WHO I AM: I've been a certified fit specialist for over 5 years. I have certifications from Trek Fit Services, Raleigh Fit Services, and have trained under the architect of the Serotta International Cycling Institute's fitting program. I am the first to admit that on the industry's best day, bicycle fitting is 50% peer-reviewed science and 50% personal opinion. I don't use, or believe in using, a $12,000 angle finder or any other unimportant, gimmicky peripheral in the guise of achieving a "better fit." If a tool aids the accuracy of your fit in a meaningful way, I use it. If it doesn't, I don't.
We start with a 10 minute interview. Here, I'll ask you details about your daily activities, how and when you exercise, what pain or discomfort you may or may not have on the bike, the history of your injuries, and particulars about your riding style. The goal here is to paint a picture of your physical life, to determine if any negative aspects of your riding experience are caused by non-bike related injuries or habits, or the over-use or under-use of various muscle groups. We're also trying to determine what specific aspects of your bike fit need special attention.
From the interview, we'll move on to a 10-15 minute physical assesment. During this time I will evaluate your flexibility and body structure, quantifying everything into real numbers we can use during the fitting to make sure we don't exceed the comfort of your physique and can adjust the bike to accomodate your body as a whole. I'll also rough in the position of your cleats at this time, as well as determine whether any shimming is necessary.
Next is the actual on-bike fitting. After an easy 5-minute warmup spin I will begin to make gradual adjustments to your bike, including the height and fore/aft position of your saddle, the height and reach of your handlebars, as well as the rotation of the bars and hand controls. This can be a lengthy process, as every aspect of the bike that is changed affects how your body interacts with every other aspect. This often takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour or more, and it cannot be rushed. The goal is to achieve easy balance on the bike to make sure no muscle group is being overworked and to keep your weight distributed optimally between the axles.
Oftentimes this process reveals the existence of sub-optimal components, anything from a seatpost that is too short or doesn't have enough setback, or a stem that is too long/short with an improper amount of rise, to a clipless pedal system that doesn't play well with your particular body. It is strictly at the discretion of the customer to determine whether they want to make a further financial investment in their bike fit, and I've oftentimes been asked (and readily agreed) to make due with the existing setup. The vast majority of this process is YOU telling ME what your needs are so that I can process that information into a beneficial outcome, not ME dictating to YOU what you absolutely must buy to be comfortable on your bike.
From start to finish, a bicycle fitting session generally takes 1.5-2 hours. Occasionally more, hardly ever less. Sessions are by appointment only, and please keep that duration in mind when making your appointment. To schedule an appointment, simply call the shop at 937 342 4780 or stop by in person. Persons needing after-hours appointments can often be accomodated.
THE PROCESS
WHAT IS ISN'T: Someone waving a magic wand.
YES, WE OFFER BIKE FITTING!
SCHEDULE YOUR FIT SESSION TODAY! APPOINTMENTS ARE ROUGHLY 2 HOURS, PRICE INCLUDES FOLLOW-UP VISITS AS NECESSARY.
$150
WHO IT'S FOR: Everyone, from the seasoned road warrior to the twice-weekly bike path cruiser
WHAT IT IS: A process striving to match the contact points on your bike (saddle, pedals, handlebars) with the physical strengths and limitations of your body.