5 Staples of a Good Bike Fit - Part 1 by FlexionBikeFit

A complete bike fitting session includes more than just joint angles, but also reflects upon neuro-mechanical, respiratory, balance, vision input, and bike handling when recommending adjustments and interventions. 

Consider this, the brain has two jobs, to keep you safe and moving. To do this it consumes 25% of your oxygen and glucose sources. On that note, voluntary movement, like pedaling a bike, begins with the Central Nervous System of the brain, which prioritizes: 1) Breathing, 2) Postural Stability, then 3) Movement. Let’s discuss what it feels like to have a bike position that promotes comfort, efficiency, power, and improved aerodynamics with your brain/body/bike relationship in harmony. 

To do this, I want to provide you with five things that make up a good fitting bike and are essential for me and my clients. Beginning with the importance of a good saddle.

You must have a saddle that suits you.

Your legs hang from your pelvis and your upper body extends from it. You were not designed to bare your weight on the soft tissues of the pubic rami, therefore your saddle is the first thing I work on. If left unaddressed, you will posture your body incorrectly to compensate for the pain, and this will affect your breathing. Remember the priorities of the Central Nervous System?

I estimate 80% of riders are on a saddle that doesn’t fit or feel right. What’s your saddle size? Sit bone width is not important to me. I have riders leave the studio happy with saddles that are wider than what they have measure at. Your pelvis is tilted forward on a road bike and even more so in a TT position, so your saddle selection must allow for a slightly anterior tilt. 

Flexion Bike Fit carries over 40 of the best saddles on the market along with two systems to rapidly test saddles, so you can make an informed decision effectively. 

Book your bike fit at yegbikefit.com.