Specialized Body Geometry Bike Fitting

Riding a bike shouldn’t be painful. Well, unless we’re talking about the kind of pain that comes when you’re pushing yourself to the max.

But a casual pedal shouldn’t hurt. Your butt shouldn’t hurt. Your hands and elbows shouldn’t hurt. Your knees shouldn’t feel pressure.

If you’re experiencing any of these things, chances are you need a professional to analyze the fit of your bike. Here’s the great news! While many riders think they need a new bike, often they just need adjustments on their current bike. Simple centimeters can make a world of difference in your comfort level, and reduce the chance of injuries.

Now, let’s talk about our fit professional. Mark Branle is not only the founder of Lititz Bikeworks, but also a Body Geometry Certified fit technician. This doesn’t mean he took an online course and printed out a certification. Mark actually flew to Specialized’s headquarters in California numerous times to take intensive multi-day courses with lots of post-course homework and assignments. Those in the industry know that Specialized is the leader in comfort technology. There’s no better certification to have.

Mark has been performing bicycle fittings for over a decade and has been racing competitively for over 15 years. He knows the importance of a proper bike fitting. After being fit and instructed by the best in the business, Mark is ready to help riders be one with their bike, regardless of experience or riding style.

Marks’ Approach to bike fitting

Bike fitting is like getting an off-the-shelf suit or wedding dress tailored. You buy your suit that is the closest size but the tailoring fits it specifically to your body. Bike fitting takes your equipment and positions it in as close to an ideal position as possible. There are times when fit will benefit from a new bike part (usually stems and saddles) but we try to use what you already have as much as possible.

After a physical examination and discussion of current symptoms on the bike, you ride on a trainer and are observed. Mark looks at overall posture and scans for asymmetric motions in different planes of motion. We evaluate measurements looking at joint angles and set up lasers to help identify deviations. There is consistent feedback throughout the process.

Bike adjustments are made throughout the fit session to get you to where you are comfortable and pedaling efficiently. A post fit phone call is recommended once you’ve had some time on your bike and can provide feedback. If needed, Mark can have you come back to make minor tweaks based off or your feedback.

When is the best time to get a bike fitting?

To prevent cycling injuries, Mark recommends that you get a fit prior to beginning increased training/commuting etc. Winter is really the best time for a bike fitting. We recommend a slow/steady increase in your training load and using indoor training in the off season to work on your pedaling efficiency. Coupled with a bit of core work and some resistance training you will be ready to ride all season long without pain and piece of mind knowing your suit (your bike) is custom tailored to your body.

How to schedule a bike fitting with Mark

Scheduling a bike fitting is easy, just call or email us at the shop and we get you on the calendar.Typically we have opening within 1-2 weeks of your inquiry.