Bike Fit
Not all Bike fits are created equal.
Here is how we stand out.
Predator Cycling’s exclusive bike fit studio is designed to find the perfect setup for your particular style and discipline of riding. Our bike fit services are designed to fit the needs of cyclists from all types of backgrounds—from weekend warriors to professionals alike. Every bike fit is done with the same care and attention to detail. Our analysis is backed by data which is derived from our own proprietary fitting system, and consists of a comprehensive head-to-toe bicycle fit along with individual pedaling SpinScan™ evaluations on our CompuTrainer. The fit process requires a precise, detail-oriented approach. In order to synchronize your body with your bicycle, Predator Cycling measures all pertinent angles and dimensions of the rider’s body as well as the corresponding dimensions of the bicycle interface. It's by these numbers our staff makes their calculations and adjustments in order to optimize the rider’s position based on the ergonomic and aerodynamic needs required.
Predator Cycling has done hundreds of professional fits over the years. Our clients tell us that they notice improvements in comfort, increases in power and a reduction of injuries after completing our fit process. Proper fit is NOT just for top pro-athletes! All cyclists can benefit from a professional fit—after all, being able to do what you love in comfort is the heart of cycling bliss. All fits are performed by Aram Goganian, owner and operator of Predator Cycling, who has over ten years of fitting experience. At Predator Cycling, we have our own private studio that allows us to perform our fittings in comfort and on demand. The cost for a complete bike fit is a small price to pay compared to the benefits that you’ll reap.
01Initial Assessment
At Predator, our bike fit process goes beyond simple measurements of reach and saddle height. When we talk about dynamic fit, we’re looking for bio mechanical improvements, not simply “eyeballing” the rider on their bike. In our initial assessment we evaluate the rider’s gait (walking), discuss their chosen discipline (Road, Track, Time Trial or Triathlon) as well as the frequency and intensity of their cycling (What level is the rider at currently? Are they a recreational rider concerned with comfort or a competition-minded cyclist looking to improve performance?). Predator staff will then evaluate the rider on our spin scan, checking for variance in the rider’s pedal stroke. Equipment is also evaluated. We check the cleats, shoes, saddle and grips/bar tape for wear. Often times, abnormal wear on these components points to an issue that will need to be addressed during the fit process.
It’s important for the Predator staff to understand the background of the rider participating in the bike fit. The rider will be asked a series of questions regarding their position. Are they regularly experiencing any pain while on the bike? Have they made any recent changes to components or position? How long have they been riding? Any past or recent injuries? Has the rider been fit before? If so, how long ago? Establishing a relevant history provides our staff with all of the information needed to make critical recommendations during the fit process.
During the cleat adjustment process, our staff will check the alignment of the foot in three different planes. We evaluate the need for wedges under each foot to correct excessive varus/valgus (the angle of the sole of the foot relative to the floor when viewed from behind), assess the fore and aft location of the foot as well as the needs of the rider with regard to rotational “float”. These steps are undertaken in order to provide the rider with optimal hip, knee, and foot alignment. For more information, check out the Predator Cycling blog post on our cleat adjustment process.
Unfortunately, a large percentage of cyclists ride with an improperly adjusted saddle. During the Predator bike fit process the rider’s saddle position is evaluated and adjusted. Again, adjustment is undertaken in three different planes. Predator staff will be looking for proper saddle height (and hence, leg extension), proper fore and aft positioning as well as proper “attitude” of the saddle (height of the nose relative to the tail of the saddle) to find the position that is the most comfortable. Often times, this is also an excellent opportunity for a rider to try a few different saddles as well. The fit and feel of a saddle is widely subjective and comes down to comfort and personal choice. For more information, we invite you to read (founder of Predator Cycling) Aram Goganian's blog post on saddle height.
As one of three critical contact points with the bicycle, the location and extension provided by the handlebars is key to the comfort and performance of a rider. During our bike fit process, we assess these factors as well as handlebar width and angle to determine which is appropriate for the rider. For track, triathlon or time trial athletes, we also evaluate the rider's position on the aerobars. Additionally, component type plays a role as well, due to differences in the bend of the handlebar, brake hood shape, brake lever length, etc. For example, the same rider on the same bike would likely be fit differently depending on his or her choice of Shimano, Campagnolo or SRAM components.
The ultimate goal of the bike fit process is to improve the rider’s comfort, performance and control. Evaluating how the rider uses the brake and shift levers through multiple positions on the bicycle, our staff will then make the appropriate adjustments to facilitate rider comfort. In many cases we seek to reduce the amount pressure on the rider’s hands, improving their ability to ride longer distances in greater comfort. For riders with repetitive use injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, this adjustment can be the difference between the ability to ride for hours in comfort and stopping to shake circulation back into their hands every few miles.
At this point we return to evaluating the pedal stroke. After completing the adjustments above, it is important to revisit the SpinScan™ analysis to determine if the rider is able to achieve proper leg extension while producing the tightest, most circular spin possible. As part of the SpinScan™, the Predator staff member will also assess potential shortcomings in the pedal stroke and make suggestions and/or adjustments to correct them. If necessary, certain steps within the bike fit process may be revisited for further adjustment and evaluation based on the results of the data and visual observations of the Predator staff.
Our final step is to take measurements of the rider’s new position and make notes about the adjustments that were made. This step is critically important, as the position measurements may be necessary for future adjustments. Additionally, should the rider need to set up an additional bike or disassemble their machine for travel, they will have the measurements to ensure that consistency is maintained. Of course, if assistance is required, the rider is always come back in and have us do it! We’re passionate about fit and enjoy seeing others benefit from the increased comfort and performance that the fit process provides!