Professional bike fitting for Los Angeles riders

A fit is one of the few bike services that can't be done remotely: it needs you, your bike, your shoes and the person doing the fit in the same room. That's why it's worth choosing carefully. LA County riders who drive to us for a fit usually want two things: someone experienced looking at their position on the bike, and a fit that connects to the bike itself, because the person fitting you is also the person who builds and services bikes on our bench.

What a full fit looks at

A full professional fit works through every contact point with you riding the bike:

• Saddle height, setback, tilt and the saddle itself
• Reach and drop: stem, spacers, bar width and rotation
• Brake lever and shifter position
• Cleat position and alignment
• On tri and TT bikes, base bar, extensions and pads

Sometimes a better position needs a part, such as a shorter stem or a different saddle. When that happens we explain why before changing anything, and any parts are quoted on their own.

Why LA riders often combine a fit with something else

Because the drive is real, many Los Angeles riders pair a fit with another job: a new Pinarello, Colnago or Cervélo, a custom build or a full service. Doing the fit when the bike is being built means the stem, bar and saddle can be chosen around your position from the start, instead of swapped afterward.

Signs your position needs work

Long climbs in the San Gabriels, hours on the beach path and stop-start city riding all find fit problems. Numb hands, sore wrists, knee pain, a stiff neck or lower back, or saddle soreness that doesn't go away are common reasons riders book. So is a change of bike: moving from an endurance frame to an aero race bike means your old numbers may not carry over. Pain that persists is also a reason to see a medical professional; a good fit helps, but it isn't a diagnosis.

Fits for the way LA rides

A fit starts with how you actually ride, and Los Angeles riders ride in very different ways:

• Racers and fast group riders often want a lower, longer position. The question is how low you can go and still breathe, pedal well and see the road.
• Climbers and long-day riders heading into the San Gabriels need a position that stays comfortable on a long climb and stable on the descent.
• Gravel riders need control on loose surfaces, which usually means a slightly more upright, relaxed front end.
• Triathletes need an aero position they can hold and still run afterward.

Telling us which of these is you, and what you'd like to change, makes the fit more useful.

Planning your fit from Los Angeles

1. Book or call. Book online and choose "Bike fit", or call (714) 760-4908. Ask about price and scheduling when you book.
2. Tell us about your riding: what you ride, how far, any discomfort and any goals, such as an event.
3. Bring what you ride in: your bike, cycling shoes and usual kit.
4. Allow for traffic. Off-peak weekday times are usually easiest from LA.

The main professional bike fitting page covers sizing a new bike in more depth.

Questions riders ask

City guides for Los Angeles County riders: Long Beach, Cerritos, Lakewood, Whittier, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes.

Veloaded Cyclery has one location, at 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704.