The best words I ever heard from a bike shop owner a long time ago. "If it is uncomfortable you won't ride. If it is comfortable you won't stop riding."

@wendyb0317

11 ай бұрын

I was just thinking that if I would have realized all this years ago, I would have enjoyed it more and kept doing it. It has to fit your body and your lifestyle.

I finally decided to buy a road bike last year. I watched so many of your bike fit Tuesday’s and the stuff I’ve learned here isn’t even known in a lot of bike shops. I’ll go into a bike shop and they’ll say the exact stuff you guys debunk. I just nod and pretend to agree with them. Without these videos, I would’ve been living with numb balls and numb hands my whole life.

@veronikamoroz6100

Ай бұрын

what bike did you end up buying if you don't mind sharing.

Does anyone else just love the way this guy speaks? He reminds me of my English teacher the unbothered but passionate human you remember forever.

@MarioBecerraC

3 ай бұрын

I have trouble understanding him :( it might be his accent and that he speaks really fast

@silversolid1885

Ай бұрын

he speaks unclearly

one of the key points to mention, people tend to go to higher groupsets, and then are surprised how expensive the maintanance is. Replacing just part of the component is several times more expensive than lower groupsets.

Honest. Informative. Direct-to-the-point. Zero b*llocks. My kind of cycling channel. Kudos, Francis and James for this snappy guide to buying a bike. Cheers, mate!

James and his team are damn good. Best decision I ever made was going to him. Sorted out so many issues and kept me riding.

The guidance in the video is totally on point. I'd like to share my experience with purchasing and dialing in a new road bike from about a year ago. Prior to buying the bike, I was vacillating between buying a frame and building it up vs. just buying a complete bike. I already had a 15+ year old road bike that I was fit on to base some decisions with, so I compared the geometry to what I was buying and figured I was good to go with buying a pre-built bike. Well, eh, sort of. After buying the bike I quickly realized that the stem was too short, even though the "reach" measurement reported by the manufacturer was similar to my old bike. What I discovered was that the stem on my old bike, while it was labeled 100mm, was actually quite a bit longer than this and didn't really compare to the 100mm stem on the new bike. My bike fitter had also said I would benefit from wider bars, so I swapped the bars too. I also wasn't in love with the saddle that came with the bike, so I swapped that for a 3D printed one (it works really, really well for me, I've never been so happy with a saddle). The last item was the crankset, which I deliberated over for the first 9 months of riding the bike. The bike came with a 52/36 + 11/30 set up. I could make it work, but even as a reasonably strong rider, I knew I was going to be better off with a compact (50/34) chainring set up with all the (steep) hills in my area. After putting it off all that time, I finally broke down and ordered a new crankset, and then quickly kicked myself for waiting so long to do it because it was immediately apparent how much better the bike was with it. I was able to sit (a lot) more on longer climbs and the new crankset (along with a swap to 700x32 tires) made the bike much more effective on the gravel sections I mix into some of my rides. So ~$1,200 in component changes later, the bike is pretty much perfect. Would I have been better off buying a frame and building it up from scratch? Maybe. The frame I wanted (note, I will only ride a bike with a threaded BB, so this limited my options to a few manufacturers) is sold standalone only in its highest end form, so I think I still came out ahead in terms of value for money. With that said, having a "curated" ride with handpicked components would have been pretty sweet.

Great video, hitting all the critical sweet spots in making the most important cycling purchase decisions!

Absolutely fantastic video guys. I bought a new bike this year and now am dealing with Lake Shoes in Toronto to assist with my short wide feet. I bought G8's and am loving them so your videos have really helped.

I really appreciate all the information you gents provide in all your videos. Thank you!

Fantastic video! Glad to hear James rides a 52/53. I recently bought a small and am so glad I did.

Excellent and informative as always. This channel is extremely hard to beat ✊🏾👊🏾

Darn. I wish I'd seen this in Sept 21 when I started along this glorious road. I *Literally* made ever mistake possible from shoe size to bike fit after purchase. I will say that cycling as a thing does creep up on you somewhat. If you'd have told me last August that in about 3 months I'd be utterly obsessed with cycling I'd have laughed, I was still murdering my poor middle aged knees on a bi-daily run. And even once discovered It took about 6 months of exceedingly slippery slopery to realize this was going to be a (big) part of my life going forward and by then all the errors had been made... Ho hum. Time to book in a retrospective bike fit with James and hope he doesn't give me a bollocking 8)

@asmodean8987

Жыл бұрын

Same! My knees started to hurt and once i found a group to ride with i got hooked.

