I've Been Suffering For 3 Years // Full Professional BIKE FIT in 6 Steps!
I recently went for a professional bike fit with Romain at getabikefit.com/ and the change in my position is crazy!
It's safe to say I wish I had gotten a bike fit years ago as I've basically been suffering for three years with a poor position. Onwards and upwards now that I'm in a good position!!
00:00 - Bike Fit
00:22 - Current Position
02:27 - Bike Setup
03:24 - Injuries and Cycling History
04:02 - Off Bike Screening
04:40 - Finding the Correct Cleat Position
05:46 - Finding the Correct Saddle height
08:24 - Finding the correct Reach & Bar Width
11:19 - Finding the Correct Saddle Setback
12:47 - Checking Knee Alinment
13:11 - New Position
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4:22 your cadence is good.
Recently retired teacher here. I'm just getting into indoor cycling at 61 years old...this will be my new hobby. This will be a compliment to my Concept 2 rowing. I'll be using Kinomap and Fulgaz. This was vey informative...what it showed me is that my saddle height was a tad too high and my legs were extending a tad too long. My new saddle height makes me legs feel like they're going through a smaller rotation circle which somehow feels not right... but the good thing is I'm able to get more power into each stroke. I definitely think there is an ideal saddle height for each person...but you have to be willing to fiddle with it...if that makes sense? BTW...you seemed to be hunched over the bars too much in your original riding position...but what do I know? Cheers from Canada!!!
I am a former pro rider and i can tell that your new position is so much better. Your upper body still moves a lot though (bouncing in the saddle), which is most likely due to your pedalling technique (pushing rather than spinning). Your shoulders move side to side, too, and this could be improved as well. Aim for a completely static yet relaxed upper body. Cheers!
Interestingly on my Elves I feel like my body is more stable out on the road - kzhead.info/sun/bLNpcd6ImJWInac/bejne.html - I can certainly work on my peddling for sure, it's an interesting journey with steady improvements. Cheers for your comment. 👍🏽
@@JourdainColeman If you decide to work on your pedalling technique there's one simple exercise which you can do on a trainer and which can help you to improve greatly. These are single leg spins, done 5 mins with each leg at low resistance followed by 5 mins spinning with both legs as usual. You'll feel the difference immediately but for a long lasting result you'll have to make it a part of your warmup routine or do a separate session a couple of times per week.
can I ask you a question? I testrode a newer roadbike with the typical broad and flat top tube (an 2018 trek emonda) and found that my knees are prone to rub slightly an the tube. Seems I'm pedaling a bit "inward" with my knees. Should I avoid buying such a bike or could I change my knee position relative to the top tube by using differnet pedals for example? thanks in advance!
@@koyaanisrider6943 , without observing your pedalling technique, it's difficult to provide a definitive answer. However, in general, knees slightly turning inward is not a concern. On the other hand, hitting the upper tube is a significant issue. If this problem is caused by your pedalling technique, it's worthwhile to invest some time in correcting it. If it's not a fundamental issue, your body may adapt to the wider upper tube, and the problem may resolve itself quickly. However, I personally would be hesitant to purchase something that doesn't feel right from the start. I hope this helps. Cheers!
@@azteccat3027 thanks a lot, man!
We tackled assembling the bike as a family project. kzhead.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.
12mm drop in saddle height is absolutely massive, not a small change. that kind of drop is a whole different ride position paradigm.
I’m enjoying the bike so far kzhead.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.
Thanks for this, very helpful. Didn't even realize saddle position (meaning forwards/backwards, not height) was adjustable. This adjustment made a huge improvement.
You look so much more comfortable in the after shot. It even looks like power is easier to output
Thank you..I have learned some new things which have made a difference for me
Definitely the best explanation I've seen. Sure makes me want to get fitted for my bike(s). I know I'm off on a lot of settings.
Great video - very informative with plenty of useful tips!
Awesome ! I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I have a professional bike fitting coming up in 3 weeks. A little late in the year but I’m excited to have a pro help me ride further with less discomfort .
I don't know anything about bike fit, but your great editing and clear explanation made this video absolutely enjoyable, nice work!
Last year I had 3 bike fits in 4 months ,all 3 were different settings , makes you wonder.
