BODY GEOMETRY FIT

Our Fit Philosophy

Here at Mike’s Bikes, our goal is to keep you riding your bike. We firmly believe that you should be able to ride your bike comfortably and pain free while still being able to meet your cycling goals. As your local bike shop, we offer a full-time, dedicated staff of Certified Master Body Geometry Fit Specialists, trained by Specialized and the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, who can tailor your bike to fit you. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, casual rider or commuter, we offer a fit process that allows you to become one with your bike. Our fitters will give you the most complete and up to date fitting methods and tools used in the industry.

Have a question? Email us at bodygeometryfit@mikesbikes.com.

By making a booking, you are agreeing to the terms of our cancellation policy. Please read below before booking.

Meet the Fit Team

Tamara Marsh

Tamara has been fitting for 4 years, and fits out of our San Francisco and San Rafael fit studios. Tamara grew up riding in the Bay Area and watched mountain biking explode in Marin, hence she loves mountain biking and cyclocross. She's a fan of road cycling and loves watching all things in the road race world or assisting rides sponsored by Mikes Bikes. When Tamara isn’t fitting or riding, she’s usually fulfilling her other passions of diving, surfing, or paddle boarding.

Dante LoBue

Dante started riding bikes recreationally in 2011, his passion for the sport grew quickly as he rode local trails in the South Bay area exploring its beautiful nature. After years of doing local group rides, Dante wanted to give racing a go and did his first race in 2016. Racing locally sparked his immersion in following World Tour racing and riders, his idols are Peter Sagan, Filippo Ganna, Demi Vollering and Kasper Asgreen. Craving to get more involved in the industry and always tinkering he sought out training to become fit certified, Dante has now been fitting for 3 years at Mikes and continually looking for more resources to add to his fit knowledge. In Dante's free time away from bikes he loves to listen to Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeren as well as loves all things Star Wars and legos. Dante loves talking and helping folks out. The big goal is to get more people on bikes.

Daood Larsen

Daood fell in love with racing on the Velodrome in 1996, and grew up racing road and cyclocross in Marin, San Francisco, and the East Bay. After two decades of racing Daood now prefers the science behind the scenes, providing neutral support at race events, or using his experience to provide custom fits in the studio. Daood can usually be found getting everyone lost on their gravel bikes, luring friends on remote adventures through the former Yugoslavia, or cycling around town with his wife and two sons.

Jack Duncan

Jack began cycling as cross-training during the ski off-season. Already a trusted ski boot fitter in the Seattle area, bike fitting was a natural progression. Since he began bike fitting in 2014, Jack has received from Specialized and Retül the highest level of fit training and certification. As a cyclist, he has spent time in many disciplines, achieving his highest level of success on the road, racing professionally for a number of years. He is also a certified cycling coach, helping cyclists progress their performance. He enjoys working with riders of all ability levels and spreading the contagious passion of cycling.

Services

Body Geometry Fit: 2.5 hours - $300

(Road, Cyclocross, MTB, & Fitness)

WHAT THIS SERVICE COVERS

Rider Interview

Your Fit specialist will initially want to get to know you as a rider. You will discuss injury history, riding experience, current issues, and aspirations before beginning to analyze your position.


Comprehensive Physical and Flexibility Assessment

Your session will include a thorough physical and flexibility assessment. Including analysis of current foot structure, core strength, hamstring and hip ranges of motion, and pelvic rotations to name a few. This information allows your Fit Specialist to accurately assess your touch point equipment (Handlebars, saddles, shoes/pedals) and make adjustments with a sound biomechanical foundation.


Saddle Selection

Using measuring tools our Fit Specialist will assess your pelvic width. Taking this data into consideration, along with your personalized riding style, you will work with your Fit Specialist to determine the appropriate saddle width, contour, and density for your specific riding needs.


Optimized Saddle Position

Ensuring correct saddle position is a key component of bike fit. Your Fit Specialist will help you arrive at a saddle position that provides low impact, high efficiency, and appropriate leg extension for your cycling journey. Using the knee as a fulcrum we will effectively set your position in relation to the pedal spindle, optimizing power output and ensuring comfortable, efficient pedaling.


Handlebar Selection (Width, Reach, Drop Shape)

Taking the time to find out what your preferred riding experience is and using your unique structure as a foundation; your Fit Specialist will work with you on an appropriate handlebar shape, reach, and width in order to support your unique upper body structure and enhance your riding experience.

Optimized Hip/Torso angle derived from Physical assessment.


Preferred experience

Whether your looking for an upright, comfort ride or an aggressive, race position; your Fit Specialist will help you optimize your handlebar placement in order to promote comfort, power, and efficiency while riding in the hoods, drops, and tops of your handlebar.


