How To Find The Perfect Bike Fit | Bike Fit Tips

[@gcn]

Have you ever had a bike fit?

[@DaveCM]

I have had three bike fits in the past. They got me kind of close, but I still ended up changing back towards where I was before the fits. I tried to give it time to get used to the positions, but they just didn't seem to work for me.

[@matthewlewis2072]

Yup. Could do with another, lost all the measurements.

[@marwenfausto3814]

could not even afford one 🤣

[@tamikoyumie2063]

Manon. How can i have the bike cap? First time biker here. I want to have some.item with you logo GCN and hope some signature from you. I wartch whole day lots of GCN video tutorial on do's and don't and many more. I enjoy watching

[@kjetillangauer2816]

Did my own more or less. 2 weeks of trying out differents setups alway on the same 25km loop. Worked out. But pretty time consuming

[@SpriteHide]

We tackled assembling the bike as a family project. kzbin.infoUgkxzg0clhbtRf2gGxPkVETFKJJKGqdsorQu The package is heavy, but I have 2 teen boys that were able to move it. The written instructions were great- we didn't need to watch the videos, but it was good knowing that the option was there if we needed it. After we were able to get it set up, the boys each rode 3 miles and I rode 8 and the bike stayed quiet. The display is easy to reset, and you can put it on whichever setting you are using (time, distance, calories, etc). I will say that my butt is a little sore from the seat, but that could be because I haven't rode in a while. While it is comfortable for me, it was not comfortable with the seat position for my friend (could not move the seat back far enough and he slightly looked like a kid riding a tricycle that he had outgrown). He also said that the seat hurt his manly parts. We are going to look for a different seat that will be compatible with this bike for him.I did purchase the Wahoo Cadence sensor and strapped it to the crank of one of the pedals. This will sync with my Apple Watch, iPhone and will import data in to my Health app. Wahoo does have other sensors available other than cadence. I can also keep either my phone or my iPad on the display and they both feel pretty secure.

[@damianward8138]

White/gold Orbea looks on point 🔥

[@oraszuletik]

Asking for a gold chain!

[@MJarthur95]

Ger 💯 %

[@gregorsamsa8632]

@@oraszuletik definitely !

[@didiMao]

I only watch this to comment on that paint

[@bgib23451]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@Icantfindtheanykey]

I think this is your best vid yet Manon. Good work. I like how you flowed through bits of bike fit and how they interact rather than just focusing on one aspect. Not comprehensive but more holographic which is great because its way too easy to get lost in the details.

[@The2808erik]

I always had back pain on longer rides until I found out I was over extending my shoulders and I shortened my stem. I hope this saves people the trial and error I had.

[@NaomisNeedles]

Same here

[@davidalderson7761]

It took me two days to stop, change, test, stop, change test out my saddle position, I spent about 10 years putting up with pain, going for a hours blast and that was me couldn’t do any more. I am now doing 7 to 12 hours cycling. So amazingly well worth the effort.

[@xtrailz]

The bike fits, but I just can't fit in the clothes I used to wear

[@gregrobidoux6820]

Manon/GCN: There is some good basic information here but I think leading off with why it is a good idea to let someone else fit your bike for you (professional bike fitter) is a better course of action. It’s kind of like cutting your own hair, you can do it but it is always going to be better if you let an expert do the work. We all have certain internal biases and blind spots when it comes to our bike fit. I’m not saying that an individual can’t do a great bike fit but it’s hard not to be influenced by how we “want” to look on a bike vs where our bodies will allow. It is also a good idea to suggest starting at the foot and working your way up the kinetic chain. Each body segment will have influence on the next as you move up the chain. Following some of these basic principles will mean potentially fewer large adjustments, which in turn reduce the risk of cumulative injury down the line. Bicycle riding is a “non-weight-bearing” sport and our bodies can absorb some pretty awful positions on the bike for quite a while until they can’t anymore, with the result being pain or dysfunction that seems to come out of nowhere. Now, for transparency, I am a professional, medical bike fitter and am the Executive Director of the Serotta International Cycling Institute, so it is no wonder why I think professional fitting is important. However, I also see the results of fitting one’s self nearly every day in the clinic. If you want to make the most of that new bike or even your oldest trusty steed get a professional bike fit every few years or after injury. Your body will thank you for it!! Sincerely, Greg Robidoux PT Executive Director SICI Co-Director Spaulding Cycling Medicine Program

[@tomgruitt6563]

I think it's very useful. There are no bike fitters willing to fit in my area at the moment due to restrictions, I could travel further but that's against the rules!

