Bike Fitting - Cycling Solutions

My bike fitting philosophy

Every person is unique. Every bike fitting must be unique to that person at that time.
A bike fitting can do so much to improve your relationship with your bike. When you are more comfortable on your bike you will spend more time on it. When you spend more time on it you get healthier and your fitness and stamina improve. When all of these things come together the bike becomes an extension of you and not some mechanical torture device you spend time on trying to have fun.

My certifications

My training

Begin

Through the teaching of Michael Sylvester, I first learned the craft of bike fitting without the aid of high technology. Honing the skills of listening, problem-solving, key visual observation and attention to detail. Through education in biomechanics, physiology, kinesiology and the interaction of rider and cycle a true passion for bike fitting was developed. Slowly incorporating technology one piece at a time and mastering their application to further develop the effectiveness of my skills adding value to the experience I offer clients.

Develop

I have continued my fitting education by attending courses from Greg Robidoux at the Serotta International Cycling Institute (SICI), one of the oldest and most established bike fit training organisations in the world. I then continued my bike fitting education with Paul Swift and Travis Rassat of BikeFit and CyclePoint, earning the designation of BikeFit Pro Level 2. As a consummate learner, I stay up with new techniques and strive to learn something from every bike fitting I perform. I like to live by the quote from Travis "My best bike fitting is my next bike fitting".

Continue

At the Medicine of Cycling conference held at USA Cycling headquarters in Colorado Springs I met Curtis Cramblett. I have completed with him a mentorship program offered through the International Bike Fitting Institute (IBFI) where I have earned a level 3 Accreditation. In addition, I have learned some "outside the box" techniques with the guidance of renowned bike fitter Happy Freedman of The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Working closely with these great fitters I have continued to learn new skills and techniques as my knowledge of bike fitting expands.

More information.

Answers to some frequently asked questions.

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.

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, and Profile Design among many others.