Bike Fitting

Bike fitting is probably the most important thing in cycling. Without a proper bike fit, a light weight super bike can be hard to ride.

There are a few contact points worth mentioning in bike fitting.

1. Saddle top to pedals
2. Stem length
3. Handle bar width
4. Handle bar drop
5. Saddle fore and aft
6. Cleats fore and aft (For clipless pedal users)

How to calculate saddle height. (Saddle top to pedals)
1. Wear you cycling shoes and stand against a wall and measure you crouch to the floor.
2. Take the measurement and multiply by 0.883
3. Make minor adjustment from there, it should be within 2cm of the most efficient seat height

Stem length.
Drop a straight edge (plumb line) from nose. It should bisect the stem. If the position to too much forward, then the stem is too short. If the position is too aft, then the stem is too long.

Handlebar width.
The handlebar should be the same as your shoulder width.

Handlebar drop
Handlebar drop affect comfort and airway. Therefore it is one of the most important measurement. As a guide, it should be 1cm top 2cm below the saddle. No doubt lower handlebar position improve aerodynamics, but, can you sustain in that painful crouch position for long?

Saddle fore and aft
As a guide, when the crank is at the 9 o'clock position, a plumb line dropo from the knee cap should be inline with the axle of the pedals.

Cleats fore and aft
As a guide, the broadest part of the feet should be on the axle of the pedals. Some individuals prefers extreme position. Personally, i love to have the axle nearer to the heels. It feels more stable and powerful.

Equally important is the geometry of the frame.

Personally, i had experience with different geometry. I can tell you, the difference is really significant. With a steep triathlon geometry of 77 degrees seat angle, i feel good in the aero position, however, on the climb, the quadriceps is unable to exert enough force onto the pedals, thus, on the climb, a steep seat angle is a disadvantage. On a 74 degree seat angle bike,the climb is easy, however, staying in aero position is painful.

This video may help