Increased Comfort

No one likes to ride a bicycle that makes them uncomfortable. Most people don’t know how adjustable bicycles are. When your bicycle position is optimally adjusted to specifically fit your body, with consideration for your strength, flexibility, riding habits and goals, comfort becomes reality.

Improved Performance

Optimal positioning on your bike can have a significant effect on your performance. Factors that need to be considered when attempting to optimize positioning include; body type, strength, flexibility, endurance, training habits, race/event duration and terrain, comfort, the ability to eat, drink, and breath while cycling, power output and aerodynamics. Only by balancing each of these factors can optimal positioning be achieved. This process takes time, experience and attention to detail.

Safety / Injury Prevention

A bicycle that is optimally fitted to your specific body is safer to ride. Improper bike fitting can lead directly to overuse injuries, or prevent you from recovering from a pre-existing injury. This is especially important for those who spend considerable time on their bicycles. In addition, a proper bike fit will ensure that your bike handles and brakes properly and allows you to see safely down the road.

How Can A Bike Fit by Bike Fit Physio Achieve These Goals?

By bringing together 3 key factors; extensive experience, advanced professional training and a detailed bike fit process.

Extensive Experience

Symptoms such as pain, numbness or poor performance can be related to many different factors, not only a poor bike fit. As a physiotherapist with over 17 years experience working with people suffering from musculoskeletal and sports injuries, I can help with the challenging task of sorting it all out. As a lifelong runner and triathlete for over 17 years, I also have an intimate knowledge of the stresses & strains that athletes face, and the common training errors that we sometimes make.

Advanced Professional Training

• Physiotherapist: BSc PT, MSc Rehab, Queen’s University. Also has bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education.
• Bike Fitter: completed both the Fit Institute Slowtwitch (FIST) course by Dan Empfield and the Serotta personalized bike fit courses. Member of the Serotta International Cycling Institute.
• Educator: Clinical adjunct Professor at Queen’s University’s School of Rehabilitation Therapy. Creator of continuing education seminar for health care professionals ‘Cycle Positioning and the Treatment of Common Cycling Injuries’
• Attention to Detail: In order to help you find your optimal cycling position, I combine my professional experience and training with a detailed and precise bike fit process. This process must include input from you the cyclist, and will actively involve you in each step. You will leave the Bike Fit process with an improved understanding of how you and your bicycle interact in ways that can lead to increased comfort and improved performance while minimizing the risk of injury. By constantly keeping your riding and medical history, goals and concerns in mind, along with your physical characteristics, we aim to achieve the highest quality bike fit available.

A Detailed Bike Fit Process

Outline of Bike Fit Process...

Basic Bike Fit

Please allow up to 2 hours for appointment.

Client interview - will include such items as: past medical history, current concerns or symptoms, training and riding habits, goals and expectation.

Physical examination - posture, flexibility, movement patterns, strength and body proportions will be measured. Those with previous injuries may require more detailed assessment of specific areas.

Measurement of current bike setup - measurements of all parameters done to establish baseline start position.

Measurement of current cycling style and body position - under loaded condition, cycling technique and body motion is observed from front, side and rear. Body angles that result from setup are measured.

Analysis of findings - based on all information gathered, recommendations for position change are discussed with client.

New position trialed - recommended changes are made using existing equipment if possible or Salsa Size-a-matic stem and adjustable seat post if required. Observation of cyclist technique and measurement of body angles are repeated and documented. Client is provided with all measurements at end of session.

Follow up - all clients are given informal follow up for problem solving, training and positioning advice. Formal follow-up visits may be arranged at $75 /hour rate.

Advanced Bike Fit

Please allow up to 3 hours for appointment.

includes Basic Bike Fit plus the following...
After measuring cycling style and body positions, cyclist will pedal against specific resistance (wattage). Heart rate, cadence, comfort, and rate of perceived exertion will be measured. These measures will then be repeated in new trial position and compared to baseline measures.

Where is the Bike Fit done.

180 Willingdon Ave.

Kingston ON

Do health benefits cover a portion of the Bike Fit Physio fee?

• Yes, if Physiotherapy is included in your extended health plan it will cover a significant portion of fee.

What do I need to bring to bike fit appointment?

1. bicycle 2. cycling shoes 3. cycling shorts 4. ‘snug’ fitting top

What else can I do to prepare for appointment?

If you have not adjusted your bicycle or shoe cleats recently, please ensure that all adjusting screws are moving freely so we can make adjustments as needed—thanks!