@Rufgaudas

Жыл бұрын

After buying a bike, I still do a 4km run once/week, but bike is much more common, and indeed my knees feels better (they kinda "relax" during cycling) :)

@mrpokeit

Жыл бұрын

@@Rufgaudas yeah I do the same. Though perhaps every other week. My knees feel so much better even when running these days (lower frequency perhaps?) But it's nice to mix up the excersize a bit...

@Christian-os7yq

Жыл бұрын

Haha I am in there early stages of this. Only rod my vintage road bike 3 times and I have been obsessing every moment since. Can't imagine what upgrading to a modern bike is going to feel like

@LKeet6

Жыл бұрын

I'm a runner who cycles a bit. If you train sensibly and regularly, knee pain (and other issues) with running disappears fairly quickly.

James is needed more man xxxxx we need a regular show an local events with James an the shop...

Best video ever to watch before buy. It sure helped me with my thinking process of what is important. Thank you !

Thanks Francis and James......I wish id known a lot of this 4 years ago.....eh ? I have learned most of what I know from watching you , and others like you , on KZread...I still love to ride , no matter what !

The bit about sizing is absolutely correct, especially for people with shorter legs or longer legs. For example, I’m 176cm which falls into Trek’s size 56 (rider from 174-180cm), but again that’s based on people’s inseam length rather than actual height. My inseam is shorter than average and as well as my arms. So instead of 56cm, 52cm fits me the best. But this would be impossible to tell from a first time buyer and they could potentially be wasting a lot of money on a frame that can lead to injury and not comfortable to ride.

@luk303

11 ай бұрын

Quick question if you dont mind: I am 183cm tall and appearently have very short legs (I did not ever notice before lol), my inseam is 81,5-82 cm. On those numbers, the homepage of willier recommended the large variant which is 52 at willier. Now, someone I know said no one over 180cm should ever ride under 55. I am confused lol

@Mike-up6go

10 ай бұрын

Just the opposite here. I am right at 188cm (6'2") I have been riding Trek bikes for over 35 years and I know what fits and what feels right to me. On a Trek road bike my size has always been 60cm. Anything less the seat is up too high (and at times run out of seatpost ) the reach is too short, feel cramped and I am waaaaay too bent over to the handlebars to feel comfortable. My arms are longer then most, my inseam slightly shorter than most for my height , and my torso ( upper body ) is somewhat longer than most for my height. The point I am trying to make is ride what feels the best for you. For me, smaller frames just dont cut it. i also like 175mm crank arm length. Too long for most, just right for me.

Impressed am I - best informational clip I have ever seen on choosing the right bike!

Great tips! Come at the right time, since I´m making up my mind on what road bike to get after 18+ years urban riding.

Great videos and obvious James speaks from great knowledge and experience. That said, his comment on bike sizing really surprises me as the implication is that frame sizes of 58+ are for folk who are 6'4+. I'm 6'2" but with long inseam so needed a 60cm Domane as I was at the limit of the seatpost in the 58cm. I did have a general fitting and my seat height wasn't said to be 20mm too high and I'm sure any lower wouldn't be ideal so it's obviously down to individual sizing. I have needed to fit a shorter stem to reduce the reach but given the endurance fit it feels fine and I can ride on the hoods no problem.

I'd also add the suggestion of considering summer and winter shoes, fitted for the thickness of socks you're likely to be wearing in that season. It took a few years, but I've now gone to having winter shoes that are 45 instead of 44 because I trade out thin cycling socks for medium weight wool once the frost comes.

@perakojot6524

5 ай бұрын

Needing to ride a bike in winter wearing wool socks, unless you are living above the polar circle, would strongly suggest you have a serious issue with peripheral circulation. Maybe it's time to visit the cardiologist instead of a bike fitter.

As a former bike shop worker (Procurement) we used the same ethos as in this video, I'm glad we werent the only independent bike shop to do so! Great content, thank you.

James is probably the most intense guy on KZread :-) Fortunately he's extremely well versed in his subject!

Many great points there for people starting! I have an entry level bike with a Claris drivetrain and TRP disc brakes that has been great. Been wanting to upgrade to a 1x drivetrain for a more gravel oriented gearing and more powerful brakes but can't justify the cost because the Claris symply just continues to work, 1600km so far and only nedded to replace a chain.

