Bike Fit for Mountain Bikers

by Cory Fagan, MSc

Cycling is one of the most repetitive activities humans engage in; on a 2-hour bike ride, for example, a person might perform 10,000 pedal strokes! More important than the highest-end carbon-fiber and ultra-light performance parts, a properly fitted bike can mean the difference between agonizing pain and the pure joy of experiencing the outdoors from the saddle!

Road cyclists and triathletes are the first to get bike fitted since they typically have longer contact periods with their bike compared to mountain bikers. It is not uncommon for a road cyclist to hold the same position for more than 60 minutes if they are comfortable. Mountain bikers sometimes delay the bike fit because they are constantly moving around due to the varied terrain. As a result, it is less common for mountain bikers to immediately experience saddle soreness, knee pain, neck or foot numbness compared to road riding. However, what about those long single-track climbs where you can be like a road cyclist and just pound the pedals? This is where the bike fit comes into play.

A properly fitted rider will generate more power, distribute workloads more evenly amongst the quadriceps, hip flexors and help minimize lactate accumulation. In addition, saddle soreness, hand numbness and knee pain can be addressed prior to avoiding inflammation in these areas which will keep you off the bike.

The other issue to address is safety. Do you feel unstable or frequently get ejected off the front end of the bike? A proper bike fit will address the proper seat height, bar width and saddle to bar drop which all affect handling. Just because your new bike is full suspension does not mean you are full proof and can tackle the steepest terrain.

The most scientific method of determining proper frame size and body position is using an independent biking fitting machine. Guru Bicycles has developed a Dynamic Fitting Unit (DFU) which is a real-time computerized Robotic Bike Fit System which allows the bike fitter to try numerous frame geometries while pedaling. The DFU also allows riders to experiment with different set-ups to see how it affects power production and a person’s left and right spin balance. This high tech machine is available at TCR Sport Lab in Calgary for all types of cyclists. So prior to launching those spring base miles, think about getting your road and mountain bike fitted to match your body.