Bike Fitting
Buying a bike that fits you “off the shelf” may or may not get you close to the correct size and positioning optimal for you, which is dependent on where or how you purchased your bike, and the degree and quality of help you received. Also, your riding habits, level of training fitness, and type of riding you do determine how you may need to have the bicycle fine-tuned to more specifically fit you. Our innovative care strategies at MTI Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief.
What is a biomechanical bike fit?
A biomechanical bike fit is performed by a Certified BikeFit specialist trained in biomechanics, anatomy, cycling specific performance, and positioning. Utilizing tools, having a detailed history, and accurately adjusting any combination of bicycle points of contact (shoe/pedal interface, seat, and handlebars) will enhance the cycling experience for safe and fun achievement of one’s cycling goals.
Improper fit on the bike leads to overuse injury, inefficiency of power, pain and discomfort. Detailed evaluation and treatment will identify your needs in order to achieve the most out of your performance and endurance to ride no matter your goals.
You can expect your bike fit session to take approximately 45 minutes and you will need to bring your clean bike with air in the tires, cycling shoes, and bike shorts you typically ride in. The bike fitting can be performed on any kind of bike: road, mountain, or hybrid. In some cases a second bike fit appointment may be required for follow up or additional changes to be made at a later time to allow your body to adapt to some positional changes.
Our trained physical therapists are dedicated to helping you to get out on the road and enjoy your ride, pain-free.
Benefits of a properly fit bike:
- Position should be comfortable for short and long rides
- Position should consider riding goals in conjunction with orthopedic and/or musculoskeletal limitations, tolerances, and load efficiency
- Injury prevention and performance enhancement
- Improve power output
- Increase overall cycling enjoyment
Benefits of Cycling:
- Health and fitness
- Improve balance
- Comradery and social
- Relaxation
- Time outdoors
Understanding Training Principles:
- Goal-based progression
- Prevent overtraining
- Performance testing & assessment
- Nutrition & hydration
- Measurement Tools:
- Heart rate
- Power meter
- Cadence
Biomechanical bike fits are available at our clinics in:
- Fremont: Wendy Lavin and Hanna Prange
- Edmonds: Wendy Lavin and Alison Gillespie
