What is road bike fitting, and why do you need one?

Whether you’re looking for ways to go faster or reduce injury, getting a bike fit is a great way to take your cycling experience to the next level.

A professional bike fit goes beyond simply making sure that you’re riding the right frame size; it takes into account all your measurements, your current bike setup and makes sure that you are in the best position for performance, efficiency and injury prevention.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bike fits, including what they are, what to expect from a bike fit, why you should consider getting one, and how you can go about the process.

What is a road bike fitting?

A bike fitting is a service in which you’ll spend an hour or two with a professional bike fitter, going over your cycling history, any goals you may have and your anatomy.

Then, they’ll take a look at your current position on your bike and your pedal stroke, often using tools such as video capture, analysis software and other measurement tools.

Finally, a bike fitter will make adjustments to your bike and current positioning to ensure that your bike better fits your current riding style and cycling goals.

They will also take into account comfort and injury prevention. The changes that your bike fitter will make may be small adjustments or may involve replacing parts, depending on your bike and position.

What to expect from a bike fit

When you show up for your road bike fitting, what should you expect from the experience? We’ll cover what you should bring to a bike fit appointment a little later, but for now, here’s the basics of how your bike fit will go:

First, most bike fitters spend some time discussing your cycling history and goals with you. They’ll cover how you currently ride your bike (whether you’re more focused on endurance riding or racing, for example), your long-term aims and if you have any injuries or other circumstances that might impact your riding.
Then, they’ll take some off-bike measurements, such as height and inseam length. Some bike fitters may also analyse your stance and foot arch height off of the bike before having you put on your cycling shoes to check shoe size and cleat position.
Finally, they’ll have you get on your bike and pedal, so that they can assess the current fit of your bike and your pedal stroke. At this point, your bike fitter may make adjustments to your saddle height, angle and position on the rails.

Bear in mind that every bike fitter will have a slightly different process and order in which they do things, so this may not be exactly how your bike fit will go.

They may also recommend swapping components such as your stem, cranks or handlebars.

Many bike fitters will recommend that you ride with your new position for a few weeks before following up with you to check that everything is working properl

What are the benefits of a road bike fitting?

Now that you have a better idea of what getting a road bike fitting entails, what are the benefits that you can get out of having one?

Most road cyclists will benefit from having a professional bike fitting for one reason or another, whether you’re just getting started in the sport or have been riding for years but have never gotten a fitting done.

So, here are the main benefits to getting a professional road bike fitting.

Improved comfort and injury prevention

One of the ways that a bike fitting can benefit even casual road cyclists is by improving the level of comfort and helping to prevent injuries. Small adjustments to your bike can make a big difference to your comfort while riding.

Having a professional look at your current position and make those adjustments for you will save you a lot of trial and error. A bike fitter will also be able to recommend any necessary component changes that can put you in a more comfortable position.

A bike fitter will also be able to make any adjustments necessary to prevent or manage injuries. Ensuring that you aren’t overextending during your pedal stroke or putting too much pressure on your handlebars can prevent common issues such as knee pain, lower back pain and numbness in your hands.

Enhanced performance

If your main focus in road cycling is speed, then a bike fit can help you to increase your performance by putting you in a position that is both more aerodynamic and will still be comfortable to maintain. A professional bike fitter will help you to achieve this while ensuring that your position is not so extreme as to cause injury.

Increased efficiency

You may not want to win races or be the fastest on your local group rides, but riding in a more efficient position will still make you a better and more resilient cyclist. It will also help to reduce your fatigue on rides.

A bike fitter will make any necessary changes to your current set-up and make sure that you are riding as efficiently as possible.

When to consider getting a bike fit

While most cyclists benefit from getting a professional bike fit, there are several specific reasons that you might consider booking one.

If you feel that your current set-up isn’t working for you, or if you’re experiencing discomfort while you ride, then getting a bike fit can help to alleviate these issues.
Another reason that you may consider getting a bike fit done would be if you have an important event coming up.
Whether you’re participating in a race, taking on an ultra-endurance event or gearing up for a tour, perfecting your set-up before hitting the road will help to keep you comfortable on your ride and potentially prevent any injuries that can occur with an incorrect set-up.
Finally, if you’re recovering from an injury, getting a professional bike fitting is an excellent way to help you get back in the saddle again, while making sure that your riding doesn’t negatively impact your recovery.

Signs your set-up may not be right

So, what are some of the signs that your current set-up isn’t working for you and
that you should look into a bike fit to resolve those issues?

Firstly, if you’re experiencing any discomfort while you ride, particularly from your saddle, then that’s a good indicator that something needs to be changed.
Hand or foot numbness can also mean that your position isn’t quite right and that you may need to make some adjustments.
Finally, any sort of knee or lower back pain is also a sign that a bike fit may be in order.

Why getting a bike fit is important

Getting a bike fit is important for experienced cyclists and beginners alike, because it can catch any issues with your set-up before they get any worse or cause you problems down the road.

A bike fit will also make your riding more comfortable and can improve your efficiency and performance, so you can comfortably beat your opponents at the local races, or simply outride your friends on your weekly group rides.

How to get a bike fit

Now that you know almost everything you need to know about road bike fitting, how can you go about getting one?

The first step is to find a reputable bike fitter that you can trust with your bike and your cycling position. Then, all you’ll need to do is book an appointment, bring the necessities to your bike fit and you’ll be back on your bike and better than ever!

We’ll cover exactly what you need for a bike fit and give you some tips for choosing a bike fitter.

What you need

So, what do you need for a bike fit? Every bike fitter will be different, so be sure to check with your fitter before heading in for your appointment to see if they need you to bring anything specific. In general, however, you’ll need to bring some cycling clothes to change into, your cycling shoes and, of course, your bike.

Tips for choosing a reputable bike fitter

If you’re in or near to London, be sure to check out our professional bike fitting services at the flagship store in Surrey Quays.

Another good place to start is your local cycling community or club, as many experienced cyclists will likely have a bike fitter that they can recommend. Or warn you away from.

A bike fit is a game-changer for any road cyclist. By fine-tuning your position, it enhances comfort, prevents injuries and boosts efficiency, helping you ride faster for longer. Whether you’re tackling big miles, chasing speed, or simply looking to feel more at home on your bike, a professional fitting ensures you get the most out of every ride.