Bike Fit |
Article by John Miller Cyclist InformationHow to Guarantee that "You Fit Your Bike" PerfectlyHave you considered getting the most out of your cycling? A professional bike fit will help you to:
Is that sound like what you need, please consider a session with our bike fit physio.
What is a Bike Fit?
A professional “bike fit” aims to fit YOU PERFECTLY to ... YOUR BIKE!
Most bike shops will be able to size you accurately for a bike based on some simple body measurements. Most bike mechanics then work off guidelines provided by bike manufacturers. However, that doesn’t always guarantee that you actually FIT YOUR BIKE. Unfortunately, bike manufacturers have no idea about YOUR specific anatomy, injury history, muscle control, flexibility, nerve length, bone lengths and riding style. Luckily, your Bike Fit Physiotherapist does! Generally, most bike shops will get your size correct or pretty close. In most cases, the bike fit formula is more accurate for female sizing. Male sizing is more irregular due to your pelvis shape.If you are purchasing a bike frame from the internet, we can help you to order the best size for your body based on your specific anthropometric (body part) measurements. The golden rule is that we can usually build up a bike but it's hard to shrink your bike!
What to Expect with Your Bike FitThe good news is that your professional bike fit is tailored specifically to you and your bike. Cyclists are often surprised how a few subtle changes can make their ride more comfortable, efficient and effective. Now, who doesn’t want that? A professional bike fit will address several components:
We'll also include a detailed bike fit report with an action plan for any recommended bike modifications or exercises you can do. At the end of the day it's about fitting you better to your bike, so you can work together efficiently and comfortably on the road, trail or track. Who Should have a Bike Fit?
Bike Size vs Bike FitMost bike shops are usually very good at quickly measuring a few of your body parts to determine the best bike frame size for you. They’ll then adjust your pedals and seat height to where things should be. This works for most people and you can usually ride happily as a recreational cyclist. However, sometimes they get things wrong for YOU! Your body isn't the same as someone else's. People have short legs, long trunks and dodgy knees and somehow that has to fit your bike as best we can make it. How often do you sit in someone else's car and have to adjust the seat and mirrors?
Right Bike Size - Wrong Body!Unfortunately, even though you may have the right bike size, your body may not always fit it comfortably! For example:
The point is a bike fit is very individual. We're here to help you ride better. How Long Does a Bike Fit Take?Your Bike Fit is totally individualised which does take time. But, we’d rather be too thorough and get things right! We will need you and your bike, for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours - depending on the level of fitting you require. We'll also provide you with a detailed report that we'll send to you after we've further analysed your videos etc. That way we can save you time, by just doing the assessing and measuring during your bike fit consultation.
At PhysioWorks we offer 4 Levels of Bike Fitting:1. Bike SizingThis simply requires a normal physiotherapy consultation where your physiotherapist can accurately measure you and advise you of your bike size and recommended crank length etc. 2. Standard Bike Fit - Fitting You to Your BikeA professional bike fit takes time and accurate analysis. Bike fitting is all about ensuring that YOU fit YOUR BIKE optimally. A Standard Bike Fit is Recommended for:
Note: If you experience pain when you initially start riding your bike you should really have a normal physiotherapy assessment consultation. You may have a significant musculoskeletal problem! Your Standard Bike Fit includes:
What to Bring:
Allow 1.5 hours.Your bike fit physio will prepare a report for you outside of your consultation to save you time at the clinic.
3. Cyclist Musculoskeletal ScreeningThis is where your cycling physiotherapist is the ideal professional to assess you and your ability to comfortably and optimally cycle. Not only do they have an insight into the correct biomechanics of cycling, they can also assess deficiencies and strengths in your body. A Cyclist Musculoskeletal Screening is Recommended for:
Your Cyclist Musculoskeletal Screening includes:
Allow 1.0 hours
4. Full Bike Fit - Standard Bike Fit & Cyclist Musculoskeletal ScreeningCombining your standard bike fit with a cyclist musculoskeletal screening is the best and most efficient way to either optimise your cycling or eliminate any pain or cycling discomfort. If you are suffering pain or discomfort with prolonged riding or you would like to simply prevent injury or optimise your cycling efficiency (lowest energy expenditure for cycling output), then we highly recommend the Full Bike Fit option. A Full Bike Fit is Recommended for:
Your Full Bike Fit includes:
Allow 2.5 hoursYour bike fit physio will prepare a report for you outside of your consultation to save you time at the clinic. Who Performs Bike Fit at PhysioWorks?
Bike Fit PhysiotherapistJohn Miller has over 25 years clinical experience and is our most experienced Bike Fit Physiotherapist. In addition to being a keen road and MTB cyclist for many years, John has a personal interest in the latest research regarding cycling biomechanics, injuries and performance. John has been trained in optimal bike fit setup techniques and has benefited from workshops and observing other leading Australian and AIS Cycling and Bike Fit Physiotherapists. Where Do We Offer Bike Fit Physiotherapy?John is currently performing our Bike Fit Physiotherapy services at Ashgrove PhysioWorks and Sandgate PhysioWorks. Ashgrove 33664221Sandgate 32691122Please note that bookings are essential. Bike Fit Feedback"You did an amazing job fitting my bike it is so much better to ride than before much more comfortable. I wish I had it done years ago. Thanks heaps you are a champion!!!!!!!!!!!" "Thank you very much for your time and expertise. I’m pleased to report that the results have been extremely positive with no back pain to speak of following today’s ride. I have had the stem reduced to 80mm (same inclination so no increase in height) which has removed the weight from the shoulders and hands. Bike is super comfy now and it’s really unleashed the potential for long distances I was targeting with this bike. A further apparent benefit, cornering seems much improved I suspect to a higher center of gravity contributing to more effective counter steering. For whatever reason, way faster cornering on descents than before without any conscious effort." |
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