Northern California - Bike fitter kudos....

Well, I finally got fitted on the Bottechia (BD Group buy) bike I built this past winter with Matt from Sterling Sports. He's the guy that I set up the climbing and descending clinic with not long ago.

Anyway, I had never had a "real" bike fit until this past Saturday. My previous experience on my first road bike at Richardson Bike Mart in TX was minimal but what I thought was fine at the time.

But with Matt, he really did a comprehensive fitting. He measured my inseam, leg length, torso, arms, etc... Plugged the measurements into his computer and I fell into the profile of a good climber!! Too bad reality doesn't follow suit. I still need to lose more weight! hehe! He also said to stop working on my upper body stuff... Doh!

Honestly, I never knew a good fitment entailed such detail even before I got on the bike. Then he took measurements of the bike and so on for some baseline numbers.

Once on the bike he did the usual measurements and angles of my leg at BDC on the crank, my torso relative to the bike on the hoods, drops and tops of the bar, etc. and watched how I rode and critiqued my technique. Apparently my thighs/knees needed to be more inward to create a straighter line between my hip, knee and foot. (sorry, I don't know the technical terms so please excuse my 3rd grade explanations)

Also, he had a computer measuring things like watts, % of how much work each foot was doing (I was close to 50/50 so that was cool), my pedaling efficiency and so on. Small tweaks like leg alignment, moving the heal down, remembering to pull and push at certain points, etc made a big difference in my efficiency. (I wish I had this at home to work on riding more efficiently!)

He also adjusted my cleats and seat and post and I found out my handlebar was too small for my upper body. So my 40mm handlebar could be restricting my chest and air. So after measuring my shoulders he recommended a 44mm but no smaller than a 42mm bar.

So I swapped a 44 in and on the short ride I did I noticed a more comfy feel up top and no feeling of restriction. I also didn't hit my knees on the ends of the drops, it gave me more room for my legs!

I'm sure I'm missing a lot more detail on the fitting but you get the idea...

I had a very good experience with Matt and was very happy with the time he took to really fit me to the bike and help me make adjustments and suggestions to ride with more efficiency. We took almost 2 hours to do this whole thing but worth every minute.

Thanks again Matt!!

If you need a comprehensive fitment look Matt up. He's up in the Cupertino area. In fact, I think he recently joined BF. I think he said his user name was Coach Matt...

Gary

Note... No, this is not a commercial for Matt and his company but I always see people asking about places to get fitted. So he's another option I wanted to throw into the ring! Plus he's a really cool guy! His 3yo daughter was pretty funny and cute too. She helped entertain us during the fitment!

Interesting. How much does he charge?

Interesting. How much does he charge?

His regular price is $150 and it generally takes about 2 hours. But well worth the time and $$ since it was so comprehensive.

Your @ss will thank you! hahaha!

Tell him Gary sent you and maybe he'll give a break on price. <shrugs> Worth a shot... :)

Gary

Measuring power from the pedals is something new I haven't heard before. Did he measure your foot angle, in an attempt to correct for the pedal/cleat alignment?

Gee is referring to the spinscan function on a computrainer. It's an electronic trainer that hooks up to your PC and is used as a training tool and by many coaches (including me) for bike fit purposes. Spinscan allows you to see a rider's relative efficiency, the percentage of contribution of left and right leg, and also a graphical representation of the pedal stroke so we can evaluate where any weaknesses/inefficiencies exist.

For example, spinscan might tell me that a rider is right dominant and the deficiency is that he's not utilizing his left hamstrings and glutes. From this information, I can help a rider improve his technique by correcting his pedal stroke. The computrainer is great for this because it gives us immediate bio-feedback. Or, I might make modifications to his bike fit to adjust for any biomechanical variations.

Good stuff and a great tool to help a qualified bike fitter perform fit.