[@gregrobidoux6820]

Tom, to be clear the information that was given was accurate and can help in the short term in the conditions we are all living in. There are many fitters that are doing online assessments. It should be pointed out that a bike fit really can’t be done remotely but a postural assessment or even just a second set of unbiased eyes on your fit can be very helpful.

[@wonjez3982]

Hey Greg, that's an awesome insight you gave! I feel like bike vendors should tell people the benefits a proper bike fit will bring them. Especially nowadays, when everyone is buying a sub 500$ bike not knowing how to fit or even ride it. I too had a lot of moments where i said "if only i knew" with my first road bike and i'm definetly doing a fitting after hearing you.

[@ardkf]

Dear mr executive director, not everyone have the money to do it.

[@aberdeenal3234]

Should never underestimate the benefits of a good bike fit - money well spent in my eyes!

[@kmk9347]

I use to get bit shoulder joint pain.. Ur vdo helped me lot... Thanks

[@kenno030]

Thanks Manon. This has made big difference 🇦🇺

[@thefix-itguyreviewer8151]

Love watching everything this girl does!! She is sooooooo cute and smart!!

[@gregorsamsa8632]

Manon! You definitely need a gold chain on that white-golden or es frame!

[@allthingsTechrelated]

I’m 5’8 and I bought a boardman hybrid bike in a large size with a 175mm crank from Halfords 4 years ago. I am still adjusting bits to make it fit up to now.

[@funkycoldm3dina]

I had a similar problem when I bought a Giant in a Medium size and I ran out of options to adjust (i am 5ft7") and I was at the utmost limit, I was stretched out and the saddle was pushed out forward to the point where I couldn't make any more adjustments. If I went 90mm on the stem the bike would have been twitchy. I now have the same bike in small but now I have a 110mm stem and it feels really good, and I have more choice in the fore/aft and tilt of the saddle. I don't have to go to extremes anymore. Everything has a lot more scope.

[@jonmathias6159]

Oof! I'm only an inch shorter than you and run 170mm cranks on both my current bikes. I'm looking at a Boardman Adv 9.0 and that will definitely be in a size Small. In fact I'll be at the bottom end of the height range for it.

[@matthewlewis2072]

5:36 Sigma Sports were happy to change the cranks on my new bike at purchase time, IIRC I only paid labour?

[@whitneypost5590]

Nice! Good to see more of this. Too bad Shimano doesn't even offer anything below 165 in ultegra or dura ace 🙄

[@dvdp4513]

In regard to stemlength: for me the (old) rule; “when on the hoods, the fronthub should dissapear behind your handlebar”, works fine. Really don’t know what it is based on... Have been experimenting this last season and went back to my former stemlength. And yes, the hub disappeared behind my handlebar again! But.... the whole bikefitting thing is about trial-and-error! (A brand like Giant has a reason for NOT working with exact framesizes). Furthermore; the fit changes when you yourself get fitter!

[@whitneypost5590]

Highly overlooked issue for people 5'4 and under is crank length which controls hip angle at the top of the pedal stroke and will prevent smaller riders from leaning as far forward as other riders. It's such a shame the manufacturers wont make 160mm options. Shimano only offers 160 in 105, not ultegra or dura ace. 🙄 Sram used to offer 162.5 and i have them but doesn't anymore. The bike companies wonder why short people don't stick with road biking but they ship a size 44 frame fitted with 165 cranks and it's ridiculous!

[@nadiacanada1833]

Completely agree. Crank lengths for shorter riders/small inseam overlooked by main manufacturers. Doesn’t make sense, it’s disproportionate. I just got 150mm cranks from Rotor. Seem to be only logical brand currently.

