Why YOU NEED a Bike Fit

As a triathlete of 20+ years and a coach/bike fitter at Playtri, I am often asked by other triathletes how they can get faster on the bike. The first thing I ask in return is about their bike fit. If you haven’t had a bike fit or you haven’t had a bike fit in over a year or your fitness/racing goals have changed or your body has gone through changes because of age, injury, or body composition, then it is time for a bike fit. Thankfully, Playtri has been helping triathletes and cyclists reach their potential on the bike. And reaching your potential all starts with being comfortable, safe, and efficient on the bike.

A proper bike fit is all about YOU! It’s about making sure that YOUR bike is the correct size for YOUR body and YOUR position on the bike is optimal for performance, safety, and efficiency. When you purchase running shoes, you make sure they fit your feet and are comfortable. The same should be true for the bike, but for your entire body. We want to make sure you can safely handle the bike whether you are in the aero bars or out on the hoods/bull horns. And we also want to make sure that your position doesn’t put too much strain on your back, hands, shoulders, feet, or butt. If you are uncomfortable on the bike, then you cannot sustain your position or effort for very long and you cannot ride safely.

If you are going to be purchasing a new bike and want to get bike recommendations based on how your body moves on the bike or ordering a custom-made bicycle, then a Playtri Fit First is the best option. This bike fit is performed on a fit bike system using 3D motion capture technology. With this fit you receive you receive one free follow up appointment within a year of your initial fit and a pdf report of 3D and 2D body parameters, 3D bicycle fit coordinates, and bike frame geometry. And if you already own a bike and want a very accurate fit, then you can do a Retul/Guru Bike fit with your current bike.

If you are a beginner or intermediate rider or want a more budget friendly option, then a traditional bike fit at Playtri is an extremely effective option. A Playtri traditional bike fit provides you with the same adjustments as a motion capture fit, backed by our 20+ years of fit experience, but without the dynamic data capture. This fit also includes one free follow up appointment within a year of your initial fit. If you bought your bike from us, then your purchase includes a traditional bike fit.

As one of the bike fitters at Playtri Dallas, a coach, and as a competitive age group triathlete who has ridden numerous bikes over the years, I can attest to the importance of a proper bike fit as your body and goals change.

If you have any questions about anything in this article or would like to know more about our different coaching options, please contact me at jim.rowe@playtri.com. Happy training and racing!