Bike Fit
Increase comfort, performance & efficiency
Our Philosophy
At bicycle our ethos is that the rider always comes first, we fit people, not bikes!
Commonly, bike fitting results are achieved by adhering to rule of thumb, using the same leg extension figures or motion capture algorithm.
All of our sessions are carried out on our fitting jig. This state of the art piece of equipment measures speed, heart rate, cadence, power and left/right balance as well as being almost infinitely adjustable dynamically (while the rider is pedalling)
We use high definition video analysis software to film you at 60 frames per second (the leading motion capture system operates at 18FPS) from all four planes, left and right as well as the front and rear to compare pre and post fit positions.
We take pressure mapping readings from the saddle and ask you specific targeted questions. This is where we are truly different - gaining a more intimate understanding of your interaction with the bike. This part of our bike fit protocol collates information that a system or motion capture algorithm cannot begin to compete with.
A pressure mapping system can give you an incredible amount of information how pressure is distributed through the saddle but it cannot tell you how a rider is feeling. We have seen riders presenting a near “perfect” pressure mapping result yet the rider is still in pain - technology is nothing without a good brain behind it.
Book A Bike Fit
Full Bike Fit
Multiple Bike Fitters Available
£330
- 2-3 hour session
- Session carried out on a Purely Custom Jig
- 4 Sided Video Analysis
- Gebiomized Saddle Pressure Mapping
- Shoe Fit
- Cleat & Insole Set Up
- Adjustments & Set up of 1 bike*
*Some integrated bicycles will need to be scheduled into our workshop for changes to be made. Addtional charges may apply.
Bike Fit with James
£500
- 2-3 hour session
- Session carried out on a Purely Custom Jig
- 4 Sided Video Analysis
- Gebiomized Saddle Pressure Mapping
- Shoe Fit
- Cleat & Insole Set Up
- Adjustments & Set up of 1 bike*
*Some integrated bicycles will need to be scheduled into our workshop for changes to be made. Addtional charges may apply.
Interview
To best understand where you’ve been, where you are and where you want to be. The interview is the “meet and greet” of the session. Have a coffee or a soft drink on us and we’ll get you settled in. We will discuss your injury history, any discomforts that you are currently experiencing, assess your physical limitations and what your expected outcome of the session is.
Physical Assessment
In order to understand a rider’s limitations on the bike one needs a reasonable understanding of their physiology. We carry out a standing evaluation, assessing the way you stand, your foot posture/stability, spinal posture, differences in muscle bulk and any asymmetries present in the body. Next, a “range of motion” examination is carried out assessing hamstring, quads, glutes and hips. We check for a leg length discrepancy as well as assessing your feet.
Bike Measurements
We will take specific measurements from your bike in order to “mimic” your position on our jig. We then begin the analysis process.
Foot Activation
The single most overlooked and misunderstood part of bike fitting is the foot/shoe/pedal interface. Unfortunately it is also the most important part of your fit. The foot is the foundation of the fit - it’s where all the power goes! Or doesn’t as the case so often is! Your shoes will be checked for correct fit, we will assess cleat location, arch support and wedging both inside and outside of the shoe where needed. We have found using the latest saddle pressure mapping technology that saddle pressure can be reduced by up to 50% by simply administering arch support, getting saddle issues? Go figure!
Positional Interventions
Once your feet have been stabilised we can begin making changes to your position. Saddle height and setback are optimised as well as reach and handlebar drop. We will assess optimum handlebar width, crank length and saddle choice. All of these changes are made using the latest saddle pressure mapping and video analysis software, drawing footage from four cameras - front, back, left and right in order to achieve a true 360 degree understanding of your position.
Bike Set Up
The final part of the session is to transfer the findings from the jig on to your bike. If you are considering a new bike then we can make recommendations based on the findings. Rest assured, we remain brand agnostic and happily fit any brand or style of bike. If you are still having issues following a bike fit with us, we will treat you for free until those problems are corrected - This is only available provided that the optimum position can be replicated and all necessary changes are made.
Bike Fit FAQ’s
-
From £330.
Availability and pricing can be viewed here.
-
James is the buisness owner and is the fitter with the most experience, therefore the pricing reflects this.
All our fitters work to the same process and your results from a session with any one of our fitters will be equal.
-
No.
We believe nothing related to bike fit should be looked at in isolation, as focusing on one particular area e.g. the saddle, will have an effect elsewhere. Your bike set up should only be looked at as a whole.
-
3 hours.
We allocate 3 hours for a Bike Fit session. We sometimes achieve the desired result in less time than this, occasionally we may run over when multiple changes are made to more complex bikes.
