BIKE FITS: FOR YOUR ATHLETES AND YOUR COACHING BUSINESS


shoes. There is frequent debate and constant marketing around even the most basic of gear, but no one would argue that the bike is the most complex. The fit of the bike can help, or hinder, a triathlete to the greatest degree. I’ve been a bike fitter for nearly a


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decade and I find that, out of all the things we coaches do, performing a bike fit is one of the most rewarding. I want to share some of my thoughts and experiences on the subject.


THE ATTENTIVE COACH


Triathlon coaches not educated in bike fitting still need to pay attention to their athlete’s position on the bike. Listen to the athlete as


they comment on their rides. Red flags would be comments like: my knee hurts, my hands/feet/genitals go numb, my shoulders/neck ache, I don’t feel smooth in my pedal stroke, I’m sliding forward, etc. Watch and study the athlete’s body on a ride. From behind, look to see if his or


her hips are rocking back and forth, tipping off the edge of the saddle to reach the bottom of each pedal stroke. At profile, make a layman’s assessment of


the knee angle at the bottom of the pedal stroke to see if it looks appropriate. Observe hand placement to see if the athlete is comfortable on the brake hoods/bull horns, or if they are “choking up” to the curve of the bar. If there are any hints to an ill-fitting bike, use your


professional network to connect your client with a trusted fitter.


(continued on next page)


By Ian Murray USA Triathlon Level III certified coach


he most rudimentary gear an athlete needs to succeed in triathlon includes goggles, bike, helmet and running


page 8 | PERFORMANCECOACHING


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