I’ve been in the bike business for ten years and have set up positions for virtually thousands of riders over that period. So, after all these years, has what we now refer to as “Bike Fit” changed? Yes and no; we haven’t developed a modern cycling role, and we haven’t progressed physically in that time as humans.The four central touch points of’saddle height’ and’setback,’ followed by’reach’ and ‘down’ to bars, are as close now as they were then. What has changed is that in the past, I did it by eye, but now we have the resources to finish the job perfectly. What we now have is a lot of info, but it’s what you do with it that matters; it must be properly interpreted, and any changes made as a result must be acceptable. There’s no replacement for being fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing; after all, a tool is just as good as the person who uses it.

A modern bike fitting jig, by far the most successful of these emerging innovations, helps us to fine tune the four main contact points, allowing you to understand exactly what you need to replicate on your new or existing bike. In regards to the above, bike manufacturers typically list relevant ‘fit’ details that can be repeated on the jig, allowing us to compare the bike fit of the different bikes you might be considering; impressive as well as incredibly helpful, assisting many with their new bike purchase. We have a dedicated ‘Bike Fitting’ suite at Republic Dutch where we will interview each rider about their cycling experience, potential ambitions and expectations, and any cycling disabilities we need to account for, such as a sore back or spine. We take precise physical measurements such as height, inseam, and shoulder width, as well as specific measurements of each foot, including the arches. We then get an evaluation of versatility, range of motion, and stability, all before we start taking measurements on the bike.