[@lakishaweaks9784]

But rotor expensive🤑 azz 🙊.

[@lakishaweaks9784]

I'm 5'3 female I think inseam is 29-30. I purchase a 2021 GT grade size 48/small came with 165 crank set but people at bike shop swear I'm good with 165 crank because the short guy that works at bike shop has 165. But I have read of other women my height going 160,155 & or 150 for crank set & say it's best 🆙 grade. But noted very hard 2 find 👀 & or expensive🤑🤑🤑.

[@whitneypost5590]

@@lakishaweaks9784 Yup, this "conventional wisdom" is KILLING knees and hips and making short people extremely un aero everywhere. the only thing that controls how high your knee comes up at the top of the stroke is your crank length ( and very minorly, saddle position / seat tube angle ) you're fine with 165 if you want to be extremely upright but If you want to be positioned on the bike like tall people your thigh and your chest / stomach cannot occupy the same space. This silly argument people keep making that we're fine on long cranks is HOGWASH and though Rotor is expensive I will support them because they are offering the RIGHT options for people. It is TOTAL BULLSHIT that major manufacturers keep shipping bikes that size with completely improperly fitted cranks

[@pinkertonpunk]

This is my husband’s account, but I am ~5’3, 29 inseam, and struggling with a mystery chronic hip/quad pain in my left leg. I presently have 170 cranks on my size 49 bikes (came with the bikes) and am trying to determine if going to 165 might help. Any thoughts would be much appreciated! Thanks.

[@joeperry9605]

In my cycling life I have had many bike fits. Its very important to remember as you age your body changes! You shouldn't get a fit done and not have an other for 20 years! Its money well spent. I do some type of fit every 2 years. I would think younger riders could go much longer between fits. But I believe over 50 you should go at least every 2 years.

[@AMPJ08]

That’s EXACTLY the same color I designed in MyO for that Orbea!!! Good taste!

[@jackmason2226]

I have been riding for years and toyed around with the position and never getting it quite right. I am opting for a bike fit which will haven once lockdown is over in the UK. The £160 will be well worth it especially when I want to ride 300km in a day.

[@Oceanbreeze16]

Yes! We needed this video 🙏🏽

[@hazemmohamed4291]

I'm really enjoying your way of description , also each & everything beyond that 😍

[@tomharriman5051]

Hello, I have been active in bicycle communities for the last 35 years, and having fit many people I have a few suggestions you may wish add to a future video. Women have a more difficulty with bike fit for two reasons. First, because majority of new bikes are sold to men, the bikes come with men's saddles and men's stems. The solutions to this are to install a women's saddle, and a stem that is vertically tall and horizontally short, thus bringing the back and arms into a more comfortable position. Depending on the individual I may suggest a different width handlebar and a different length crank arm set. Each individual has three own needs. The second problem is that finding a someone who understands women's bike fit can be difficulty to impossible task. I think this is something that has to be addressed industry wide, and not just one or two random shops. Being that you make videos about bike fit, I suggest a video to help women properly set up their bikes, and hopefully this will be watched by some bike business people as well. Tom H

[@HolisticHealthEducation]

Yups. My bike shop set up my bicycle for me, free of charge, as I bought it from them new.

[@rah4981]

Tips for bike fit: The hoods tilted inwards to the center of handlebar, gives great comfort. May look goofy , but it is really comfortable and feels natural for the wrist and hands. I will keep riding my road bike this way.

[@javaquickscope7300]

Not that aero

[@rah4981]

@@javaquickscope7300 So what.

[@douglasmuth4229]

Anyone notice the music from CyclingTips Nerd Alert Podcast around 3:06?

[@stephanie_bolland]

How critical is stand-over height? I’m 161cm with an inseam of 73cm and finding bikes that I want to buy and meet the above is difficult. I love the Canyon Grizl but the suspension option is not available in smaller sizes so I’m limited to a non-suspension option.

[@seascape]

Tilting the handlebars up or down may be a good temporary fix, but wouldn’t it be better to adjust the shifters up/down and in/out long-term?

[@shellypalumbo5297]

As always, thank you Manon!!

