The Bespoke Bike Fitting
July 20th, 2009 |
I’ve never had a “professional bike fitting.” From the time I was a little kid (I’ve been riding awhile) I’ve always sized myself on the bike-the old fashioned way. I stood over the bike and pulled it up between my legs so the tires of the bike would be about 1″ off the ground. I would sit on the bike and look down at the front hub and if I couldn’t see the hub I was good. I would ride and adjust the seat height based on my knee pain and after a few millimeters of tweaking it was just so. I’ve always done it this way. It seemed to work ok. The price and time of a “professional” fitting was also a deterrent. Why spend the money when my system worked well enough (occasional knee or back pain aside). Besides, I could use the money on some carbon shoes, a new helmet or take a lady friend out for a filet and a nice bottle of red borrolo.
Our sponsors over at Bespoke have a great business selling a selection of custom bikes predicated on the professional bike fit. Bespoke sells brands like Serotta, Seven, Parlee and Guru – bikes that provide a cycling experience that demands that you get a professional fitting. If you’re going to spend this kind of money on custom equipment you want to ensure you’ll be getting the most out of it.
Along with co-owners Stef (18 years as a professional mechanic) and Aaron (operational manager and mechanic for 10 years), Ari B’s specialty is the custom fit. Ari is a USCF level 2 cycling coach, Serotta Fit Specialist and SICI certified (sounds impressive, huh?) and 14 years working in the cycling industry.
Soon after becoming a MC sponsor Ari began talking to Dylan and I about the benefits of a pro fitting. We just never seemed able to get around to it. However, Ari has now fit 15 MC members and all have raved about the increased power and comfort they now possess, so we decided to give it a shot.
Since I have no attention span, I thought a few beers would help me stay focused through this process. We began the fitting with Ari interviewing me (beers #1 and #2). We went through an extensive interview. Why are you here for a fitting? What is your current riding routine? What do you like/dislike about your existing bike? Who is your favorite Sweathog (Vinny Barbarino, of course).
We then moved on to a health history. Current physical condition, broken bones, aches and pains, etc. Luckily, he didn’t ask how many drinks I have a week (I would’ve lied since my mom would eventually be reading this). It was here I realized the fitting was not just about standard measurements but how the bike should fit based on who I am and how I ride.
Next was the physical assessment (luckily no turn and cough). He reviewed my cleat position (it was off a bit), my posture (tilted), my orthodics (not enough support and could be the source of a lot of my aches and pains), my flexibility (I need to do more yoga), length of both legs and feet (the same – phew, I’m not a freak) and gait analysis (like a model on the catwalk). Ari discussed his observations with confidence. He seemed to know my answers before I answered.
The next step was the actual fitting. But first beer #3 and a few slices of pizza. I needed carbs and attention deficit medication. Ari hooked me up to sensors which were attached to a computer and the Serotta size cycle. The sensors are part of the Retül motion capture fitting system – the pizza isn’t.
The sensors provide data on my bike position as I’m pedaling. Ari explained that unlike the static technique (just sitting on the bike) that a lot of shops use, this was going to be a dynamic analysis that measures all parts of your body as you move through your entire pedal stroke. The eight sensors I was attached to (say that 3x quick), provided Ari with a comprehensive before and after picture of my position and movements while pedaling.
We were working on foot and cleat alignment, postural positioning, saddle height and set back and reach and differential (and some other technical terms I decided to block out). I know, it’s a lot.
Ari watched as I pedaled and saw my spine was not aligned properly, my elbows were not bent enough, my pelvis was uneven and my quads were not firing at the proper point. Basically, he told me I’m not the most efficient pedaler or generating enough power (I needed another beer and a slice of pizza. I was feeling a bit self-conscious).
Ari then showed me data supporting this and adjusted the saddle up, forward, and moved the stem in. We were getting closer and after about five times, we finally got the results Ari was looking for and the adjustments were applied to my bike.
All in all the process took about 3 hours and I was really impressed with Ari’s knowledge and passion for his craft. He told me this was a work in progress and the fitting wasn’t over. I was to ride the bike and provide him with feedback and (if needed) tweaks would be made. He assured me I would be able to beat Dylan up the climbs (even when he was in shape!).
When I hit the roads for the first time, after the fitting, I immediately realized I wasn’t craning my neck as I did just days before. The bike seemed new to me and we had to get to know each other again. After a few rides, we were once again bff (best friends forever) and I realized my lower back and neck didn’t hurt. I was also more comfortable and didn’t have to move up on the seat when I was climbing or move back while descending to feel more in control. The bike just felt better to me. Huh? This Ari guy really knows his stuff.
The price for the fitting was well worth it and I still have enough in my pocket for a good steak and bottle of wine.
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Words: Kevin LaKritz
Photos: Dylan DiBona and Peter Headington
Thanks to Ari, Aaron and Stef at Bespoke Cycles.
Bespoke Handmade Custom Bicycles
4100 24th St @ Castro
San Francisco, CA 94114
415.642.5652
4 Comments to “The Bespoke Bike Fitting”
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Jul 20th, 2009 at 1:03 pm |
Looks like you just need your barstool fitting now. |
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Jul 21st, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
I have nothing but good words for these guys. Yujin recommended them to me and I will recommend them to anyone else. |
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Jul 31st, 2009 at 9:26 am |
The Old Man (Eric) had Ari at Bespoke do a pro bike fit on him yesterday. Time and money well spent. A lot of good input for a guy who started racing in back in the time of Merckx. He recommends having Ari run a fit test for anyone looking to be more comfortable and produce more power on the bike. Cooper & his Old Man |
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Sep 16th, 2009 at 8:25 am |
[...] So true. Check the rest of the article here. [...] |
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