What's your most common bike fit issue? 🤔 Let us know in the comment section below! 💬
@goingtothefifty Жыл бұрын
a buddy has long legs, his knees keeps hitting the handle bar. His solution was 165 cranks
@jamesmckenzie3532 Жыл бұрын
Hand numbness. Bought a Diverge and that seems to have solved it.
@jack002tuber Жыл бұрын
Last bike I bought the options on frame size was L M S. We used to have cm sizes of like 2 at a time. What happened?
@twatts4436 Жыл бұрын
Using canyons online bike size calculator! I've had a good fit on my existing bike for years. Canyon estimate the next size up which has an enormous increase in stack and reach.
@twatts4436 Жыл бұрын
@@jack002tuber depends on the brand. Most still have those increments.
@dsm1891 Жыл бұрын
you should get one of your average joe riders in for a bike fit, so Phil can demonstrate common problems people face
@earnmoreskimore Жыл бұрын
That would be good ,and maybe Phil coulds take the marbles out of his mouth.
@graemeross1998 Жыл бұрын
@@brunoderoberto5281depends on manufacturer
@EllieHowarth Жыл бұрын
Even better would be an average Joan.
@ThePerfectFitSystem Жыл бұрын
Our channel has a super helpful product that makes Bike Fitting easy. Check out our Perfect Fit System Saddle Selector ™️, it takes sit-bone measurements via pressure mapping and matches them to the best fitting bike saddle. Check it out on our KZbin channel.
@janhaanstra22457 ай бұрын
@@earnmoreskimoreprobably a bad placed microphone. You can hear the difference at 2:55
@ProfeTa6 Жыл бұрын
Important note here as a cycling physio myself: You can definetly make changes to the bike to fit you better BUT you can also work on your body to fit the bike better. Flexibility/mobility and core muscle endurance are really important factors for a successful bikefit. Also unless the fit is competely off, small differences won´t be a deal breaker; the human body is adaptable and can deal with variations as long as they aren´t absurd. Trust your body and give it time to adjust before any drastic changes.
@transkryption Жыл бұрын
A cycling, physio OR a cycling-physio ? Or both?
@600mph_cheap_suicide_drones Жыл бұрын
I agree, as my core got stronger and I got more flexible, I did changes to my bike fit for more aero positions, particularly to improve comfort on the drops. My pedaling technique also changed which required me to bring saddle to a more forward position and/or tilted down to keep my butt from being shoved backward against the seat.
@ProfeTa6 Жыл бұрын
@@transkryption Both
@Panagiotis-Skordilis Жыл бұрын
best comment
@MattRose30000 Жыл бұрын
when I'm not hitting the gym for two weeks, I also start to notice that on the bike. Especially in the lower back and the shoulders.
@mateuszsobanski203 Жыл бұрын
About eight years ago I had a professional bike fit with Garry Kirk. I went to Garry with lots of pains - neck, shoulders, wrists, lower back, knees, pins and needles in my feet. After a few hours, buying a new saddle, narrower bar and shorter stem, some other adjustments I was pain free. I could cycle for hours in drops without any pain. I was able to generate more power - FTP “increased” by 80W!!! Last year when considering a new bike I went to see Garry again as my needs and mobility changed. The bike I got is a size 56 cm. ALL manufacturers recommend a 54cm frame with the dimensions they ask for. But none checks how flexible you are, what your goal is, arm length and more. I have a bike that suits me perfectly. I said it many times to my club mates that money spent on bike fit was the best bike related investment ever.
@downinthebunnyhole8 ай бұрын
Exactly what happened to me: recommend 54, lot of pains, switched to 56, end of pains
@framue Жыл бұрын
I would argue that a 80mm stem on a small or x-small is just one size down from the design size for that frame and therefore a total reasonable bike fitting adjustment.
@lukewalker1051 Жыл бұрын
Phil's fit philosophy is spot on...and will summarize what I believe based upon several decades of riding.... - Narrower handlebars are generally more comfortable and faster and yes handlebar width affects reach. Larger bikes....I ride a XL...generally come with too wide a handlebar. - For an aging road cyclist even with longer legs...I am Si's size...shorter cranks are better on multiple levels from hip impingement to pelvis angle on the saddle and ability to rotate the torso down and ride more aero. - Frame size is NOT necessarily tied to body size. I am Si's size and I ride 1 frame size up for more comfort versus more aero. Lance who is 5'9 ish raced on a 58cm frame throughout his career and Si at 6'1" rides a 56. - Endurance geometry...what Phil said again, works best for the 'average' rider and not ex-pros like Si. Pros were pros for a reason. Pros throughout their riding career, rode out of the wind with less steep torso angle than most mortals can tolerate. I could ride Si's bike maybe even without a saddle adjustment but after 20 miles my body would hurt because I am older and less flexible, and I am fit.
@andyboxish4436 Жыл бұрын
Any time you have Phil on, it's such a wealth of incredibly valuable information. Thank you GCN and Phil!
@ashleyhouse9690 Жыл бұрын
I've said this before on previous bike fit videos but the biggest problem is the bike manufacturers themselves. The recommended size for a lot of people based on height and/or inseam is generally wrong and the bike will then also be supplied with the wrong size stem, handlebars and crank to match some arbitrary average figure. I would never buy another bike off the shelf now as I have to replace so many parts it just makes more sense to buy the right size frame from the start and build it up from there.
@ronitdebnath Жыл бұрын
I reference a 525 (520-530) effective top tube or so. I never go off sizing charts. Because not all of them recommend the same sized (in terms of objective metrics like stack reach seat tube angle) bike for the same height, so what is that worth even?
@bradleyhorton49498 ай бұрын
Completely agree with this...I used to just buy the frame and build up...I've bought a bike off the shelf and I'm replacing items...ridiculous.