Fantastic video, I'm looking for a bike - and now know sizing is not as simple as measuring my inside leg - you've probably just saved me a fortune in a buying a mis-sized bike. Will use a chunk of budget on bike fit and shoes first. Thanks guys!

I agree - Colnago geometry is classic and superior. The larger head tube eliminates spares and yet allows the hips to open up.

I think these videos are helping more people than you can imagine. Awesome content as always. Cheers from Mexico!

Really enjoyed this one. For someone who is not into drop bar/racing/gravel/endurance bikes I can say that there should be a bike fitting market for us folks who ride hybrids/commuter bikes and normal shoes. I ride a Trek Allant+5 and it’s the most uncomfortable bike I have ever had. On my 3rd saddle, 2nd stem, and have 2 handlebars on order.

@elijahogolah1497

Жыл бұрын

You can say that again. I can't imagine myself on a drop-bar

I’m getting ready to buy a Cannondale SuperSix Evo 3. I’m 6’1 and I’ve been riding a 56 Dogma 2. The top tube on the Cannondale seems to be true to 56 size. I’m going to measure it in the shop. Also you’ve convinced me to buy new shoes as well. Great video!

I wish I had seen this year's ago when I started out. Spot on. Get fitted for a bike and shoes first. I sunk a small fortune into shoes, bib and saddles and quite frankly was miserable with constant chafing, aching shoulders and neck. Wrong size bikes. Until finally I got a bloody fit and got both sorted out. That fit has served me well. My shoes are all Lakes now!

This guy always makes me feel like I'm being told off by a copper

@adammillsindustries.

Жыл бұрын

LOL same here!!!

@Goproafterdark

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, he talks like a stereotypical banker in West London. Love it! ❤️

@krisbowditch827

Жыл бұрын

@@Goproafterdark probably got the cash of banker too 🙈🙈🙈

@paintingsofwaves_mikewoning

Жыл бұрын

He reminds me strongly of Hugh Laurie, from Black Adder. 😅

@adammillsindustries.

Жыл бұрын

@@paintingsofwaves_mikewoning Yeah totally him!!

Ecxellent advice!. I'm seeking a new bike and plan to get a fitment done. I went into my file cabinet and found the fitment I did 20 years ago to compare against new methods, geometry and bio-mechanics thinking. Things have definately gravitated towards smaller frames with the advent of TCR style frames.(RIP Mike Burrows)

As Mars Blackmon said in the old Nike commercials "It's the shoes 👞 " I took James' recommendations and found the Lake CX 241suited me best, fit well, and with the G8 Performance insoles allows me to ride 3-4 hours at a time. ....I did buy some ZIPP 303S wheels for my Specialized Roubaix though...again I went with a bike that suited me instead of the BMC I lusted after... Top marks Francis for the series and thank you BFJ for some real world advice.

Awesome video! Prolly my favorite thus far having to do with a proper fitting bike, with the last one with James being a close second (until this one)!! My question has to do with James mentioning the importance of reach. I just had professional bike fits done by an independent IBFI-certified fitter in FL for my current 2 endurance-geometry road bikes: a size Small 2021 Defy Advanced Pro 0 (both pre- and post-purchase) and a size Small 2021 Contend 3 (post-purchase only). My question is when looking for a race-geometry bike, should I choose a bike with similar reach, stack, reach and stack as those on my endurance bikes? For example, I’m looking at a TCR or Propel in the future, but their reach for a size X-Small is most similar to the reach measurements on my size Small Contend and Defy.

The best advice all things we wish we knew when started riding and super helpful for new riders 👌

Love these videos, errrrrrrrrerrrr James is errrrrrrrrrrr great to listen to Cheers simon

I’m a 51 year old woman, I’m getting back into cycling, I just bought the Trek Domane AL 3. I absolutely love it. I just got my hip replaced in April. I rode 26 miles yesterday. It’s so comfortable and easy to ride. I’m 5.8 and I have a 52 inch.

@matth2775

Жыл бұрын

It’s usually men who mix up centimetres with inches😅

@michellecantey6377

Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂😂

You know, this video helped me a ton! I know people that I ride with an we're not racers. We're just endurance adventure cyclist. Some of them got bikes that range in 5k or more. They even upgraded their wheels and tires. I have a Domane SL 5 2021, and I love it. I still have the same wheels and tires. Haven't done anything to it, and we're riding the same pace. I don't understand why some people buy these super bikes and expensive gears if they're not professional races. I just don't understand it at all. Maybe it motivates them or something. But I'm glad I researched what type of bike there were and what I wanted before I went shelling money on a bike just because it's expensive.

