Did you just get a bike fit or a bike sizing?
Not all bike fits are created equal. Sorry. It's true. A lot of people get sized to their bike but not truly fit to it. I may have a different view of the whole bike fit world than most companies but I think its warranted. Let me explain.
Bike sizing is a fairly brief process, or at least should be. Are you on the correct frame? This is the question being answered from a bike sizing. Hop on the bike. Look reasonable? Pretty simple in theory.
A bike fit should answer a completely different question or questions. Are you in an optimal position on your bike? Are you riding pain free? Are you accessing the most power generating muscle groups while riding? Are you having fun on your rides?
A great bike fit will answer these questions AND provide a WHY. Often the WHY is more important than the WHAT. Our goal with bike fitting is to assess YOU as much if not more than your bike. Yes we can get you on the correct saddle and optimize your cockpit position but your anatomy and physical limitations play a much larger role.
A true physical examination as well as a global movement screen OFF the bike is critical. 9 times out of 10, your habits off the bike translate to how your move on the bike. If you get a bike fit and don't get your movement assessed how can the changes to the bike change the way you move? THEY CAN'T!
Now the WHY. If the WHY gets missed all the changes made to your bike are being made blind. Understanding the root cause of a riders dysfunction is a must. Knowing a riders hip flexion is limited may require an elevated cockpit. A history of hamstring "tightness" may lead me to believe their glute group is not firing correctly. If situations like those are not given proper attention a fit may not look so great even if the rider hits all the traditional marks. Everyone is different. Cookie cutter fits don't work.
Long story short, if you just got eye balled on the bike and your saddle height got moved slightly you didn't get a bike fit. Look for someone who understands anatomy and human movement to address the whole picture. You'll be happy you did!
