Common bike fit and setup mistakes with James Thomas from Bicycle. Check out their shop here: https://bicyclerichmond.co.uk/pages/book-a-bike-fit-all
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39 Comments
Why the heck you measure the bicycle frame in centimeters, but your height in ft/inch? That's so fucking ridiculous.
When are you releasing the review of the State bike?
A bike fit is never really off by much if you just change something every 2-3 rides! 🧠🔧
So questions: What if you think your frame is to small? (Yes bike fit. But a bike fitter put me on a small frame based on my 165cm height and cramped my legs up for reach). Does James get feed back from riders he recommends an Endurance bike to after they have been riding a race frame forever?
Ninety percent of fitment issues could be addressed if bike manufacturers would build bikes with taller head tubes and steerer tubes. For the love of God do it!
Thanks for the bike homework. Gonna go move my cleat n go from there. Rode my XC bike yesterday and had no pain over 30 miles. On my gravel bike… saddle pain and sometimes numb toes on the same ride. Plus, like stated in previous videos, my 105 is not low enough gearing… i bought it pre GRX, which id like to try. Thanks as always ❤
Great insight. You are 5'`10" and rides a 52 which is a small size. That tells you how far off the online sizing is.
I'm not sure if my 56cm Time VXRS or 56cm Look 595-Ultra are perfect for me (181cm.) But after riding them for 10 years with the same WTB-Silverado saddle, they both fit like a set of tailored boots.
Worst part is having to replace cleats. and trying ever so hard to get it in exactly the same position.
Modern bikes in the disc brake era – too long and too low. And you can't change it. Result – many people on the wrong sized bike. And at that point there's no point in having a bike fit unless you are prepared to junk your current bike and get a new one. Which supports the contention made here – get fitted first and then buy the bike. And for most people that will not be the model the pro riders are riding.
Concerning the seat angle, the horizontal angle seems to be based on a bike with drop handle bars where the rider is leaning forward quite a bit. What about city / urban bikes that have a relatively upright riding position – ala a Dutch bike? Is the horizontal seat still a good option or should it have the nose higher to allow for a more natural pelvic angle?
It’s not Tuesday. Lol 😝
The number of bikes which come into the shop–often ridden by ladies or short people–with the bars rotated way up, is crazy. Every time, I think "you could have gotten a bike fit, and a custom frame for less than you paid for this piece of ill fitted carbon which you are killing any marginal gains from because it doesn't fit you".
Handlebar rotation: I do that to BOTH get the controls higher, and to reduce reach (although I generally use a shorter stem for reach).
I am preaty sure my bike shop put me on a 54 when I should probably be on a 52…
Morning! I am risking getting shot down in flames for this comment, but I feel I need to post it 😅
First of all, a big thanks to James, Francis and the team for continuing to invest in educating us on things that seem straightforward; but aren’t. Especially to James, who is very willing to give away all this knowledge for free!
Now to my comment: first, the elephant in the room – I am a Pinarello Dogma F owner for the past 2.5 years; and I am very, very pleased with my decision.
Let me explain (and this goes back to James’ comment on ‘get a Pinarello if you are 25 years old, 60 kilos and pumping 400 watts then buy this bike’): I am 53, 70 kilos, FTP of 270, i.e. an above average guy with good fitness and relatively healthy lifestyle; but no where near to a racer or super fit young guy. I had a bike fit, tailored it to my needs and have been riding it probably 3x p. week. Loving the bike, no issues with my body whatsoever and actually, I live in quite a hilly area, and this bike climbs very well too. To be clear, this is not a Pinarello praise, on the contrary, I know there are too many bikes out there that are better value for money than this (my decision to buy was…my decision to buy). What I am saying is that I do not necessarily agree with the statement that you need to be a racer to ride a Pinarello, Specialised, Colnago etc top tier bike. Comment with all best intentions, so please dont hit too hard on replies 😂
I recently bought my first bike (gravel) and trying to 'fit' one the sales rep said you can't calculate anything, we just try different sizes and you look what 'feels right'.
I am 6 ft 2.4 / 189 cm tall with slight below average leg length
I came out at a 61 frame that felt best so going from there, I bought a 61 though from a different brand, but one that was pretty par to the one I tried concerning geometry, stack and reach.
But now seeing this my bike might be too big? I am confused
Shop employees generally aren’t taught to sell road bikes based off of the reach. Which is strange because for mtb that’s all anyone talks about.
I find that these bike fit videos are great because I do the exact opposite of what they say and become pain-free.
Interestingly my experience with saddle hieght has been too low. The last time I went to a shop (3 months ago) they had to raise the saddle 3 times (begrudgingly) but I think they considered my overall hieght and not inner seem leg length. Also, being an "OLd Fat Fart" the handlebars set lower than the saddle is a no no, I can't lift my head up far enough to see forward and my legs say hellow to my belly button!
