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The most important aspect to being a happy cyclist is to have a properly fitted bicycle. A properly fitted bicycle will maximize your performance, increase your power, reduce the risk of injury and just be more comfortable to ride. Jack's Bicycle & Fitness uses two fitting systems depending on the type of bike you are riding. The first is the FIT KIT system which is the oldest and most proven system for fitting bicycles. The FIT KIT utilizes measuring devices and software to provide the most accurate and consistent fitting system for completive cyclist to casual metro park riders. The second type of fitting we offer is a F.I.S.T which is a specific fit for triathlon and time trial bikes. A properly fitted bicycle will allow you to put out maximum power while minimizing the chance for injury. There are several factors to consider when being fitted on a bicycle. A persons anatomy, flexibility, strength, foot arch, leg-length discrepancy, Q-angle, shoulder width, riding style, prior injuries, pelvis width and arm length.

NINE STEPS FOR A CUSTOM BIKE FIT
Step 1: Determine the Need for Arch Support
The arch of the foot affects how the ankle, shin, knee, hip and back interact.

https://web.archive.org/web/20140715174257im_/http://www.jacksbikes.com/contents/media/foot%2020nude.jpg A normal foot has equal pressure on the inside and outside of the foot when the Achilles Tendon and the heel are aligned. A pronated foot shifts the weight to the inside of the arch, which results in a poorly supported arch. A supinated foot, weight the foot to the outside edge resulting in a poorly cushioned foot. Custom insoles provide support exactly where needed. Specialized Bicycle Company has insoles available in different arch support and can be customized.

Step 2: Cleat Position
Cleats can be positioned for heal rotation, forward-backward position, and side-to-side position.

Cleats should be positioned in a neutral position where the ball of the foot is over the pedal axle.
Float adjustment is determined by the normal rotational angle of each foot. Fit Kit (Rotational Adjustment Device) is a cleat alignment device to determine the natural angle of each foot relative to the pedal.
https://web.archive.org/web/20140715175844im_/http://www.jacksbikes.com/contents/media/q-angle.jpg The Q-Angle takes into consideration hip width and foot stance. If the Q-Angle is larger than 22 degrees, the knees will be positioned such that the femur is not pushing down on the Tibia. This sideways movement will result in wasted energy.
If the Q-Angle is wider than 22 degrees, the Q-Angle can be adjusted by moving the pedal cleats towards the inside of the shoes. If this is still not enough to correct the Q-Angle, spacers can be placed on the pedal axle or in some cases pedals with longer pedal axles may be necessary.

Step 3: Determine Your Leg Length
Determine if there is any leg length discrepancy

Check for Tibia leg length discrepancy.
Check for Femur length discrepancy.
Measuring Tibia leg length discrepancy.

Shim between shoe and cleat.

If there is more than 6mm of leg length discrepancy, a shim should be place between the sole of the shoe and the pedal cleat.

The Inseam Measuring Device being used to determine proper saddle height and seat tube length.
Thigh bench being used in a thigh length measurement.

Step 4: Seat Height Adjustment

Proper seat height adjustment is best performed on the bicycle. A knee angle between 145 degrees and 150 degrees is ideal for most riders. A lower degree height at the 145 degree range conserves more muscles energy as the muscles do not have to work as hard to move the pedals in a circle. If you have a higher seat height you will be able to produce more power. The more you bend your knee the greater stress you place on the patellar tendon. If you have knee pain in the front of the knee, a higher seat height is preferred. If the seat is positioned too high, the rider can suffer from iliotibial band friction syndrome.
Foot length is a factor along with riding style in determining proper saddle high.

Step 5: Adjust Seat Fore-Aft Position

Seat should be positioned in a neutral position so that from the tibial tuberoses, a plum line should intersect the center of the pedal axle up to one centimeter behind. A slightly forward position is slightly better, if a higher cadence is preferred and a slightly rearward adjustment benefited power output.

Step 6: Readjust the Seat Height

After moving the seat For-Aft adjustment check knee angle again and readjust seat height accordingly.

Step 7: Determine handlebar width

Handlebar width is determined by shoulder width. Handlebar width can be a personal adjustment, where as a handlebar width that is narrow can benefit the bikes handling and riders aerodynamics. A wider handlebar can benefit a rider by being more comfortable, stable and can allow a rider to expand their lungs further in extreme cases.

Shoulder width measurement being taken to determining proper handlebar width.

Step 8: Determine Handlebar Height and Drop



Hand size measurement used in determining handle bar drop for road bikes and grip diameter for upright handle bar bicycles.

Step 9: Determining Top Tube and Stem Length

Torso measurement being performed
Arm length measurement used to determine proper stem and top tube length combination.


Fit Kit Computer Software



Our computerized Fit kit system insure an accurate, proven, safe developmental position for all types of riders, no matter there age or riding style.

Jack's Bicycle and Fitness backs up our fitting process with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We will do what ever it takes to make your fit the very best it can be. If you are ever dissatisfied with any of our fitting services we will refund your entire amount.

Package

What You Get

Price

When To Use

Seat Adjustment

Inseam, Thigh, and Foot Measurement For-Aft Adjustment

$15.00

Buying a New Seat

Measurement ONLY

Print-out of your skeletal Measurements and Geometry of the Perfect bike for you!

$35.00

Looking For A New Bike

Measurement and Consultation

Print-out as above and take Measurements of your current bike and/or compare the geometry of a new bike to your body and make recommendations, Also includes assessing your position while on the bike.

$45.00

To fit your current bike or if you want to see if a particular bike will fit you.

Fit Stem Session

Stem & Handlebar Fit Analysis and Adjustment

$45.00

Wanting to test and fine tune your stem position. Up to an hour with personal fit expert.

Cleat Adjustment (R.A.D)

Bio-Mechanical Positioning of Pedal/Shoe Cleat using the Rotational Adjustment Device.

$55.00

New Pedals or Shoes

Le Wedge

Pronate / Supinate Positioning of Cleats using the Le Wedge Cleat Shims

$25.00

Labor Plus Kit

Lessens Stress on Joints

Full Bike Fit

1) Body Measurement
2) Print-Out

3) Seat Position Adjustment

4) Stem & Handlebar Fit

5) Analysis and Adjustment

$120.00

New Bike Set-Up or Retro-fit