Handlebar Rotation and Shifter Placement

After optimization of your torso and hip angle your Fit Specialist will take the time to adjust handlebar rotation and shifter placement. This will allow you a comfortable shifter reach and a neutral wrist angle in both the hood and drop positions of your handlebar.


Complete Z-Plane assessment and adjustment, accounting for Leg Length Discrepancies, foot structure, and optimizing hip, knee, and ankle alignment.

The key to efficient, powerful, and comfortable pedaling is appropriate cleat and shoe setup. As such, your Fit Specialist will account for all aspects of cleat alignment and foot structure. Using a variety of foot beds, internal and external wedges, and shims, your Fit Specialist will work with you to optimize your relationship with both your shoe and pedal systems; creating a perfect union between you and your ride.


3D analysis using the Retul motion capture system

Retül is our 3D analysis system that allows us to better tailor the bike to you. LED markers are strategically placed on eight anatomical points of the rider: the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, heel, and toe. As the rider pedals, Retül's sensor bar gathers real-time, three-dimensional data of the rider's pedal strokes and movements.


SUPPORT

1 year of support troubleshooting for your position (*new equipment installation may be subject to charge) 1 year of discounts on additional bike setups and new positions! Complementary flash drive with video analysis, fit report, and rider measurements Complementary roll of Bike Smart Route 66 Bar tape. Additional year of support available for purchase

Body Geometry Aero Fit: 3 hours - $350*

(Triathlon & Time Trial)

*Due to complex nature of a Tri or TT specific bike, we need to allot a larger time frame in order to adjust your position. Our charges have been adjusted accordingly.

WHAT THIS SERVICE COVERS

All elements of assessment and adjustment from our Body Geometry Fitting, in addition to Tri and TT front end specific adjustments. Focus on aerodynamic profile reduction and biomechanical optimization in an aero position.

3D analysis using the Retul motion capture system.

Retül is our 3D analysis system that allows us to better tailor the bike to you. LED markers are strategically placed on eight anatomical points of the rider: the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, heel, and toe. As the rider pedals, Retül's sensor bar gathers real-time, three-dimensional data of the rider's pedal strokes and movements.

Support

1 year of support troubleshooting for your position (*new equipment installation may be subject to charge) 1 year of discounts on additional bike setups and new positions! Complementary flash drive with video analysis, fit report, and rider measurements. Additional year of support available for purchase

 

Studio Sizing: 1 hour - $150

(All Bike Types)

WHAT THIS SERVICE COVERS

Saddle Selection

Using measuring tools our Fit Specialist will assess your pelvic width. Taking this data into consideration, you will work with your Fit Specialist to determine the appropriate saddle width, contour, and density for your riding needs.



Industry standard neutral cleat positioning(if applicable)

Using keystones on your foot, your Fit Specialist will adjust your cleat position fore/aft and rotation.



Industry neutral saddle position

Based on Industry standards your Fit Specialist will work with you to find appropriate leg extension and saddle fore/aft.



Brief Handlebar, Stem, Reach, and Drop assessment

Using your preferred riding experience your Fit Specialist will help you find a great starting point for your cycling adventure.



Diagnostic on current position

During your session your fitter will bring to your attention small details to focus on going forward that may be able to improve your riding experience.



Studio Sizings DO NOT include follow-up support. Any additional sizings or adjustments beyond the first appointment would incur additional charges.

FAQ

Q: WHAT IS BODY GEOMETRY FIT?

The tailored suit of bicycle fitting. Any rider who is looking to ride longer, faster, in greater comfort and with less risk of injury can benefit from a Body Geometry Fitting. During your fitting, your Certified Fit Specialist will learn about how you ride, your cycling goals, and other pertinent information to understand your needs as a rider. Next, we will take you through a 22-step physical assessment to help guide the customization of your bike position. Once on the bicycle, we assess the way that you ride and optimize the position using Retül technology and make it a complete, tailored bike position. In the end, saddle selection and position, shoes, footbeds, cleat position, and handlebar position are all optimized to your body.

Q: WHAT IS Retül ?

Retül is our 3D analysis system that allows us to better tailor the bike to you. LED markers are strategically placed on eight anatomical points of the rider: the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, heel, and toe. As the rider pedals, Retül's sensor bar gathers real-time, three-dimensional data of the rider's pedal strokes and movements. The rider's data is compiled into a reader-friendly report for analysis by the fitter. The fitter can then assess the rider's position and make necessary adjustments. The Zin, Retül's handheld digitizer, allows the fitter to digitally measure the rider's bike at 13-15 points, depending on the bike. The Zin can measure fixed points, contours, and curves, and provides a complete digital map of the bike.

Q: I'M NOT A RACER, SHOULD I GET BODY GEOMETRY FIT?

