Power Plant
The Power Plant includes everything from the pedals to the seat.  You want to create the most power possible and deliver it effectively to the rear wheel via the crank. 

Pedal choice and cleat placement determines the integrity of the interface between the lower extremity and the crank.    Seat position determines how efficiently your lower extremity muscles will generate force.  Muscles work best within a specific range that is determined by the "length-tension ratio".   Simply put, if the muscle is too long or too short, it looses the ability to contract forcefully.  Proper seat placement allows you to generate this force without abusing the lower extremity joints.  Typically, I've seen the following pattern.  If the saddle is too low, you loose power over the top of the pedal stroke because the hip is flexed too much.  If the saddle is too high, you loose power at the bottom of the stroke.  These are the critical areas where power is lost.  Make sure you read the section about Spin scan on the next page.  It outlines the qualities of a good pedal stroke.

Cockpit

The Cockpit includes everything from hip and trunk flexibility to handle bar placement.  If you are going to be a successful cyclist, you have to be able to stabilize yourself on the bike and be comfortable to sustain that position for long periods.  Specific considerations are assessed for Road, MTB and Triathlon/Time Trial setups.  We make the most of the cockpit setup to allow you  to be comfortable and stable, yet aerodynamic.   There are some specific considerations when you look at handlebar placement.  Even though you may be able to put the palms of your hands on the floor, you may not be able to tolerate a low handlebar.  Lumbar flexibility must be assessed independently of hamstring flexibility to determine the most effective handlebar location.           

Philosophy

There are several camps in the bike fitting world.  Everyone has reasons why they put riders in "their" position.  Do we put everyone in a "forward" position? No.  Do we push everyone back over the rear wheel?  No.  Your position is based on biomechanics.  It's my foremost goal to give you the ability to apply force to the rear wheel by getting the most out of the lower extremity muscles.  Secondly, you have to be able to breathe.  Third, you have to maintain that position without undue fatigue. 

So, what's your position?  It's based on your limb lengths and flexibility.  It's your position!  It's a collaborative effort to tweak the subtleties of fit to allow you to get the most force in the most aerodynamic position.

Fit sessions typically take an hour and a half to two hours to complete.  It's a very detailed process that takes a complete look at your fit from hands to feet.  After your session, you will receive a complete report of the fit session with equipment recommendations and training recommendations as appropriate.