What is a bike fit?
If you experience pain or discomfort whilst riding a bike, it may be an indication that your bike it not optimally set-up for you. A bike fit by a Physiotherapist can identify the cause of the discomfort and make recommendations for both you and the bike.
This is not a bike sizing. Recommendations as to the size of bike you may need will not be provided but changes to the bike such as position of saddle, cleat position, handlebars etc will be recommended.
This bike fit focuses on pain and discomfort or return from injury, not performance, although improving comfort and improve performance.
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Who is a bike fit for?
Anyone who rides a bike! This can be a regular cyclist, a beginner or a casual cyclist.
We are passionate about helping cyclists of all levels to be pain-free on the bike to allow comfort and enjoyment.
What a bike fit involves:
Thorough assessment on- and off- the bike to understand your unique body mechanics, goals and riding style. We take the time to understand your body’s movement and strength.
Adapting the bike to your body (seat height, cleat position etc).
Providing supplementary advice and strength exercises or stretches.
Recommendations as to alternatives e.g., insoles, crank length (we are not a bike shop so are not trying to sell you products).
What happens at a bike fit:
Bike fit interview:
We will start with a conversation about the nature of the pain and discomfort you get, your riding, your goals and any previous injuries.
Off-bike assessment:
This will include range of movement, strength, muscle lengths and any joint tightness to understand how your body moves. Here we can make recommendations as to any stretches, strengthening or mobility exercises that will improve your body’s movement and comfort on the bike. We’ll also look at your cycling footwear and alter cleat position as needed.
On-bike assessment:
We’ll assess your current position including taking measurements and looking at how you move on the bike. Here we will fine-tune the measurements of your bike to suit you and improve comfort.
What to bring to a bike fit:
Your normal cycling clothes, you will be spending time on the bike pedalling!
Your normal cycling shoes. If you have recently bought new shoes, bring your old pair. Please ensure shoes are clean.
Bike! Please ensure your bike is fairly clean so that it is easy to make adjustments to the bike.
Our bike fit service
Our Physio bike fit service offers a comprehensive evaluation of both YOU and your bike. The bike will be expertly adjusted to fit you, and you will be guided to work on aspects of your body to improve your cycling experience and help prevent injury in the future.
Physiotherapists are specialists in assessing and treating the human body, which after all is more than half of the bike-fit picture! Physiotherapists who are trained in the specifics of bike fitting are perfectly positioned to make positive changes to the bike and the cyclist. Experts in musculoskeletal and movement screening, we will make impactful adjustments, such as personalized strengthening and stretching exercises, improving muscle coordination, training drills, and modifications to your bike.
Every Bike-Fit includes a thorough movement and muscle screening, a detailed follow-up report, a customized home exercise program, and invaluable advice on injury prevention and cycling performance.
Unlike relying solely on "recommended angles," our approach recognizes your individuality – considering factors like age, flexibility, injuries, and how you use your bike. We go beyond broad recommended ranges, providing a bespoke fit that aligns with your anatomy, body mechanics, and cycling goals.
A fit might look perfect on paper, but it won't matter if your back is still aching from your morning ride! Prioritising your comfort and well-being, our Physio Bike Fit delivers a truly customized and effective solution for your cycling journey.
Our process involves your feedback and feelings throughout, ensuring each position we try contributes to finding your perfect fit. While it may take a bit longer, we firmly believe it results in a superior, more personalized fit.
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0333 577 9192
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Reviews
What Our Patients Say..
I was seen, and treated by Elly, for tennis elbow and rotator cuff injury in my shoulder. I also have osteoarthritis in my right hand and was unable to put my palms together flat. All the injuries were on my right side. I had been off work and unable to attend my usual dance and exercise classes, leaving me feeling very depressed, despondent and very emotional, breaking down in tears all the time. Elly was very patient, friendly, knowledgeable and thorough. Starting off slowly, with a simple, doable exercise programme, and on each visit adding exercises to aid my recovery. There were videos of my exercises sent to me, which were a godsend, as pictures are never enough for me to remember what I'm supposed to be doing. I followed the programme, and on each visit to Elly, it was obvious the progress I was making, as she had documented how I was on my previous visit. Elly spaced my appointments out, so gradually they became further apart, which meant, I could clearly see and feel the progress and how much I'd improved each time. Now, 6 months on, I have my life back. I'm back to full duties at work, back bellydancing, doing yoga, tai chi, zumba and swimming. Best of all, my husband said, he's got his wife back! I'm so much happier, back to being my usual, bubbly, bouncy self! Even started decorating the new house this week, something I could never have tackled 6 months ago. I've also learnt to listen to my own body and I'm more self aware of when I need to rest a little and not overdo things. I'm now just maintaining my recovery, and I'm so grateful for everything Elly has taught me, I cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you Elly and everyone at Barefoot. A lovely, welcoming place I would highly recommend.Deana HorwillAugust 7, 2024A very relaxed friendly environment. I was seen by Rebecca who was very friendly and professional, she showed me some new exercises and created a program for me. I was very pleased with the outcome.GarethJuly 28, 2024Attended for Physio, following a back injury & considerable pain. Rebecca took time to explain carefully a plan of action after assessing my injury & talking about my lifestyle, and showing me which exercises would impact my movement and why, especially my lower back. We talked about the spine, muscles & different aspects of where I would need to get better agility. The plan of action worked! I attended further sessions, I found Rebecca to be informative, sensitive & very knowledgeable. She introduced me to further exercises all benefiting my recovery and movement. I don't hesitate in recommending Barefoot for Physiotherapy.Christopher HampsonJuly 19, 2024I was referred to your service, following a car accident, by my insurance company. When making contact with your service, I found the receptionist very welcoming. Your service was always accommodating with suitable appointment times. I have felt extremely supported throughout my recovery, by my physiotherapist Elly Skinner. Elly was fantastic at identifying what treatment I needed, providing an individual exercise program, practicing these within the sessions and ensuring I had access to the program online following my appointments. I have felt listened too, valued and my overall experience has been very positive. I would highly recommend your company. Thank you for all your help.Timea MartinJuly 2, 2024I'm a competitive powelifter and had a complex injury that had me out of my sport for 7 months. James was recommended to me after having seen many other professionals in this field and medical professionals following an MRI and x-ray and getting no where. They all had different opinions, none of them right! Seeing James was best decision ever! He quickly diagnosed my issue with a simple fix and some sport specific exercises which had my squatting pain free and so much stronger! I thought I would need some intensive treatment when all I needed was to see the right person who knew their stuff! 2 weeks after seeing James I won British nationals and broke 3 British records! I can't thank James enough and that wonderful person who recommended him to me! I now refer to him as the physio god 😂👌🏼Amelia AllenJune 27, 2024Elly was wonderful & very encouraging & supportive. My shoulder injury, following a car accident, has improved significantly.Sarah EsseryMay 7, 2024I had a couple of sessions with James to rehabilitate a repetetive strain elbow injury that hadnt been healing for ages and he was great, gave me a straightforward and enjoyable plan for it and within a few months of following it my elbow is almost back to normal!Steve AtkinsApril 25, 2024Rebecca treated me with my neck/shoulder injury she was so knowledgeable and extremely supportive of my journey.Natasha WilliamsApril 24, 2024This place was amazing, put me at ease, very professional, informative, very friendly staff ,i had to bring my granddaughter along as half term, nobody minded her waiting in reception. The lady I saw ( sorry can't remember her name ) Was empathic, patient, put me at ease, most importantly listened to me . Highly recommended.Angela CrossleyApril 10, 2024