‍What is a Bike Fit?

A Bike Fit aims to help a person be comfortable and efficient while they are riding a bicycle.  A few body measurements are taken, and then the rider rides their bicycle on an indoor cycling trainer while the Bike Fitter observes their riding style and pedaling mechanics.  (If you are looking for a more detailed explanation, we invite you to read a deep-dive about what a Bike Fit is.)

Over the next 60-90 minutes, the Bike Fitter makes adjustments to the bicycle to help increase the rider’s comfort and efficiency while riding.  Comfort is determined by the rider’s feedback during the fit, and efficiency is determined via the objective measurements and the body assessments that the Bike Fitter conducts over the course of the Bike Fit.

During the Bike Fit, it may be determined that additional parts - such as a new stem, saddle, crank arms, or handlebars - are needed in order to optimize the rider’s comfort and efficiency.  The price of a Bike Fit does not include these additional parts or the labor to install them.  All riders getting a Bike Fit receive a 30% discount on any necessary labor to install additional parts at Mello Velo Bicycle Shop.

Why get a Bike Fit?

Cycling should never be painful or uncomfortable.  A Bike Fit helps ensure that cycling is as pain-free, enjoyable, and fun as possible. 

When purchasing a suit, a person understands that the original “generic” sizing of the suit is not optimized or specifically made for them.  Because of this, they will typically take that suit to a tailor to ensure that it fits well and is comfortable to wear.  This analogy can be extended to bicycles: A bicycle off of the shop floor or from the manufacturer is not set up specifically for you.   If you purchase a bicycle and intend to ride it, why not ensure that it’s as pain-free and fun as it can be to ride?

When a rider is comfortable on a bicycle, the experience of riding is that much more fun for them.  A Bike Fit helps ensure that joints are moving though their proper ranges of motion and that the proper muscles are being leveraged for movement while riding a bicycle.  All of this means that a rider’s stress is decreased while their efficiency is simultaneously increased when riding, all of which contributes to a lower risk of injury.

Who would benefit from a Bike Fit?

Any person who rides a bicycle can benefit from a Bike Fit.  This includes riders who haven’t ever ridden a bicycle to seasoned, high-level, and competitive athletes.  Every person who rides a bicycle deserves to have a fun and comfortable experience while they are riding.

What kind of bike do I need to have to get a Bike Fit?

Much like any person who rides a bicycle can benefit from getting a Bike Fit, any style of bicycle can be fit to its rider.  We have years of experience working with riders who ride Mountain Bikes, Gravel Bikes, Road Bikes, Triathlon Bikes, Cruiser Bikes, Hybrid Bikes, and more!  If it is a bicycle, we are willing and able to fit you to it!

Where will the Bike Fit take place?

Full Circle Endurance’s Bike Fitting Studio is located inside Mello Velo Bicycle Shop at 790 Canal Street, Second Floor, Syracuse, NY 13210.

How often do I need to get a Bike Fit?

Bike Fitting is a dynamic and fluid process; it changes as you change.  This means that Bike Fitting is not something you do once and never have to do again.  The constant goal of the Bike Fitting process is to evolve with you and keep you happy and comfortable on your bicycle for as long as you choose to ride.

All riders benefit from a Bike Fit when they purchase a new bicycle.  Beyond that initial Bike Fit with a new bicycle, it’s a good idea to get a Bike Fit once per year.  Riders who are logging a lot of miles (4,000+) per year and/or who are training seriously or competitively should consider getting a Bike Fit at least twice each year.

As your fitness improves or declines, how you interact with a bicycle changes.  Any changes (positive or negative) in fitness, flexibility, strength, and/or body composition may be things that necessitate a new Bike Fit.

Thinking about buying a bicycle and want to know if it will work for you?

A Pre-Purchase Bike Fit might be the best option for you!

What if I need further adjustments after my Bike Fit?

Laura Henry is a VFS Certified Bike Fitter, and one of the cornerstones of VFS Fitting Philosophy is that it takes time to understand which position is going to be the most comfortable and efficient for a given rider.  For this reason, all Bike Fits come with free Fit Checks for six months after an initial Bike Fit is conducted.

Who provides a Bike Fit?

Laura Henry, a VFS Certified Bike Fitter, provides Bike Fitting services.  She has more than seven years of experience working with cyclists on all different styles of bikes to help get them comfortable.

DISCLAIMER: Laura Henry is not a medical professional, and the information provided here and in the course of a Bike Fit is intended for informational and educational purposes.  A Bike Fit is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or disease.  Anyone seeking a Bike Fit should always seek the advice of a medical professional before commencing endurance sports training, if they have sustained an injury, or if they have other medical concerns related to their cycling.

Did you know?

Full Circle Endurance athletes currently on Performance Coaching receive discounted Pre-Purchase Bike Fitting and Bike Fitting services.

If additional parts or labor are needed beyond the scope of a Bike Fit, riders will receive 30% off any necessary labor at Mello Velo Bicycle Shop to install additional parts. 

How much does a Bike Fit cost?

A Bike Fit costs $225.  Because Bike Fits are long (2-hour) appointments, we collect a non-refundable $50 deposit at the time of booking to secure your appointment time.  This $50 booking deposit will be credited toward the price of the Bike Fit once the service is complete.