What is a Bike Fit?

The purpose of a Bike Fit is to make a person as comfortable and efficient as possible on a bicycle. This is done by taking a few body measurements and then having the person ride the bicycle on an indoor cycling trainer. (If you are looking for more information, we invite you to read a more in-depth, detailed description of what a Bike Fit is.)

Over the next hour or so, adjustments are made to the bike to make the rider as comfortable and efficient as possible.  Comfort comes from the rider's subjective input, while efficiency comes from the fitter conducting body movement assessments and taking objective measurements.  

During the Bike Fit, the Bike Fitter may determine during the fit that additional parts are needed to optimize the fit, such as a new saddle, stem, or handlebars.  Additional parts are not included in the price of a Bike Fit.  All riders getting a Bike Fit will receive 25% off any necessary labor at Mello Velo Bicycle Shop to install additional parts.

Why Get a Bike Fit?

If someone purchases a suit, they typically take it to the tailor so that the suit will fit them well and be comfortable to wear.  This analogy can be applied to bikes; if you purchase a bike and intend to ride it, why not make it as comfortable and efficient as possible to ride?  

Increasing one’s comfort on a bike can greatly enhance one’s ride experience, making bikes that much more fun to ride.  Riders can reduce their risk of injury by simultaneously decreasing stress and increasing efficiency on the bike; a Bike Fit helps ensure that the proper muscles are being utilized for movement while riding.

Who Would Benefit From a Bike Fit?

Anyone who rides a bicycle can benefit from a Bike Fit - from amateur, first-time riders to high-level, competitive athletes.  Everyone who rides a bike deserves to be as comfortable as they can be while they are riding.  

What Kind of Bike Do I Need to Have to Get a Bike Fit?

Just like anyone who rides a bicycle can benefit from a Bike Fit, any style of bike can be fit to its rider.  We have years of experience with and offer Bike Fits on Road Bikes, Triathlon Bikes, Gravel Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Hybrid Bikes, Cruiser Bikes, and more.  Basically, if it’s a bike, we’ll fit you to it!

Where Will the Bike Fit Take Place?

Full Circle Endurance’s Bike Fitting Studio is located inside Mello Velo Bicycle Shop at 790 Canal Street, Second Floor, Syracuse, NY 13210.

How often do I need to get a Bike Fit?

Bike Fitting is not a “one and done” event.  Bike Fitting is a fluid process that changes dynamically as you change.  The goal of Bike Fitting is to keep you as comfortable and happy as possible on your bike over your entire life with your bicycle.

All cyclists benefit from getting a Bike Fit each time they get a new bicycle.  Beyond that initial Bike Fit, it’s a good idea to get a Bike Fit at least once a year.  Cyclists who are training seriously or competitively for races should consider getting a Bike Fit at least twice per year.  

As your fitness improves, especially over the course of a riding season, how you interact with a bicycle changes.  Changes in strength, flexibility, or body composition are all things that might necessitate a new Bike Fit.

Thinking about buying a bike and want to know if it will work for you?

A Pre-Purchase Bike Fit might be the best option for you!

What if I need further adjustments after my Bike Fit?

‍Laura Henry is a VFS Certified Bike Fitter, and one of the cornerstones of VFS Fitting Philosophy is that it takes time to get a rider in their most comfortable and efficient position on a bike.  That’s why all Bike Fits come with free Fit Checks for six months after an initial Bike Fit is conducted.

Did You Know?

Full Circle Endurance athletes currently on Performance Coaching receive discounted Pre-Purchase Bike Fitting and Bike Fitting services.