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Writer's picture90 Plus Cycling

Don't Get Stuck with the Wrong Bike: Why Bike Fitting Before You Buy is Essential

Updated: Nov 24


Image of a Man attempting to ride a tricycle with the title, "Don't get stuck with the wrong bike" - Bike Fitting before You buy

Spring is in the air, and the allure of a brand-new bike to conquer those upcoming adventures is strong!  Imagine yourself cruising down scenic roads, feeling the wind in your hair (if you still have it or perhaps the wind on your scalp), and leaving all your worries behind. It's an exciting prospect, but hold on grasshopper!  Before you fall head-over-heels for a specific frame or get swept away by a dazzling paint job, there's a crucial step that can make all the difference in your cycling experience: a professional bike fitting.


Think of a bike fitting as the foundation of your cycling journey. Just like a well-built house needs a solid foundation, a bike that perfectly complements your body sets you up for comfort, efficiency, and ultimately, pure enjoyment on every ride. Here's why skipping a bike fitting before you buy can lead you down a path of discomfort and inefficiency:


The Pitfalls of Buying Without a Bike Fit


  • Mismatched Body & Bike Geometry: Without a professional fitting, you might end up with a bike that doesn't align with your unique body proportions. This can lead to a mismatch between your frame size, handlebar width and drop/reach, crank length, stem angle and length, and saddle position. All these components play a crucial role in comfort and performance, and an improper fit can cause discomfort, pain, and even injuries.

  • Wasted Energy: Imagine pedaling for miles but feeling like you're not making much progress. A bike that doesn't fit can hinder your power transfer, making you work harder for less output.

  • Frustration and Discouragement: Cycling should be fun! But if you're constantly battling discomfort or feeling inefficient, it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience.

  • Limited Options After Purchase: Let's say you buy a bike that's not quite the right fit. While adjustments can be made, modifying components like handlebars, stems, or even the crankset can be expensive and may not achieve the optimal fit for your body type.


The Benefits of Bike Fitting Before You Buy


  • Comfort is King: A professional fitting ensures your bike is customized to your unique body proportions, leading to a comfortable and pain-free riding experience.

  • Unlock Your Power: With proper positioning, you'll be able to transfer more power from your legs to the pedals, maximizing your pedaling efficiency and boosting your performance.

  • Confidence in the Saddle: When your bike feels like an extension of yourself, you'll feel more confident and in control, allowing you to focus on enjoying the ride.

  • Informed Decision-Making: Knowing your ideal fit parameters empowers you to make smarter decisions when shopping for a new bike. You can narrow down your search to bikes that will truly complement your body type and riding style.

  • Negotiating Power: Understanding your proportions and range of motion is crucial before buying a new bike. This knowledge allows you to approach bike stores with confidence, knowing exactly what size and potentially what adjustments might be needed.


Why Get a Bike Fit Before You Buy with 90+?


At 90+ Cycling, we take bike fitting a step further to ensure you find the perfect match, regardless of brand. Our state-of-the-art fit bike allows us to assess your movement patterns and adjust your position in real time for optimal comfort and efficiency. Based on this personalized assessment, we can recommend specific bike brands and models that align perfectly with your body type and riding goals.


More importantly, we understand that the perfect bike for you might not always be on our showroom floor. That's why, through the fitting process, we can connect you with the right resources to find the perfect bike for your needs, even if it means directing you to another shop. Our goal is to get you on a bike that fits you flawlessly, no matter the brand.


When you buy a bike from 90+ Cycling, this commitment to perfect fit continues.  We understand that buying a bike is an investment, and you shouldn't settle for anything less. That's why we make sure the fit is dialed in before you leave. This includes not only adjusting the handlebar and stem for optimal comfort but also swapping them for the ones that best match the custom proportions of your body. We also allow you to demo a saddle to find the one that suits you best in order to ensure you are exceptionally comfortable and not stuck with a stock saddle that disappoints. Before you leave with your 2-wheeled investment, we ensure that the connection between your body and the bike is correct at every contact point and your bike is fully customized to your unique attributes.


Don't wait until after you buy a bike to discover it doesn't fit quite right. Make your next cycling adventure a success with a professional bike fitting before you buy, regardless of where you ultimately purchase your new ride.


Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?


At 90+ Cycling, we offer comprehensive bike fitting services to help you find the perfect match. Our experienced fitters will assess your body measurements, flexibility, and riding goals to create a personalized setup that maximizes your comfort and performance. Don't wait – schedule your fitting today and start your cycling journey on the right foot!


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