Lorri
Bike Fit Special for BikeForums Members: $150

Gee is referring to the spinscan function on a computrainer. It's an electronic trainer that hooks up to your PC and is used as a training tool and by many coaches (including me) for bike fit purposes. Spinscan allows you to see a rider's relative efficiency, the percentage of contribution of left and right leg, and also a graphical representation of the pedal stroke so we can evaluate where any weaknesses/inefficiencies exist.

For example, spinscan might tell me that a rider is right dominant and the deficiency is that he's not utilizing his left hamstrings and glutes. From this information, I can help a rider improve his technique by correcting his pedal stroke. The computrainer is great for this because it gives us immediate bio-feedback. Or, I might make modifications to his bike fit to adjust for any biomechanical variations.

Good stuff and a great tool to help a qualified bike fitter perform fit.

Lorri
Bike Fit Special for BikeForums Members: $150

Lorri,
Where are you located? I had an initial fit when I bought my bike 15 months ago. I think I'm OK for the most part. I do a lot (relatively speaking) of longer rides including the Death Ride and don't experience any real issues, other than the occasional numbness in my hands on long descents or my feet/toes on extended hammering. I have identified just from paying attention my right leg dominance and have recently started concentrating on peddling in smooth full circles under power with both legs; at higher cadence. And notice how much easier it is to attain and maintain higher speeds when both legs participate. Having said that what do you think I might gain from a fit on a computrainer?

Thanks,
jw

Hey JW! I'm in San Mateo,

First, numbness isn't normal -- you shouldn't have it. So, that's something we could correct with either your fit or a change in your riding technique/form.

It would definitely be interesting to see if your supposition about right dominance is true. I find that's not always the case once we put someone on the CompuTrainer.

I'll equate it to putting lipstick on in the dark. It feels "right" and you think it's in the correct place, but you don't really know until you look into a mirror, right? And most times you'll see it's all over your chin and your cheeks.

Lorri

I'll equate it to putting lipstick on in the dark. It feels "right" and you think it's in the correct place, but you don't really know until you look into a mirror, right? And most times you'll see it's all over your chin and your cheeks.

Lorri

:roflmao2::lol::roflmao:

Lorri,

I have been riding a lot on three different bikes, all built for and fitted to me by..... me. :)

I would be very interested in getting fit properly to my bike(s) - I do not have any huge issues, but some numbness occasionally in the balls of my feet. Also, I'm a poor climber and would be interested in anything that would marginally improve that. :D

With regard to the three bikes - how would your fitting session address that? Just pick one, and then I off to duplicate the setup as best I can on the other two?

Hey BigBossMan. Are you riding three different types of bikes (road, mountain, tri, etc)? With a multi-bike fit, I recommend we fit you on your primary bike first, and then I can use that set of measurements as the starting point for your other bikes. Of course, even with two different road bikes, the variation in angles and geometry means that your fit could be somewhat different from bike to bike. And the differences between different bike types are pretty significant.

Lorri

ps -- my fee is $150 for your primary fit and $100 for each additional bike in the same session.

Hey BigBossMan. Are you riding three different types of bikes (road, mountain, tri, etc)? With a multi-bike fit, I recommend we fit you on your primary bike first, and then I can use that set of measurements as the starting point for your other bikes. Of course, even with two different road bikes, the variation in angles and geometry means that your fit could be somewhat different from bike to bike. And the differences between different bike types are pretty significant.

Lorri

ps -- my fee is $150 for your primary fit and $100 for each additional bike in the same session.


Three different road bikes. I can't help myself, I seem to collect them. :o

Actually, I have more than that - but 3 "primaries", and of those three, two that get the bulk of the work. So, your p.s. piques my interest and I'd be satisfied to pick the two main ones and go from there.

Hey BBM! Collecting bikes is a good addiction. Anyone who's been to my house knows I approve of that.

I just sent you a PM.

Lorri

He also said to stop working on my upper body stuff... Doh!


Screw that! More upper body weight to carry around will only help your legs get stronger, anyway ;)

Measuring power from the pedals is something new I haven't heard before. Did he measure your foot angle, in an attempt to correct for the pedal/cleat alignment?