That's not good to hear. Did you find a good position in the end?
@@JourdainColeman yes my own trial and error.
Question of background theory, utilized equipments, age of the captain,...
@@JourdainColeman that's what she said
Exactly what I experienced as well. 2 bike fits and 2 different set ups. Non of them took away all my issues. 2 years later I am still feeling neck pain, knee pain and saddle pain, hands and feet that become numb. My way out at this moment is still trial and error and some KZhead video's which are also often contradictory.
Brilliant editing and overall great video and well documented bike fit process. Well done!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed
So beautiful Marina, thank you again for this beautiful episode ❤
Super useful to see. The after shot looks so much more natural. I finally scheduled a bike fit myself in a couple weeks.
Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed the video. The new position feels much better. I hope all goes well with your fit in a few weeks
Suffering for so long
Nice narration with practical advice
Great video. Thanks for sharing your journey. I loved my bike fit, especially when it came to shoes and wedges. I look forward to that video. Ride on.
Thanks for watching!
Viewed this again - and again to understand the process. Very detailed information and very useful. Thanks Too high and you rock from side-to-side. Too low and your knees will incur injury.
One of the best bike fit videos I’ve seen - well done mate. Some good tips and very clear explanation (and clips/graphics of what difference the changes made). Thanks for sharing it.
Much appreciated! It took quite some time to create the video so all the feedback is music to my ears. I'm glad you found it useful!! 👍🏽
Really good video to understand the process.
Damn. Best bike fit video.
It's amazing to me that what seems like very small adjustments make so much difference in comfort. Thanks for posting the video. I'm going to get a pro bike fit!
Glad it was helpful! And I was also surprised at how much difference a small adjustment can make. 1cm on your saddle height can make all the difference
Another very informative video Jourdain. Its got me thinking about bike fit again. Thank you.
Thanks, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you are keeping well
Whatever bike fit excellence we achieved on a diamond frame...we still seats on top of an Egyptian Pyramids of torture. That's why I switched to road Recumbents since 1995. Its automatically heals all associated pains from building pyramids to Promised Land of milk and honey. As a pro Reflexologist...prostate problems developed in years of sitting all day in office or saddle. Spinal cord's natural curvature of S-type becomes Camel-like C-type. A simple hand reflexology relieves the back pain. From time to time I rode a road bike and observed. From seating on a saddle: all my body weights stuck in saddle while leaning on handlebars. Thighs, legs and feet has less power, unless you stand. All the pain back again: neck, shoulder, spine, coccyx, forearms, arms, and wrists as well as carpal tunnel. Then back to Cruzbike Vendetta. Aaaahhh at 64 y.o., prescriptions-free & pain-free.
Good job, nicely done ✅
So good to see the before & after side by side. & Really kind of Romain to give you that tidy fade as well 😂
Great vid mate, been thinking about changing my stem, going to look into a fitting now, cheers for putting this out there.
Glad I could help
Great bike fit video mate! Thanks
Glad you found it helpful 👍🏽
Great video Jourdain. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I’m really liking your videos, your humor and attention to detail
9:56 bird style 10:08
Most practical and useful bike fit video I’ve found. Thank you.
Glad you found it helpful!! 👍🏼
wow what a fit !!!
One of the better fit videos I've seen. I will now subscribe!
Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the sub!! 😁😁
I've watched many bike fit videos - this is the best!
Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video
Best video ever, just wacthing you I realized we shared same problems.
Such a difference bid you feel better on the bike
excellent vid!
As always you produce a very detailed and interesting video. For someone as in depth as you into every subject i'm surprised your bike fit was so far off, you can clearly see the difference before and after with that happier face 😉(i'm not surprised if you were sitting on the front of your saddle, your Perineum must've been in agony on long rides 👀😬). Also very reasonable prices for a bike fit and looking forward to your "cleat position" video.
I know, I Know... I should have paid more attention to my fit 😂 - (I must have been blind). You can clearly see the difference in the before and after, I'm so much more relaxed. Romain was really good, I'd definitely recommend, A very friendly chap indeed! I hope you are all good, Scott?
I am rolling at the editing on this
Excellent video
Wonderful information. I just bought a refurbished bike, very new to cycling. In a process of getting used to it.
