Ask Veloaded: professional bike fit

What does a professional bike fit include?

A full professional fit at Veloaded Cyclery works through every point where you touch the bike, with you riding it:

• Saddle height, setback and tilt, and saddle choice
• Reach and drop: stem length and height, spacers, handlebar width and rotation
• Brake lever and shifter position
• Cleat position and alignment
• On tri and TT bikes: base bar, extensions and pad position for an aero position you can hold

Fits are done by Edgar Rodriguez, our Founder & Master Builder. If the fit calls for different parts, such as a stem, bar or saddle, we tell you first and quote them separately. Bring your bike, cycling shoes and usual kit. Call (714) 760-4908 to book and ask about pricing. See professional bike fitting.

Do I really need a bike fit?

Not every rider does, but many benefit. A fit is most worthwhile if you:

• Have discomfort on longer rides: numb hands, sore wrists, knee pain, lower back or neck pain, or saddle soreness that doesn't go away
• Just bought a new bike and want it right from the first ride
• Are moving to a more aggressive bike, such as an aero race bike
• Race triathlon and want an aero position you can hold
• Are ramping up your mileage for an event

If you're comfortable for as long as you ride and have no niggles, you may not need one. We'll be honest about that. Pain that persists is also a reason to see a medical professional; a fit helps but isn't a diagnosis. Call (714) 760-4908 to talk it through.

Should I get fitted before buying a new bike?

Ideally, size the bike before you order and fit it once it's built. Frame sizes aren't consistent between brands, so "I ride a 56" is a starting point, not an answer.

At Veloaded Cyclery, before you order a Cervélo, Pinarello, Colnago, Look or Scott, we look at the frame's stack (how tall the front end is) and reach (how long), compare those with your current bike and how you like to ride, then choose size, stem and bar. A full professional fit on the finished bike completes the process. If you're considering a bike from us, call (714) 760-4908 so we can talk about your current setup before anything is ordered.

Can a bike fit help with knee pain when cycling?

Often it can. Knee pain while riding is commonly linked to saddle height (too high or too low), saddle setback, or cleat position and rotation that fight the way your foot and knee naturally move. A fit looks at each of these with you pedaling, and adjusts them step by step.

But we want to be honest: knee pain can also have medical causes a fit can't solve. If pain is sharp, persistent or getting worse, see a medical professional. A fit helps but isn't a diagnosis. Full professional bike fits at Veloaded Cyclery are done by Edgar Rodriguez, our Founder & Master Builder. Tell us about the pain when you book, so we can focus on it. Call (714) 760-4908.

Can I get a bike fit on a bike I bought somewhere else?

Yes. Veloaded Cyclery does full professional bike fits for road, triathlon, gravel and mountain bikes of any brand, wherever you bought them. You don't need to have bought the bike from us.

Riders come to our Santa Ana shop for fits from across Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, the Inland Empire and San Bernardino. When you book, tell us what you ride, how often and how far, any discomfort, and any goals like an event or a new position. Bring your bike, cycling shoes and the kit you usually ride in. Call (714) 760-4908 or book online and choose "Bike fit". For pricing, call the shop.