@fen24536 ай бұрын
66 inches, 30in inseam. Trek says I'm a 52. But their 52s minimum seat height is longer than my inseam 😅
@mitchelldonaldson5995 Жыл бұрын
So I have struggled with my bike recently, I’m 6’2 riding a 59cm frame. Just adjusted my seat and it’s already made a world a difference. I’m excited to make more adjustments now! Thank you Phil and thank you GCN
@janeblogs324 Жыл бұрын
Adjusted how...?
@jack002tuber Жыл бұрын
First thing I do on any new bike is to take off a shoe, sit on the bike, pedal backwards with my heel on the spindle. If My leg maxxes out at the bottom, I'm about there. Might need to raise the saddle like 1/2" Done.
@beltonhogue Жыл бұрын
Good for you! I learned to do my own bike fit from information on line and experimentation. If you don't aleady, try doing your own bike work too, you will see that most of it is not as difficult as bike mechanics want to charge lots of money for
@mitchelldonaldson5995 Жыл бұрын
@@janeblogs324 so I’ve just moved the seat forward, probably by about 4cm, feels so much different.
@honestreviewer3283 Жыл бұрын
Fit is such an individual thing. I'm the same height as you but ride a 56 with a 130mm stem and a high seat post (looks like Si's bike), but I used to race and my body's comfortable that way. I'm guessing your frame is probably a bit too large, but you could be one of those guys with a long torso or long legs and need the extra tube length, like they mention in the video.
@SuperOrcy Жыл бұрын
I just went back to 400mm bars from 440 that came standard on my L frame Merida, and its made a huge difference to my reach. bike feels so much more comfortable now.
@5amba Жыл бұрын
It's really a shame that bike companies sell their bikes with to wide bars. 440 is for nearly all humans to wide.
@stinkyfungus Жыл бұрын
@5amba I'm not that big...but I ride a 46 enve ses on my 56 emonda and a 46 (48 center to center at the hoods) ritchey venturemax on my custom sized ti monstercross bike
@5amba Жыл бұрын
@@stinkyfungus 7/10 men needs 38-40 you are one of the 3 *or you ride a bar to wide 🤷🏻♂️
@benson3086 Жыл бұрын
@@5amba manufactures do it on purpose so you have to spend extra money on parts. ie a smaller width handle bar. They know what they're doing. they're trying to maximise profits.
@peteappleby2291 Жыл бұрын
Same, I switched to 40cm bars from 42cm on a large (58) Trek Domane and it's a world of difference.
@mikeshelton4466 Жыл бұрын
I purchased a bike from an online only manufacturer. I measured my old bike and compared it with the new bike specs and purchased based on that. When I got the bike delivered, I set the saddle height and lowered the bars 10mm. I've been very comfortable for 3 years now.
@frankjohnson8750 Жыл бұрын
I'm 60 years old now. Back in 2017 I bought the last 2015 Masi Gran Coursa on the showroom floor at Chainwheel Drive bicycle shop in Clearwater Florida. At the top of the down tube is a sticker that says 59. I test rode the bike 3 times over a month, thinking it was perhaps a bit short along the top tube. The price was so great that I bought it anyway. I set the seat back a little bit and as I've ridden it, I've come to the conclusion that it's pretty much perfect for me. I've never been close to professional as a cyclist, this is the first 'go-fast' bike I've ever owned. My goal when shopping for such a bike was to get one worthy of, at least, a Shimano 105 set, and thats what this one came with. The rims it came with were Mercury and at the 11th month on a 12 month warranty those rims were cracking, and the spokes were pulling through. Masi were very kind to replace the wheels with DT Swiss 460s and they are awesome. Much stiffer and definitely stronger. I don't know how I could be happier with this purchase. I absolutely love it 😀. I just wish I had this bike when I was 19. A nearly $1400 bike for $800 with a Shimano 105 set and a bike thats definitely worthy, in my humble opinion. MAYBE one day I upgraded to Ultegra. But I'm not really trying to eek out a couple more mph without sponsorship 🤣 Excellent bike. I dont really blame Masi or Murcury for the first pair of wheels. They had fewer spokes and were probably more for a few races than to go as many miles as I did. The DT Swiss are very nice 👌, strong and stiff. At about 6 feet tall and ~200 lbs this bike is great 👍. FUN times and fitness control 😀 Oh by the way with the 52 tooth chain ring my record top speed is 48mph 😃. I tried like heck to get 50mph but my legs can't pedal any faster and maybe a 54 tooth chain ring would be a bit much for an / this amateur 🤔 😅 Great 👍 vid. Thanks for the post.
@Soraviel Жыл бұрын
I'm 6 ft 0 inches and also have a 59 frame.and what I did in the beginning is made sure my saddle height is adjusted correctly in order for me to have a comfortable experience. I've not had any awkward issues for months.
@MattRose30000 Жыл бұрын
I'm also 6 feet with fairly high inseam and size 11.5 shoes (which I think is often overlooked as a factor) and I'm a little put off by the comments saying that 59 is too large. Though I'm riding a 58 endurance bike for two years now with a couple of 200km rides under my belt and didn't notice any real issues other than numb toes, which I fixed with new shoes and moving back the cleats.
@Afrikakorps68 Жыл бұрын
Years ago, an UK cycling magazine sent a guy with his bike to 4-5 different bike fitters. Results were surprisingly different with saddle height/seatback, stem length, and handlebar width ranging +/-10mm or more...
@jack002tuber Жыл бұрын
This supports my idea of being your own bike fitter. You know what works for you
@bikeman123 Жыл бұрын
Not surprising. A combination of the psychology of each bike fitter wanting to make a change to show they've done something for their money and the fact that everyone has different levels of flexibility so what works for one won't work for another. Bike fits are a bit like new bits of kit, no one ever admits to wasting their money. There's plenty of information out there so there's not much you can't do yourself.
@wilfdarr Жыл бұрын
I really don't care what the numbers say, the only person who's going to know where I'm flexible and where I'm comfortable is me. Play optometrist (number one, or number 2...) for a few hours on a Saturday and you'll figure it out!
