03/10/2026
Often times people wonder why they have a new pain on the bike that they had a bike fit on and were happy with it for years. BUT so often we are changing. Whether from injuries, surgeries, or losing mobility as we age… change happens and so does our bike fit.
Sometimes I don’t need to change the fit and the pain is primarily intrinsic. We do off the bike rehab in those cases. BUT a new bike fit may be part of that rehab . This can be a permanent change OR it can be done as a temporary change in order to support healing.
Some Examples I have seen:
▫️Carpal tunnel surgeries and requiring less pressure on hands
▫️ Total knee or hip replacement and requiring changing angles and changing leg lengths
▫️Broken bones changing how the bone is angled
▫️ Changes in the age of your spine requiring more forgiving angles.
▫️etc etc etc
I recommend a re-fit after any major musculoskeletal surgery once you have clearance to ride inside. Don’t force your body to work through to your old position. This can cause new pains and new compensations.
Changes that are often made include:
▫️ Changes to saddle height and setback to alter joint angles
▫️Changes to stance
▫️ Change to reach and subtle weight distribution on bars.
▫️ Shorter cranks to open up angles of knee and hip .
▫️Changes to drop based on changes to spinal range of motion
▫️Changes to hood angles
Permanent or Temporary ? Many variables to answer that questions. Total joint replacement? Likely permanent with some tweaks as range of motion is worked on. We want to preserve the joint decreasing any stressors on the new joint. Also variables include how dedicated a client is to their rehab, age, and what are specifics of the injury, goals, etc as to whether the changes are temporary or permanent.
At end of the day, being comfortable will make you happier and better on the bike. And we don’t want a new injury while you heal. For example, new back pain because unknowingly you are forcing a hip into flexion when it doesn’t have it anymore. You might even need a couple of fits that year after a big musculoskeletal injury or surgery. Who you are one month out is different than six months out.
