Image Source: Wadsworth, David J S, and Patrick Weinrauch. “THE ROLE of a BIKE FIT in CYCLISTS with HIP PAIN. A CLINICAL COMMENTARY.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 14,3 (2019): 468-486.
According to a 2018 study from Ghent University in Belgium:
“During bike fitting sessions, the optimal cyclist’ position is determined. Finding this optimal cycling position is often a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, i.e., a standard bike fitting procedure takes at least two hours when done by an expert bike fitter.”
Bike-Fitting Expertise
Any competent Professional Bike-Fitter has advanced university degrees, certifications, along with experience and education in kinesiology, human anatomy, exercise science, bicycle geometry, and cycling science.
Understanding people’s flexibility limitations and the ability to solve issues related to pain and discomfort, while simultaneously adjusting for performance improvements takes expertise in medical disciplines as well and biomechanics and sports sciences.
Just like any profession that combines rigorous academic studies with specialized skills, a pro bike fitter is a paid professional whose pay is commensurate with their unique skills. If not, then this should be cause for pause as you should question their qualifications and expertise.
Cost of Equipment
Bike Fit with Grenville Cycling Center Jim Cunningham (Image Source: Glory Cycles via Flickr)
While a static bike-fitting doesn’t use costly equipment, a 3D motion analysis or dynamic fitting uses the latest computational technology that costs around $20,000 (USD) just for the initial setup. Office space, licensing fees, continued training, and the fact that it’s a 1-on-1 service, means that a “cheap” bike-fitting starts at around $200.
Retul Fit at Greenville Cycling Center (Image Source: Glory Cycles via Flickr)
3D vs Static Bike-Fit
Studies of saddle height on performance started in the 1930s, and in 1968, the Italian Olympic Committee published the first BikeFit manual, simply known as CONI. These were all static adjustments, which means the cyclist was stationary while measurements and adjustments to the bike were being made.
The 3 contact areas addressed in a bikefit in order. (Image Source: Silberman et al.)
In the last decade, 3D camera systems have become the standard for elite cyclists and their bike fitters, mechanics, and coaches. These high-speed 3D cameras allow adjustments while the cyclist is riding. This shows in real-time how slight adjustments to the bike affect the rider and provides real-time cycling data and pedal efficiency.
Is a 3D motion bike-fit better?
Sitting on the saddle, moving the pedals, and holding the handlebars hasn’t changed in over 100 years. While 3D bike fittings provide more data, understanding what to do with that data takes an expert with years of experience.
For the average cyclist who has never had a bike fit, a static fitting is more than adequate. Even for advanced riders, competent professional bike-fitters will optimize your riding position, regardless if its static or dynamic.
Depending on the services offered, 3D motion bike fittings can cost over $1,000. For elite cyclists this is standard protocol just to keep pace with the competition. For those that are serious rider, your budget will likely determine which services are best for you.
Why get a bike fit?
Do you experience pain in your butt, hands, back, neck, or feet??
Increase your level of comfort and reduce overuse injuries
Do you want to ride faster??
Improve power output pedal efficiency
Cornering and overall bike handling need improvement?
Optimize riding position, which will properly balance your weight on the bike, improving turning and performance
Don’t understand how your bike settings affect your body, riding style, comfort, or performance?
Image Source: Scoz RD, Amorim CF, Espindola T, et al. Discomfort, pain and fatigue levels of 160 cyclists after a kinematic bike-fitting method: an experimental study BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2021;7:e001096. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001096
Final Thoughts
Having the latest and greatest bike doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to have it set up to take full advantage. A proper bike fit from an expert allows you to find your optimal position, whether that be to go faster, further, or to just have more fun while being comfortable.
Just keep in mind that with most things in life, you get what you pay for. A free bikefit from the kid at your local bike shop who doesn’t know the difference between your ischial tuberosities, greater trochanter, and lateral malleolus might do more harm than good.
Interested in a bike fitting but want to save some money??
Jesse is the Director of Pedal Chile and lives in La Patagonia. Jesse has a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Hobbies: Mountain biking, bicycle commuting, reading, snowboarding, researching, and sampling yummy craft beers.
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Sources & References
Braeckevelt, Jarich & Verstockt, Steven & Witvrouw, Erik & Mertens, Pieter. (2018). Data Driven Bike Fitting.
Burt, Phil. Bike Fit : Optimise Your Bike Position for High Performance and Injury Avoidance. London, Bloomsbury, 2014.
Scoz, Robson Dias, et al. “Discomfort, Pain and Fatigue Levels of 160 Cyclists after a Kinematic Bike-Fitting Method: An Experimental Study.” BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, vol. 7, no. 3, 1 Aug. 2021, p. e001096, bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/7/3/e001096.full, 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001096.
Silberman, Marc R, et al. “Road Bicycle Fit.” Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, vol. 15, no. 4, July 2005, pp. 271–276, 10.1097/01.jsm.0000171255.70156.da.
Wadsworth, David J S, and Patrick Weinrauch. “THE ROLE of a BIKE FIT in CYCLISTS with HIP PAIN. A CLINICAL COMMENTARY.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 14,3 (2019): 468-486. doi:10.26603/ijspt20190468