-
Cycling kit (this must include lycra shorts and a close fitting base layer or summer road jersey)
Existing shoes (if you do not already have cycling shoes please wait until your bike fit, as we will assess your feet and recommend you the most suitable pair of cycling shoes).
Spare cycling kit if you plan to cycle here (shorts, socks, jersey)
Your existing bicycle (if the fit is for a new bike not yet purchased we still recommend bringing your existing bike)
-
No.
If you do not currently own a bike, or are looking for a different style of bike it would be best to wait until after your bike fit to make an informed purchase.
The bike fit session will be carried out on our bike fitting jig and therefore finding your optimal position first and then basing your purchase on the most suitable bike and model to match these numbers would be our recommended process.
-
A new bike consultation requires you to have existing bike fit data for us to recommend from. The bike fit data can be either from us or elsewhere.
If you do not have existing bike fit data to work from then our full bike fit would be required first.
After your bike fit session if you would like to discuss suitable bike options in even more detail or start a custom build project, a new bike consultation can then be booked.
-
Different styles require different fits, however bikes that share the same handlebars may only require a subsequent follow up session.
For Example:
Road bike + TT bike = 2 bike fits
Road Bike + MTB = 2 Bike fit
Road bike + Gravel bike = 1 bike fit and a follow up session.
The follow up session can be booked for the same day (availability allowing) as your full bike fit session or at a suitable later date.
If you have 2 bikes of the same discipline (Road +Road) then just our bike set to fit data service is needed to be booked for after your bike fit session.
For those of you traveling from far, only a morning bike fit time slot will allow for a bike set to fit data to be booked for after your session.
-
Yes.
Typically enough time is allocated at the end of the session to make minor adjustments to your bike.
If your bike requires proprietary/3rd party parts that we do not stock and that need to be purchased directly from the manufacturer, or on more complex bikes a suitable workshop booking may need to be made where the bike will need to be left with us.
Only 1 bike can be adjusted during the session. For additional bikes a bike set to fit data service is required.
-
Yes.
You will recieve our full bike fit report via email after your session.
This will include your exisiting bike measurements (if you have an existing bike) and the numbers for your optimal set up.
This report can be used for setting up other bikes you may have - either by yourself or through our bike set to fit data service.
The report can be sent across to bike rental/holiday companies for them to best set up a bike based on your optimal numbers.
All the numbers needed for a frame builder to design a custom made to measure frame.
Any bike recomendations size/model/brands, necessary equipment changes discussed during the session will also be inlcuded.
-
Yes.
Your feet will be measured and assessed as part of the bike fit and therefore a seperate shoe fit is not required.
The only scenario you may wish for a seperate shoe fit before your bike fit session is if you desire a heat moldable shoe e.g. CX403 as fitting these correctly can take a reasonable amount of time.
Obviously heat moldable shoes will only be reccomended for the appropriate foot types.
-
Prior to 14 days before the service – you are welcome to cancel your appointment and receive a full refund of the booking fee.
Between 7 to 14 days prior – your appointment may be rescheduled to any date available, but no refunds will be issued.
Within 7 days of your booking – your full deposit will be retained by Bicycle.
-
We will allow the appointment to be rescheduled a maximum of 2 times outside 14 days before a final date must be selected.
Should the appointment be rescheduled within 7 to 14 days prior to your appointment we will allow for 1 change of date, the newly selected date will no longer qualify for a full refund and must go ahead.
-
A full overview of nearby parking options can be viewed here
-
No.
Without being able to have you in the fit studio to observe your limitations through physical examination and also seeing you on the bike, any form of virtual consultation is unlikely to be as beneficial and therefore we do not offer a “virtual” bike fit service.
-
No.
If you are unable to visit us for a fitting then unfortunately we do not give out any recommendations for other fitters, this is due to the fact we can not guarantee the experience or quality you will receive and would not want you to be misled by our recommendation. Our best advice is to speak to local clubs to see if riders there have had any good experiences, and check google reviews for fitters around your area to see what the reviews say.
-
We would suggest caution with this approach but it would be down to the clients discretion. If you are uncomfortable on the bike then it is probably worth it as many riders will benefit with the adjustments and have no issues, but in rare circumstances riders that are sensitive to change may have issues adapting to changes regardless if they are for the better. If you have been riding a position (good or bad) for a number of years you may take some time to adjust to change. Should any problems occur we will work with you to help resolve the issue but would not assume responsibility for missed events or time off the bike.
Bike Fitters
Andy Fenn
Book a Bike Fit with Andy
Claire Buttivant
Book a Bike Fit with Claire
Dan Coombes
Book a Bike Fit with Dan
Denver Collins
Book a Bike Fit with Denver
James Thomas
Book a Bike Fit with James