Bike Fitting

A more comfortable, faster you

Are you uncomfortable on the bike?

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You shouldn't be. 

Discomfort & pain are not normal.

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A professional bike fit can help you:

Ride fast

Ride pain-free

Why have a bike fit?

Some common reasons include:

• To eliminate pain or discomfort

• To improve performance via aerodynamics, improved posture, improved power, improved muscle length-tension relationships, placing muscles in the centre of their torque curves

• You've bought a new bike & want to get the most out of it

• You aren't sure where to start when purchasing a new bike

• You are a junior cyclist who has grown

• You've purchased new shoes and need the cleats fit accurately

• You saddle just isn't comfortable

• Because it's cheaper to fit your bike correctly in the first place than to treat the injuries arising from a poor position

You should never be uncomfortable because of your position

If your position is uncomfortable then it simply isn't the correct position for you

What type of bikes do I fit?

• Road

• Time Trial & Triathlon

• Track

• Mountain Bike XC

• Recreational / commuter

• e-bikes

• Gravel bikes

What does the process involve?

• Your bike fit takes up to 2hrs​​

• Bring clean bike, shoes, knicks, spare parts (eg stems)

• I take your history

• I examine you - how flexible are you, how strong are you

• Anthropometric measures (how long are you arms & legs)

• These factors help determine what position you can (& cannot achieve) on a bike

• I measure your bike, your joint angles when pedalling, observe your technique & identify any faults that need correcting

• Your bike is then adjusted to your individual body 

• Consideration is given to comfort, power output, aerodynamics, ability to breathe easily, biomechanics & any individual concerns / injuries / limiters

• Your position details are provided for your records after the consultation

Junior cyclists

• I aim to assist a developing body to attain the best position possible

• I advise on frame and component sizes so as to accommodate growth & minimise the need to constantly replace bikes

• I recommend measuring your childs height & inseam every 3 months.  If their growth is >1.5cm then a review of their position is recommended (approx. every 6 months)

Pre-purchase bike fit

Before spending a lot of money on your new ride, why not organise a pre-purchase bike fit to make sure you get the correct frame size & style, correct crank length, handlebars & pedals that will best suit your individual body? 

This takes only half an hour & costs $130.  

I can help you make the best choice, & prevent costly mistakes like cutting the steerer tube too short or buying the wrong sized floor stock from an eager salesperson.

Bike fit review

• For existing clients this is a 60min consult

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• I recommend an annual review for racers & every 2yrs otherwise. Your body & needs can change over this time frame

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• You need a review if you buy a new bike, change crank lengths, change shoes or pedal brands

Time trial / track pursuit bike fit

Fitting a TT bike or track bike with both sprint & pursuit bars can take longer than 2hrs.

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Please bring a spacer kit and screws for your aero bars if you wish to achieve an optimal position. 

Bike fit costs

• New bike fit:                    2hrs      $380

• Bike fit review:                1hr         $220

• Junior bike fit:                 90min    $180

• Pre-purchase bike fit:     30min    $130

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• Fit 2 bikes:                      3hrs       $570

Saddle Fitting

Arguably the most important part of the entire fit is your saddle. Yet many people simply accept the one "that came with the bike".  Only by sheer luck would this actually match your backside.

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At Cycle Physio I offer the opportunity to test a range of ergonomically designed modern saddles that have scientific validation that they actually unload your perineum (the bit you sit on).  Brands include Sella SMP & ISM, both of whom have a wide range for the wide range of cycling bottoms out there.  

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A modern saddle will outperform the traditional style saddles for comfort and allowing the rider to rotate the pelvis forwards to acheive a suitable spinal posture and position on the bike.

Leg Length Differences

At Cycle Physio David is frequently asked to evaluate cyclists for true structural (ie bony) leg length differences.  We stock a range of shims suitable for all major pedal brands and various thicknesses of shims to place inside the shoe to correct a short leg.

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David Wadsworth can advise on when a scan is required for leg length discrepancies and when different length cranks might be required.

Cleat Wedges & Shoe Selection

Cleat wedges are small wedge-shaped bits of plastic used instead of an orthotic and are placed between your cleat and the shoe.  They have become very popular in the lay media, with some authors (who incidentally sell such items) advocating that nearly everyone needs multiple wedges.

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Wedges are rarely required if the feet are assessed properly by a professional, and rarely are they superior to a properly constructed orthotic.  David can refer you to a podiatrist for professionally scripted orthotics when required, and on the rare occaision a wedge might offer a superior result can supply for each type of pedal.

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David Wadsworth can advise on cycle shoe selection, with poor selection of width being a common cause for toe and foot numbness.