Process of a professional bike fitting at Vélobsessive

Many of our customers wonder what to expect during a bike fitting. In this article, we explain the process of a typical bike fitting at Vélobsessive —from the initial analysis to the optimal riding position.

We most frequently perform Bike Fitting Dynamic. It offers more precise results than Bike Fitting Basic, as we can verify the position calculated by the software on our modern simulator and adjust it individually to your goals, preferences, and physical requirements.

Preliminary discussion: Clarify goals and expectations

At the beginning of the bike fitting, we'll have a brief preliminary consultation. We'd like to learn what you want to achieve with the fitting: Do you want to improve your competitive performance, or are you primarily looking for more comfort on long rides? Do you have any cycling issues or medical restrictions that we need to consider?

Thomas Glättli is the owner of Vélobsessive and one of the most experienced bike fitters in Switzerland.

Information about your preferred route lengths and other sports also helps us tailor the fitting to your needs. This creates the foundation for a personalized and ergonomic riding position on the bike .

Body and bicycle analysis as a basis

Measuring the existing bike (optional)

If you'd like to optimize your current bike, you can bring it along to your appointment. We'll measure it precisely so we can later compare the determined optimal seating position with your existing measurements and derive targeted adjustments.

However, if you're planning to buy a new bike, bringing your old one with you isn't necessary - but it can help you better understand your current riding position.

The measured masses include saddle and handlebar position , handlebar width , crank length and saddle width.

All important dimensions of your bike are measured precisely.

Body measurement: Basis for the optimal position

To enable the bike-fitting software to calculate an initial recommendation, we record all relevant body measurements. These include height, inseam, torso, and arm length, as well as other parameters that are crucial for the geometry of the ideal riding position.

All relevant body measurements are measured precisely.

Another component of body measurement is measuring the sit bone distance, which helps with choosing the right saddle. This is done with a special measuring device. A narrow sit bone distance usually allows for a narrower saddle, while a larger distance requires a correspondingly wider model.

Device for measuring the sit bone distance.

Flexibility test: mobility and sitting posture

A short flexibility test provides important information for your future sitting position. Depending on your flexibility, your posture can be more aerodynamic or more comfortable. If your flexibility is limited—for example, due to shortened muscles—your position should be adjusted accordingly. With targeted training, your flexibility can be improved over the long term.

Optimal seating position on the simulator

First position suggestion based on body data

Based on the measurements, the software creates an initial recommendation for your bike position. We then check and optimize this position on our bike fitting simulator. Depending on the intended use, we can select specific settings for different disciplines – such as road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, triathlons, time trials, city bikes, or e-bikes.

For road bikes, we also offer comfort, sport, competition, and professional setups . In triathlon, we distinguish between short- and long-distance setups.

Precise adjustment of the cleats

Before you get on the simulator, we'll adjust your cleats. This step is essential, as the connection between your foot and pedal is the most stable contact point between rider and bike. Precise positioning is the foundation for efficient power transfer and directly influences your subsequent seat and handlebar position.

You can find out more in the blog post:

www.velobsessive.com

The Significance of Precise Cleat Adjustments

A bike fitting should start with the accurate adjustment of cleats. This often-overlooked step is crucial, as the cleat serves as the first and most securely fixed point of contact among the three critical connections between the rider and the bicycle: foot, buttocks, and hands. It is imperative that all bike fittings begin with the precise positioning of cleats since an improper adjustment can affect saddle and handlebar positions.Adjustment of Pedal AxisThe precise adjustment of the pedal axis

Correctly adjusting the cleats prevents knee and hip pain.

Optimizing the seating position on the simulator

You'll then hop on the bike fitting simulator and ride for a few minutes while we analyze your movements and posture. During this phase, we'll make initial adjustments—for example, if you're sitting a bit too far back or too far forward in the saddle.

The Bike Fitting Simulator allows you to adjust your position with millimeter precision.

We start by adjusting the saddle position:

• The saddle setback is checked via the knee position to the pedal axis.