Yes he did. and thanks to Lorri for the great information. I had no clue what the name of the program was. It's a great tool... just not in the budget for a general rider like me who has no coaching bones in my body nor am I ever going to be a racer! haha! But for Pros like Lorri and Matt it's a great tool, in my amateur opinion.


reidconti - yeah, I'm big into Crossfit so I can't stop upper body stuff. But of late the crossfit classes have involved a lot of squat stuff that's helped my leg strength. I'm hoping to transfer that to my climbing! :)

Gary

Sounds like you had a positive experience gee. Any other comments on how this has changed your riding experience now?

Sounds like you had a positive experience gee. Any other comments on how this has changed your riding experience now?

That's the sucky part... I've only been on one ride since and it was only 12 miles long. I plan to do a longer one this weekend so I'll let you know. I honestly feel I benefited more from Matt teaching me how to pedal more efficiently. But I guess that also has to do with the actual fitting, measuring, adjusting, etc. But I have to remember to keep my feet, knees and thighs aligned while pedaling for a more efficient stroke. I have a tendency to point my knees out a little.

He did suggest shims so I'll be looking into that to help keep that alignment.

So far so good on that whopper of a ride at 12 miles...

I also need to stretch more to get more flexibility... Something I used to do more religiously but have gotten lazy. Doh!

Gary

Thanks -- stretching, ahem. Yes, that's something I could sure do a bit more. Definitely interested to hear if you notice any particular areas of improvement though.

Sounds like you had a positive experience gee. Any other comments on how this has changed your riding experience now?

As a follow up to my fitting I wanted to share my exoerience now that I fianlly have a long ride under my belt! I did the Foxy's Fall Classic Century so if anything were to come upt this would be the venue. (remember, I'm not very techinical so please excuse my 4th grade explanations!) LOL!

Prior issues: @ss hurt after so long, big toe would buzz and get numb, left palm would buzz, get numb, right tricep would be sore and tired, back would hurt after so long and my knees would sometimes be sore.

@ss: Other than being on the bike for WAY too long my rear actually felt pretty good. I had an earlier issue with pain in the perenial area but it turns out my saddle (Arione) wasn't level. I had it pointed up a couple of degrees from where Matt had set it. So I set it correctly and everythig is much better. But again, after 106 miles on anything the whole area wasn't feeling great but I experienced no chaffing and I could walk immediately afterwards! haha!

Big toe: I got fitted with an old pair of Keo cleats so when i finally got around to getting a new set a few months after the fitting I didn't get it exactly where Matt ahd sset it. So I still have some issues with the numb toe. But not the whole ride. I added a couple of wedges to turn my foot and knee more inwards to make a straighter line from my hip to knee to foot. No more knee pain! and since I hadn't had time to go back to Matt I've been playing with placement myself. I plan to move the cleat back so the spindle is more behind the ball of my foot. Although I do need to get some new insoles with a higher arch so that is most likely more of the cause than the cleats.

Left palm buzz and right tricep issues: That's a personal problem. I have a tendency to grip the bar too tight and keep my arms too stiff! So I'll have to work on that myself!

Back pain: None!!! He set my seat properly and measured my fleixibility and actually suggested I could remove one of the spacers on the stem. So I did. No issues felt and my back felt really good the whole ride.

Knee pain: I had a twinge in the front of my knee cap but I beleive the seat post height can be adjusted a bit to aleve that. I have to take the seat post out every ride to be able to fit the bike in my truck. So I don't always get the seat height spot on. Also, with the wedges in the shoes now and my legs lined up I feel fine powering up the hills and on the straights. It's not more a physical thing where the engine needs improvement!!

So am I satisfied with the fit? Yes I am!! Very much so. I'd spend the $$ all over again with Matt. This is the first time I've ridden a long distance (read: over 40-50+ miles) without feeling beat up afterwards and all bent out of shape. And if you've ever ridden a century on an ill fitting bike then you know what I'm talking about! :)

Hope this follow up helps...

