Many cyclists overlook the power of a good bike fit. With so many great off-the-shelf bikes, it is easy to forget to consider custom fit bikes sold at specialty bike shops. Custom fit bikes can be higher in price, and a custom bike fitting can take up to two and a half hours. However, a bike fitted to the individual athlete can make a huge difference in performance and comfort and is well worth the investment.
As a professional triathlete, I’ve ridden a wide variety of off-the-shelf bikes from many different manufacturers. As others who have moved to custom fit bikes have experienced, I noticed huge gains in performance when I committed to a custom fit bike. I recently put my custom fit Lynskey mountain bike to the test at the Snake Gap Time Trials in Dalton, Georgia. The event spans across the first Saturday of three consecutive months. Each race totals 34 miles and includes over 7,600 feet of climbing. The course is full of climbing, brutal descents, and rocky sections many competitors can not ride through.
At race one of the Snake Gap Time Trial held in January, I chose to ride an off the shelf full suspension mountain bike because I thought it was necessary based on my knowledge of the course and the length of the race. Half way through the race I experienced cramping and weakness on the climbs. I was extremely disappointed when I finished the race in a slow 3 hours and 50 minutes.
After gaining experience on the course during race one, I decided to try my Lynskey custom hard tail mountain bike for race two of the Snake Gap Time Trial which was held in February a little more than four weeks later. After hitting the trail, I knew instantly I made the right choice. On the custom fit bike, I finished the race around 3 hours and 18 minutes. Given the only change between the two races was the bike, there is no doubt that the custom fit bike made a huge difference especially in an endurance race like the Snake Gap Time Trial.
Surprisingly, a custom fit bike’s greatest asset is in the comfort it provides to the rider. Comfort and proper position on the bike go hand in hand. Custom fit bikes give the rider a more efficient ride and use of power by maximizing energy production. The rider is positioned on the bike at the optimal seat height in combination with tube angles and pedal placement to ensure your pedal stroke is maximized while preventing strain in the back, neck, and arms.
So whether you’re in the market for a new bike or want to get the most out of your current one, consider customizing.
A little known fact: Many bike shops that specialize in custom bike fits will fit you to your bike regardless of where you purchased it and the type of bike you ride. Although you won’t gain 100 percent of the rewards of a true custom fit bike, setting up an off-the-shelf bike to fit you as well as possible will be well worth the time and money spent on a fit session. Contact your local bike shop for more information.