What is a bike fit optimization?
A bike fit optimization is a service which I offer to clients who’ve previously had a fit with me. Typically the rider is looking to ‘optimize’ their fit for one of two reasons:
- the bike has been dismantled, either to be shipped to and from an event, or in the process of being serviced – either way it’s not been reassembled in the correct manner and it no longer ‘fits’ as it once did
- the rider’s goals and ability have changed and they’re looking for marginal gains, usually in the form of improvements to the position in terms of aerodynamics
A bike fit optimization is priced at $150 and, as I’ve said previously, is available to clients who’ve previously had a fit with me – on the same bike.
Tamara’s Story
Tamara has been competing in triathlons for a few years now. In February of 2015 she approached me seeking advice on which time trial bike to buy. We did a pre-fit on the Retul Muve and decided on a 48cm Cervelo P3. The following year Tamara qualified for Kona but unfortunately upon arrival on the island she discovered a crack in the frame and hurriedly set about finding a replacement. The race that year didn’t go to plan but she learnt from the experience and last month qualified again with a 10:17 in Cairns. Tamara finished 4th in the 30-34 age group where 6mins 7secs separated 1st from 4th and just 39secs separated 3rd from 4th.
Tamara contacted me again after Cairns with the mindset of purchasing another bike to help her get more aero. After reviewing some of her race day pictures, and the original fit geometry, I suggested she come back in for a fit optimization.
Race Day Cairns Ironman June 11th 2017
You’ll see below that Tamara is now lower at the front. We’ve achieved this without dramatically closing off her hip angle or impacting her ability to see up the road. We’ve also discussed some strategies around where to place her hands to bring them up closer to her face – this should help when riding into headwinds – something she’ll most certainly encounter in Kona.
The other thing we can do to improve aerodynamics is review equipment choices such as clothing, helmet and race wheels as well as race day set up – how and where to carry your hydration and nutrition.
A Custom Bike Fit Optimization is $150 and is suitable for both road cyclists and triathletes.