Custom Fitting Sessions
You don’t have to be a pro cyclist to deserve and benefit from a proper bike fit. Durham Cycles’ owner is a master bike fitter who has worked with hundreds of professional and competitive cyclists (including the Duke Cycling team) as well as hundreds of recreational cyclists who want to improve their comfort and performance.
Some reasons to schedule a bike fit:
You need help choosing the right size performance bike.
You’re training for an event and want to improve performance.
You are otherwise healthy, but suffer discomfort when riding.
Do you need a bike sizing or a bike fitting?
Bike Sizing is a general assessment of the best frame size for a recreational bike. It is always provided for free at Durham Cycles.
Bike Fitting is a more detailed process for riders with a history of cycling discomfort or for riders with performance-oriented bikes that require precise positioning to maximize long-distance comfort and performance.
I’m in. What’s Next?
Schedule your appointment directly with Dave by emailing him with an appointment request.
Dave will send you a survey prior to your appointment. Your response is private; providing details about your concerns and goals will help you get the most out of your session.
Bring the shoes and clothing that you wear while biking. Millimeters matter, so yes, bring those padded shorts if you have them!
Come curious and excited to learn more about your fit on the bike. Ask questions! Make sure you’ve set aside up to two hours for your session. (Longer for Custom and Progressive bike fits.)
Please note - Bike fitting is not intended to treat or diagnose disorders. Bike fitting works best when paired with a medical evaluation and a well-rounded approach to injury prevention. A properly fit bike cannot prevent all injuries and does not circumvent other injury prevention protocols
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The Fundamental Fit is well-suited for newer riders who want to get started in a position which balances efficiency and comfort. During the Fundamental Fit, we won’t only adjust your bike, but we will teach you about cycling dynamics and cycling form, with a focus on how to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury. The Fundamental Fit is generally very helpful for those experiencing hand or saddle discomfort. Even experienced cyclists usually find improvements in comfort and efficiency after a Fundamental Fit.
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After reviewing your intake forms and completing a brief on-bike evaluation, we sometimes identify issues which have a significant correlation with cycling discomfort. If this is the case, we may recommend doing some additional biomechanical assessments or switching to a Comprehensive Fit.
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The Comprehensive Fit is best suited for athletes looking to get to the next stage of performance and/or for riders who have been managing discomfort or injury. (Knee, hip, groin, and lower back discomfort are common issues for cyclists once they cross a certain threshold of mileage or intensity.) The Comprehensive Fit includes everything in the Fundamental Fit plus a biomechanical assessment which provides additional insights into causes for discomfort or inhibited performance. If you frequently experience pain or numbness before or after a ride or if you feel there is something beyond your fitness limiting your performance, this is the fitting for you.
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Because it can be difficult or dangerous to adapt to significant changes all at once, the Progressive Fit is for riders who need to make dramatic changes based on their Fundamental or Comprehensive fit. The Progressive Fit provides an “action plan” for implementing alterations slowly and includes up to four thirty minute follow up sessions within a 1 year period. (Most action plans are completed over a period of 90 days.)
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Mapping power against heart-rate over multiple rider positions, we determine the individual’s most efficient hip angle. Power mapping is the only empirical way for riders to determine their most aggressive, sustainable position. This fit requires hard, sustained efforts and is only recommended for those well into their fitness cycle.
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We will work with Mosaic Cycles or the custom frame builder of your choice to design the bike of your dreams. Custom bikes are designed to the millimeter to ensure fit and handling characteristics that are not available with “off-the-shelf” bikes. All custom bikes are designed and tested on our Serotta Fit Cycle. 50% of the fit price is refunded if making a purchase of a Mosaic or Enve through Durham Cycles.
Charges are for fittings only and may not cover bicycle modifications.
GET PREPARED
Make the most of your time by completing the fit survey before you come to the shop.
We know that some of the information feels personal, but it’s necessary to make sure you get the best fit. Rest assured, Dave has seen just about every cycling ailment over the years. You can’t phase him. And, he prioritizes your comfort throughout the experience.
Our fits are performed in an alcove of the store. Filling out the fit survey ahead of time also allows you to privately relay any sensitive concerns.
