Growing custom bike demand goes hand-in-hand with the increasing appreciation of how much good fit impacts both performance and enjoyment. Waterford's flexibility really shines in this area.

Many fitting systems have popped up in the bicycle world in recent years. Though several systems can yield a good fit, we find some common elements of the most successful methods:

• They happen face-to-face with a skilled fitter. Only through trained eyes can someone see how you interact with the bicycle.
• They make body measurement a starting point, with observation and your feedback as key parts of completing the fit.
• They recognize that comfort is a key element of even performance fits.
• They anticipate that your ideal fit will change with your level of fitness, age and other health-related factors.

Waterford has performed over 1000 fittings at our factory in Wisconsin. Through the years we have developed a highly successful method for achieving a comfortable and powerful fit for our clients:

The Waterford Fitting Process

By studying the rider and the current bike, developing a starting position, then adjusting it before creating the desired bike, a shop can develop a great fit. The value of face to face fitting advice cannot be underestimated when compared to typical fitting formulas.

We look for some key results from our fittings, as shown in the illustration below:

• SA. Seat Angle (or SB Setback).
• A. Bottom Bracket to Top of Saddle. With the seat angle, this locates your ideal starting saddle position.
• B. Top of Saddle to Top of Bars.
• C. Saddle to Bar Drop. Along with B., this indicates how far you must reach to the bars.
• D. Pubic bone height (also known as the inseam). This provides a check against building a bike too tall.

With this information, we can design the ideal bike to work with your riding position.

Here are some tips on insuring a good fitting session:

• Measurements provide a starting point but only rarely the ending point. Your riding habits, level of flexibility, medical conditions and riding objectives all have an impact on your ideal frame size.
• Your ideal frame size may evolve as the season and your riding evolves. The key is to find a fit that works well for you now, but also can be adjusted for how your riding will change over the coming years.
• A fitting is an opportunity to review your riding style and habits. Sometimes, changes in your pedaling style, posture and other aspects of riding technique can improve your overall enjoyment. Likewise, examining your fitness, flexibility and strength can also lead to changes which can affect your riding.
• Make sure you are comfortable working with your fitter. The ideal fitter not only has good bike knowledge but also the ability to listen, observe and coach.
• Don't be afraid to speak up during a fitting. Your feedback is very important to achieving a good fit. Just because the fitter says you look good doesn't mean you are good. If it doesn't feel right, it isn't right.
• This also applies to disclosure. It's very important to let the fitter know about any conditions you have including soreness, numbness and, of course, any known medical conditions that might have a bearing on your situation.
• Be patient. A full fitting session should allow you to warm up before finalizing a fit.

A professional fitting can cost up to $200. Given the number of hours you may spend in the saddle, it can be a valuable investment.