@beltonhogue Жыл бұрын
@@bikeman123 Man. You said that perfect. This has also been my opinion. It has taken me exactly 1 year since I started riding to get my fit to where I am happy today. I could have paid for a fit, but for me, I wanted to learn how to do my own fit. I see it as part of the learning process of the bike in general, and not about saving money. Throughout the entire year, my fit changed because my body kept changing from riding. Can you imagine how many fits I would had to have? Now that my body is better prepared, I won't be doing anymore adjustments! One more note....sometimes articles have the correct Information. I read somewhere that for a person 5'11, that is the only height that has a suggested known crank length, which is 172.5mm. I wanted to try 165's (to see about opening up the hip) which were good, until I tried to ride out of the saddle on a super steep hill. I went back to 172.5, and raised the seat to compensate. So I say when looking at Information, really examine the source, which is another problem with finding a bike fitter. How many really know exactly what they are doing, and your body tells you what Is right or wrong anyway by experimenting, being careful not to injure yourself while doing so.
@beltonhogue Жыл бұрын
@@jack002tuber exactly.
@arlandmacasieb2113 Жыл бұрын
The simplest solution is to see a bikefitter with a fitting machine. You come up with an ideal position and then check the geometry charts to see which models and sizes match best according to frame stack and reach as well as standover. I see it in about 50% off my fits where riders are on the wrong machine for their body type and ability.
@m.k.4343 Жыл бұрын
Let me guess: most of the people that think they want a race bike, actually want an endurance bike?
@s1alker564 Жыл бұрын
Endurance bikes are pretty mundane to ride though.
@beltonhogue Жыл бұрын
@@s1alker564 why do you say that they are mundane, out of curiosity?
@sbccbc7471 Жыл бұрын
@@m.k.4343 For some customers, yes. Their spinal health doesn't match their ego.
@rockcycle824 Жыл бұрын
As a short person, easily the biggest improvements in comfort on the bike have been 1) smaller handlebar width and 2) shorter crank length. It seems that so many stock bikes come with the same bar width and crank length from XXS Frames to Medium frames, despite the fact that the riders will have significantly different bodies.
@stuvademakaroner96075 ай бұрын
Very much this. Manufacturers seem to ignore these parameters, even though they make a huge difference in comfort and endurance
@glendahunt8013 Жыл бұрын
Yeeeeeeesssssss! I almost bought a bike last week from a friend that is a Medium. My current bike is an Extra Small because I'm short short. I could ride the Medium, it was beautiful, a great deal -- but it felt unstable, I couldn't control it and the seat post was non-existent. This video is hella helpful. Thanks!
@markjthomson Жыл бұрын
Great summary. So many people want to change their saddle when it's the height that is the issue... among other complaints. understanding how to fit is really useful.
@peteappleby2291 Жыл бұрын
9 times out of 10 the saddle is not the issue, but a problem elsewhere. Could be seat too high or setback wrongly (very common), cleats set wrongly, reach too long or low. People blame the saddle when it's rarely the issue.
@jordan1991r Жыл бұрын
As a relatively new cyclist, cycling solo. It’s always been hard to tell if my fit is good, bad or anything in between. It can be hard to justify a bike fit if you are new to cycling because it’s a decent investment you might think is spent better elsewhere. I’ve never felt a bike has fitted me great, but I used myvelofit recently and done it at home on my turbo and I thought I was starting from a “decent” position and it changed me massively. I feel much better now but I was always moving my saddle lower and lower and my bars up and up and this done the total opposite, saddle up by almost 50mm which seems nuts! But it just worked. I’d have never got to that position myself
@KeithCollyer Жыл бұрын
Stem length - my Specialized Diverge was already the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden, but a bike fit recommended changing the stem from 80mm as standard to 100mm and the difference is massive.
@dorianblue4229 Жыл бұрын
That's cool, if I may second that, from Italy but after a good few years in the Uk back then, I ride a now legendary 'cousin' to the Diverge, the AWOL, and it feels like sliding on a sofa, but sliding quite fast for a steel workhorse that is. I was working in a seaside town on the Riviera and l got a second cheaper bike, loving British ones I got shipped a very typical tourer, a Roux Etape 150. Very similar geometries but one is 61cm, the latter is 58. I adjusted stem and bar sizes, it's so interesting how (little though) each bike feels. Both awesome in their own way. Just for the record... Cheers
@fredmcgough748 Жыл бұрын
I appreciate the input about bar width. What really help Simon's video about making your bike more comfortable and Emma's video for shorter riders. Thanks for the video.
@obikedog Жыл бұрын
I would highly recommend a first-time buyer research geometry and their fit before walking into a LBS to buy (or going online.) A first-time buyer is likely to buy from a shop they can try out bikes. This can be a problem for two reasons: 1) their newness to riding means flexibility hasn't been developed and 2) unless they are a median size the bike shop will try to unload what they have instead of the correct size. From my survey of my LBS I find short people like me, are likely to be sold a bike larger than they need. They stock nothing smaller than medium frames and have lots of large and XLs. When I bought my first race bike long ago, the dealer had medium, 54" frames and tried to convince me that was my size even though I had reservations after sitting on it. I ended up bringing it back a few days later and forcing them to source me a 50" (this was back when seat tube length was the measure and comparable between bikes.)
@beltonhogue Жыл бұрын
Something I learned of value....know your saddle. Some saddles (SELLE SMP Triathalon) are designed in a way that the back of the saddle is raised to where it looks as if it is higher than the front due to the padding in the back, but is designed that way so that when you sit your bones on it, you sit evenly, and the cut-out relieves pressure and has a short and curved nose for rolling your hips forward dropping down into the drops. When off of the bike, the nose looks like it is angled upwards, which is the correct way with this saddle. You will find this out because if you position it using a leveler on the saddle back edge to front tip, your body wants to slide forward because of the back end padding! So you have to angle it a little upwards.
@tonypowers123 Жыл бұрын
100% accurate !
@a1white Жыл бұрын
Good point on handlebar width. We seem obsessed about going as aero as possible so as narrow as possible. Handlebar width should be governed by the width of the shoulders.
