Modern stems range in length and pitch more than ever. An appropriate stem length and angle allows positioning of the chosen handlebar style and setup at a functional reach and height. It is therefore usually one of the last elements to be finalised in a fit and may be adjusted several times throughout the process …
Bike Fit Basics – Lever Tilt.
Lever tilt affects shoulder rotation, hand pressure, joint comfort in the arm and influences further up the chain. A modern STI provides multiple hand positions depending on a rider's preference and style.The angle of the lever unit can have a dramatic effect on not only hand pressure distribution, but shoulder rotation, neck tension and ultimately …
Q Factor
Typical road and track cranks range between Q Factors of 140-150mm, but other styles vary hugely. The width between the faces of the opposing crank arms provides a foundation on to which our stance width on the bike is created. These terms are occasionally used interchangeably, but while stance width measures the functioning distance between …
Bike Fit Basics – Handlebar Width.
Handlebar width influences control, posture, breathing and joint comfort amongst other things. Not simply a measurement of shoulder width, selecting a handlebar width for a given application depends on a rider's focus, mobility and handling preferences.For road riders, a bar near to their shoulder width provides a balance between comfort, aerodynamics and leverage, which may …
Bike Fit Basics – Saddle Setback.
Saddle setback affects weight distribution amongst other elements. Saddle fore and aft position has a dramatic influence on a rider's muscle recruitment, weight distribution, hip closure and saddle comfort.Finding an appropriate setback is also largely dependant on pedalling style and intended application.Long distance Triathletes prioritise open hips and the need to run off the bike. …
Bike Fit Basics – Saddle Tilt.
A small amount of saddle tilt has a large influence across many elements of a bike position. One of the most common accomodations riders make themselves is tipping their saddle nose down to relieve pressure.There are many factors which lead to this, including excessive saddle height or setback, too much handlebar drop, too great of …
Bike Fit Basics – Crank Length.
Crank length determines ultimately where a rider can pitch their torso with minimal compromise. Crank length is another huge restricting factor for many riders in finding a comfortable and efficient position.Bike manufacturers, stuck with tradition and ease of equipping a large size range of bikes, leave the majority of riders with a less than ideal …
Bike Fit Basics – Cleat Wedging.
Cleat wedges are a versatile and effective way to deal with certain foot compensations. The role of the athlete's foot whilst cycling is much different from that of walking.Now working from the relatively fixed positions of the saddle and pedal, the ability for the body to compensate is reduced. Misalignments and different compensations appear.No human …
Bike Fit Basics – Cleat Rotation
Cleat horizontal rotation denotes where the available float of the cleat lies relative to the heel. Finding an ideal cleat rotation, that being the centreline of the cleat relative to the athletes heel, is best achieved dynamically through on the bike assessment, with application of different levels of torque.This measurement is a simple one, but …
Bike Fit Basics – Cleat Fore/Aft
Cleat fore and aft relative to the foot's structure can be critical for comfort and power production. There are a few formulas which have been prevalent and fashionable over time for selecting an appropriate amount of rearward setback for cleats, relative to a point on the athlete's foot, most commonly the head of the first …
AC Performance Bike Fit 