Using MyVeloFit to Do a DIY Bike Fitting
MyVeloFit uses AI to help cyclists get a great fit all on their own. With this service, you can use the same technology that pro cycling shops have access to for your at-home bike fit.
To use it, you will need access to your bike, a traditional or smart bike trainer, and your smartphone. Send in some videos as directed and MyVeloFit’s tech will determine your ideal fit for increased comfort and speed.
You can test the MyVeloFit process for free and get a basic fit analysis, while a more advanced fit analysis requires a paid membership.
Download Apps to Help You With a Bike Fitting
With the right app, your smartphone can be a great tool for doing a DIY bike fitting. Here are a few options that will help your dial in your bicycle’s fit in no time.
1. Bike Fast Fit Elite
Bike Fast Fit Elite is a video analysis app that uses many of the same tools you might see at a professional bike fitting, including motion tracking stickers placed at key points on your body. (You can buy round stickers at an office supply store to serve this purpose for your home bike fitting!)
You will also need access to a bicycle trainer and a phone tripod to get the best results. If you don’t have one on hand, you can still make a simple DIY smartphone tripod out of common office supplies.
Once you have the trainer and phone all set up, take a video of yourself riding in the app to track your cycling movement and overall body position. The app will build a wireframe model of your riding stance and compare it to statistics for similar cyclists. Equipped with this data, you can adjust your saddle and stem positions for a better fit.
Download: Bike Fast Fit Elite for iOS ($9.99, in-app purchases available)
2. The Roadie Bike Fit
Working with data points from photos of your bike, the Roadie Bike Fit app will help you get a better fit on your road, time trial, or triathlon bike. Even better, this app does not require a trainer, because you can lean the bike against a flat surface to take the required photos.
Simply take a pair of photos of your bike as directed by the app and then fine-tune its placement of key measurement points on your bike. In no time, you will receive a report card and helpful suggestions for adjusting your bike to achieve a better fit.
Download: The Roadie Bike Fit for Android ($4.99)
3. Bike Fit Calculator
The Bike Fit Calculator is a simple way to determine the best measurements for a great bike fitting. Select the type of bicycle you ride, add in a few measurements, and let the app do all the calculations for you.
While using this app, a tape measure will be particularly handy. The question portion of the app’s form is mostly straightforward, but you may need to search the web for tips on taking some of the required measurements (such as “How long is my trunk in centimeters?”). Once you answer all the questions, the app will provide suggestions for adjusting your bike.
Download: Bike Fit Calculator for Android (Free)
How to Fit Your Own Bike With Help From YouTube
If you’re thinking about doing your own bike fitting, then use everybody’s favorite teacher: YouTube. There’s no shortage of expert-led videos that can walk you through the steps of a proper bike fitting in no time.
1. How to Fit Your Bike at Home
Aimed at dialing in your comfort, this video from REI is all about getting a quick, no-fuss custom fit. You’ll need a couple of simple tools on hand, including an Allen wrench and a plumb bob. In only 5 minutes, Jason will show you exactly how to get your bike properly situated so you can get on with the ride.
2. How to Perform a Simple Bike Fit (at Home)
Geared toward riders with road bikes, this video from cyclist Cam Nicholls and expert bike fitter Neill Stanbury offers a more detailed (although still simplified) approach to a DIY bike fitting. With their advice, everything from your cleat position to your handlebars will be dialed in after just a short period. To get the most from this video, you will also need a stationary trainer. Whether you use a smart trainer or a classic model is up to you.
3. How to Do a DIY a Bike Fit From Home
This video from Specialized University offers step-by-step instructions to get a great bicycle fit using metrics from the Retül sizing app, a trainer, and a few simple tools. You’ll make careful adjustments to your saddle height, saddle setback, handlebars, and grip position as the narrator explains why each of these bicycle components is so crucial to your custom fit. After a few minutes of adjustments, you’ll be ready for much more comfortable rides.
Visit Your Local Bike Shop for a Custom Bike Fitting
Whether you’re a casual cyclist or someone looking for a competitive edge, advice and support from your local bike shop can be invaluable. In some cases, your bike fitting pro will use little more than a plumb bob and some quick calculations to get your bike just right. However, there are more tech-heavy bike fitting tools available at pro shops as well. Services such as Retül use 3D motion capture and customized body geometry technology to offer an extremely detailed and customized bike fit.
You might also use a shop’s fit bike to get an accurate picture of your riding style. Your fitter will take the data from this machine (which looks like the most intense stationary bike ever) and apply the adjustments to your own bicycle. Professional bike fitting styles and prices will vary, so do a little research to find your perfect fitter.
Ride On in Comfort With a DIY or Pro Bike Fitting
Bicycles come in standard sizes, but human bodies have unique specifications. Make sure your bike fits your individual form with a custom bike fitting. Whether you visit a pro bike shop, use a digital service, or go DIY with help from some apps and videos, getting a great bike fit will make every ride that much better.
