Bike Fit
Basic FIT - $50
Included with bikes purchased at Archer's Bikes
- Adjust seat height, angle, and position
- Adjust handlebar position and rotation
- Adjust shifter and brake positions
- Reach measurement and adjust (parts extra)
- Adjust clipless pedal tension
- Riding tips to improve training
Additional parts and labor or services are extra
Start With the right size Bike
Proper fitting starts with selecting the right size bike frame. Most of our bikes are not one-size-fits-all, but rather, come in different frame measurements to help you obtain the best overall fit. Frame size is usually measured along the length of the seat tube (the tube which supports a bike’s seat and seat post). While measurement standards vary a bit between different manufacturers, we can help you determine the ideal range of sizes that would offer you your best match to your body type and riding style.
Road & Gravel Bikes
Mountain, Hybrid & Fitness Bikes
Looking for kids' bike sizing?
More Bike Fit Information
Body Type
What does body type have to do with fit? Well, have you ever heard someone say, “He’s a tall drink of water” or “She’s all legs”? The point is: Each of us has a different body style. And, this has to be taken into account when fitting for a bike. Bike fit begins with making certain you can clear the top bar without injuring yourself accidentally because the bar is too high. Many bikes are sized according to height ranges and coded only as sm-md-lg. The old rule of 1"-2" of clearance is dated because modern bikes have sloping top tubes. Once you select your approximate size, the best way to narrow it down is to get on the bike and ride it. One bike's 56cm will not be the same as another brand's 56cm.
Height & Reach
Two dimensions are the most important to finding the right size bike. First is making sure the seat will extend up and go down to accommodate your height. Most bikes are sized according to this dimension. Your goal is to be able to fully extend your legs while pedaling (with a slight bend) or to drop the seat sufficiently for technical riding (like mountain biking). Second is reach. Look for a bike that you can reach the bars comfortably, without being cramped. Reach should be natural feeling, no matter the style of bike. Minor adjustments to the stem, bars, seat or even pedals will impact fit. Steps to a good fit: Find the right height - find a comfortable reach - customize.
Riding Style
How does your riding style relate to proper fit? Let’s say you want to cruise the bike paths on a bike that lets you sit upright where you get a good view of the scenery. That calls for a different frame size, bike type and fit approach than, say, a time-trial racer who needs to be positioned for optimum aerodynamics and speed. It's okay to find a bike that's a little small for you if you want to stay close to the ground. Normally, with a few exceptions (like a stretch cruiser), when the seat is at the right height, you will be on your tip-toes when sitting on the seat. However, you can still lower the seat to gain confidence, and raise it later as skill and balance improve. No matter your choice, ride the bike to make sure it will work out for you. Finally, remember this: customizing the fit on your bike is all about you and your needs, regardless of what type of bike you have or buy.
Better Bike Parts Can Be Adjusted
Beyond frame size, other components of a bike also contribute greatly to a good fit. Take seats, for instance. What's the best height for your bike seat? You may prefer a wide soft seat, especially when first getting back into biking. However, the more you ride, the firmer and narrower the seat should be. The seat is also adjustable forward and back and tilt. Maybe, add a seat post with a shock. Everyone is different, so take time to position the seat where you like it and where it will perform the best for your needs. Other factors to know more about include: stem length and height; crank arm length; and, what width and shape of handlebars work best for you. High bars, low bars, upright body position or low and aerodynamic. Fine tuning is a process. Don't feel like once it's set, you have to live with it. Small changes can have dramatic results.
Setup Your Suspension First
How your bike feels and handles on a ride is highly dependent on suspension setup. Even a $10k mountain bike will handle poorly if not set up properly. If you do only one thing, set your sag. No other single step will affect performance more than sag.
What is SAG?
Set the SAG and rebound on you air shock/fork.
SAG is the amount of travel on your fork or shock from your static body weight and the bike. Shocks are designed to operate best in the middle third of their travel. Essentially, your goal is to have the bike in the middle third 80% of the time. Secondarily, SAG should be set so you don’t bottom out on hard hits or big G-outs. Some shocks/forks do have the option to insert small tokens or bumpers to cushion the last 10% of travel, allowing you to have a softer SAG setting, but still prevent bottoming out. As a guideline, cross-country and fast flowing trail terrain, target around 15%-25% SAG, to ride a little higher in the stroke and maintain a firm feel (bikes with about 100mm of travel). For all-mountain and steeper more challenging terrain, target around 30% SAG, to keep the ride in the middle third (bikes with about 140mm of travel). For downhill and fast technical terrain, target around 33% SAG, to ensure you take advantage of the full travel available (bikes over 150mm of travel). Your riding preference will also determine your personalized SAG setting. Some like less SAG for a firmer ride, while others prefer a plush ride. Experiment to get to your preference. After every change you make, be sure to cycle the shock or fork at least 30 times to ensure equalization of air pressure.
To set your rear shock, adjust the initial air pressure according to your weight and the manufacturers recommendations. Open the compression adjuster all the way (soft). Using a helper, carefully get on the bike, sit in a neutral position, reset the O-ring and observe how far down you compress the shock. Dismount easy and verify you are between 25% and 33%. Add or let air out depending on your goal. Check your setting after every ride to verify that you still are in range. Look at the O-ring or dirt line to see if you are using your range as expected and not bottoming out.
To set the forks, use the same procedure as the shock, but you will need to pedal around some. Open the compression adjuster all the way (soft). Get on easy, ride smoothly and don’t come to an abrupt stop. Most forks have a chart for a starting weight to air pressure setting or you can look it up on their website. Either way, you SAG goal is the same. As with the shock, check your dirt line after each ride.
Next, set the rebound. This controls how fast the shock returns to normal (bounces back). Adjust your rebound slower by turning it in all the way. Unscrew the rebound adjuster and count each click. The more you weigh (higher air pressure), the slower the rebound will be. Start at the manufacturers recommendation for rebound, based on the air pressure you set. Screw the rebound adjuster all the way in and back it out between 30% and 50% of the total clicks. Your goal is for the shock to not kick you when you go over a big bump and off a jump. Too much rebound will cause the shock to stay too low in the stroke and result in a harsh ride. For the fork, your goal is a plush feel and the fork to not push you out of the corners. As with the shock, start at the manufacturers recommendation or 30% to 50% out from fully screwed in.
Having your SAG and rebound set properly will allow you to get the full benefit of your bike. It will balance the front and rear action and vastly improve your control. Adjust in small increments so you can find your sweet spot. Now go out and ride.
Great Fit Starts At ARCHER's
We love helping our customers get the right fit. And if you didn’t buy your bike from us, worry not. Just bring your bike in for a complimentary review of the fit basics so you know what changes, if any, you might want to consider. We look forward to seeing you.