The Philosophy of Matt the Fitting Guru (cont.)
Everyone should get sized for their bike. Most bikes come in multiple sizes now and getting the correct size which matches you and your riding style is the most important part of the bike-buying process. Sizing is the simple process of determining the correct frame size and possibly making some rough adjustments to seat and handlebar positions. Sizing is like going to the Gap and having the sales associate bring two sizes of pants to the dressing room for you to try on and making a recommendation on which ones you should buy based on several different factors. Fitting on the other hand is like getting those same pants at Nordstrom - or a similar store of your choice - and having the sales associate then offer a visit with the in-house tailor to have them altered in order to fine-tune the cut and fit so that they are more comfortable, move more freely, and will last longer. Fitting takes your bicycle and goes one step beyond sizing and makes the bike work for your body's unique range of motion and flexibility, accounting for your goals, and suited to your riding style.
Bike Fitting is a term which is being thrown around in cycling circles a lot in recent years; and everyone seems to be doing it. That's not a bad thing, but it is important to know that it takes years of practice and study to become a proficient and effective bike fitter. When you need to have some work done on your house; who do you search out? The guy who has all the latest, shiny, matching, high-tech tools and laser-guided monkey wrench? Or do you look for the guy who has been doing it as a career for many years, before the latest remodeling trend hit, has a long list of happy and satisfied clients, whose tools may be a little banged up from years of use but he knows how to use them better than anyone? Now, I'll admit that I've used lasers for fitting - and am not against doing it again as they're a great tool. But an experienced fitter can get be effective without such whiz-bang gadgets; because they've had to get by without them as they've been fitting bikes for longer than those gadgets existed.
If you've never had your bike fitted - now's the time. It can take your new dream-bike to the next level or even help you get more life out of your current bike. If you have been fitted before but it has been 3-5 years or longer; it's time to take a second look because your physiology and flexibility has likely changed; but your position has not been adapted. If you have changed pedal systems, saddles, or even handlebars and shifting systems - your fit may actually have been altered as well and an evaluation of your position and bike set-up is worth while. The smallest changes can have large, lasting effects on your comfort and efficiency on the bike. If nothing else, consult a professional career bike fitter and get their opinion.
You'll be seeing more from me about bike fitting and related topics as well as other hints and tips in future issues of the newsletter. I'm excited to be a part of the Sunset Cycles team and thrilled to be able to help you achieve your goals. If you have questions about bike fitting and the services we offer, stop by and let's talk. I'm happy to help.
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Matt Magee
Bike Fit Specialist
Sunset Cycles
Portland, OR
sunsetcyclesnw.com
mattmagee.blogspot.com
503-531-9254
Matt Magee is the newest addition to the Sunset Cycles team. Originally from Idaho's Boise Valley, he has recently moved back to the Portland area after living in Nashville, Tennessee; where he moved after completing college. While in Nashville, he managed Allanti Bicycle Company (now Bike Pedlar), developed their current proprietary bike fitting system, and became a regionally renowned expert in bike fitting and custom made-to-measure bicycles. Matt is excited to serve you and help you achieve your goals.
