At Team Wilpers we are passionate about helping athletes achieve their fitness goals. For cyclists, a good place to start is ensuring athletes feel good on their bike. A comfortable rider is a happy, strong and confident rider. With this guiding principle, we have assembled a team of experts to conduct virtual bike fittings. What was once thought of as service for expert and professional cyclists, a bike fit can now be done in the comfort of your own home. For more information click here.
We sat down with Team Wilpers’ Bike Fitting extraordinaire, Pedro De Arriba, based out of Gran Canaria, Spain, to help us answer 5 of the most frequently asked questions about bike fitting. Pedro has worked with thousands of cyclists, from beginners to pros, and brings over a decade of bike fitting experience and biomechanical cycling research to every fit session.
TW: We have a lot of questions come in about knee pain. Can you elaborate on your experience with this?
PA: Poor bike positioning can definitely lead to knee pain and this is something we discuss quite frequently. Fortunately, this is also one of the easiest things to fix. When your knee is properly aligned and tracking correctly, you are more likely to have a pain-free ride. Additionally, proper positioning allows you to build strength in the musculature around the knee, thus preventing future injury.
TW: Do I need a bike fit if I am not experiencing any discomfort?
PA: Yes. It’s always good to check that everything is ok. Sometimes it’s difficult to read your own body and a professional “check-up” can help discover things you may not notice until it’s too late. If you’re spending a lot of time in the saddle, being proactive is definitely the way to go.
TW: How often should I have my position checked?
PA: My suggestion is to reach out to your bike fitter once a year. Physical changes are ongoing and expected. Body weight fluctuations, strength gain or loss, imbalances due to a new job, flexibility limitations, injuries – all these things come into play. Additionally, when introducing any new components (seat, shoes, pedals, etc) or a new bike you would want to touch base with your fitter.
TW: How exactly does a virtual fitting work and how should I prepare for my bike fitting appointment?
PA: Appointments are conducted via FaceTime or the video platform of your choice. We will call you on the day and time of your appointment at the phone number you provide.
It’s important to set yourself up in a space that has good lighting and sound. Prepare to have your camera on a stable surface with a good view of yourself both on and off the bike.
We will spend time discussing your physical issues, goals and equipment, then watch you ride. Next, we’ll make adjustments to your position and finish with a follow up email summarizing the changes and issues we addressed.
Here are some tips/reminders for your fitting session:
-We need to see you both on and off your bike from head to toe.
-On the bike, we’ll need to see you from the side. Off the bike, we’ll need to see you standing up as well as laying down.
TW: What tools should I have on hand?
PA: Please make sure you have the proper tool required to adjust the cleats on the bottom of your cycling shoes.
To book a virtual fitting with Pedro or any of our amazing fitters, visit https://teamwilpers.com/services/bike-fit.
