Time for a new bike fitting! A professional bike fitting – so many people have no idea what this means or what it can do for you. Let me explain what it meant to me and my riding.
I had been saving up for a professional bike fitting with MotionFit. Why? Seems like that is only for professionals to some – keyword being “professional”. I went to Coach Kameel at MotionFit – he is the professional. I am an enthusiastic cyclist. Having scheduled this fitting through their website (which was incredibly easy), I knew I would be in good hands.
Coach Kameel started the session by getting to know me, what my goals are, and then starting an evaluation off the bike. What??? Off the Bike???? Yes!! “Why,” you ask? By evaluating different things that I could do (like squats, my walk/gait, my flexibility) Coach Kameel was able to identify quickly strengths and weaknesses in my body. Many are common to cyclists. Many are common to just people in general. His assessment corroborated some things I already knew. It also helped me in understanding some of the troubles I had with cycling. He provided suggestions on flexibility and strengthening my core for off the bike that would improve my performance on the bike.
Then it was time for the fun part to start. He put my bike on a trainer. The bike fitting was specific to my bike. I was outfitted with cool little dots. No, actually they were sensors he strategically placed on key points like elbows, knees, feet. These were indicators to the computer so that it could assess and calculate the proper ratios. Then I got on the bike, clipped in, and started pedaling. It felt like a hill workout by the time I was done. Pedal fast. Stop. Pedal fast. Slow down; stop. Whew…what a workout!
Coach Kameel had the computer results, lots of red and yellow on that chart. He made a few adjustments to my bike seat, handlebars, and shoe cleats. Wow! I knew right away it was a vast improvement. I could reach the brakes and hoods like I was supposed to. Instead of reaching out so far, they fit comfortably into my body. I pedaled more. My pedaling was better – I could pedal properly positioned instead of reaching out so much with my feet and legs. The computer assessment results were all green after his adjustments.
After the fitting, I went out for a few rides. The changes were blatantly noticeable. Not just in reaching handlebars or pedals, but also in the handling of my bike. Turning is easier. Braking is easier. Shifting is easier. Quantifiable results!
A lot of videos and blogs tell you how to fit your bike. A bike fitting is more than just having the right size bike. It’s about having the bike fit the rider. For me, having Coach Kameel evaluate and fit the bike to me was an incredible alternative to struggling with figuring out how to do things from a YouTube video. He has over 18 years of coaching and fitting experience. The assessments were spot on! After the fitting, I rode my first century (100 miles) with ease.
Getting on my bike and just riding has always been fun. Now it is much easier, more rewarding, and even more fun!!! My bike is more than just a mechanical frame with tires to get me somewhere. With this fitting, my beautiful bike and I are one. It’s not about a destination – it truly is about the ride!
Read another story and view videos about the difference between a basic and professional “Bike Fitting“.
Ciao,
Diana | TeamOne