Gary

Can anyone recommend me a fitter in the East Bay Area? Hoping Walnut Creek/Concord area.

Can anyone recommend me a fitter in the East Bay Area? Hoping Walnut Creek/Concord area.


I can't actually vouch for them in this regard, but I've seen the guys at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek do fittings on a Serotta size cycle (or very similar device) and it looks like they know what they're doing.

No idea on cost.

I've also seen fittings at Pleasant Hill cyclery but they may be only if you're buying a new Seven. :eek:

Not Concord/Pleasant Hill, but Jeff at the Pedaler in El Sobrante helped me a lot - he's a Specialized BG trained guy. No computerized stuff, but valuable insight from my experience.

Knee pain: I had a twinge in the front of my knee cap but I beleive the seat post height can be adjusted a bit to aleve that. I have to take the seat post out every ride to be able to fit the bike in my truck. So I don't always get the seat height spot on. Also, with the wedges in the shoes now and my legs lined up I feel fine powering up the hills and on the straights. It's not more a physical thing where the engine needs improvement!!


Just use a piece of tape to mark seat post height. The tape will keep the seat post from going down too far when you put the post back in.

After much looking and procrastinating I saw Dirk Manley for a fitting on Friday and I'm very pleased. I have been riding my bike way out of adjustment for far too long. I'm going to ride the new adjusted bike and then have a follow up in about 200 miles (2 weeks) regarding stem adjustment if needed. Dirk is a very easy to talk to no-nonsense fitter with the addition of being a physical therapist. I highly recommend this guy if you live in the Sac area.

http://cycling-training.com/bike-fitting

Just use a piece of tape to mark seat post height. The tape will keep the seat post from going down too far when you put the post back in.

Thanks Henry! I've heard of that but never did it. I guess I should to make life easier! :)

Gary

Just use a piece of tape to mark seat post height. The tape will keep the seat post from going down too far when you put the post back in.

In addition to a piece of electrical tape on the seat-post to mark my saddle height, I also place a piece of electrical tape on the saddle rail to mark fore-aft. as dorky as it might look, I'd rather be safe than sorry. one long ride on a changed saddle position could cause serious injury. not only can clamps loosen, but it's pretty common for a bike shop mechanic to raise your saddle height to clamp your bike into the workstand (especially for women who have very little seat-post exposed). I would never depend on the bike shop to return my saddle height to the correct position.

one long ride on a changed saddle position could cause serious injury.

i know this ALL too well.

started out on a Dominator bmx saddle set one way and upgraded to a wtb pro gel set up completely differently and rode 30 miles one day (i had been building up to that, but yeah it was a lot) to ride way north of where i live (10 miles there, and back) to get myself a ticket for Weezer, and then to the concert that same night...

and then came the PAIN in my right hip.
and i'm talking like hobbling through the house wondering if i'd dislocated or fractured something type PAIN.
(important note, whereas most riders would have been affected in both hips, my right hip took the fall for both since my right leg is longer than my left and is generally more prone to activity-related stress.)

i'm pretty damn sure it had lots to do with the change in saddle, and not checking my seatpost height before heading out, because a bunch of times during that day it felt lower than optimal but i just powered through it on account of not having my allen wrench handy.

a handfull of weeks later and i'm on the other side of it, pain decreasing a bit more each day and hamstring, quad, elsewhere around my hip feeling less tender... but for a hot minute there i was searching my health care provider's listings of rheumatologists and orthopaedists grinding my teeth thinking about making an appointment and begrudging bad news.

best i can tell i royally stressed my right iliotibial tendon and quad, probably bruised the ischial tuberosity... pretty much mucked the whole sum of structures that attach the femoral head to the pelvis.

oh yeah, it also probably didn't help that i'd switched from short (150mm?) to long (175mm) cranks at around the same time.

really good articles re: bicycling related joint/tendon (and other) injuries...
http://www.chiroweb.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=39440
http://www.chiroweb.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=39504