If you are just getting started with cycling, you will want to pay attention to how your bike fits your body.  An ill-fitting bicycle can impact your physical well-being and your long-term enjoyment of cycling. The very best choice (after buying a bicycle custom built to your physical specifications) is to have the bicycle you are purchasing fitted to you. This is worth paying extra for, if necessary, at your local bike shop. Retailers want you to be happy with your bike so that you will continue to ride and shop with them throughout your lifetime, and tell your friends about their shop as well.

There are different fitting standards for each type of bicycle, as well as universal principles that are applied during every bicycle fitting to avoid injury and damage to your body.

During the first test rides on your new bike you will be able to discern whether or not you feel physically comfortable on it. It is important to immediately communicate discomforts like feeling too stretched out or cramped on the bike, being unable to balance easily, or having too wide or narrow handlebars. These issues need prompt investigation by the fitting professional to provide a solution.  For more information about fitting your bicycle, click here.

After some regular riding you will undoubtedly develop muscular aches in areas like your rump, wrists and legs. These are simply growing pains that will disappear as you develop the requisite muscle groups for your new sport.

However, there are some “aches” that should raise a red flag for you, such as sharp or persistent pain in the knees, back, elbows or neck.  These pains can occur from hyper-extension or mal-aligned range of motion, and your bike fit needs to be re-examined by the fitting professional to adjust its configuration appropriately.

If you have a permanent back injury that creates a physical barrier for you, a recumbent bicycle is definitely worth considering.

Remember the most important thing: you must be comfortable when riding your bike or you won’t integrate it into your lifestyle. So, the best fitting advice must always be balanced against what you are feeling in your body, the performance you are getting from your ride, and what you notice about the way your bike feels.

Here are some resources to prime you for a proper fitting – a little homework goes a long way:

The Care Exchange
http://www.caree.org/bike101bikefit.htm

Peter White Cycles
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

The Bicycle Source
http://www.bicyclesource.com/bike/fitting/

Insights from Rivendell Bicycles on materials, bike styles, fitting, and more
http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/101_pureopinions.html