[@theRealDavidn]

She is such a joy

[@jaydrums2528]

thanks for tips. Love you😘

[@tomreingold4024]

Good video. I also love how you ride in inclement weather, and I know that in your area, you don't have much choice. It sets a good example for the rest of us.

[@LeMagnifiqueTampere]

Rocket Coffee machine on the back !!!!! My favourite !!!!!

[@adamsenik2573]

I've never had a bike fit. I followed the advice from GCN, and it worked well for thousands of miles. I only messed up once my saddle height, when I thought it was too low. It was a painful mistake. After few rides, I developed hip pain. I lowered the saddle 1cm, at I was comfortable again. The only thing that intrests me is.... that I am faster on my commuter, which is an mtb (Specialized hardrock sport 29er) than on my road bike (Trek Emonda with Shimano Tiagra 11-28 cassette + 34/50 crankset). My commuter has got Vittoria Randonneur 40c, carbon rigid forks, and 26/36/48 crankset with 11-34 cassette. I hardly ever use 26 chainring, so I'm wondering whether this is due to the position on the bike or what.... Commuter is heavier, position less aerodynamic. Two totally different bikes. I've done same climb on both bikes and commuter felt faster and easier...

[@dexterdiaz14]

I see manon I clicked...so gorgeous and great info about bike as always keep it up

[@millianopinto9877]

Thank You !! 👍👍

[@g.fortin3228]

Nice job Manon !! Very nice info here.

[@genoestallo2137]

Lets claim that GCN will have 3million subs this month!🇵🇭

[@needsmoreisolation8568]

the lingo "subs" its cringeworthy. SUBordanate, SUBmissive. also the term sub also refers to niche messageboards within a platform (subreddit, sub on p0a|_(dot)see oh)

[@Milk_Bag67]

@UC-aHTTuWpJ7nu89RspKOm7Q SUBScriber Not SUBscriber you illiterate fool

[@fa721128]

What is the difference between bike fit on road bike and gravel bike? Can I just use the set-up on my road bike?

[@nareshmoharkar]

Thank you for the information

[@markjohnson5636]

Good tips. I'd love a video on finding a frame and then fitting it when you're tall. I'm 199cm and finding a frame geometry that works for me is a challenge. All the tips here only work if your frame gets you close.

[@tomharriman5051]

Hi, I have the same problem. I'm 6.2" tall, with a 32" inseam. It's been explained to me that bicycle companies have stopped making LX frames. They required a lot of materials, were expensive to ship, and didn't sell well. The two solutions I have is to find a good frame from the 1980's or 1990's, and then add modern parts. The best solution is to find a good custom frame builder. My frame builder said that a good portion of his frames are for people who are either above the average, or below the average. It's also fun to ride a bike that was made for you. Best of luck. Tom

[@magalsis]

That Orbea is beautiful! Nice video, thanks for going over this important topic

[@joeperry9605]

As always great instructional video. Especially for beginners. And Mannons bike is beautiful. I have a criticism. This goes across the board and not just this video. If you mention the need for a torque wrench you should be using one in the video. I am sure there is a reason they are not shown in instructional videos. But I am certain someone is using a T wrench to tighten a stem believing it is a torque wrench. Especially beginners who probably will not recognize possible damage to carbon parts. In Alex's last video he was using a very nice one. And showed the wrench being used correctly.

[@needsmoreisolation8568]

swept back flat bars are better fitting when stretching forward; as the arms go outward you have less reach. the seatpost should get cut with a saddle forward as it takes more post than if the seat is aft all the way. why dont seatposts tilt more? are they trying to sterilize me via the saddle as well? fabric radius has a terrible hump right where it should not have a hump.

[@arvinabo-abo4808]

I see Manon in the thumbnail. I click the video. I'm a simple man.

[@ercanismail3893]

I've had a bike fit and it make a huge difference, well worth the money. I have a question about frames, I'm looking to buy a new road bike, I'm not very experienced so I want an endurance frame/style how do I tell that when looking at the websites? And why do the manufacturers have sooo many brands and models each? How do I choose?

