The process of bike fitting is put very simply the process of getting your bicycle to fit you correctly. There are three contact points, namely the pedals, the saddle and the handlebars, it is essential in order to get optimum performance and maximum comfort that these components are placed in the correct position relative to each other.
The saddle needs to be set up relative to the pedals, and the handlebars can then be set up relative to the saddle.This procedure is slightly different on Time Trial / Triathlon bikes.
To set the saddle relative to the pedals there are two dimensions that need to be determined, the saddle height and the saddle set back, essentially how high the saddle is relative to the bottom bracket or pedals and how far back behind the bottom bracket or pedals the saddle needs to be set.
Once the saddle position has been set it is then possible to set the bars relative to the saddle, this means determining the height of the bars and the reach to the bars.
When is it best to do this?
Since the frame determines the parameters of where it is possible to set the saddle and the handlebars and as the frame dimensions are dependent on the position that needs to be achieved on the bike, it is best to determine the position first.
From these positional dimensions it is then possible to work out what frame dimensions allow these positional dimensions to be set. The provisional frame dimensions can then be compared to the frame dimensions of whichever frame the customer is considering.
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