Step 1

Before we begin the actual fitting, our practitioners conduct a thorough interview. We need to know about your cycling goals, plus all previous injuries and current medical or orthopedic issues.

Step 2

We perform a set of flexibility and bi-lateral symmetry tests. Some of the analysis points we look for are; Leg length discrepancy, hip placement, muscular balance and nerve impingements. Each of the points we check can have a dramatic effect on your final fitting results.

Step 3

Measure once, measure twice. It is critical to take careful body and limb measurements. Often a fitting client may be tense and drawn up. We teach them to relax so that we can get accurate lengths of all of the bones and spine. This is important when sizing for a new bike to be purchased later. We use the European method for bike sizing, most often used by professional teams. Only after we have accurate measurements for the spine, legs and arm lengths, is it possible to determine the size of a new bike by the effective top tube length. We arrive at a combined number for the top tube and handlebar stem that works for all frame brands and geometries.

Step 4

If you need in-shoe orthotics, Bike Medicine dispenses Vasyli Medical, some of the best in the entire industry. Plus, Bike Medicine keeps a library of try out saddles for our clients. We believe in allowing you to try and thoroughly test a saddle before making a purchase. That way you will be sure of what you are getting. Often it will take a week or two to arrive at a saddle decision.

Step 5

Most bike fittings begin on the stationary trainer. Initial saddle height, bar height, saddle setback, saddle angle, cleat position, shifter position and bar rotation is set up. We laser align the knees from the side and head on for optimum position. Next, we use a video motion capture system that is highly useful in illustrating and documenting biomechanical and form problems. For certain performance oriented clients, we use a watt power measurement system to fine tune subtle positioning.

Correct, unrestricted breathing is mandatory for best performance on the bike. With any position change, we check for any form of restriction and look to optimize the flow of respiration. Since cycling is a dynamic activity, we carefully check the range of vision and how it is affected by various handlebar heights. This allows us to obtain an optimal positioning without compromising safety. Too low of an upper body position often does not allow a rider to comfortably look far enough ahead.

Keeping the airway open and unrestricted is a prime consideration. So is the diaphragm usage and intercostal expansion. Any form of breathing restriction is a performance penalty. Having a correct bike fitting can be a tremendous boost for your cycling performance, through increased comfort and the ability to produce greater speed, power delivery and freedom from injury.

All too often, people are fitted to a preconceived image, not for their best actual performance and long term comfort.

Step 6

The bike fitting professionals at Bike Medicine believe that the best way to assure our work has been performed correctly is to take the client on an analysis ride, preferably 20 miles or more. In our experience, this is an absolutely essential step that is the actual proving ground to determining the effectiveness of the entire fitting procedure. That gives us the opportunity to observe the rider carefully under a variety of conditions and maneuvers. We use the road ride to fine tune our settings and make other corrections. Expect a number of adjustment stops on the ride. In our experience, the rider’s body moves and reacts differently on the road with its varying conditions than it does on a stationary trainer.

Step 7

After the fitting session, we want our clients to return to Bike Medicine after about 2 weeks, or about 250 miles. We then assess any difficulties and make the necessary adjustments for fine tuning. Then, after another 2 weeks, our clients are welcome to return again if any other issues arise. It is all included in the original fitting cost. Our concerns at that point are performance increase, maximized respiration, better bike control and handling, increased comfort, and lastly greater confidence.

Step 8

Detailed Fitting Report for your records to set up another bike in the future. After the entire fitting process is completed, we give you all of your setup data. This is how we work with the pro teams. This data will empower you to set up another bike perfectly in the future, anywhere. If you decide to buy a new bike in the future, you will be able to make a confident and informed choice. We like making our clients self-sufficient.