[@nuclearbanana1631]

Another great video! Suggestion: Maybe you could do some good leg exercises for cyclists! You might have done it before, but I know GCN is the best team to go to for cycling advice, so maybe you could try it out!

[@kathyljohnson6203]

Gorgeous Orbea with gold bling, Manon! 🎉

[@nickstahl6672]

Did the bike fit myself and I'm reasonably happy with it. Just wish I could finally find the right saddle.

[@veloaddict]

lower your saddle

[@nickstahl6672]

@@veloaddict Trust me, I've tried everything. But thanks anyway. I just need to find the right fit.

[@rah4981]

Brooks swallow leather saddle. I bought the titanium version to shave of some weight, 360 grams is the weight. Heavy, but well worth the weight because of the comfort, I never wear padded cycling shorts, can cycle for hours no discomfort at all. Brooks saddles on all my bikes from full suspension to road bike, I will never cycle on anything else.

[@nickstahl6672]

@@rah4981 I'll look into that. I'm not that concerned about weight so it might be a good option. Thanks.

[@ashwanidhull7971]

Manon rocks!!

[@sonalmalhotra07]

Nice section Mannon. Are their any suggested measurement for the drop and reach and stem length if you know your hieght and weight and arm length?

[@beataleszkiewicz8517]

Can you recommended good and checked places (shops) where they can do all that measurments correctly for you?

[@DaveCM]

That bikes looks freaking awesome!

[@lperno]

Great information! Would your recommendations change for a hybrid flat bar bike?

[@osh241]

Pro and cons to a bike fit... Size is one thing but most sizing won't take mobility and range of motion into account. Get a bike fit then tweek it to you feel it's comfortable with that's what I did as your body will know what feels right 💪

[@xspartah6992]

I do Retül bike fitting myself, good tips in this video

[@perlinhzx]

How does a too large frame size cause shoulder aches or saddle pain?

[@sanjayshelar8941]

Like your cycling video

[@baszaskozbendudoloedesapa7648]

Amazing Manon :))

[@tyy123]

Where can I buy the gcn jersey

[@patrickacox]

My main bike is a flat bar fitness road bike. I have problems with getting a sore neck and my foot going numb after about 10 miles into my ride.

[@zigzagchris]

Feet pain are usually a result of saddle comfort

[@matthewbaynham6286]

One point I think should have been added is that crank length effect pedal cadence. If your cadence is normally below 80 rpm too much then get shorter cranks. If your cadence is too slow the force in your knees goes up and that's not so good for your knees.

[@Ergustavinho]

Gorgeous bike !

[@jaydesimone4297]

Manon, I'd love to see you do a video on a TT bike fit.

[@chefaero]

Pls help! My height is 5”7 and i have this cannondale road bike size 54. I think its a bit large for me. What will i do? Is there any chance i can fit this bike? i dont want to sell it, my wife gave it to me on my bday, thanks

[@emmajones7838]

Are there any plasic parts?

[@dcv9460]

Very HELPFUL =)

[@thewongtim]

Perfect timing! Just got a new bike

[@GrayFox-xd9ww]

I get numb fingers although I do hold the drops for long periods of time Gota switch positions

[@kenjill50]

Manon always looks stunning

[@enriqueDFTL]

What model of Sella Italia saddle is that?

[@etiennefoueillassar1426]

Nice colors !

[@peteT269]

I've been having constant knee and hip issues the last 2 years, which has largely stopped me riding. Seen 2 doctors and a multitude of physios to no avail. Going for a very expensive professional bike fit on Wednesday as my last hope. If it doesn't work, I'll be hanging up the gloves.

[@mhsy0533]

Always excited when GCN uploads a new video!

