One slow weekday afternoon, a harried woman rode up to the bike shop and asked to return her new bike.
“No problem,” I said, and asked if there was a specific issue.
“It’s totally the wrong size!”
Before starting the return, I asked to see her ride the bike outside. She agreed, and I saw she rode awkwardly, with knees cramped, her steering unsteady. She was frowning.
I stopped her and moved the bike’s seat up 2 inches and all the way back, away from the handlebars. She tried again. Twenty feet later she told me the bike fit perfectly, and rode off smiling.
The lady with the "totally" wrong size bike wasn’t riding a $4000 bike, just a "normal" bike. A clear example of how a few fit adjustment can transform a bike from “totally wrong” to “perfect”.
What is a bike fit?
"I didn't know it could do that," says pretty much every person I've ever moved a bike seat forward or backwards for.
Everyone knows a bike seat can go up and down, but how high or how low is right for you? The angle of the seat plays a huge part in comfort and efficiency, but what's the difference between a two degree seat tilt and a five degree seat tilt? Should the seat be all the way forward, or backward, or in between? Even the handlebars typically have some degree of adjustment that can be dialed in, being raised, lowered or angled.
Most bikes can be significantly adjusted to fit the rider, and often a few millimeters of change results in a more comfortable, easier to ride bike. While these tweaks don't require technical knowledge beyond using an allen wrench, it can be challenging to set a good position without an experienced second set of eyes.
For example: two 5'11" people may ride the same size bike, but require completely different adjustments. An individual with long limbs and a short torso needs their bike adjusted differently than a person with short limbs and a long torso.
All these considerations, and the questions one asks to get there, are the core of a bike fit.
Why me?
My aim is to provide approachable, affordable fits for people looking to be more comfortable on their bikes. Results for "bike fit in my area" will return lots of $300+ options. These fits are generally in a full fit studio and often have a computer software aided component involved. They're great for folks who are looking to really, really dial in the fit of their bike, but can be overkill for many.
I've made adjustments for hundreds of bikes like the story I started with, and dozens of full fits for people looking to get more out of their road, commuter or hybrid bikes. In addition to naturally having an eye for the process, I've also learned to ask the right questions, listen to the answers, and work with the customer from where they're at. Throughout my fits I take into consideration not just the technically "right" adjustments, but the appropriate adjustments based on their experience, comfort, flexibility, and other individual factors.
Where?
Currently I only offer fits at the Oak Park location of Wheel and Sprocket
You can fill out the contact sheet at the end of this page to schedule with me or ask questions.
Services*
$150 : Full Fit (1 hour)
- Bike on indoor trainer (a device turning a standard bike into an indoor bike)
- Seat height, angle and position assessment and adjustments
- Fitting stem used to determine if stem (piece holding handlebars to bike) should be changed
- Discussion of riding goals and recommendations for achieving them
Good for: new road bikes, new commuters, folks starting racing or triathlons
$75 : Half Fit (30 minutes)
- Bike on indoor trainer (a device turning a standard bike into an indoor bike)
- Seat height, angle and position assessment and adjustments
- Discussion of riding goals and recommendations for achieving them
Good for: brand new bike adjustments, general comfort adjustments
*Please note, I do not offer fits on eBikes of any type. I will also decline to provide fits on bikes that are obviously mechanically unsafe at the time of fitting (for example, non-functional breaks, shifters, compromising damage to the frame or components, etc). If safety issues are found during the fit (for example, stripped out bolts) they will be addressed case by case.
Additionally, I am unable to install cleats on shoes for clients during a fit for insurance reasons. Cleat installation is, however, a service that Wheel and Sprocket provides as a bike shop, so my recommendation is to have your cleats installed ahead of or following the fit. Wheel and Sprocket, as of right now, charges $21 labor for cleat installation and they can help you with the full process of choosing the right shoes, cleats and pedals for your intended riding goals.
Payment Options
Preferred: Zelle, Venmo, cash
Payment due at conclusion of fitting service.
Contact
Thank you!I generally respond in 1-2 days