This is the second post in the new bike fitting case study feature, except this is not a case study per se. Think of it as a prologue. Realistically, it should have been the first post, so before I share more specific case studies, I want to breakdown my workflow, the process I go through when someone walks into my studio for a fitting appointment.
No two fits are alike and I have learned over the years that rigid frameworks and checklists are pointless as they don’t work very well. Nonetheless, there is a flexible workflow I follow that I adapt to each individual and that is what I am sharing today.
Step 1 - Interview
It all starts with actually getting to know the person I am working with. It includes everything you expect - Background in the sport, injury history, riding goals, previous and current fit issues and the goals for the appointment.
Often times, it includes going slightly off topic, which is actually quite beneficial to the overall fit outcome. I know it might sound like a waste of time to some, but there is a method to the madness and I explore that in more detail below.
Step 2 - Off the Bike Assessment
We look for a few specific things that could affect the riding experience. This helps me identify potential issues on the bike and see if there is an explanation to some of the problems the rider is experiencing while riding.
I look at foot / ankle structure, knee alignment, hips, shoulders, spine mobility, strength, general movement patterns and asymmetries. This is not a deep dive, but more than enough to be able to correct issues on the bike and optimize the position for the individual rider.
Step 3 - On the Bike Assessment
Eyes are the most important tool. Before taking any measurements and using any assistance from any kind of tech, I observe the rider while they ride in their current set up, from all angles (front, back, slightly above, and left and right sides).
I am looking for the basic things that could explain why the rider is experiencing the issues they are, like saddle height, weight distribution, reach and handlebar height issues, knee alignment, excessive movement, etc.
Step 4 - Deciding Where to Start
This might be controversial to some, but I don’t follow a set order like starting with the feet and then moving up, etc. I prefer starting with the most obvious issue (s), the lowest hanging fruit, and move on from there. Of course, what is obvious to me might not be obvious to others.
I find that getting a few quick wins early in the process is rewarding on several levels and establishes more trust in the process. This means the starting point to the changes varies from rider to rider.
Step 5 - Changing the position & Beyond the Bike
Once the obvious things are taken care of, we can start fine tuning.
As part of the fine tuning process, we also get into things that heavily affect the interaction with the bike, but aren’t the bike itself - We get into posture, strength work, potential referrals to other health care professionals if needed (team work makes the dream work), pedaling mechanics and more, depending on what came up in steps 1 and 2.
Paid subscribers - You get full details for each of the steps. Here is what I cover below:
Step 1 - Interview: What questions I always ask, what I’m paying attention to beyond the issues on the bike, red (and green) flags in the conversation
Step 2 - Off the Bike Assessment: What patterns predict on the bike issues and when off the bike limitations mean I need to refer to other health care professionals
Step 3 - On the Bike Assessment: What I’m watching for, how long I observe before touching anything, common patterns and what they mean
Step 4 - Deciding Where to Start: How I identify what is a major issue and what is a minor issue, my prioritization logic and why the order matters
Step 5 - Changing the position & Beyond the Bike: What fine tuning look like in practice, how I integrate technology into the fitting process, off the bike strategies I recommend most, plus how posture and pedaling mechanics affect the outcome.
A paid subscription also allows you to engage in the comments and ask questions.
