Q: Do I need to get my bike fit?
A: First lets clarify what we mean when we say “bike fit” Yes, when you purchase a bike from a store, they will generally help you by putting the pedals on and adjusting the seat. That is often as far as they go though. Its usually a rough estimate and only a cursory visual check. What we are talking about here is a professional bike adjustment done by a certified bike fitter. There are a handful of certifications out there like GURU, Retul and F.I.S.T. Which one to choose isn’t as important as the person doing the fitting. They should be experienced, knowledgeable and up to date on the most recent developments in bike technology.
Would you know how to fit yourself on this?
So, why do it? Does it really matter? In short, the way you are positioned on the bike will affect every aspect controlling your forward movement. From the amount of surface area that you are presenting into the wind, to the specific muscle groups and how they are utilized the entire time you are riding your bike. Not to mention comfort and fatigue.
There are 3 points of contact you have on the bike: hands/forearms, butt and feet. Where these are in relation to each other, the bike frame and the road can make a huge difference both in your wattage production and your drag coefficient. The difficult part is the trade-off between a perfect, aggressive, aerodynamic position and the ideal energy position for maximum energy production. These are often at odds. Couple that with the fact you need certain muscles as fresh as possible to run after T2, and the importance of a good bike fit becomes obvious.
When looking for a bike fit specialist its also important to find someone familiar with triathletes and their specific needs. A cyclists time-trial position will be different from a triathletes time-trial position.
A good fitter will first measure your flexibility to determine what kinds of positions your body can comfortably handle. Then, using lazers or other forms of measurement, they will either seat you on your bike or a special device that is adjustable and can be extrapolated to your own gear. Many now use cameras and software to measure the different distances that require adjustment. And they should always ask for your feedback. If you are immediately in discomfort, don’t be afraid to speak up.
Finally, and unfortunately, once you’ve had your bike fitted and go out riding, its not the end. Yes, you should be in the (near) perfect setup for your current flexibility and fitness. But that changes. Season to season and year to year, you (hopefully) become more flexible, more powerful, and, perhaps, capable of a more aggressive and aerodynamic position. I would recommend a checkup every couple of seasons or so to make sure you have the ideal fit for your bike.