Beautifully concise yet meaningful. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing your bike fit journey! I actually found your channel from your Saris trainer review but digging the rest of your content. So, I've watched a lot of bike fit videos and enjoy tweaking my fit (Neill Sanbury, Francis/James Bike Fit Tuesdays). Recently did an online computerized (MyVeloFit) one due to cost, but will save up for a proper in-person bike fit before the next season.
Glad to hear you now have a turbo trainer (and that my review was helpful). Hopefully you get good use out of it. Good to hear you have been trying to get a good deposition on your bike, it's not the easiest thing t figure out.
Great video,thanks for all the effort.
Glad you enjoyed it
I have a ankle break issue also. The leg with the break needs a little "breathing room" so I put a pedal axle extension on that side. Sounds like your knee is coming up because of your ankle problem. I also place my feet on the pedals more toward the heel.
Awesome to see you go through the process. I think many beginners/amateurs suffer from wanting to sit or feel like a pro, resulting in saddles that are too high, too far backwards and handlebars too far in front. Buying a gravelbike and using that for tarmac was an eye opener for me: first priority is comfort, then speed. When comfort is good, with training, speed (or more specifically: power) will follow.
Totally agree! Good point about the gravel bike 👍🏼
@@JourdainColeman did I miss stem height? For comfort, I think Grant Peterson recommends bars same height as saddle. Loses aero advantage racers need but if you're not racing, it's nice to be comfortable, stem height affects neck, back, hip.
Good video, it's mindboggling how many variables there are and each time you alter one it affects the others. Did he check anything like your "ape index"? Also what crank lengths you are using? I have one road bike that is somehow set up perfect for me just by trial and error, I've another that is a winter bike but needs matched up with almost the same dimensions if possible. It has an extra 20mm on the ETT(550mm) despite a 51cm C-T so I've had to go from a layback post to inline, and I've also dropped 10mm from the stem to 70mm plus narrower bars are(both) in the post (40 compared to 42 original) which also have a 70mm reach compared to the original bars 75mm. I'm looking for a more relaxed "endurance" position, and yesterday I realised that to be gripping the hoods my arms are almost locked out. I moved the seat 10mm forward yesterday and that is a definite improvement along with putting my cleats all the way back (Shimano curse of a 46 shoe when I usually am 44). Most of my issues on fit come from the fact I'm 169cm yet my mid axle to saddle top measures 88cm, my reach is ridiculously short or my legs are ridiculously long. I ride with 170mm cranks but have 175mm on the MTB and no issues, sometimes wonder if 170mm is too short.... I used flat pedals to check my feet positioning and when on a decent long bit of road found my comfortable position then looked down, my RH heel is a bit further in..... it's a never ending process this! I knew from the start you were probably too far back on the saddle and/or the stem was way too long... I'm even wondering whether I should consider a womens fit bike as they are meant to be for longer legs/short torso rather than mens which are generally the opposite??
I guess I would have done the cleat, saddle and seatpost adjustments, 1st and did the bar width and reach last - you change your reach when you do saddle and seatpost adjustments, so your reach will be altered by going back and forth - also you can raise or lower your handlebars to change your fit as well.
That was a great video! The position change looked like the difference between enjoying the ride and bonking
Glad you enjoyed it!
I learned that I should get a bike fit
This is a great video to explain bike fit. I love the proprioception part the most. Those are tools anyone can use for any bike.
Well said! It was interesting to try and feel the difference. That's why it's helpful to have someone else adjust the bike for you, that way you don't know what's changed.
Great video lad, well done! ✌️
Glad you enjoyed
Nice video, I appreciate the helpful tips! While I have minimal knowledge of bike fitting, I thought the ideal process would be to get the saddle height and fore/aft dialed in, prior to working the stem length and height.
3 years!!! Is a long time 😮. Very helpful video. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed 👌🏼 - I wish I had done it sooner
Thank you for walking us through the whole process in detail. I have a Giant Defy 1 and felt the same about too much of reach and uncomfortable upper back. Wish Giant had frame sized between Small and Medium . Long story short, I had to go through a similar bike fitting exercise which helped a lot.
Really great informative video. Ty !
