Bike fitting has come a long way. In addition to traditional measurements and body to frame comparisons, many cycling companies and riders are beginning to understand the value of sophisticated scientific approaches to bicycle fitting that take into account a person's entire anatomy and physiology and apply it to the size and range of motion experienced while actually riding. Our team at Hart's Cyclery keeps up with the latest developments in the science and physiology of fitting bike to rider, including following the practices of the Serotta Bike Fitting System.
Bicycle fitting is coming into its own as a recognized science. With so many technology advances, the marriage of science and art when it comes to bikes and custom fitting has resulted in a movement that has made cycling one of the most popular recreational activities in decades.
The many choices available today in bike frames and styles make each bicycle brand unique and call for a custom fit no matter what your level of experience or style of riding. Hart's can walk you through the process, whether you are an experienced road racer, or a weekend warrior.
Serotta Competition Bicycles has never stopped looking for ways to improve the cycling experience. His philosophy and techniques in both building bicycles and fitting bicycles led to the popularity of the custom fit and custom bicycles.
How The Science of Bike Fitting Works
Each fitting is really just a snapshot of a particular moment because your body changes over time. Your basic physiology can differ season to season or even during a season due to age, your fitness level, any injuries and changes in the weather. Being able to adjust your bike based on your unique physical condition will give you a better performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Your professional bike fitter will understand not only how bikes are put together, but how you are put together. At Hart's your fitter is trained to understand how your knees, feet, hips, shoulders, backs, and wrists work in tandem when you are on the bike.
Unlike machines and equipment, human beings are not built with perfect symmetry. One of your legs may be longer than the other, your shoulders aren't set in perfect alignment and your feet probably have different arches. Taking skeletal measurements, getting a flexibility and range of motion assessment, and undergoing a biomechanical evaluation will help you understand the imbalances of your body and give you a baseline for fitting and modifying your bike to correct your natural imbalances.
What to Expect from a Scientific Bicycle Fitting
Your bike fitting won't change you physically, but it will change the way you ride. Expect your fitting expert to not only make modifications to your bike or start the custom building process for the perfect bike, but to also show you how to use your body (with al its imperfections). After a Serotta Bike Fitting, you will learn how to use your assets - your strongest muscles - and how to correct odd positions and movements that are abusing your body and affecting your performance and fitness.
We'll take you through:
- A consultation to review your riding and athletic history, your goals and objectives, current and past injuries, and your training schedules
- A flexibility and structural assessment
- A proper shoe fitting
- Body measurements that include shoulder width, length (for seat height) and arms
- A ride on a bike trainer to evaluate your motion
- Adjustments to your position on the bike and cleats, as needed
- Corrections to your technique and equipment
- Follow up support and plan of action for training and future fittings
Once you have been fit in the store, we want you to take your bike on the road for a couple of weeks. How does the fitting work for you on different road and in varying wind conditions? Are you experiencing any muscle aches or problems? After you tested the fitting we want to see you again for a follow up evaluation. Making sure you are comfortable on the bike and getting the most from your cycling experience is our top priority.
Visit Hart's today and we'll be happy to demonstrate these custom fit techniques using the Serotta Bike Fitting System. Once you see how it works, you will be anxious to try it yourself!
