I began to fit people on bicycles in Boston in 1995. At that time there were coaches and bicycle dealers who had been fitting cyclists for decades before. To my knowledge there were not any 'certified fitters' at that time. Over the years systems and schools for fitting had developed to certify fit experts yet to my eye I felt that the better coaches and more developed cycling cultures that were more pervasive in other parts of the world (read: Italy, France, others) produced cyclists who looked more natural on the bike. I remember visiting Milan, Italy for the bike show in 2001 and being amazed at how perfect and relaxed a 70 plus year old man looked on his road bike and how natural and graceful a woman was on her bike in downtown Milan traffic, while wearing heels mind you!
Nowadays pretty much everyone does bike 'fits.' From your mega-plex bike emporium-mart, local gym, to even virtual online number plug-ins!!
So with so many fitters out there, why do so many cyclists still look like they are fighting there bikes? Will the latest fitting-gizmo make happier cyclists? Could it make them look better on their bikes? Would pointing lasers at them and giving them computer printouts with measurements to the millimeter help?
I believe fit is important. But just as or even more important than fit is technique. Being relaxed on the bike. Learning to produce and transmit power efficiently. Consumer cyclists put too much faith in 'technology toys' and not on real science. The bicycle industry seems to try to come up with something to sell you when many solutions are related to actual instruction or showing better examples to emulate. 'Just go ride your bike lots..!'
Bicycle fitting at Red Lantern Cycles is scheduled by appointment. We offer single road bike fit sessions as well as multiple bike, TT bikes, and Tri-positions. Bike shoes cleat / pedals alignment is also available independent of a full bike fit.
$90 for a full bike fit. For some riders, especially new cyclists we may suggest a series of follow-up visits which are covered with the initial fit.
Matt Barkley (650)853-3051
Last updated: February 16 2012