His Saddle Was How High?! - Elite Bike Racer Full Bike Fit

Bike Fit Tuesday's is back with a full professional bike fit from start to finish. Thanks to James Jobber and James from Bicycle in Richmond.
Check out James' new KZbin Channel here: ‪@Bikefitjames‬
Cade Media Podcast: podfollow.com/...
SUPPORT Francis Cade and Cade Media directly:
Via Patreon: / franciscade
AFFILIATE LINKS
Silca: 13% off with code CADEPOD13 silca.cc/
GoPro GRILL Mount: www.prostandar....
GoPro Hero 11: prf.hn/l/ryjmwQn
Tiny Insta360: www.insta360.c....
Bigger Insta360: www.insta360.c...
Thanks to our CHANNEL SPONSORS:
Garmin
Silca

[@daniels.2720]

Please James & Francis > a follow up video to his impressions of how this fit lasted or other adjustments needed. Thanks

[@FraserRobertTorpy]

Seconded. I would be very interested to know whether the new position initially FELT slow: I have a suspicion that this is why a lot of us stick with lousy positions for too long.

[@billincolumbia]

Yesss, maybe next July.

[@sazridesbikes]

It’s incredible that this chap is a professional rider, yet his fit before yours has caused him pain and injury. It’s wonderful what you do James. It would be interesting to see in the future how his racing numbers stack up after this fit. A fantastic post, as ever. Enjoy your Thailand trip too, all of you 🎉

[@bikeradar]

These fits are our ASMR x

[@Pratalax]

4:00 Scorchioooo!! that joker impression was utterly spot on, too.

[@ltu42]

Really interesting how the "after" position has become visibly more relaxed and more aero at the same time, lower frontal area.

[@lesio40000]

And looks like neck is not so stretched

[@10ktube]

My search continues in Mid-Atlantic USA for a fitter like you. I have no real issues, I just want to get a fit by someone with your knowledge and sarcasm, primarily the sarcasm.

[@mordillokiwi]

Let me know if you find one. Been searching for years now and everyone looks like they are fitting from the 1980s.

[@xiaoliuwu8539]

Not in your area, but I found P-Fits/Fitted By Pedro in San Francisco subscribes to James' fitting principles. I had two bad fitters before going to Pedro.

[@bookle5829]

British sarcasm in America? Good luck.

[@deemey95]

I’m also desperate for a good mid-Atlantic fitter. The last guy I got recommended is still using plum lines to set positions.

[@lechprotean]

FWIW, I flew in with my saddle and shoes and booked a fit with James for one of my trips to London. No need to bring your whole bike with you.

[@danieltull3622]

I love Jame's energy always. His cadence of speaking is amazing and his knowledge base is vast.

[@JRBennett84]

It’s been 20 years since I ended being a cyclist due to a chronic knee injury… watching all of yours, and @BikeFitJames videos got me the bug back. No money to do anything about it though!! lol. Keep up the amazing work gang!

[@bbikerlawrence]

James of the Jobbings 🎉

[@eddnshoulders]

Another easy way to teach yourself awareness of correct saddle height is ride regularly/mostly on rollers (front and rear type) for a month or so and play with saddle height. Rollers highlight pedalling smoothness and will make any dead zone very obvious. The highest setting without dead zones appearing has worked well for my comfort AND power output.

[@TheMonochromaticTriathlete]

Man. Getting a REAL fit, with someone this good can really change your life.

[@GearedforChange]

Perfect diagnosis and proof through the symptoms. Essentially give the proprioceptive tool of the right arch support to eliminate guarding what right forefoot Varus and create a safe knee extension to relearn that right foot behavior. No mobility or flexibility limitations and he will neuromuscularly rewire that behavior quick. ONE MORE THING!! as a trainer. I guarantee his squat shifts to his left foot in deep flexion. CONTEXT! Off the bike there’s work to do to to reinforce that new behavior and physiological change. Relearn how to grip and invert that right tibia and arch through cross training and proper squat work. The steps AFTER a bike fit can be very impactful from what you learn. 💪

[@ponkanpinoy]

10:15 ish just my eyes or is James' right knee flicking inboard at the top of the stroke? Is that a bad cue to consider stance or is this a case of in this particular it's fixing more issues than it's causing?

[@juliaandsanderdekoning]

Good catch!

[@jst8051]

Also noticed this movement, but to me motion of the knee coming in looks to be a consequence of it going out before that. From what James has been telling us in other videos, knee going out may be a result of pedals being too narrow. Here though stance was widened. Could it be that it’s just how it works for the rider?

[@ShadowzKiller]

I was thinking this as well. Bike fit Neill highlighted in his q-factor video that some people may have quads that are too strong and over compensate, so it could be that. James said he felt better.

[@HYP3RK1NECT]

Se pone una cuña de 2mm ente el zapato y la cala hacia dentro del pie.

[@foresure7181]

love every video with james in them - truly shows how fitting is an art.

[@andrewosborne9000]

Really great insight, love listening to James and will certainly book in for my own bike fit in the NY. Keep up the great content.

