When you begin cycling, whether purchasing a new bike from a shop or getting a used bike from a friend, most people will recommend a professional bike fit. You have probably heard the term before, but what exactly does it mean?

What Is a Bike Fit?

Bike fitters typically attend specialized training to learn how to set up a rider so that seat height, bar drop, and saddle setback all fall within a good working range. A bike fit can cost anywhere from $150 to $500, depending on the fitter’s experience and depth of the session. You can also call us directly to see which saddles might work best for your current or future setup and body type.

Why Fit Matters

There are countless articles and videos online about positioning a rider on the bike. The most important thing is to find a fitter willing to build a relationship and understand your needs. Like most fit schools, we believe fitting has to start with a comfortable saddle. The saddle that came with your bike may not be the right one for you, since there is no universal “perfect saddle” for every body type.

Common Signs of Poor Positioning

If cycling feels uncomfortable or unenjoyable, the cause is often bike positioning, poor fit, or the wrong saddle. Positioning is frequently overlooked in both cycling and triathlon, yet it has a huge impact on performance and comfort.

During a bike fit session, speak up about how the saddle feels. Do not be embarrassed, your comfort matters. Most shops offer demo saddles so you can test options before committing. For women, our Innie or Outie article can also help identify the right saddle for your needs.

What a Professional Bike Fitter Can Help With

• Fitting your bike to your body
• Setting up your bike for your riding style
• Choosing the right saddle for comfort and performance
• Aligning cleats and eliminating foot hot spots
• Most importantly: overall comfort

Key Things to Remember

Your Cycling Goals: Be clear about whether you want to improve comfort, gain speed, or get more aerodynamic. Communicate openly during the session, especially about comfort. Remember that bike fits evolve as your fitness, body, and goals change.

Crank Length: Shorter cranks can provide major benefits, especially for cyclists with shorter legs. This small adjustment often has a big impact on comfort and efficiency.

A good bike fit is about more than numbers. It is about creating the connection between you, your bike, and your goals. Start with the saddle, speak up during your session, and remember that comfort is performance.