@wearejames1 Жыл бұрын
Yes, I seem to recall a few years ago your ideal handlebar width was related to the width of your shoulders, as opposed to these days, narrow is more aero and faster...
@user-ny3fi3ws1u Жыл бұрын
Watched the video, moved the seat on the stationary bike and WOW. Thanks!
@janwillemkuilenburg7561 Жыл бұрын
Very right. My legs are proportionally much too long in relation to my torso. I had to get a bigger frame (caad12) with a top tube that was too long for my reach. I swapped the standard stem for a 60 mm, together with a more narrow handlebar and this solved the issue. In contrast to what many people say, I have no steering issues whatsoever, the bike is not too nervous.
@ashleyhouse9690 Жыл бұрын
@Jan Willem Kullenburg - I'm in the same position as you but according to the bit fit I have had you have gone down completely the wrong route. You need a smaller frame with a shorter top tube to match your shorter upper body. Longer legs are accommodated by longer seat post. Although you assert otherwise a 60mm stem is way too short. I agree with Phil Burt that if you need shorter than 90mm then you are on too big a frame.
@janwillemkuilenburg7561 Жыл бұрын
@@ashleyhouse9690 With a smaller frame my seatpost became too long. I am happy with my bike as it is, ride qualities are incredible and I have never had any injuries.
@stevek8829 Жыл бұрын
The short stem can make you twitchy when you do a sprint. You have to watch shaking the handlebars. It's not like the riding geometry changes, just how your input to it changes.
@dblissmn Жыл бұрын
I started off with my current bike in 2007 with a 90mm stem, inverted. I'm glad the bike shop did this, because subsequent improvements in lower back flexibility despite some degeneration that was spotted on MRI have left me with a 110mm stem the right way up in combination with slightly greater seat height.
@peteappleby2291 Жыл бұрын
Great point about the bars often being too wide. I'm hearing more and mor from bike fitters that it's very common for bikes to come with bars that are too wide. Across many different brands.
@gauguin0079 ай бұрын
All these formulas for bike fitting are interesting, but in the end, I just make adjustments to the bike until it’s comfortable. I’m 6 foot three, and I recently bought a 60 cm Cannondale. I added a new seat, 40 cm handlebars and… an 80 mm inverted, stem! The bike is now very comfortable on the hoods and on the drops.
@cameron9832 Жыл бұрын
I'm in between L and XL. I'm 6'1" with long legs. Currently, I ride a 58cm road bike, a 20.5" Mountain bike. My road bike fit seems fine but I could probably make a 56cm work. The mountain bike fit is more challenging. I have a Surly Karate Monkey with 27" wheels and a Scott Scale 970 with 29" wheels. Both are XL/20" frame sizes. I don't have as much top tube clearance as I'd like--less than 1/2 inch--but the L/18" frame size felt too bunched up and I'd have to raise the seatpost almost to max to get my leg extended. I guess I could've put a longer stem on but the XL/20" fits fine minus the lack of clearance
@238949 Жыл бұрын
Great to see Phill again, thanks for all the helpful advice, if GCN and Katie K both trust him then so should we :)
@Whitehawkvisionfilms Жыл бұрын
I got to 6 min and realized I couldn't understand anything he said, so started over with closed captioning on ;-) The thing about setting up a Bike-Fit is I understand all the variables, but I have never understood the "Order of Priority" and knowing that you start at saddle height and fore and aft was VERY helpful to confirm that! I would like to see a VERY detailed video about the differences in power/comfort/kinesthetics of saddle height and its fore and aft so we know the most desirable math and then what lose with the compromises.
@ShawnIsBatman Жыл бұрын
Bike vendors are certainly complicating things for cyclists with the trend towards the integrated/proprietary bar & stem combinations. I experienced this with my Pinarello after a bike fit when I wanted to change my stem length. I was limited to stem choices exclusively from the vendor or to go with an integrated bar/stem combo, again, exclusively from the vendor (and very expensive). Great video!
@emmabird9745 Жыл бұрын
Hi Si and Phil. Thanks Phil for another educating video. Your chats are great. A few years ago now, I was having trouble with my shoulders forever aching. It felt like I had my hands apart on the 40cm bars. I got a 36cm bar and everything got so much better. It is unfortunate that the manufacturers are so reluctant to cater for smaller or less muscular riders. There are so few 36cm bars available. Perhaps that points at a man-centric industry.
@mofomartianp Жыл бұрын
The bicycle was invented by a man afterall... but I'm a man and I use a 38cm, and will probably go down to a size 36.
@bertsimpsan Жыл бұрын
Oh bore off karen
@yozimerio Жыл бұрын
When no one talked about these things, in the late 80s, early 90s, there was a guy in Miami, Nelson Diaz, who talked about high cadence for climbing. When Lance Armstrong started to climb at 90+ rpm, Nelson told me: he's still missing something: his crank length is too long, which makes the circumference longer and the efficiency lower. With shorter crank length you reduce the time during the pedal stroke when the power applied is meaningless, on the top and on the bottom. Nelson experimented with crank lengths down to 152 mm.
@johnstrac Жыл бұрын
A mate of mine needs a bike fit as his bike's always half a wheel longer than anyone else's !
@JamesBrown-qt2yr Жыл бұрын
Love Phil Burt, conveys his knowledge without being patronising. I'd have him do a fit for me before I bought a bus pass!
@justcheckinm8 Жыл бұрын
I had a 52cm Merida Ride 4000, picked based on height and some other basic measurements. I had no end of problems with numb hands and 'other bits' and after a fitting check at my LBS, shorter stem, seat slid forward, etc, it was determined I have longer leg:upper body ratio. I replaced it with a 50 cm and was waaay better. It was a PITA when I bought a Trek Emonda SL7 because it has a limit on how high the seat tube can go on the integrated post...which required buying the longer seat tube. Never looked back.
