Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, a bike that’s not fitted to your body can turn joy into frustration. Here are five signs it’s time to get your bike professionally fitted:
1. Persistent Discomfort During or After Rides
Sore lower back? Achy knees? Stiff neck or wrists? These aren’t just “cycling pains”—they’re your body’s way of saying something’s not right. An improper saddle height, misaligned handlebars, or poorly positioned cleats could be the problem. A personalized bike fit can help you enjoy pain-free rides again.
2. Numbness or Tingling in Hands, Feet, or Saddle Region
Tingling or numbness anywhere while riding is a red flag. It’s often caused by nerve compression due to poor posture or bike setup, like a misaligned saddle tilt or handlebar position. A professional fit can make all the difference, relieving pressure and restoring comfort.
3. Struggles With Power Output or Endurance
Feel like you’re working harder but not going faster? An inefficient bike fit can sap your energy and hold back your power. Optimizing saddle position, pedal alignment, and posture can help you pedal stronger and last longer.
4. Recurring Cycling Injuries
Nagging knee pain? IT band issues? Achilles problems? Many overuse injuries start with a poorly adjusted bike. A professional fit not only tweaks your equipment but also addresses any underlying imbalances, keeping you injury-free.
5. Transitioning to a New Bike or Cycling Style
New bike? New type of riding? Different setups work better for different styles, whether you’re tackling gravel roads or hitting the pavement. A professional fit ensures your bike is dialed in perfectly for your goals.
Success Stories
Elite Cyclist: Alex’s Journey to Peak Performance
Alex, a competitive road cyclist, was struggling with knee pain that kept disrupting his training and race prep. During his Advanced Fit, Dr. Natalie pinpointed the issue: his saddle was too high, and his cleats were misaligned, causing his knees to track poorly. After making the adjustments and incorporating a tailored strength program, Alex’s knee pain vanished, and he saw a 15% boost in his power output during time trials. Now, Alex races pain-free and credits his personalized fit for taking his performance to the next level.
Recreational Mountain Biker: Sarah’s Pain-Free Rides
Sarah, who loves weekend mountain biking, thought numb hands and a sore lower back were just part of the experience. Her Level 1 Fit revealed the root cause: handlebars that were too low and a saddle angle that strained her back. After Dr. Natalie adjusted her setup and gave her a few simple stretches to add to her routine, Sarah found herself riding longer and harder without any discomfort. She’s now tackling trails with confidence and ease.
Why Choose FX Physical Therapy for Your Bike Fit?
At FX Physical Therapy, we know every cyclist is unique. That’s why our bike fitting services are customized for you. We offer two tiers of fit:
Level 1: Comprehensive Dynamic Fit
- Adjustments for saddle height, fore/aft position, and body alignment.
- Video analysis to optimize efficiency.
- Duration: 1 hour | Cost: $180
Level 2: Advanced Fit + PT Screening
- Includes everything in Level 1, plus a musculoskeletal screening.
- Adjustments for cleats, pedals, seatpost, saddle, and handlebars.
- Tailored strength and flexibility advice.
- Duration: 2 hours | Cost: $280
*Fitting services offered exclusively at our 10 Light Street location in Downtown Baltimore.
Whether you’re gearing up for elite races or cruising on the weekends, Natalie Frizzell, MPT Sports, combines Olympic-level expertise with a personalized touch to make sure you’re riding your best, no matter your ride.
Fits Available for:
- Road Bikes
- Gravel Bikes
- Elite Cyclists
- Recreational Riders
Ride Smarter, Not Harder
Don’t let discomfort or inefficiencies slow you down. Schedule your bike fit today and enjoy the perfect balance of comfort, efficiency, and injury prevention. Visit FX Physical Therapy to book your session with Dr. Natalie Frizzell—the expert who’ll take your cycling to the next level.
Ready to ride better? Contact FX Physical Therapy today and let’s get started!