A 5' 10" person would have to change the seat post to fit a 52; that should tell you it's the wrong size.
Hilarious and informative, all simultaneously!
Thanks!
Well glad I'm the one out of ten as my saddle was too low.
Got a tarmac sl8 comp rival axs yesterday exactly when this vid dropped…. are you spying on me?
Real ones know this is a reupload tho
9:30 "Penetrative Entity" will be the title track for my upcoming tech death project 😂
But how important is stand over height?
to be devils advocate, most people dont really need endurance bikes, their average ride is probably under 50km and being on race bike is bearabale for time being, but it is much more fun to ride
I get pins and needles in my toes and numb feet after 10 miles ive tried metatarsal insoles ive tried moving cleats back
Ive altered my saddle height
And ive changed my socks to thin ones to try and make feet cooler
Running out of ideas
Do you offer service in Canada?
Hi. Do you have any idea why I can't find videos of the KTM X-STRADA 710 on YouTube? I really like the way it looks… Could you do a review?
Wow! This is great!
I used to bike fit in our shop, I don't think I've heard this sort of concise advise anywhere else on the internet. Your knowledge and knowhow are spot on! Brilliant. We would mini-fit first before recommending a bike, because, why not?!
If u buy a road bike u already lost thrace duzn maddre whatchoo doo.
BICYCLES WORLD LEADER SPEAKS
Who wants 2b thrichest manufacture on earth.
Then hire me =
Bikes truely Xplained HOW TO BUILD A BICYCLE:
I have alwayz been thtrue hidden epicenter bikes Lucifers snakes keep me hidden.
A bike designed by me would destroy every teeniest facet of every finest diamond ever engineered would immediately carpet thglobe.
so I teach YOU how2 build sit on a bike thtrue epicenter IZ ALWAYZ THSAME.
Yea we cant hardly be held responsible gut feel any legitimate stats on a Barbie Plastic bike now can we.
See on a simple
E Bike full throttle we settle TRUELY settle via REALITY any all answers &on a micro adjust bases say yes2 Mr. Stopwatch.
Mr. Speedo-Meter thus told us2" LOWER rider = 1.5mph @21mph throttle.
Wow.
"Keep reading."
One thing has really gelled 4me = B Bracket height = th heartbeat alwayz scrutinized it.
Geometry Xplained?
How to fit bike.
Square1:
1. Your top tube/reach way2long.
A. Fist knuckles touch STEM while ELBOW touch tip seat = WRIST now parallel with your GRIPS = your HANDZ.
B. Grips now 6" aft of your axle.
C. 28" – 31" barz NO NARROW BARZ&barz level with seat or higher.
D. Bar endz.
GO ON ON ENDZ ONLY anged parallel with fist when reach down seated
E. Cranks 160mm – 140mm 9" B. Bracket 80mm RISER BAR ONLY grips u tilt back till 4" aft steering column using conventional available parts.
*Note a frame design ground up by me would ever from whole nother universe u unanimously end all last level superiour.
My Suspension bikes B Bracket 13" my cross country rig upgrade2 longer rear suspension gas oil shock vastly superiour compare 2 $400 air "shock" stock sellers factory replacement parts.
Snake oil manufactures dont make bikes.
They make money.
If they weren't clowns they (could) design a bike wouldnt need be corrected every year.
New bike I designed:
B. Bracket my "gravel bike" 2" lower I sit 2" lower CG brilliant 1.5mph faster in STILL air I consistently record 21.5.mph on 20mph E Bike full throttle when seat2" lower.
*Point A to B Big Apple 2.125 TALL tire faster E Bike.
Motors like tall tire Mr. legz will2.
= Say yes 2 29'r.
*.arrow rims BULGE tire sidewall far superiour in compliance flexy sidewall translate 2energy retention smooth ride free shocks.
U guyz trying corner like Bob Hannah.
Please.
I record 12 mph slicks fireroad vs 8ph with your lovely gut feel knobbies.
Rubber gets traction less is more LEAVE IT AT THAT mt. goats/indy500 use slicks this is not 40HP motocross.
BICYCLES XPLAINED:
= 98% Point A Point B pavement1% corner.
I am a world leader stand only thshoulders vast majority established vote stop thracer boy 2year old mentality.
Bikes here2carry stuff pavement sweet spot 16mph silly shocks never work till u slam in2 turtle Mr. Jackrabbit.
None of u have ever even design suspension right2 begin with NEVER buy hardtail say no2
Mr. 3lb paperweight "Shocks" 2.125 tires low pressure = shock raise pressure = pavement.
Fact:
I pay cash my last2homes commuting bikes + fortune free wild food roadside.
Neighbor?
6 250 horse $20k cars still buys250 stallz feed250 horses graze on money move 1little person.
I do 125 watts 1/5hp.
Mr. Skinny Spaghetti cro mo or alloy Bikes = 👍
"Alwayz trust yr gut feel."