@SergioCristancho Жыл бұрын
7:18 ... recalling Si crocket bike wide 42 or 44 size handlebar... I went that way ... and well I am glad to take a bike fit and have my 40 size now
@rokker333 Жыл бұрын
Good man. After switching to a new bike last August had exactly the issues with setback and handlebar width. Took me some time to figure out. Even tough Stack and Reach in bike geometry was similar, only slightly more sportive, had massive lower back pain with the new bike.
@sinodraagi Жыл бұрын
The problem for me as a short rider is that most small road bikes come with 170mm cranks and 40 cm bars. My gravel bike came with 165mm cranks and 38 cm bars. Same frame size and manufacturer as my road bike. The gravel bike fits me way better and I feel I get a lot more power through the pedals. Of course the geometry is different, but still.
@600mph_cheap_suicide_drones Жыл бұрын
They probably ran out of stock on shorter cranks. I also prefer shorter cranks. While calculators tell me I should get 170mm crank and I have average leg proportions, my highest average speeds, unbeatable PRs, and one KOM was all done on a 150mm crank on a kid's bike. It's hard to find these, especially if you're on a tight budget looking for cheaper options. I found a few cheap 150mm cranks made for kid's bikes but unsure if they can be installed on an adult gravel bike.
@Chris_Rides_Bikes Жыл бұрын
just curious, how short? I just got a groupset with 170mm cranks and can't wait to try them
@sinodraagi Жыл бұрын
@@Chris_Rides_Bikes 170 cm ~ 5’7
@johannpretorius1620 Жыл бұрын
Got my copy of Phil Burt's book ,Bike Fit 2nd edition, delivered today, just as GCN uploaded this "How to get the perfect bike fit you". 🤣🤣 Now I will double check everything mentioned. 😉
@RootsBassCanada Жыл бұрын
The best fitting vid in my opinion. Thanks.
@allisgood.6191 Жыл бұрын
I appreciate content since I’m new to cycling 👍🏼
@liamm8992 Жыл бұрын
I was definitely happy I got some neutral measurements before buying some of my more recent bikes. The problem I discovered was that being short, with short legs and a long torso, most manufacturers didn't make a frame small enough whilst also long enough for me!
@mikesiemens4145 Жыл бұрын
I'm the opposite. All legs, no torso. I feel your pain. For me it's tall enough while also being shorter in length.
@alan_davis Жыл бұрын
You can normally jump on something very racy if you are short legged, as their stretched out position is helpful for you. If you have long legs, short torso then that's harder... gravel frame possibly
@indiebikes Жыл бұрын
As someone who sits right in between 54 and 56cm, I go for a 54cm with a couple of spacers under the stem and a little more seat post out. Mainly to make sure the crossbar stand over height isn’t too high. I’ll then run 100mm or 110mm stem and 40cm bars. Good to see that I’ve probably got the fit about right. Damn those short legs from the 70’s though!
@davidthomas9079 Жыл бұрын
Chapeau team, amazing effort. You guy`s passed me in Porte Pollensa that morning and you guys was motoring. Respect👊😀
@billkallas1762 Жыл бұрын
I've gotten so I don't even bother looking at frame sizes anymore. I just look for a frame with a 73 degree seat angle, and a 58cm top tube length (or virtual length) If it has those numbers, I'll know that it will fit, when built up. One of the frames that I ride is listed as a 55.5cm frame (with a severe sloping top tube) another is a size 59cm. Both fit equally well. One thing I learned, the hard way, four decades ago, is to not adjust your reach by moving your saddle back and forth, on the rails.
@firesurfer Жыл бұрын
That would be death for your knees, but you know that.
@simonmurray9664 Жыл бұрын
Can highly recommend James Thomas in Richmond - just a legend in bike fitting. Excellent videos on Cade Media too. But manufacturers are at fault here. A client should be able to select bar width, casette, saddle, stem length, crank length BEFORE you buy....all stock items that can be used as the bike is built!!
@Foxtrottangoabc Жыл бұрын
After researching best cycle position. Saddle and pedal stroke is first priority, once that feels good , only then move onto to the handlebar area .
@tomkjrns7698 Жыл бұрын
20 years ago my bike fit was very different from today. And some massage or a chiropractor may change many a sore back and neck. Allways I bring tools to adjust sadle. And there is one fit that is right for head wind, another for wind from behind, climbing a.s.o.. - riding alone or social, racing or zone2. Where do I spend the most time. It will always be a compromise, I think
@Fatbutnotflat Жыл бұрын
Always loves Si's in-depth stuff
@Max.Greger Жыл бұрын
03:58: could you explain that shortly? Which tendency of frame size (shorter or larger) are good for people with longer legs? Thank you :)
@88funkymonk Жыл бұрын
Brilliant episode! Very informative
@Matthew-ez4ze Жыл бұрын
In general, most of us men don't want to ride a smaller bike out of ego. I moved down a size on my new BMC and I've never been happier, or rode better and felt great.
@JesseStarrPhoto Жыл бұрын
That's funny because racers tend to ride undersized frames for weight and aero savings
@JimKJeffries Жыл бұрын
Yes I was worried. I so rarely purchase a new frame, the commitment to one ends up being pretty big. Thanks for the video
@rayF4rio Жыл бұрын
Think again. The wear on the bar tape in that spot comes from the hand rotation involved in shifting gears and the type of glove you wear. Some gloves (Assos) have aggressive dots on the contact points which tend to wear the bar tape when hands are rotated while still in contact with the tops of the bars - ie: Shifting, especially mechanical shifting.
@2.old4this Жыл бұрын
So informative and helpful. Want Phil to fit my bike to me now! If Si’s cycling career takes a wrong turn - he’d be a great bike salesman/fitter. Great show. Can Phil do one on bike position after knee surgery (TKR) Pleeeeeeeaaaaassssseeeee?
@notmyrealname6272 Жыл бұрын
Yea I would like that too!!!!!
@rbonn3880 Жыл бұрын
Phil rocks! Great video!
@jeremynelson8926 Жыл бұрын
Great advice here in the video and comments!
@ronitdebnath Жыл бұрын
In many cases instead of changing stem from 110 to 90mm, use a shorter reach handlebar. It helps. Without destroying the handling.
