Many of our customers wonder what to expect during a bike fitting. In this article, we explain the process of a typical bike fitting at Vélobsessive — from the initial analysis to the optimal riding position.
We most frequently perform Bike Fitting Dynamic. It offers more precise results than Bike Fitting Basic, as we can verify the position calculated by the software on our modern simulator and adjust it individually to your goals, preferences, and physical requirements.
At the beginning of the bike fitting, we'll have a brief preliminary consultation. We'd like to learn what you want to achieve: Do you want to improve your competitive performance, or are you primarily looking for more comfort on long rides? Do you have any cycling issues or medical restrictions we need to consider?
Information about your preferred route lengths and other sports also helps us tailor the fitting. This creates the foundation for a personalized and ergonomic riding position.
If you'd like to optimize your current bike, you can bring it along. We'll measure it precisely so we can later compare the determined optimal seating position with your existing setup and derive targeted adjustments.
If you're planning to buy a new bike, bringing your old one isn't necessary — but it can help you better understand your current riding position.
The values measured include saddle and handlebar position, handlebar width, crank length, and saddle width.
To enable the bike-fitting software to calculate an initial recommendation, we record all relevant body measurements: height, inseam, torso and arm length, plus other parameters crucial for the geometry of the ideal riding position.
We also measure the sit bone distance, which determines the right saddle width. A narrower distance allows for a narrower saddle; a larger distance requires a wider model.
A short flexibility test informs your future sitting position. Depending on your flexibility, your posture can be more aerodynamic or more comfortable. If flexibility is limited — for example, due to shortened muscles — the position is adjusted accordingly. With targeted training, flexibility can be improved over the long term.
Based on the measurements, the software creates an initial recommendation for your bike position, which we then verify and refine on our bike fitting simulator. Depending on the intended use, we select settings for specific disciplines — road, gravel, MTB, triathlon, time trial, city, or e-bike.
For road bikes we offer comfort, sport, competition and professional setups. In triathlon, we distinguish between short- and long-distance configurations.
Before you get on the simulator, we adjust your cleats. The foot-pedal connection is the most stable contact point between rider and bike — precise positioning is the foundation for efficient power transfer and directly influences your seat and handlebar position.
You ride the bike fitting simulator for a few minutes while we analyze your movements and posture. We start with saddle position:
Once these values are optimal, you test different settings and give immediate feedback. Then we move on to handlebar position — fine-tuning the back angle and the hip-shoulder-wrist angle until a balanced, ergonomic posture is achieved.
After the fitting, your optimal position is precisely measured and documented. The software calculates the differences from your current bike, enabling targeted adjustments that permanently improve your riding position.
We use the fitting data to determine the right frame size and geometry across all major brands. If your desired model isn't in our database, we calculate the optimal size from manufacturer data — road bike, gravel, or triathlon.
You leave the session with a complete set of documents:
Adjusting your bike is generally not included in the fitting price. Minor adjustments (e.g., saddle position) can often be made on the spot. For more extensive changes, we provide a separate quote and order all necessary components.
Pedal analysis measures pedal movement on the simulator under load in three dimensions — vertical force, lateral movement, and force distribution across the crank angle — offering significant potential for improving power transfer efficiency.
For triathletes, we offer a dedicated fitting focused on the optimal aero position.
A professional bike fitting at Vélobsessive is the key to an ergonomic, efficient, and comfortable riding position. Whether road, gravel, or triathlon — with precise measurements, personalized analysis, and state-of-the-art technology, we help you find the position that's right for you.
In this page...
"I was tired of spending a lot of money on bikes that never truly fit. So I founded Vélobsessive."
Founder of Vélobsessive & Bike Fitter
[ THE MAN BEHIND THE BLOG ]
Thomas Glättli is the driving force behind Vélobsessive. As an enthusiastic cyclist and dedicated amateur athlete, he was tired of compromising when it came to finding the perfect road bike. In 2019, he founded Vélobsessive with a clear goal: the rider shouldn't have to fit the bike; the bike should fit the rider.
