I had always considered getting a bike fit done but was always put off by the price, could it really be worth that much.  As I had bought my frame and components seperately everything had been set up by me using information found from the web.  Could it really make that much difference.

After seeing a forum on Bikeradar, Cadence Sport was mentioned and a fitting by Adrian Timmis.  This was £100 but also you got a pair of custom molded Sidas footbeds thrown in.  The total package was enough to make me go for it.

I arrived at the address Adrian had given me and was surprised to see it was his house.  Slightly concerned I got taken through to an office he has set up where he runs his business from.  As I work from home as well, why not.

We began with the footbed fittings.  A fairly simple process of putting your feet into vacuum moulds and then this is used to do your insoles.  As I was trying them at first it felt a bit strange.  Adrian said if they are not right we will do another pair.  As it turned out they were fine it was just getting used to the new sensation.  It was comforting to know though that he straight away was prepared to do another set.

We then got onto the bike fit.  Being  a complete gadget freak I was concerned that if I went elsewhere I would be getting computer analysed, etc.  Adrian is doing it based on his own knowledge with some scientific starting points.  It is worth noting though he is an ex pro racer who has completed the Tour de France and does bike fits for current professionals so his knowledge is a lot more than most.

He started with my cleat set up.  Everything is done dynamically while you pedal your bike on a turbo.  As it was, due to the angle my foot was when I peddle my cleats were in the wrong position to get maximum benefit.

We then got my saddle height and leg angle corrected.  I ended up with it being moved up by 2cm.  Before I hadn’t been getting a long enough leg extension.  This meant I wasn’t using my muscles as efficiently as I could and also my legs were staying compacted not giving the muscles any rest during each pedal stroke.

Next we moved to stem height which got dropped about 2cm as well, and handlebar drops were adjusted and brake hoods moved to get a good position.

Adrians comment was I now looked like I was riding a proper bike!  I now also felt like I was riding a proper bike.  The comfort was improved dramatically and I could feel the difference in my legs even on the turbo.  I think he had a small chuckle to himself that I had ridden the Etape last year on my old set up.

We also did a quick pedal with one shoe with a molded insole and one with the original.  The amount of movement in the original footbed makes you realise how much energy is being wasted and not being transferered to your pedal.

Having now done a few rides since the fitting I can really notice the difference in efficiency.  Going up hills feels so much more comfortable and easier.

I would highly recommend anyone who has a doubt to get a fitting done.  I wish I had done it long ago.  I would also recommend going to see Adrian.  There may not be a computer analysing everything you do but you do get the knowledge of someone who knows what they are doing and can explain every reason for each change.  I am not sure the computer operator could always do this?

And finally it should be said he was a really nice guy.  It’s not every day you get a chance to chat with someone who has completed the Tour de France and can tell you what it’s like.