@warwickp8055 Жыл бұрын
What is the difference? They both pull the bars closer to the Headstem
@alan_davis Жыл бұрын
@@warwickp8055the shorter bars allow you to not pull in the distance to the top of the bar, which helps the handling in that bar position (only). But in general you are correct, reduced reach bars - while a good thing - don't destroy handling any more or less than a short stem in the more common hand positions.
@seattlegrrlie Жыл бұрын
I bought a new saddle and after that first ride my shoulders were killing me. Moved it back, back more, and the cockpit is perfection.
@saracen888 Жыл бұрын
Great video. Cheers guys
@royloveday4350 Жыл бұрын
Really useful thanks.
@drmitofit26733 ай бұрын
One problem is that manufacturers measuring frame size by seat tube length can vary. The horizontal top tube length is more telling. The bikes that fit me the best, when I put my elbow at the nose of the midrail saddle, my fingertips are at the midlength of the stem. The Egyptians called it a cubit. I can quickly check any bike in the shop for ballpark sizing without even mounting the bike. Where your fingertips meet the stem might vary from mine, though.
@workingguy-OU812 Жыл бұрын
I both ride a saddle that is forward, AND a short stem. The next smaller size bike would be ridiculous for me.
@SimVanGyseghem Жыл бұрын
Same here. I'm thinking whether a 0 offset seat post would make sense? Going to try a narrower handlebar first since I've got that around the house
@workingguy-OU812 Жыл бұрын
@@SimVanGyseghem Yes, me as well. I'm going to order a narrower handlebar for my gravel bike - was going to do that anyway out of aero concerns.
@kovar2344 Жыл бұрын
I recently did the same mistake on the second hand bike i bought. Saddle too far back, had to put a shorter stem on 8cm. Bike felt too twitchy. Move the saddle forward and got a lower 11 cm stem. Massive difference and so much better to ride.
@trirakpro Жыл бұрын
Great breakdown
@geraldarcuri9307 Жыл бұрын
Crank length doesn't affect performance? What? Basic mechanics indicate that torque is a function of the length of the lever arm from the center of the circumference it describes. I've ridden different crank lengths and, besides altering the effects of chainwheel size and cassette gearing, the length of the stroke makes a significant difference in the comfort of knees, hips and ankles while pedaling. Crank length is a critical fit component. Stack height is a problem with modern forks, but is not a problem with quill stems. I, for one, cannot see the reason the industry went to 13:20 the fork style that requires stack adjustment. I see people riding around with extended fork stems jutting out above the top of the stem. That looks dangerous ( and ugly ) to me.
@jonathanzappala Жыл бұрын
Ooh I was hoping for another Ollie Beckingsale. I probably have watched that video more than any other GCN video, including devious ways to beat your mates.
@Bodkin_Ye_Pointy3 ай бұрын
I have commented before on this but I have finally worked out for myself that my frame size is wrong. I am on an S frame. I finally had a photo taken of me on my bike with the peddle at almost its full height / top of arc. A few degrees off the top of arc my knee is actually in line with my hip and my thigh parallel to the ground. If I could have managed to get the top of the arc my knee would have been slightly above my hip. The reason I don't ride on the drops is I knee myself in the belly. All courtesy of professional bike fitters. Same issue with a Colnago and Giant. The most expensive bikes I ever bought.
@norsangkelsang7939 Жыл бұрын
I find moving my cleats back and forth will affect the stem length and saddle fore and aft. I think this is overlooked many of the times when considering position. Very few times in the past 40 years have had it dialed in. And when I change shoes... that magic is lost. Have a dynamic system where all the variable can be manipulated real time would be a precious joule. And then get the item to replicate that geometry.
@meibing4912 Жыл бұрын
The most important thing is to start with the right bike frame. Too many step "up" when between two sizes. You can easily make a small frame fit a larger rider - never the opposite. Also, a larger frame is heavier, so bad choice all around.
@stefankristanto6163 Жыл бұрын
but too many stem spacer is also looking bad for taller rider
@meibing4912 Жыл бұрын
@@stefankristanto6163 not a fan of letting "looks" get in the way of a correct bike fit. YMMV.
@galenkehler Жыл бұрын
Larger frames have less toe overlap, and generally better handling because the company hasn't compromised to try and squeeze 700c wheels.
@meibing4912 Жыл бұрын
@@galenkehler 🤣
@ThisHaloFan Жыл бұрын
@@galenkehler Depends what “smaller” means for the rider. If the difference is a 56 or a 54, the geometry is probably not really sacrificing anything to fit 700c wheels. Those are probably the most common sizes for male cyclists. It’s true that for overlap isn’t ideal, but to be honest it’s not really a fit issue and pretty manageable depending on how bad it is. Some toe overlap is quite common with more aggressive geometries. Smaller frames often feel more agile and have lighter handling. I’m happy to accept some spacers if it means not feeling overly stretched out.
@snigs5T5 Жыл бұрын
I think that the worst part of bike fitting is that spec is fixed. If you need a narrower/wider bar, there's no option to swap. Pay up $$$. Need a different crank length. Pay up $$$. Saddle not right? Pay up $$$. And EVERY bike gets the steerer tube cut, then it goes on the shop floor or is already packed in a box before it left Asia. Shops and online just aren't thoughtful and flexible. It's a PITA...or shoulders, or neck...
@kimwarner6050 Жыл бұрын
Completely agree I always have to change my crankset to 160, bars to 360, and a zero setback seatpost. Making all those changes is quite pricey and ridiculous considering the bike is brand new. Last bike I brought a frame and had it built up. It's much cheaper and you get exactly what you want on the bike
@Z-u-m-a Жыл бұрын
Interesting vid. Good sense check in that a more relaxed geometry is probably better suited to 90% of riders.
@raidaman1 Жыл бұрын
Most bikes come with bars that are too wide. In addition to stem length and angle, bars, cranks and saddle (contact points) adjustments are the most basic changes one should always make on every bike purchase.
