The benefits of bike fitting for triathlon.
The Importance of Bike Fitting for Triathlon
Triathlon Bike Fitting
I am still a newbie triathlete. I have one Olympic Distance Triathlon under my belt and was hooked from the moment the race started. I have lofty goals for racing this summer which includes racing my first Ironman 70.3 at the Timberman Triathlon. Now that I am jumping headfirst into the world of triathlon I decided it was time to get a real bike fitting and to add a tri-bar (aero-bar) set up to my bike ( I am not ready for a Triathlon Time Trial bike yet however that may be in my future).
I love my road bike. It’s a Specialized Roubaix that I got before I had kids. It’s nice and light with a carbon fiber frame and many carbon fiber components. Although I love my bike I had never had a professional bike fit before. Thankfully the owner of our awesome local bike shop Littleton Bike and Fitness, Dave Harkless is certified by Specialized to do the “Body Geometry” bike fit. Bike fitting can have many benefits for you for training and racing.
Benefits of bike fitting:
- better power and performance when riding
- reduction in overuse injuries
- proper body alignment
- riding without discomfort
- adjustments made to accommodate for things such as leg length discrepancy
- more comfort when riding.
The Bike Fit
Dave. Littleton Bike and Fitness “BG Fit” Specialist
The “BG” Fit involved a 2-3 3 hour consult with Dave, the “Fit Specialist” which included an interview to discuss prior injuries and problems while cycling. This was followed by a structural assessment of my body which included leg length measurements, forefoot angulation, knee position and several other measurements. Dave also assessed my flexibility (which is questionable!). Then he got me on the bike for a video analysis of me on my bike as it was set up.
Specialized BG Fit
Once we went through these steps he began to make adjustments to my bike which included seat post adjustment, pedal adjustments as well as adjustments to the bars to optimize my position for triathlon. Dave also made some adjustments to the position of the cleats in my shoes as well as adding an insole to my left bike shoe to help with leg length discrepancy. Finally Dave added the new aero-bar set up to get me in optimal position for racing a triathlon. Tri-bars are made to allow your body to be in a more aerodynamic position.
Bike Fitting 101. The Fit Kit.
I am pretty excited to get more comfortable riding on my newly adjusted bike. Since snow is on the ground and Arctic temperatures have taken over New Hampshire I am going to be logging many quality miles on my bike on the trainer. It’s going to take a little bit of time to get adjusted to the triathlon set up because your body is positioned at a different angle. As a part of the BG Fit I will go in again to see Dave to make any other necessary adjustments after I have spent some time riding for awhile.
Trying out my new tri-bar set up.
Have you ever had a professional bike fitting? Do you ride a bike for triathlon or for cross training?
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16 responses
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Totally fascinated by this! I’ve never gotten my bike fitted but I can only imagine what a difference it makes!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…2 Steps to Make Healthy Eating a Reality
Sheesh I never realized bike fitting was so involved. Off to read more about it!
Larissa recently posted…|lunch date| Own it
Fascinating! I thought buying my bike for “fun” was complicated.
ugh this is something i should have done when I started riding a ton, I didn’t and I am sure that is part of why i ended up with knee pain.
Amanda – RunToThefinish recently posted…How to truly resolve knee and IT Band pain
Yep, I had a bike fit done by a friend who is certified! I think it made a difference. I need to get re-fit though now that I have aerobars, since the fit was done before that.
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! recently posted…New Year, New You Health and Fitness Giveaway!
we’ve had several bike fits and Retul seems to work the best for us. It’s crazy how much a difference it makes!
lindsay recently posted…Gluten Free Paella {Texas Style}
I really would like to do a mini triathlon in 2015…I wanted to do one last year but it just didn’t happen. I don’t own a bike though and can only swim one lap without needed a break lol LOTS of work to do! What would you suggest bike wise for a TOTAL newbie?
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Health & Fitness Links To Get You Through The Day
I need to get a proper bike fitting done…I am such a beginner when it comes to biking and I want to do a tri so this was SUPER helpful!
With my tri bike, my fit last all of 20 minutes. The guy swore up and down that the bike was practically built for me, but I’m still not comfortable with it. In fact, discomfort on the bike is half the reason I shy away from triathlon :/
RFC recently posted…Heather’s Not So Thug Kitchen
Awesome! I agree, the right size bike, with the right angles make a huge difference in performance and injury prevention. I had a professional bike fitting with my last bike. Unfortunately that used bike turned out to be a heavy beast, so I bought a better new-to-me bike recently and need to bring it in to my LBS to determine if the frame is the right size for me or not. The bike needs some repairs (the shifters broke and I suspect this has something to do with my kids playing in the basement where I had the bike set up on a trainer). I need to find out if the bike is the right size before I can begin to contemplate getting the repairs done. I may just end up selling it as is, and buy myself a brand new one that’s the right size.
Janice – Fitness Cheerleader recently posted…Thursday Thoughts: Things I Think About While Running
Great post! I find that even when I take a spin class the bike needs to fit properly for a good ‘ride’ 🙂
Rachel recently posted…5 Easy Ways to Save Money
My girlfriend races bikes and I have friends who are triathletes and so getting fitted for your bike can’t be emphasized enough. Otherwise doing centuries and triathlons become cumbersom and you also don’t want to fall from poor form. My husband did and tore his rotator cuff.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…How To Burn More Fat Before, During and After Your Workout
Wow. I had no idea about any of this!
Kerri Olkjer recently posted…Strawberry Protein Faux-Yo Recipe
Yes! It is also key for running post bike. I ride for triathlons and Cycling races and for fun, of course! (:
Hayley@healthyregardshayley recently posted…Why I quit my job and moved in with my parents.
I’ve never done a triathalon but I think I’d like to someday! This is great information that I’m sure would come in handy!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! recently posted…Cheesy Mexican Frittata [Cabot Creamery Recipe Contest]