Any type of rider can benefit from the Body Geometry Fit! Whether you're riding on your local group ride or just getting back into riding after years away from the bike, no one should ride in pain. If you want to be more comfortable on the bike and be as injury preventative as possible, then the Body Geometry Fit is a great option for you.

Q: WHO USES BODY GEOMETRY FIT?

Some of the biggest names and teams in all disciplines of cycling use the Body Geometry Fit process. Some heavy hitters include World Champion Peter Sagan and the entire Bora-Hansgrohe team, Marcel Kittel and Quick-Step Floors, World Champion Amalie Dideriksen, and U.S. National Road Race Champion Megan Guarnier of Boels-Dolmans. Professional triathletes Gwen Jorgensen, Ben Hoffman, and Javier Gomez. Mountain bikers Kate Courtney, Annika Langvad, and Simon Andreassen. Check out the complete list of riders and teams at S-Racing.

Q: IS CLEAT FITTING PART OF THE PROCESS?

Yes! We refer to our cleat portion of the fitting as “z-plane” analysis. As we assess rider position, our z-plane analysis not only takes into account knee tracking as a result of cleat adjustment, but also takes into account rider rotations on the saddle, which can create abnormal knee, hip, and upper body positioning.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME FOR THE BIKE FIT?

Please bring the following items to your session:

• Your bike – During your session your bike will be placed in a trainer to allow for your cycling biomechanics to be recreated inside the studio.

• Your shoes - If you are hoping to purchase new shoes at the time of the fitting, please contact BodyGeometryFit@mikesbikes.com prior to making an appointment as we will want to allot a slightly longer timeframe to accommodate the sizing of this purchase.

• Your pedals - we stock cleats for most pedal systems should your cleats need replacing.

• Cycling shorts or tri suit - These need to fit well to ensure we can take accurate measurements • Jersey or base layer - we need to be able to see your shoulders for the most accurate measurement.

• Helmet – In particular instances we may want your Triathlon/TT helmet.

• Headwear and Sunglasses - In some cases, something as simple as the bill on your cycling cap or the rim on the top of your sunglasses may be leading to that nagging neck pain.

• Proprietary bits - If your bike has any kind of "integrated" stem, seat post, or tri bar set up, please bring all spacers and fittings provided with the bike.

*Please also check stem bolts, seat post, saddle clamps and seat post clamps for corrosion prior to your fit to ensure that these parts can be easily adjusted during the fit process.

Q: IT'S THE DAY OF MY FITTING, WHAT DO I DO?

Play it cool, you got this one. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early in order to give yourself ample opportunity to find parking, change clothing if needed, and unload your equipment into the store. During the summer our fit appointments book incredibly tightly so please do arrive on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may be subject to reschedule.

Q: CAN I RIDE MY BIKE TO THE SESSION?

Heck yea! If it’s inclement weather, just try and dry off a bit by the door on the way to the studio.

Q: DO YOU USE 'WEDGES' AND 'SHIMS' IN THE BIKE FIT PROCESS?

Yes. We use Varus and Valgus wedging (both internally and externally) and/or leg length shims where appropriate after thorough assessment of each rider’s strength, flexibility, foot structure and z-plane movement patterns.

Q: DO YOU STOCK STEMS OF DIFFERENT LENGTHS AND SIZES?

Absolutely! While we hope to carry all of your needs on hand, on occasion we do need to special order a part that is required for your position. Please bear with us as each of you are unique snowflakes that can require some very unique parts.

Q: DO YOU OFFER TEST SADDLES?

Unfortunately no. Each of our studios are stocked with a wide variety of saddles for purchase. While we don’t have a “test” saddle program, our Fit Specialists will work with you with our sit bone measuring equipment and on hand product in order to find the perfect saddle solution. We have a 30-day refund policy on any product that you and your Fit Specialist decide on during your session.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 'FITTING' AND A 'SIZING'?

A fitting will allow for a custom tailored position on your bike. Taking into account the unique and subtle biomechanical nuances of your riding position and solving basic and complex issues alike, a fitting will cover every aspect of your relationship with your bike. It will address any equipment or position related ailments, and optimize your position for comfort, efficiency, and power. It’s like getting a tailored suit! A sizing typically refers to an industry neutral setup. A sizing will take you through some of the basics of bike positioning while using averages. A sizing typically does not take into account most of the rider specific considerations (such as flexibility, knee tracking, and core strength). A sizing is like getting a new suit and having the pants hemmed. Just enough to get you going.

Q: WHICH SERVICE DO I NEED?

The answer from a Fit Specialist will always be a fitting. However, we realize there are bank accounts, significant others, and various life things to be taken into account. Typically, if you are running into more complex issues such as knee pain, inconsistent or asymmetrical saddle issues, or numbness issues, then a fitting is truly more appropriate. This will allow your Fit Specialist to find the root cause of the issue(s) and put appropriate solutions into place. If your questions and concerns are more basic, a sizing may offer everything you are looking for. If you have any questions on this before signing up for a service, please contact any one of our fitters.

