Bike fit FAQs

Q: I feel fine on my bike. Do I really need a bikefit?

A: Absolutely, you do. Feeling fine on your bike doesn’t guarantee an optimal setup. The body can adapt to stress, but a sub-optimal fit can be more stressful than necessary. A Torke Cycling bike fit ensures your body is in the least stressful position, granting you the freedom to achieve and enjoy your cycling goals without unnecessary stress.

Q: When should I consider getting another bike fit?

A: Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that not all fittings result in an optimal riding position. Secondly, the need for a new bike fit arises when there are changes in your body function or riding habits. Have you experienced any weight fluctuations, changes in fitness levels, or alterations in your riding style or routes? If any of these apply to you, it may be time for a new bike fit to ensure you’re in the best possible position.

Q: I had a Torke Body Positioning fitting for my road bike last year, can I use these measurements for my new cross bike?

A: While it is possible, it’s important to consider that it may not be the optimal solution since the shoes, saddle, crank, pedals, and handlebar are likely to be different. It would be best to schedule a follow-up session specifically for the cross bike.

Q: I just had a Body Positioning fit yesterday and it just feels weird, is it right?

A: It’s completely normal for your body to feel strange after the fitting as it adjusts to the new position. Even the way you handle the bike may change. Take it easy for the next three weeks, riding at less than 70% intensity to get used to the new movement patterns. After that, it should feel amazing. If it doesn’t, feel free to get in touch. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Q: I had a bike fit and they said it would take 500 miles to get used to the position. Is this right?

A: It’s understandable to feel concerned about the adjustment period. Typically, if after three weeks the position still feels uncomfortable, it may not be the right fit for you. It’s important to note that when fitting riders into significantly different positions, new muscle groups can be engaged, leading to muscle soreness. This initial discomfort can last for 2-3 weeks, but it’s important to remember that it signifies ongoing improvement for up to 10 weeks.

Q: Can your bike fitting cure all my injuries?
A: Dealing with injuries can be challenging, and it’s important to manage expectations. While bike fitting cannot cure injuries, it can alleviate the stress that may contribute to your discomfort, allowing your body the chance to heal. If you had an injury before the fitting, it will still need to be managed through the usual recovery methods after the fitting.

Q: Can Torke Cycling’s bike fitting help me become faster?
A: Possibly! If your position isn’t optimized and we adjust it, you can expect improved performance in your event. While we advise against racing within 3 weeks of the fitting, we’ve seen category racers achieve their best placings the day after the fitting!

Q How much can my performance improve with a proper fitting?
A: Your potential power gains depend on your initial position. The most substantial increase could be around 100 watts at Functional Threshold Power (FTP), but typically it is between 10-25 watts. However, a good fit often enhances power sustainability, so short-term power output may not change noticeably. The real difference is often seen in repeat efforts to exhaustion. Given that cycling is an endurance sport, this is a significant benefit. In addition, riders often find that they can train more intensively and frequently while experiencing lower levels of fatigue. This allows them to achieve higher peaks in their training. Another performance benefit is a substantially reduced risk of overuse injury. In the event of an injury, you would need to stop or significantly decrease your training, so this is a significant advantage.

Q: Is it possible to provide a specific frame size number like 54cm?
A: I understand the appeal of having a clear frame size to rely on, but the reality is that these numbers can be quite misleading. A bike labeled as 54cm may not actually have any tube that measures 54cm, as this measurement is more of a general concept. Each manufacturer interprets it differently, making it of limited practical value when choosing the right bike.

Q: What do stack and reach refer to in the context of bicycles?
A: Stack and reach are the vertical and horizontal distances from the center of the bike frame’s headtube to the center of the bottom bracket (cranks). This provides insight into the bike’s relative length and height, influencing the suitable placement of handlebars. It’s worth noting that stack often carries more significance than reach.

Q: Why don’t you offer cleat fitting?
A: We understand the importance of cleat set up, and we want to ensure that the adjustment truly benefits your overall cycling experience. Changing the fore/aft cleat position can affect leg extension (saddle height), so setting the cleats without considering the rest of the position may not fully address any underlying issues. Providing only cleat fitting without considering the broader context of your body positioning could potentially lead to additional discomfort. This is why we highly recommend a Body Positioning session. If you’re facing challenges with cleat setup, it’s likely that your saddle height is off and/or you would greatly benefit from tailored cycling shoes.

Q: I’ve heard good things about Torke Cycling. What makes it so good?

A: We are truly dedicated to ensuring that every cyclist feels amazing on their bikes. Our journey has allowed us to connect with some of the most knowledgeable experts in bicycle fitting around the world. Through our unwavering commitment to achieving superior results, we have developed exclusive techniques and approaches that consistently surpass the industry’s highest standards in terms of both accuracy and reliability. These methods are rooted in a strong foundational understanding of the core physiological objectives, as well as a distinct comparative testing technique that evaluates each individual’s capacity to address the opposing forces they encounter in their posture and generate propulsive forces.

Q: Is Torke Cycling a bike fitting system?
A: It’s important to note that there aren’t complete bike fitting systems, but rather a combination of tools and methods. Torke Cycling employs all the necessary tools to ensure a high-quality job and, to the best of our knowledge, utilizes the most consistently accurate methods available. These methods are taught internationally to elite bicycle fitters and the feedback we receive is consistently excellent.