There are a few simple truths for roadies. Our legs should always be smoothly shaven, Eddy Merckx is legend, and fitting yourself to your bike is an exact science. I suffer from a bit of obsessive compulsiveness, and like the fairy tale of "the princess and the pea" can ultimately tell if my position is off by the smallest of measurements. During occasions of setting up a new component, or bike, it is common for me to pull over countless times on the side of the road to disassemble my bars and stem or undo my saddle to make changes in the quest for a more comfortable or perceived more efficient position. The worst of the new purchases are the shoe and pedal kind. Getting the cleats setup correctly is such an exact science it can literally drive a person mad trying to get it right. But it is a blessing once the sweet spot is found, and the rides become magical. So I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to experience a pro bike fitting recently as a birthday present thanks to the generosity of my lovely wife and family. It all started with a sit down interview with the fitter. We discussed my riding history, as well as my goals in getting setup. Aside from the run of the mill answer of better efficiency, faster speed, and greater comfort, I mentioned hilly routes, the occasional club ride, and Grand Fondos. We then spent time taking measurements of my inseam, shoulder width, and foot size. Then it was off to a type of chiropractic or doctors table where leg length and flexibility measurements were made. Once all the pertinent data was gathered, a fit cycle with infinite adjustability was setup to match the measurements made.
The cleats on my cycling shoes were shimmed to straighten out my foots natural tendency to collapse inward, and the fore-aft adjustment was made to position the ball of my foot over the pedal spindle. This part of the adjustment process was worth the trip. Then the seat height and fore-aft position was done. Now came the fun part. I was informed to ride the fitbike while a computer measured my pedaling efficiency. The screen displayed a number of values indicating everything from strength differences between both legs, and any weaknesses in my pedal stroke. According to what I learned, the weakest part of my pedal stroke occurs at the top or 11 to 1 o'clock position. So the saddle position was adjusted to accomodate and improve upon that. After a brief review of the data I was told everything else was very immpressive (as far as the numbers showed).Once everything was dialed in on the adjustable bike to fit me, a couple spots were marked on my body. My knee joint on both the side and front were marked. I then began pedaling and the video camera began recording with me going from the hoods to the drops. We reviewed the footage to measure all the important angles while riding under load. Again I was told my riding style was very good with great hip rotation. The angles measured after the adjustments were made put me in the most efficient position possible. Everything from hip flexion, leg angle, and knee tracking were perfectly dialed in, and the measurements were transfered to my road bike.
I also learned that my "attention to detail" (read "on the road OCD") had my bar height, brake hood position, and reach dialed in perfectly. Once the bike was setup and I climbed aboard, it was immediately evident that the changes and adjustments made resulted in a VERY comfortable position. It wasn't cheap, but considering nothing in this sport is, it was money well spent.