Q: IS A BODY GEOMETRY FIT INCLUDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF A NEW BIKE?

No. Due to the complex nature and the time required in order to complete a Body Geometry Fitting we are unable to provide this service at no charge. We do however offer a $50 Fit Credit that can be applied at the time of any new bike purchase toward any of our Fitting or Sizing services.

Q: CAN MY FIT CREDIT BE USED TOWARDS A STUDIO SIZING OR BODY GEOMETRY FIT AT ANY OF THE MIKE'S BIKES STUDIOS?

Yes! Absolutely. We operate as a family, and as such you are able to use your credit at any of our studio locations.

Q: MY BIKE SHOP DOESN'T CHARGE ME FOR A FITTING, WHY DO YOU GUYS COST SO MUCH?

In order to promote the experience we believe all riders should be able to enjoy, we are proud to employ a dedicated full time staff of Certified Master Fit Specialists. This staff represents the most knowledgeable, thorough, and professional fit personnel in the industry today. All of our fit professionals have been trained and certified by Specialized and The Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, and will offer the most up-to-date methods and solutions found in the cycling world today. What does that mean for you? It means solutions instead of theories, proven technology, thoughtful support on your position, and a decreased wait time to get in for your service.

Q: SHOULD I GET A NEW FIT EVERY YEAR?

We like to think about fit like we think about holiday pant size. While maybe the pants don’t change size, they do start to fit different around those times of both joy and stress. As your biomechanics change, as your weight varies, as your strength grows and fades, your position on the bike is subject to change. Re-evaluating your position on a yearly basis is a great idea to consider if you are serious about your cycling ventures.

Q: WILL A BIKE FIT MAKE ME FASTER?

Possibly! While we really want to say everyone will get faster through a fitting, it will completely depend on where you are currently with your bike position and fitting experience and how much your position changes during the service. The answer is sometimes yes, and a huge YES at that, but we unfortunately do not have a Faster Guarantee ;)

Q: WHAT TYPES OF BIKE DO YOU FIT?

We fit nearly all kinds of bikes including road, MTB, Fitness, Cyclocross, Triathlon, and Time Trial bikes (Unfortunately we cannot accommodate recumbents. Tandems only in certain studios)

Q: I HAVE AN INJURY, WILL YOUR BIKE FIT FIX IT?

While bike fit is incredibly important to not aggravate or exacerbate current injuries or cause repetitive motion injuries, it’s probably not going to cure you. Unless your Dr. says, ”go ride a bike, it’s going to cure that heart ailment, overweight issue, etc.” Then, it will absolutely cure you.

Q: WHAT IF I BOUGHT MY BIKE ELSEWHERE? DO YOU ONLY FIT BIKES YOU HAVE SOLD?

No problem! We fit all types of bikes from any vendor. If you have a specific seat post or stem that is proprietary to a manufacturer, please do make sure and bring all required pieces as our relationships limit some of our ability to order small parts from all vendors.

Q: WHAT IF IT TURNS OUT THAT THE BIKE I HAVE DOESN'T FIT?

On occasion we do run into a bike that is too far from a sound position that it may not make sense to invest any further into that particular bike. In these cases, your Fit Specialist will either work with you to find a reasonable solution on your current bike or recommend you work with one of our knowledgeable Sales Advisors to find that perfect fitting new ride.

Q: I HAD A BIKE FIT FROM YOU AND SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

With the purchase of the Body Geometry Fit, you also receive a complimentary follow-up appointment in the first 6 months! This allows us to adjust the position as needed as you start to ride your bike after your fitting.

Q: THINKING ABOUT GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT DURING YOUR FIT APPOINTMENT?

Great! Your fitter can help you find all the new equipment that you need. Because our fitters can have multiple appointments in the day, we highly recommend that you reach out to your scheduled fitter to set some extra time aside for this process.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

While we really, really hate having to charge for no-shows and cancellations, they can be extremely costly to us. If you need to reschedule no problem, just try and give us ample notice. During our busy season, our Fit Specialists see upwards of 7 clients a day. In order to keep our wait times down and to avoid using up other’s paid appointment time, please arrive 15-20 minutes early. If you are more than 15 minutes late you may be subject to reschedule. By making a booking you are accepting the terms of our cancellation policy. We currently ask for CC information to schedule any of our bike fit appointments. If you do need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, our policy is as follows: Less than 48 hour cancellation - 25% No Show - 50% Less than 24 hour reschedule – 15% (at our discretion) More than 15 minutes Late – Reschedule (at our discretion)