Glad you enjoyed it!
I would shorten the stem and handlebar reach 10 mm each, switch to a zero setback seatpost and raise the saddle 5mm and center the rails on the clamp.
Very informative video - thank you
Glad you enjoyed!
Looks good :)
Booked in with Romain in January - really hope it helps, riding my new Topstone is not a comfortable experience currently! Thanks for the video!
Awesome news, Romain will help you out for sure 👌🏼
I live in the Netherlands, but now I have to go all the way to Swindon for the perfect setup, thanks!
hahah... it's worth the journey 😂
Nice job!
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks!
Thanks, very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Fore aft adjustment is key. Once you get the seat height more or less where you want it, play with the seat setback before touching anything else. And then ride, see how the bike turns and brakes. Repeat.
Great video. Super informative. One question though...you mentioned you shortened your reach by about 2 cm. Did you change to a shorter stem?
AMAZING VIDEO
Glad you enjoyed it
your “before and after” comparison at the end of the video was illuminating, the after position allowed you to have a smooth spin vs the before where you were stabbing the down stroke.
Yeah, the after position is so much better! 👌🏼
It also depends on what type of riding you do and type of bike you use. I do a lot of long distance riding on a flat bar bike so my requirements are different.
Very good presentation. I like Romain's mix of taking measurements & listening to feedback i.e. he isn't saying "These are the correct measurements...I've done my job"
Yes, you are right! It's a collaborative effort. The fit was also done at 160w which is my endurance power (3/5 hours). It really is a custom fit for the scenario. I'm super pleased with how it all turned out!
Your ear on the line drawn up through your head tube. Correct and rare. This line is the steering balance point and your ear is your balance point. This is why it's super important to find a bike with the correct top-tube length and head-tube angle combination. 71 touring bike can have a long top tube and a 75 degree track bike needs a shorter one. Custom steel fixes this: Albert Eisentraut 1994
Great vid. I keep fiddling with my position, the saddle and bars until I get it right. Major finding: a smaller than recommended frame is better than a larger frame
Hopefully this video helps you improve your position!
Im buying my 1st gravel bike, and this gave me a lot of information to chose right bike size. Thanks
Glad I could help!
Very interesting.
12:20 , remove the lateral grooves in the saddle clamp plates internal faces with a linisher or dremel /coarse emery paper , to leave a slightly textured surface to allow "EXACT" positioning like a 2 bolt leaf spring style post . Bad design on Giant's part . Neil Stanbury once said that these seatposts can be a hindrance to getting saddle setup precise .
Классное видео. И наглядные примеры!!!
Great videoa nd hi all. got a gravel for almost two years now and kinda have feeling I fight with it still. Size is recommended for like 182-196 cm and I am 196cm/100 kg dude, with pack, a quite more. I have feeling I am both too short and too long for it. Too long because I can see the bit of hub in front of a bars (basic advice), then too long, because I feel a bit of neck pain and I feel my shoulders are bit in front. The fact I need to raise my head a tiny more does not help for sure, using trail helmet with the sun shield. Last year I tried wider and different type of bars Venturemax WCS 46 cm on top 56 cm on bottom instead original drops of 44cm, so raised my reach a bit more too. I do not use drops that much now, cuz it is impossible to hold a brake lever with one finger there as I am used to from MTB. I feel sometimes also some tingling in my hands after a ride, so maybe too much pressure or harsh carbon fork. Also, some rides I could do 100 km and my knees were fine, some others I felt a pain after like 20kms, but that might be due a non riding for some short time. Tried to have my knees above the chainring, but yeah just, and basic advice again. Funny thing fit wise was I was really happy on my girlfriend's gravel from Decathlon - RC500 in M (173-180 cm my lady is 176 cm) size, as enjoyed the upraised body position of a torso, of course bike was too small for my legs to extend well. So I kinda have a feeling my XL bike would be better for me with much shorter reach or opposite bit longer so my back could really get straight and lay on the bike. Sorry about the long rant, maybe someone will have some tips or share the similar experience. :)
i been riding without a bike fit for a year and half ever since i started, and it's notictable that how i get back pain neck pain wrist pain from longer rides, so i finally decided to do a bike fit also ,which im really looking forward to. thanks for your video ! great advice
Great to hear you are getting a fit! Hopefully this sorts your back and neck pain. It sounds like you have one booked a fit but Romain was really good and I'd defiantly recommend. He went that extra mile - instagram.com/getabikefit/
Hey mate, that was a great vid thank you. How did you reduce the reach? Did you change the neck? Or just by bringing the seat forward?
