your fit. For example, the Gebiomized pressure-mapping system that some fitters use can show hot spots and broadly indicate the best saddle shape for your anatomy and pedaling style.
The Pasadena Cyclery offers bike fitting on a regular basis suitable to your schedule. For more bicycling tips and to find your ideal cycle visit The Pasadena Cyclery at 1670 East Walnut Street. Call (626) 795-2866 or visit http://pasadenacyclery.com/ .
