Bike Fitting Philosophy

 Remember that systems don't do fittings, people do.   My goal is to be  Medicine of Cycling compliant.   The Medicine of Cycling is a group of  fitting professionals not associated with any specific brand or company  striving toward a better experience for the consumer.   A computer will  not tell you where to move the handlebar, cleats, or saddle if the  client is still not happy on the bike. Systematic fitting processes only  get a person so far.   Only an experienced fitter with a critical  thinking mind and ear for listening to the client's feedback can  identify the drivers of positional issues.   I focus on breathing and  stability for increased efficiency within the limitations of the  individual I am fitting at that time.   Because every person is unique,  every fitting must be specific to the individual and a systems based  approach often falls short of outstanding results. 

 My fitting cost is $300 regardless of bike type or discipline.  All bike  types are available for fitting including road, mountain, triathlon,  gravel, commuter, track, recumbent or hand trike. The assessment and  interview process are the same for each and takes usually between 2.5  and 4 hours depending on the issues we encounter along the way.   This  cost does not include parts like saddles, stems, cables or bar tape if  they are necessary through the course of the bike fitting.  All forms of payment are accepted including all major Credit Cards, Venmo, Paypal, Cash and Checks.

 A pre-purchase bike fitting is often the best course of action. Not sure  if you need a 54cm or a 56?   Can't test ride what you are interested  in at the local bike shop?   Will that sweet used bike from "The Pro's  Closet" work for me?   With the Guru Dynamic Fit Unit (Guru DFU) we can  simulate literally thousands of different bikes in the studio.   With  computer controls and millimeter accuracy it is possible to try all  types of positional variations including various crank lengths,  handlebar widths, saddle and handlebar positions for all types of  bikes.  Being an independent bike fitter and not selling any specific  bicycle brands means a no pressure environment to objectively discuss  what is best for you based on the fit not the availability of brands on  the sales floor.  

 I start with a detailed interview of each client, learning what your  lifestyle is like and pertinent cycling information might be.   Things  like other sports you are involved in and what cycling related  complaints you are experiencing.   Part of the interview process is  getting to know what medical history, chronic issues or injuries that  might limit movement or interaction with the bike.   An assessment is  done looking at everything from how you walk and stand to measuring your  feet both weighted and unweighted to see what happens when you apply  force to your feet.   This is followed by a flexibility, range of motion  and proprioception test to determine what their body is able to achieve  on the bike.  With this biomechanical information and historical data, I  can better understand what position your body will be capable of once  on the bike.   It is at this point we get the you on the bike and  starting with the stability and quality of breathing I move up and down  the kinetic chain making adjustments to the bike and body until the  desired outcome is achieved, determined in the goals portion of the  initial interview process. 

 Attention to detail is first and foremost.  Listening to needs of the  individual being fitted is of utmost importance.  But what really sets  me apart is the experience and application of the proper tools at the  correct time.   Having the fancy equipment is great but only if you know  how to properly apply it to the task at hand.   I have spent years  learning the science of bike fitting and mastering one piece of  technology at a time to better serve the client without making the tech  more of a focus than the person getting the fitting at that moment.    Learning the skill of bike fitting without the use of technology is  paramount to being a high quality bike fitter. The fitting is about the  person and their bike but the person comes first, always. 

 The most important thing to bring to your fitting is an open mind.   We  are not only going to dig into how you interact with the bike, but WHY  you are having issues in the first place.  Once we understand the  drivers of compensatory responses, changes can be made to improve  position.
Of course you should bring your bike and everything else  you would normally use on your bike during a ride.   This includes  helmet, gloves, shoes, bags, eyeglasses, computers and sensors.    Everything that is on the bike when you ride might need to be taken  into account during a fit session and I like to leave no stone unturned. 

 A unique service offered at Cycling Solutions is called the "Saddle  Library". $100 is a small price to pay to try more than 80 saddles using  the BikeFit saddle changer.  Being able to rapidly move from saddle to  saddle in seconds, while riding,  to identify best shape and density is  superior to measuring "sit bones" or "pressure mapping".  Then riding  the saddle of choice for a week in the real world before purchase  solidifies the decision without the trial and error period and  investment in several wrong choices along the way.  Only trying a saddle  on YOUR bike, on your favorite loop will let you know for sure if it is  right for you.  In the long run this saves people money and makes for  less uncomfortable bike rides.  Options include saddles from Shimano,  SMP, ISM, WTB, Selle Italia, Infinity, SQ Labs and NinetyK  among many  others.