I have a Giant Defy too and I HATE saddle adjustments. Same problem you had. It is not continuously variable, and the discrete settings just don't seem to work for me. It feels tilted too nose-down or too nose-up - it is impossible to "get it right" (except for a couple of times I thought I had nailed it only to find that the saddle was not in a stable position and just became super loose after going over a bump ... not a great experience).
Que vídeo fantástico, super informativo.
Thank you!
Nice vid. So when you look down now, can you see the front axle in front of the handlebars?
Really insightful video, just got my Giant Defy 1 (2022 model) in Medium. How tall are you (may have missed if you mentioned it).
very useful indeed ❤
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful and informative video, thanks! I happened across this video as I am a beginner who just purchased a gravel bike. I am struggling to decide between two sizes. Smaller size felt like my hands landed perfectly on the hoods and felt good. However it felt like the seat needed to be positioned further back, though it was as far back as it could go. With the larger size, I could certainly feel that I was reaching out further, but not too dramatically, as I still have a slight bend in the elbow. Just doesn't fit as natural as the smaller bike. However, the seat position feels better. And is almost all the way forward. Which is the easier to correct? And therefore which size do I rather go for? The smaller or the larger? Thoughts?
Would I be correct in assuming that if I were to get a new bike stem for the smaller bike that allows me to sit further back, that would further my reach and my hands probably won't land on the hoods as naturally anyway? In terms of geometry between the 2 sizes, I am told that the reach is the same, but there is a 19mm difference in stack. And 30mm difference in seat tube. It's astounding how mms and cms can make such a difference in feel! Would appreciate your opinion.
Strong work! What is your height, inseam and frame size?
went to see Romain today for a full bike fit after watching your video. What a worthwhile experience. We made a number of changes which are similar to some of those you made: saddle height reduction/angle correction/brought forward and also stem reduction from 100 to 70 and also angle reduction and hoods correction. Cleats brought backwards, and new shoes recommended to complete the foot activation. All changes felt great on the day, but will trial this on the road now to confirm the improvements work, at least for now. A great experience, and really pleased with the outcome. Been thinking of doing this for a while as I have recently started to harbour some thoughts of hating my bike (due to its discomfort) on longer rides, which could have turned me off the sport. Your video of the experience gave me the impetus to make the commitment to a fit, so thanks for that Jourdain! And Romain really delivered on the fit experience - exactly like he did in your fitting. I'm looking forward to enjoying my future and longer rides much more!
5:11 I need this adjustable stem. It would be nice if a similar device exists to adjust the height of the saddle.
Excellent video, the breakdown is on point and I'm sure a lot of us can learn something from it...
Glad it was helpful!
After looks so much better. Simple adjustments, but a result like day and night.
Thank yousomuch
Thank you very much sir 👍
Most welcome
I wonder if you would perform well with TIME's 5 degree float cleats and their Xpro/Xpresso pedals. Their stack height is a little thicker which maybe would be preferrable in your case.
excellent, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
what kind of handle are you using?
Super helpful, I defo need to reduce my reach.
Glad it was helpful! You are not alone, loads of people need to reduce their reach 😂
What whas interesting to me is that you reduced saddle height, reach, bar width... And still you looked lessed 'compressed' in your new fit. They did a nice job!
Nice vid. Pretty cool common sense stuff wrapped into an actual procedure for achieving the right fit. Unfortunately bike shops are probably the worst offenders when it comes to getting the right size bike. They'll sell you what they have in stock rather than what you really need. So many noobs drop out of cycling because the discomfort they experience originates from frames that are just too big. Most of the time you can get a perfect fit on a smaller frame as shown in the video but there's nothing to be done if the local bike shop put you on a frame that's too large. Everyone needs to see this vid before buying a new bike.
super helpful! thank you for documenting all of this!
Glad it was helpful! 👍🏽