FRAMES:
Level top tube = roomy carry BULLET BAG top tube 1bottom 1top = weight distribution EQUALIZE TIRE PRESSURE centrally oriented low CG not front basket or tail heavy wag thdog syndrome.
Spaghetti tube bikes juss slippery.
1. I alwayz questioned small cranks bought Team Miyata 54cm 1990 165mm cranks. 👌
2. Quality wheels everything.
3. 19mm inner wall rim?
Yes.
4. Tirez bulge ROUND section, we fly in turbulence life not a wind tunnel&tubular profile rim/tire flies in what in reality amount 2turbulence/cross wind say no2 barn door crosswind picture aero rims wind hurts u 70% time helps only 30% = I use ROUND section rim fly in headwindANDcrosswind 38mm tire = sweeet spot& sidewall flex = lower roll resist.
Vibration& noise = friction.
120 TPI thin sidewall tire deforms microscopically over road irregularities of which are just constant.
5. FRAME:
Abrasion resistance strong over time frame steel or alloy.
My alloy frames took a beating.
Paint sucks vs HARD anodize formz skin stiffenz frame but can transmit cracks.
Bike I built:
Chromed&shiny cro mo skinny tube steel emphasis on good wheels tubeless ready.
Stiff thru axles hydroform fat alloy frames equate primarily 2energy save in brutal sprints/hill climb.
Nice! But miniscule investment point& shoot vs Mr. Calories expenditure.
Myy cycling2day:
Evolved. Consistent 125/150 watts vs 7watts per kilo back when I rode 550 miles a week 38BPM resting heartrate& 1 by 57t no small chain ring up Mt. WILSON.
SWEET spot rules.
16MPH flats = 125/150 watts 35 mile round trip 50lb grocery1/5 horsepower. Nice.
Are skinny tube bikes aero?
Do not google whathey tell u do what I do think peanut butter& jelly.
A.I. claims I can save so &so joules & kilocaries.
So I boiled it down.
Question:
HOW MUCH CALORIES BURNED SKINNY TUBE BIKE vs FAT ALLOY 35 mile round trip 16mph ave. Speed?
160 calories.
Hmmm. Shrugs, yea ok.
But, yea SOLD.
AERO iz everything man cro mo tubes4 thwin.
How many push ups takes burn 160 calories weighing 150lbs?
415.
Figured I'd have2 jog 2miles on a P.J. Sandwich burn as much.
I ask Mr. A.I. answer = 1.85 miles jog. Ok.
Let's talk geometry/fit.
My most impressive gel moment on a bike MODEL:
$140 Taiwanese Lotus Prestige.
I am by far thtru king of kingz balanced epicenter in cycling as, u probably correlating?
I knew back then geometry configured by a true master on paper = I bought Lotus oh my I was taken back on riding it tho.
(Taiwan is thBEST ask any engineer Japan. Honda became king Taiwan factories.)
Remembering I've owned Dura Ace team Miyata, BASSO rig built by a world champions brother 4 thTour De France& $140 Lotus stuck it more then they did.
Thbike I juss built:
Latest rig.
GEOMETRY specked Mona Lisa cant even tell u. How superiour.
It iz 2that Lotus!
Looks much like my Jap built triple butted Kuwahara Couger from Miyata I had 1987 finally had short top tube but otherwise specs ticked me off.
My bike now =
Butted chrome mo commute/tour oriented "gravel."
Low drivetrain, stable handling reduce cognitive stress I was course th1 start whole "1by" thing back in thday 1985 1st high end time trial bike I built 2commute on lol.
We like healthy machines here Sregio Industries NOBODY. Buildz bikes like I do nobody not even close where I am alwayz where people will be cars my stone igloos, guitars bikes my garden ALL thingz.
I waz guy pioneered Dual Control brake shiftrz 1989 not1 in a million engineer ever been able top my version built in a garage vastly superiour&weighed 1/10 what Shimanos duz now!
Today's chainz waaay 2thin please google "1987 sedisport" I use candlewax only.
All bikes today going1 by = 1chainring/cog &yes, 29" wheel = thsweet spot ~
Now.
Who wants me 2build a bike 4u???
I remember someone walking towards me on the mixed use path frowning seriously as I rode closer, he said "your seat post is too high!" thank you random citizen
@bikefitjames please get to the point your videos feel like they go on forever with spewing a bunch of blabber with few good key points in there
More Blah blah blah………
You have a specialized power saddle mounted. You hate those. Mine came with my bike. Wide.
I would be interested how fit changes for someone who is riding a touring bike, rather than an endurance bike. I find myself riding the same bike very differently when I am laden vs unladen with all my touring things on it.
James talking about egoistic men needing big bikes to just "not ride XS"… then there is me on size L endurance bike with 5 cm of spacers. The bike reach is not the longest in the world. Do I have a such super long legs or something?