5 Staples of a Good Bike Fit - Part 4 by FlexionBikFit

You are more than a mere stick figure

There are two types of bike fits, neutral and accommodative. This means you can be fit to normative ranges of joint angles but these are the only guiding parameters in a neutral bike fit. On the other hand, you can accommodate bike fit. Here, one limiting parameter is worked on at the minor expense of another parameter. I do advocate that key body angles are important, but I don’t personally spend a disproportionate amount of time using a goniometer or digital motion capturing to measure angles. We have three hours together and there is a lot to get done.

Dr. Andy Pruitt, a forefather in the bike fitting world, said ‘the bike should look like the rider’. This means that the saddle position, bar or elbow pad stack and reach, and the foot/pedal interface all need to match the structural and neurological strengths and limitations of the rider. All cyclists are asymmetrical in structure and function, so a 360-degree approach to analysis and adjustments are required. Technology is not always needed for this, as not everything that can be measured matters and not everything that matters can be measured. What I mean is, I need to ensure your pelvis is supported with your saddle, and leg length discrepancies are addressed and your muscles fire at the proper sequences symmetrically. For more information and some great case studies, see my website at www.flexionbikefit.com/casestudies a stable pelvis is critical for long-term success and healthy riding.  

If you are looking to increase your comfort, confirm your current position or make marginal gains, visit yegbikefit.com and book a session at the studio. I offer sizing sessions for new bike purchases, triathlon bike fits and smaller services of saddles sessions of foot/pedal interface sessions.