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We’re very pleased to welcome Patrick Lamont from The Bike Fitters to this year’s Touro.

Patrick is originally from this part of the world, and is now part of a specialist bike fitting team operating throughout the UK.

He came in to Touro HQ to demonstrate how it all works and put me through the bike fitting experience, so below you’ll find my honest report.

I’ll admit I was a bit sceptical about bike fitting – it’s always seemed like a luxury I could do without – I’m not so sure now though.

But first, here’s what they say – this is the official description from the Bike Fitters. Each bike fit includes:

  • Initial consultation and pre–fit questionnaire
  • Full biomechanical assessment including testing flexibility and mobility ranges
  • Sit bone measurement and saddle fitting using idMatch Smart Caliper (Intertrochanteric distance measurement, Thigh-diameter measurement & Pelvic rotation measurement)
  • Cleat alignment including forefoot offset using the idMatch Cleat Fit System which includes:
  • Full setup of cleats and shoes (first pair of shoes included, additional pairs are charged separately)
  • Precise measurements of each foot including length of foot, Metatarsal length and foot width using laser guided idMatch foot meter
  • Measurement of forefoot offset using idMatch laser guided forefoot tilt meter
  • Use of laser guided jig with cleat stencil to perfectly align cleats
  • Observation of current riding position (on static trainer)
  • Complete on the bike position measurement with goniometer, stem sizer and IdMatch positioning tool.
  • Saddle height adjustment
  • Saddle fore & aft position adjustment
  • Leg alignment & knee position adjustment
  • Stem position and measurement

For background, I’m the founder and main organiser of Tour O The Borders – but I probably represent quite a few of the event’s riders: I’m definitely (at least) middle-aged and have spent quite a few decades doing the ‘normal’ stuff – working at a desk, being a parent, not getting out on the bike enough and not doing enough other exercise. Like most people, life’s busy and time for cycling and exercise is short. I’m not totally unfit though and am in decent health, but definitely experiencing more aches and pains on longer rides these days… so maybe a proper bike fit could be a good idea. Let’s see…

Neil

Now all that technical stuff from The Bike Fitters may sound like a recipe for a low-key physical testing ordeal – but here’s how I got on:
(Neither Patrick nor The Bike Fitters have suggested I write this up, but I’m guessing others may be similarly curious.)

First up, it was a very relaxed and reassuring process. Patrick was a good lad and the ambience was mellow. (He’ll be at Tweed Green all weekend for Touro if you want to find out more.)

It took about 3 hours in total – Patrick brought the kit to the Touro office – they’ll come to your home or wherever suits.

Very much personally focused – so health, injuries and personal aims etc very much taken into consideration. I didn’t feel like I was being made to just fit a formula.

I was impressed with the ability to immediately notice things like my shoulder position, reach, seat height etc.

The science and tech aspects are impressive. Angles are measured, lasers are shone etc to make sure legs are straight, cleats are in the right place, saddle position and height are as they should be.

Changes to my handlebar set-up were something of a eureka moment for me – arms way more comfortable, hand pain reduced, neck and shoulders more comfortable.

The whole process was way more informative and useful than I expected.

 

What did I learn?

My saddle was too low and too far forward – I’d put it there to avoid loss of feeling and some discomfort in the nether regions. Now it’s at the right height, angle etc I’m more comfortable and the problem is noticeably reduced. Turns out my saddle is a little too narrow as well.

My bars were too wide (stock 420mm) and stem too long – getting this position sorted was an immediate change in comfort. My hands are now more in line with shoulders. Arms have a comfortable bend and I rest on the hoods far more comfortably than before.

Something else I really like about all this is the file I’ve been sent with measurements etc, so if I change bike I can replicate exactly the position I’ve got now.

I’ve had a few rides since the fitting was done and the bottom line is I’m significantly more comfortable, the aches and pains are reduced and, I’m tempted to believe, it may also have made me a little quicker.

Overall: It’s not cheap but if you’re serious about your time on the bike then I would certainly say it’s worth it. You’ll probably spend a lot of hard-earned on shorts, shoes, saddle etc, not to mention the bike itself, but now I understand why quite a few of my pals have invested in this too. It makes total sense.

Last word and an offer from Patrick:

The Bike Fitters are delighted to be working with Tour O The Borders, one of Scotland’s leading closed road sportives in the beautiful Scottish Borders.

Like all passionate cyclists, we believe cycling is a fantastic way to get out and about, see our beautiful country, look after our health, and spend time with friends and family doing something we love.

The last thing anyone wants is to suffer from aches and pains while they are cycling, and with a professional bike fit, we can get you dialled into your perfect position, riding free from pain.

Tour O The Borders 2025 participants can claim a 10% discount off a bike fit for up to 6 weeks before and after the event this September.

Simply contact Patrick at Patrick.lamont@thebikefitters.com with proof of your event entry and we will get you booked in.

The Bike Fitters are a fully mobile bike fitting service, we come to you in the comfort and convenience of your home or office, at a time that suits you.

*some geographical restrictions may apply. The Bike Fitters is a franchised network of bike fitters, and this offer is currently valid with the Bike Fitters Edinburgh and Lothians, who cover the central belt of Scotland and the Scottish Borders. If you live in an area covered by another fitter in the network, they may not be able to honour the discount. If you live outside the main area of coverage in Scotland, an additional fee might apply to cover mileage.

 

Patrick Lamont will be on Tweed Green at Touro HQ in Peebles all weekend.

 

 

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This post was written by hillsideoutside