[@crankgreenwatts]

Everyday is a school day with James 🙌 What a difference between the before and after 👏

[@muji_not_tech]

I don't understand shit but it's incredible what James did...

[@ChrisCorless]

Another great video. Love all the bike fit content with James and from James. Would be curious to go through a video of what changes need to be considered if you move your cleats rearward? Similarly, what happens if you increase the q-factor? Also curious about whether there is an easy way to know which leg you are dominant on. Great content. Thank you for putting the effort in! Wish I lived in the northern hemisphere to get a fit with him!

[@cyanomical]

CHAOS!! just sent me 🤣 literally Joker vibes

[@Aeysir]

For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Chaos!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I need to book a fit

[@danjohnson9705]

Amazing how obvious the change is in his shoulders also. Visibly more relaxed in the shoulders and neck.

[@highfived]

I need a bike fit from this Jedi Master

[@franksauer7682]

Love the extra explanation in this video!

[@MrJhockley]

I've got a massive 1st ray elevation. if i want even pressure across my forefoot standing, running, cycling i need up to 7mm of wedging or around 4 degrees .I've got a mild mortons toe so i've had to push back cleats with a extender plate to get behind the ball of foot. G8's have helped stabilise the foot a but i've found a mixture of wedging and arch support yields the best comfort. I've also got a mild tibial varum and an accentuated femoral q angle. I needed around 15mm of extra stance each side. I'm probably doing a few things wrong as its DIY but it's been so comfortable and producing more power. Also on 165 cranks and not slamming the stem has helped loads. Interesting things i've found out now is that i can ride no hands for the 1st time ever, i can also hold 140rpm for a short while. Many thanks to James for the inspiration and knowledge. I've had a couple of bad fits in the past so great to hear someone actually being able to justify of their decisions.

[@tongotongo3143]

In my case 180mm cranks work the best. While 145mm cranks no no thank you.

[@natashabarton7134]

I tried the G8 insoles, seriously wanted them to work but there is a raised bit to the lateral (outer) part of the rear foot that seriously digs in and hurts, why would they put this into an insole

[@PeterBlink]

are we not going to talk about that spot on joker impression??

[@Mincher]

You can see the effect of those changes all the way up James' back, shoulders and neck. The 'before' looks excruciating in comparison.

[@dan44zzt231]

I'd be in agony riding with my arms locked out and shoulders rolled forward like this within about 30 minutes never mind 60k miles.

[@tongotongo3143]

Yes, after bike fit he even looks younger and handsomer.

[@jikemenkins7098]

You're going to have to start prescribing Favero Assioma power meters as a corrective action!

[@we1rd92]

9:35 i only have saddle sores on the right side and i can't stop them 🥲. My left leg and foot are shorter than their counterparts so i put a shim under the left foot and use insoles but i just can't find the solution. Would love to visit James one day...

[@hobscotch6161]

How does static bike fit correspond to dynamic?, I went to a bike fitter a few years back, with a specific issues that never was resolved. I managed to sort it myself after a ton of research and wasted money. The bike trainer fit felt totally different once out on the road..

[@tongotongo3143]

Bike fit is the most important, it’s crucial. I would say, if you have money just for either bicycle, or bike fit session, go for the bike fit session because it’s even more important than actually having a bicycle.

[@weirdlittleangel]

love these videos. ergonomy ftw.

[@ShadowzKiller]

I am waiting to see a fit where James staggers the cleats or q-factor, because I think some of us may need this.

[@markg454]

great content

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Do you do bike fits if somebody wears non clipless shoes / flat pedals?

[@myPPPLab]

what saddle is in use? a power saddle/short saddle - will make sit forward?

[@rugiOHHHH]

7:51 genuine joy

[@rockabilly3333]

IF U WANT TO KEEP UR ENERGY UP,HAVE A GOOD MIX OF PROTEIN AND CARBS.B4 U LEAVE ALL SUGAR DOES IS RAISE YOUR.SUGAR LEVEL GOES UP FAST AND COMES DOWN EVEN FASTER . HAVE AN ENERGY BAR ,JUST STICK TO WATER OR SOMETHING WITH NO SUGAR.

[@markusseppala6547]

What is the cause of clawing the toes inside the shoe? I do that often with my right foot when on the trainer.

[@olishobbyscene1643]

good question. I do it on the left side when indoor.

[@Lemond75]

Lack of stability and/or arch support inside the shoe. The toes claw if the foot is searching for more stability.

[@HYP3RK1NECT]

3:20 Cuando puse pausa en el video cuando el brazo de la biela está orientada hacia adelante, me di cuenta que la punta de la rodilla está demasiado adelante de la punta de la biela. Entonces si. El sillín esta demasiado alto y demasiado adelante.

[@Trevor.Adams640]

Unless I missed it, if the wider SPD SL pedals still aren’t wide enough, how do you increase the stance further?