@whysosalty Жыл бұрын
i just find it all confusing, i had a bike fit years ago and they said at 5'10" i should be on a small or medium nothing larger than 54. I ride a 55 or 56 and can sit in it all day but I do get restless hands and sometimes after 60+ miles sore inner thigh. But i used to have a 53/54 giant and felt so cramped on it, developed bad knees after short distance, just felt wrong and i always felt i was sitting bolt upright and look like a adult on a childs bike. So know i tweak my bike myself and only recently been looking at the bars as a place to make improvements. I am a heavy rider as well, 95+KG but fit.
@dorianblue4229 Жыл бұрын
Hi, some 5 years ago I bought two bikes in short succession and they were my first decent bikes ever. I'll just mention them here cos they, ehm, 'fit' in your video only partially. One is a graveller (but sort of allaround), Speccy AWOL, size XL/61cm. The other one, for rougher use in town, a classic British tourer, a Roux Etape 150 size 58 (the largest of the three they made). Superrelaxing travel bikes, but also smooth rolling and apt for 150+ km day rides. 1) At times you want to push hard and go fast on them too - so i would love to hear if Phil's considerations apply to gravel bikes as well (he just mentions them here, but I wonder whether he's just really dismiss them as broadly usually good and that'all?) 2) about stems and bars, (am 6'2", 36" inseam) there's one more problem: some heights fit between two sizes on the producers lists. I'm mostly listed as top large of a "large", and first entry of the "XL" sizes too. Which is always bit confusing. I've tried and ditched a few stems before being happy, which was bit frustrating... just by myself, i had to... i can now say i've ridden both for whole days in these 5 years, so it's ok i suppose... however, for various reasons i fit two of those superwide gravel bars which is are so trendy lately... a Funn -G-wide 50 cm on the Roux, and a Walmer bar 60 cm (75 in the drops, lol) on the AWOL. My ahoulders are 46ish cm wide. I fitted a supershort, inverted (-5°) stem with the Walmer.Yeah bit less aero (but not much, of all factors) but i have no pain after rides ajd love the control it gives. It's like a flat bar too in its own way (so wide)... Going to the Alpine winding roads, I don't think I'd feel so safe and in control with the stock 46 bars. And this way (arms spread) they allow me to open my lungs and breathe so deep and easy... Well, it's be cool what Phil (awesome guy, of course) might say about this all... cheers!!
@liammcgough9969 Жыл бұрын
That video really helped. I need a shorter stem. How much seat post should be exposed? And how much stand over height is recommended? Thanks for the video!
@timdixo Жыл бұрын
Touched on one of the elephants….integrated cockpits can make twiddling with bike fit an costly nightmare.
@Bianchioltr1885 Жыл бұрын
i got a bike fit 3 weeks ago, and the conclusion was that i had the upperbody from someone that is 1.90m and the lower body in terms of lengt of a teenager ( i am 1.65m). so my bike always needed to be adjusted and i could get a 53 one uptill a 57 on and stil fits my measurments... the perfect bike for me would be a bike with the support bar at a down angle so my upper body has the right position.
@bikeman123 Жыл бұрын
It would be interesting to have several bike fits back to back with different bike fitters just to see how many new stems get sold to you. Adjust your bike yourself, if it hurts after 50 miles, you've got it wrong.. simples. And if you're buying a new bike, the best size for you is usually what the shop has in stock.
@beltonhogue Жыл бұрын
.....there it is!
@osceolaseminole5596 Жыл бұрын
I think this happened to me. Sold me a large and i think i might be a medium.
@krishnansrinivasan830 Жыл бұрын
Very informative :) Thanks 🙏🕊
@PatrickKend Жыл бұрын
Im 5'11" and normally ride a size 56. Well recently i found several bikes i liked and i settled on the size 58 because it was actually the most comfortable. The reach didnt feal too long and i didnt feel any back pain or other issues. A fitter told me it wasnt so muth the hight of the bike but it was the comfort you feel in the bikes cockpit. Several people have made it there business to tell me the bike was too big for me. I can fully stand flat footed over the bike with my feet on the ground and it just touches my "man parts" but not uncomfortably. Am i wrong in my love for this bike? Should i even bother listening to these people who think they know whats right for me? Thanks for any help you can provide.
@evanunruh Жыл бұрын
6 foot and ride a 58cm tarmac. I've been told I could go smaller, but I run the bike with the stem slammed and its plenty comfortable for me
@xceedinsanity7 ай бұрын
I'm 5'9'' with a 32'' inseam and I ride a 56 Dogma. I'm comfortable.
@markbooth6745 Жыл бұрын
Good video Simon. 😃👍
@jonathanellis1842 Жыл бұрын
Toe overlap is my problem, I am short 168cm tall, but have size 9 UK feet. Any bike within a 375cm reach and sack over 530cm giver or take a few cm and bars 38cm wide 170mm cranks are all in the ball park fit wise. Even if I move my cleats forward it solves nothing and it feels awful (it hurts my ankles), so I just have the cleats in optimal pos and live with it.
@jack002tuber Жыл бұрын
For years I had some overlap on my Cannondale, I never knew it. I never turned the bars that far when riding. But then my overlap was not a lot
@firesurfer Жыл бұрын
Cleat position is directly related to the ball of your foot, and should not be used to adjust the overlap of the wheel.
@sbccbc7471 Жыл бұрын
This is more of a problem for smaller riders on smaller frames. Being such a rider myself, any bike I ride will have toe overlap, there's nothing I can do about it.
@yumyumhungry Жыл бұрын
It's good to note that some of the gnarlier gravel/drop bar bikes intentionally use a shorter stem and longer top tube combo to try to offset slacker geometry so that it is easier to steer. Stuff like the BMC URS or the Salsa Cutthroat do this and run 70-80mm stems
@beltonhogue Жыл бұрын
It's funny, these "rules of thumb" aren't right for everyone. I have a long tube and put on a 70mm stem, and it was better than the suggested 90 to 110mm because it allowed me to make sharper turns. I didn't experience any "twitchyness" or anything like that, which so many people said would happen on the internet. It just made since to me for my particular bike and how i like to sit on it. Also important to note along with thus, is that I have a excellent quality bike, and it is designed for racing!