[@santiandres5177]

What a gorgeous bike

[@ej81t]

I'm not sure how to explain it but on my first pedal, I feel a extra space before contact and propel forward on my bike. What does this mean and how do I fix it? (still relearning how to ride a bike😢)

[@davethedogdude]

If you are describing what I think you are, then it's not a matter of bike fit, its just a property of the hub and is perfectly normal and something you will just get used to over time. The hub in your real wheel has a certain number of engagement points, road bike hubs tend to have less, mtb hubs tend to have more. The less engagement points they have, the more "free movement" you will feel before you hit one of the engagement points. Once you do, you will start to "propel forward" as you say. If you keep pedaling, you will stay engaged. If you stop pedaling and coast, then you will have some "free movement" again. On road bike hubs you might get something like 12 degrees or more potential free movement, on mtb hubs you may get only a few degrees of free movement. There are road bike hubs with more engagement points that will reduce this. But this means a new wheel or rebuilding your wheel, so it's not an inexpensive thing to do.

[@bikeman7982]

Says "...adhere to suggested torque ratings", but doesn't use a torque wrench :)

[@jonmathias6159]

I normally lightly tighten the bolts with a hex key like that and only use the torque wrench to snug them down to the correct Nm. It's a bit quicker.

[@ayanbhayana3877]

Great and helpful tips it helped me alot Thanks......❤️❤️

[@kofiobeng449]

How can I get one of the bike

[@TheHerrMan]

I had no idea that's what spacers were for. I thought having multiples was just styling

[@CerveloS5rider]

One thing I don’t understand about bike fit is every bike is different. How can the perfect fit be possible. I own a cervelo S5 and a Giant contend. Other than saddle height everything is totally different. I find both comfortable.

[@gcn]

Yes for different bikes you may well find this is the case, there definitely isn't a perfect bike fit for everyone

[@jasonbenoit800]

I am in love

[@NinoSpinner]

Cambia lavoro 🤣✌️👌 con affetto

[@bartz4439]

there is no way! i had my bike perfectly fit just after last 100 videos and it can be fitter even more? come on spring! right on time!

[@bendmadio]

Numbness on my right hand, can't pin point the causes, try many things, but still.

[@amjan]

So we're just gonna ignore Manon is adorable as hell??

[@simaomartins3123]

Worth the money to have a proper bike fit . These king of videos help in the beguinning but as we train more often and harder we need to see a professional bike fiter

[@ashleymarper4652]

#askGCNtech Been enjoying your videos I would like to know the pros and cons for hydraulic brakes and electric gears for a road bike and if I should choose them over mechanical brakes and gears. Can you recommend the best company's and a budget friendly electric gears and hydraulic brakes please? (Can you also do a how to install them as well please, sorry if you did this before but want to know the latest stuff) #askGCNtech

[@jeromeinocencion6390]

Nice vids❤️

[@gcn]

Thanks, Jerome!

[@tylerclare935]

When's the 5 vs 1 comming out 👀

[@boyobane1590]

I can feel when I get the saddle the right height because I get the distinct feeling that while I'm sat on the saddle my weight is actually going into the pedals, and it's considerably easier to pedal than putting it down half a cm.

[@JulianAndresKlode]

But do you pass the steve hogg balance test? You go at like 80% effort and then move your hands from the bars to behind your back, and then check you don't fall over :D (the further forward the saddle, the harder it gets, you try to go as far forward as you can without falling over in the test). :D

[@boyobane1590]

@@JulianAndresKlode To be honest I never learned how to not fall over if I let go of the handle bars anyway so I don't think it would work lol

[@JulianAndresKlode]

@@boyobane1590 Yeah it's more of an indoor trainer kind of test, a lot of people would crash attempting it non-stationary.

[@swalstar]

Diolch Manon!

[@jrmeister2713]

OMG! She's so pretty!

[@ernestgabrieldumas684]

no.she’s average looking

[@jpr1370]

diagrams help. This way does this.... That way does the other.... Maybe provide a Summary and cheat sheet.

[@r.davies2702]

Can't believe you didn't mention the levers. Position of the levers/hoods make a big difference to comfort on the bike.

[@arucorral1253]

Got a new bike and I wouldn't know if the aches I feel are because of an improper bike fit or an aging body.

[@bangWarkop]

Good

[@kofiobeng449]

How much that's it cost

[@matthewlewis2072]

How come Manon only gets Ultegra, not DA?

[@paddyotoole2058]

She a best bang for your buck type of gal.

[@FOMIPIEY]

Речь о правильной посадки байк фит. Есть перевод от Сержа.