Bicycle Fit

AKA You were right all along!

Bicycles have changed over the years. Obviously, right? The human body has been adapting, too, but not nearly as rapidly as the bicycle has. The bicycle has been changed to work more efficiently with the human body. With all this technology and innovation, why is my bike still hurting me?!?

Getting your bike to fit you is a multistep process. Some of it is common sense. And, unfortunately, some of it is trial and error.  And some of it you cannot do without a little professional help.

We have found that if you follow these easy steps, you will be able to ride longer, feel better and love cycling more.

Common Sense:

Bike size is always under debate. At Salvagetti, we know that what the manufacturer recommends is often right for the customer. But, in a great number of situations, we have to defer to the customer’s comfort. After you have narrowed down the model of bike that you want, make sure you feel great about the overall length of the cockpit of the bike. It can be adjusted in small increments easily, but large adjustments will make the bike handle poorly. Communicate to your Salvagetti staff member what you are feeling. You are right, so don’t be scared.

Trial and error steps:

Finding a saddle that works is the hardest part of a bike for many people. “Stuff” falls asleep, or it YELLS at you at the top of its lungs. You have to try some saddles out, be frank with your Salvagetti staff member about what you think you need/want and keep trying until you find the right one. You will, we promise.

Clothing and shoes are often overlooked as part of a fit. If your shoes are causing your toes to go numb you will never enjoy riding. Try on several shoes in your price range and choose the model that feels most like a glove. Speaking of gloves, when you try on gloves, you *have to* grab a handlebar to see how the glove and hand work together. Avoid gloves that make your hands skin fold over on itself. And the last piece that is overlooked is the short. Shorts need to hold your muscles steady without cutting off circulation. More panels in the short usually mean a better fit. The other huge factor with shorts is whether the waist is going to irritate you during riding. Often times, the best way to avoid irritation is by using a Bib short. Once you go bib, you never go back.

Professional Final Fittings:

Upon finding the right bike and getting your clothing and shoes dialed in, you will want to make an appointment for a final fitting.

During your final fitting, the saddle is adjusted to a point where your knees will be less likely to be injured and your power output will be dramatically better. “Wow” is a common response to the relief of being put in the right place.

From here, we work to eliminate weak spots from your lower back to the tips of your fingers. This is done in a specific order that will allow you to ride longer with less fatigue in your shoulders, back, hands and neck. This is done from changing the position of your handlebars, stem and shifters, as well as education about how different positions are useful.