@JayLato Жыл бұрын
5’6 Short legs here. When I sit at a table I’m just as tall as the tallest person. I fit 3 bike sizes 49cm, 52cm, 54cm. Ideally 52cm. My first century ride was on a 54cm and I was fine because I had already shortened and narrowed bar to 380/80 from 420/110, zero seatpost, 165mm crankset.
@anthonyduncalf-uk Жыл бұрын
I'm 168cm in height and some size charts say I'm size Small and others say XS or even XXS. I have ridden all sizes and Size Small was the worst as the reach was too long even with a short stem. So you can easily get the wrong size bike by following some bike manufacturers size charts. XS and XXS bikes do have stems shorter than 90mm though and it's perfectly normal. One thing that doesn't get smaller on smaller frames is the wheel size so there's only so small they can make a frame due to toe overlap so a short stem is needed to get the right reach. A 80mm stem on a size Small or bigger bike shows there's something wrong though with the fit.
@zibby10 Жыл бұрын
Would you size a gravel bike the same way ? As I would think it's more made for comfort than aero ? Struggling to get my gravel bike feeling real comfy.
@davidroberts6766 Жыл бұрын
No bicycle truly fits me properly, as I am 2.04m 135 kg, but I have still enjoyed riding for 50+ years. My slightly smaller brother has, by contrast, some amazing rides that fit him like a glove.
@justpedal65 Жыл бұрын
One problem with this channel is you all show and ride "slammed" positions. Which usually means a smaller frame has been chosen for lower stack, where the reach is adjusted with longer (and negative) stem set-ups. It's what everyone sees in the bike make's catalogs as well. So this becomes a "must have" to be cool, only to suffer on the bike simply by riding it... much less suffering while actually getting fit (and enjoying it). This "pro" position can be handled by elite athletes who log the training miles and must be aero for competition, but for the cyclists who simply want to get out in mother nature and get or stay fit... it's a recipe for avoidance. I'm 56 and I ride both my drop bar bikes with the bar tops pretty even with my saddle. I've been riding since age 14 and when I was younger, I did ride a little more slammed, but not as much as your bikes (or the catalog bikes). As a bike mechanic who also fits and sells bikes, I can assure you that a majority of folks riding or wanting to get into riding, cannot and will not tolerate a slammed position. That's one of the first things I mention when selling... the industry's false narrative of showing slammed bikes because it simply looks cool and helps them sell more. I also work to size up when the customer's height and inseam fall in between sizes. Long legs while falling in the middle of the size guides is another substantial reason to size up.
@paolopetrozzi2213 Жыл бұрын
Thanks.
@MatthewLenton Жыл бұрын
I'm tall and bought a large bike on both the recommendation of Raleigh and the bike shop I bought it from online, but it was just too big. The main problem was that I couldn't even touch the floor with my toes when on the saddle, which was at the lowest level. The handlebars were too far away, and while I could've adjusted those if that was the only issue, the saddle height made it unrideable I then had to go through the rigmarole of packing it back up, sending it back, and waiting for the medium to be shipped. That was a lot better and I probably need to raise the saddle a little as it's just a touch too low. I've not had the chance to ride it yet
@CarvalhoCiclismoBR Жыл бұрын
Bike fitting is dynamic and should be related to your experience in cycling. If you ride 3 times a week, for at least 40min each ride, and been doing it for like 3-4 years on the same bike, you surely have adjusted the fitment for at least 6 times during this period. The only thing you probably won’t change is the frame, but reach, seat height, seat tilt, seat fore-aft, handlebar width, crank length, will change according to your experience.
@veganpotterthevegan Жыл бұрын
Plenty of people ride more than that and never adjust a thing. They just go with the initial, unprecise fit him the bike shop and never think of it. Plenty of others just lift their seat way too high and drop their bars all the way thinking it's faster
@jabba0975 Жыл бұрын
And as your age, fitness and riding style change, so will your ideal position. Like the ideal training plan, it's always a moving target and what worked last year, or even 3 months ago may well not work today.
@veganpotterthevegan Жыл бұрын
@@jabba0975 barring injury and lots of aging, your fit(for performance vs going to a wind tunnel)shouldn't change much once you near your peak fitness/ability. If your fit is changing every 3-6 months, you have a bad fit.
@jabba0975 Жыл бұрын
@@veganpotterthevegan I try to avoid changing position on a given bike, actually. I switch bikes for different applications. I don't want the same position on my mtb as road bike. And I wouldn't want the aggressive, low position on the fast bike if I was going for an easy 3 hour spin with friends. If I didn't have different bikes, I would probably want to raise/lower the handlebars at least once a week for different types of rides. YMMV.
@veganpotterthevegan Жыл бұрын
@jabba0975 jj who has the same fit on a mountain and road bike? Nobody fits road bikes to the flat part of the bar on drop bars. But your first comment didn't have much to do with what you just said now...
@robduncan599 Жыл бұрын
For me it's all about crank length! As a very short person on a xxs bike the best you can get is 165mm still way to big for xxs bike /person . Currently on a 57 variety 13" frame 26" wheel , crank 140mm taken from a Argos challenge folding bike . 170mm cranks on a xxs bike is the bike industry taking the p**s .
@nelsoneby3801 Жыл бұрын
I get 10k into a ride when the numbness in the lower region starts. Completely numb and turns the 'parts' dark red. For years, this is how I've ridden. I've had a fit done, numerous saddles, shorts and tweaks. Never had a full ride without numbness.
@mbasdinkci Жыл бұрын
Should it be shoulder width apart for arms for hybrid bikes as well?
@Yamaha_Bolt Жыл бұрын
Buying Phil’s book
@scottmahupuku-px5uy Жыл бұрын
Would love to see this type of video for mtb xc bike.