• Then we adjust the seat height and check the leg angle.

The knee position relative to the pedal axis is adjusted precisely.

Once these values are in the optimal range, you can test different settings and give immediate feedback on which ones feel most comfortable.

The next step is adjusting the handlebar position. The back angle and the hip-shoulder-wrist angle are particularly important. After a rough adjustment, fine-tuning takes place until a balanced and ergonomic posture is achieved.

You can find further information in our blog articles:

www.velobsessive.com

Sitting Position and Saddle Adjustment in Road Cycling

After emphasizing the importance of correctly adjusting the cleats in bike fitting in our last blog post, we now turn our attention to the second step: the optimal position and adjustment of the saddle. The right saddle position plays a crucial role in power transmission and comfort while road cycling. However, before the saddle can be adjusted, it is essential to take the time to find the perfect saddle.

www.velobsessive.com

Bike-Fitting: Adjustment of Handlebar Position

After addressing shoe cleat and saddle position in our last two blogs, we now turn our attention to the final step of bike fitting – the adjustment of the handlebar position, influencing the back angle and reach.Back AngleThe most efficient and sustainable position for a cyclist primarily depends on muscle flexibility. If muscles are shortened, resulting in limited flexibility, a more upright position is necessary. Greater flexibility allows for a flatter sitting position, offering aerodynamic a

The angles of your position are adjusted to your personal requirements.

Documentation and frame size for your new bike

After the bike fitting is complete, your optimal position will be precisely measured and documented. The software automatically calculates the differences compared to your current bike. This allows for targeted adjustments to permanently improve your riding position.

Determining the appropriate frame size (when buying new)

If you're looking to buy a new bike, we use the data we gather during the fitting to determine the right frame size and geometry . Our database contains the geometries of all major bike brands. If your desired bike isn't listed, we can reliably calculate the optimal size based on the manufacturer's data – whether for a road bike, gravel bike, or triathlon bike. This gives you the perfect basis for buying your new bike.

Handing over your bike fitting documents

After the bike fitting in Zurich / Switzerland you will receive all relevant documents:

• your individual body mass

• the determined seating position with all angles

• a dimension drawing of your optimal bike

• the differences to your existing bike

• as well as the recommended values for a new bicycle model

We will give you the comprehensive documentation after the bike fitting.

Optional additional services

Adapting your existing bike

Adjusting your bike is generally not included in the price of a bike fitting. We can often make minor adjustments (e.g., to the saddle position) right away. For more extensive modifications, we will provide you with a separate quote. Once your order is placed, we will order all the necessary components and carry out the work professionally.

Pedal analysis (part of Bike Fitting Pro)

Pedal analysis offers great potential for improving pedaling and power transfer efficiency . As part of the Bike Fitting Pro, we measure pedal movement on the simulator under load in three dimensions—including vertical force, lateral movement, and force distribution across the crank angle.

Read our blog article:

www.velobsessive.com

Pedal Efficiency in Road Cycling

In the pursuit of optimizing road cycling performance, discussions often revolve around weight, aerodynamics, and rolling resistance. However, what about the efficiency of the rider's pedal movement? Pedal efficiency is frequently overlooked, despite its significant potential to enhance overall performance in road cycling.

Specific bike fitting for triathletes (Bike Fitting TRI)

For triathletes, we offer a special triathlon bike fitting that focuses on the optimal aero position. You can find out more on our website:

www.velobsessive.com

Bike Fitting Zurich | Bikefitting Switzerland | Roadbike

Vélobsessive offers comprehensive bike fitting services for cyclists and Triathletes. We offer these fitting services at a fixed prices.

Conclusion

A professional bike fitting at Vélobsessive is the key to an ergonomic, efficient, and comfortable riding position on your bike. Whether it's a road bike, gravel bike, or triathlon bike – with precise measurements, personalized analysis, and state-of-the-art technology, we'll help you find the position that's right for you.