[@HabaneroTi]

I've always been more comfortable riding with a saddle height somewhat higher than what the various formulas indicate. Could that just be me and my specific anatomy and physiology, or do I just think that I'm more comfortable (and efficient) but am not, and could actually be doing damage to my body? Over 20 years riding this way, not huge miles but a decent amount, typically 800-1200 a year, and basically no injuries. I also run, if that matters.

[@Tomdrumsandcycles]

What does it say about bike fitting that James didn’t use the bike fitter in the very bike shop that he works in?

[@Manetty6]

James! Can you please invest some monay to mics? Thanks.

[@razorree]

how come Chris Froome had saddle 3cm too high ?

[@gearhunter]

8:20 Somebody looks happy =)

[@MylesHSG]

Im no road racer, heck i ride a folding bike but ive always been told to have the saddle up to your leg is almost straight at the bottom of the stroke. Is this wrong?

[@mitchhorton9178]

How do you get the initial position set up on the studio bike versus his real life bike? Is it a 100% match?

[@jealnoslyn]

I am guessing he brought his bike in and they measured it. There are tools made specifically for measuring all aspects of bike fit.

[@jonathanzappala]

A 3x9 had fourteen independent gear ratios, 2x11 has fourteen independent gear ratios. That’s why a triple is dead, not for narrower stance.

[@quintennn]

I'd love to get a bike fit at this level, but unfortunately the options in Belgium are not as advanced as what James and his staff offer, or they are 3x the price...

[@johnwestwell2241]

Eurostar from Brussels to London...

[@quintennn]

@ fair point, but that increases the price again. I've considered it, if I can convince the misses to come along for a city trip it might be an option!

[@johnwestwell2241]

@@quintennn If bike fitters in Belgium really are three times the price, it would certainly be worth it if you're struggling with your bike fit. Admittedly, the shop is out in west London, but there's a rail station nearby and probably slightly cheaper overnight accommodation than you'd find in central London.

[@quintennn]

@@johnwestwell2241 There are more affordable, similarly priced bike fitters here as well, but after having a bad experience (one I had made it worse), I've became a bit concerned. The ones that look like they have similar experience, level and service as james' shop, they are really expensive. Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely consider it!

[@Cycle.every.day.]

Folks want full leg power hence alot of saddles are too high , the leg stops producing power way way way before straight , that's the best thought to have to have the confidence to lower your saddle.

[@out_spocken]

Is there an issue though with overloading a more bent knee? Given that the least pressure on the knee is when the leg is straight. Each degree increases pressure which can increase stress/pain? It's what I'm currently dealing with at the moment. I'm guessing fore aft also makes a big difference with this.

[@abedfo88]

James looks vaguely familiar but can't place him. Has been on other youtube stuff

[@christosandreev6392]

I don't think the G8 is a relatively cost effective system. It only lasts 6 months, 8 at most. Durability is disappointing. Custom beds cost about 200 USD and can last 2-3 years

[@natashabarton7134]

I tried the G8s but they have a raised lateral edge in the rear foot which is so odd! It digs in. No idea why

[@bertusbob]

👍👍👍

[@timtaylor9590]

Easy way to get saddle height right, when you sit at the nose it's too low when you sit at the back it's too high. If I were to do a short tt or hill climb I would raise it a bit because I would be towards the front of the saddle but that would make my normal riding position uncomfortable.

[@johnnunn8688]

Anyone with sore hips or other ortho issues, could do worse than watch KZbin, ’Upright Health’.

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

🎉🎉🎉he’s awesome.

[@stephensmith2820]

Arch support again .ARRGGH

[@Gramkan]

Should name who previously fit him, what a disaster. I only watch fitting videos on KZbin and could tell it was off instantly

[@dietersanchez203]

A local issue in my area is that some people have attended paid regional seminars and have "earned" a diploma (of attendance LMAO), and then they somehow consider themselves bike fitters. None of them have the proper equipment (most of them place the client's bike on trainers or rollers), which means there is no easy way to change lengths, which defeats the purpose. If the client needs to step down, wait for you to loosen, remove, place, and retorque something, or whatever, it gives enough time for him/her to rest, relax, stretch, readjust, but what if the client comes with an integrated cockpit? then you can't work with the target bike, and then you're mostly guessing or ill-advising. Putting the client on a different bike defeats the purpose. Taking pictures through an iPad and let the app guess the angles and such is not a proper bike fit, more like snake oil. I presume something very similar has happened with him.

[@lenolenoleno]

Maybe I watch too many BikeFitJames video but could spot the changes straight off the bat 2s into the video. Boggles me that he's a professional racer and has such a poor fit/no one in the entire racing team/mechanic/riders/coaches could spot/advise him otherwise despite the obvious discomfort.

[@mustridefaster]

This is surprisingly common, even at the pro level. First, there aren't very many good or qualified bike fitters anywhere that have the physiology training needed. Second, cycling is all about being uncomfortable and "suffering" at the competitive level. That mindset tends to pervade the peloton and riders just become accustomed to discomfort, of all types, and think it is just a part of the sport.