Bike Sizing and Bike Fitting
The bicycle is a human invention for increased locomotion and has only been around for a spec of time in the evolutionary time frame of homo sapiens. Meaning, we are not born knowing how to ride a bike and our bodies are not intrinsically adapted to doing so.
Putting a person on a machine and inviting them to perform repetitive motions for a sustained time period is an invitation to injury, and yet somehow provides an abundance of enjoyment and pleasure for many. But the invitation to injury is still present.
One of the keys to preventing injury and promoting enjoyment is to ensure a safe and functional bio-mechanical relationship between the bike, and the body that is riding it. Bike sizing and bike fitting are about this relationship–they are related, but are not the same thing, and are sometimes used inaccurately. Both are incredibly important.
Bike sizing precedes bike fitting. Bike sizing is about initial matchmaking and compatibility. Will this bike and body get along together?
Bike fitting occurs after bike sizing and is about strengthening the relationship between the asymmetrical and imperfect human body and the bike. It’s also an opportunity to fine-tune by working out the wrinkles and niggles.