1. Bike fit isn’t rocket science, although some would like you to think it is. To me it is a process of controlled refinement that to some degree requires experimentation and evaluation.

2. It is impossible to obtain a perfect fit in one sitting, no matter how long it takes. To get the perfect fit, the fitter needs feedback from the rider to fine-tune the position. This process could last several months.

3. Your body adapts to the position it is used to, that is that your body will over time provide innate solutions to positional deficiencies. Evidence of this can be found by examining the positions of elite cyclists. The normal expectation would be that the positions of the elite would more or less mirror image each other but the reality is that you will see quite varied positions in use. The point of this is not to say that position isn’t critical (because it is) but it is to say that you absolutely need to reference to the position the rider is used to.

My experience based / rider feedback approach to bike fit by Sean Vale
	1. Bike fit isn’t rocket science, although some would like you to think it is. To me it is a process of controlled refinement that to some degree requires experimentation and evaluation. 2. It is impossible to obtain a perfect fit in one sitting, no matter how long it takes. To get the perfect fit, the fitter needs feedback from the rider to fine-tune the position. This process could last several months. 3. Your body adapts to the position it is used to, that is that your body will over time provide innate solutions to positional deficiencies. Evidence of this can be found by examining the positions of elite cyclists. The normal expectation would be that the positions of the elite would more or less mirror image each other but the reality is that you will see quite varied positions in use. The point of this is not to say that position isn’t critical (because it is) but it is to say that you absolutely need to reference to the position the rider is used to.
4. The more concrete parts of bike fit include saddle height, saddle setback, saddle tilt and cleat position however the reach to the handlebars and the height of the handlebars can be more difficult. The fitter needs to take into account the rider’s lumbar flexibility, abdominal strength and even the riders perception of comfort. Some cyclists are prepared to sacrifice performance in order to be more comfortable; some are prepared to sacrifice comfort in order to gain performance. This process can take some time. 5. What I find works is to fit the bike so that the position both looks technically correct and so that it feels correct to the rider but always with some reference to the position the rider is used to. If there is some correction needed I find a gradual approach works, small graduated changes that allow the body to absorb without problems. 6. Position isn’t necessarily static, it will change as your fitness changes, and as your base grows your position may need to change. An example would be lowering the height of the seat as your body fat decreases or lowering the handlebar height as your lumbar flexibility increases. 7. I don’t use formulas based on body measurements, the formulas don’t account for individual differences, for instance how you carry your foot throughout the pedal stroke will have a large bearing on your effective saddle height. Another example is that the distance from the saddle to the handlebar isn’t just a function of your torso length and arm length, it is also a function the strength and flexibility of your back and neck 8. I do use a goniometer to measure body angles under pedalling load in combination with observation of the pedalling action. 9. In conclusion, this experienced based / rider feedback approach works for both the recreational and the racing cyclist. Just remember it takes time and some patience to nail your set-up. Once you get it right it will make more difference to your performance than any exotic bike.
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