Didn't realise how much variation there is in top tube length as I've always gone by down tube sizing. I'm generally good at getting the correct fitment on my bikes but will definitely pay attention more to top tube length as well. Cheers for the info.

@bleckandbleck

Жыл бұрын

Also, make sure you are looking at virtual top tube length ( measured horizontally). With most bikes having sloped top tubes, the actual is shorter than the virtual.

I do enjoy James 'cumberbatch' on your channel. soooo much common sense advice from him (and you Francis) is really refreshing..... I've got 8 bikes .... but before I buy #9 I'll deffo get a bike fit. promise!

This was great! Glad I stumbled off of my bike and onto this video

Excellent video, thoroughly enjoyed.

Great video. So happy I saw this today.

Excellent video. The advice is spot on.

Interesting... I'm going to be buying a bike in the not too distant future and your (well James') words of wisdom are always a help

I have been on road bikes for over 30 years now. Back then there was a big difference between 105 and Ultegra/Dura Ace but as of today? 105 is just an awesome set and miles better of what it was 30 years ago. Really awesome guid here, well done.

Agree 1000% with this video. I bought a trek emonda size 58 because thats what the guy suggested to me according to the size chart. Im 183 so im in the middle range of 58 according to the chart but afterwards went for a bike fitting and the only solution was to short the stem and get a short saddle to make it work….

I just went to Ultegra because I am middle adged and having the buying power :) Wanted a new bike and upgraded to carbon middle class and they just come with Ultegra. But I was having good fun with my 105 aluminum endurance bike and honestly it is all I would need. I stayed on mechanical because it is easier to maintain. Generally speaking I think investing in better wheels is much more benefit than upgrading group set for recreational drivers. Almost every bike in entry and lower middle class (up to €5000) usually comes with very basic wheel set. And I think the geometry part is also overrated. Every endurance bike from a major manufacturer should be basically ok if one knows how to measure frame size correctly. Just look for a relaxing stack to reach factor of around 1.5.

James is so right about current lower end group sets being as good as older top of the line. Current sora, and acera group sets are as good if not better than my 1990 dura ace with the original sti brifters. For my style of riding now I don't need to spend the money on the latest and greatest.

@JoshuaTootell

Жыл бұрын

I wish more people recognized that "low end" groupsets now are great.

For me the balance test was a really defining moment. I am 170cm tall and have gone through 3 bikes and 60mm stems just to find out I should ride a 49cm after a balance test at home. And in my country there's no road bikes on stock til who knows when. So I'll stay away from the stem police until I can get my hands on a 49.

@bstitely

Жыл бұрын

I don't like being ignorant, but I've not heard of a balance test, can you give a brief explanation? I'm heading to Google now, by the way...

Yes geometry is a minefield brand to brand, last time I was advised by a shop I test rode a 61cm Roubaix, I'm 6ft 3. So I've taken the info from my bike fit with James to piece together a new steed.

Very informative as usual. Thank you.

With bikes being nearly impossible to purchase in-store, videos like this are invaluable. As someone who is currently suffering on a bike purchased online i'll definitely be booking a slot with James at the end of the year.

@defipunk

Жыл бұрын

I wish there was a good way of evaluating bike fitters without spending a few hundred per fit and going to multiple... Very tempted to book a flight to the UK... Any recommendations for bike fitters in Switzerland?

@kellrockets101

Жыл бұрын

Which bike did you buy?

@christianhill3160

Жыл бұрын

@@kellrockets101 I bought a bmc road machine secondhand and it seems to fit me perfectly

@partialobject

Жыл бұрын

@@defipunk I've had a saddle fit done at Velo Plus in Zürich Oerlikon a couple of weeks ago and am super happy with the result. Might give them a try.

That’s why I got a Focus Cayo as it was great value and looks cool and fits perfectly.by upgrading the wheels etc I can easy drop the weight by over half a kilo

Thank you so much guys, awesome real talk there❤

thanks for the advise, most bike heads can ride any bike with various adjustments, saddle height etc, if you are not racing anywhere , have seen some tall guys using bike too small for them -by just increasing the saddle height. and the seem happy.

It's great that James is so convincing, now i know i'm not crazy. The manufacturer's site keeps telling me i need a size L, but taking a closer look at the geometry, their size M is almost as big as my current bike (which feels slightly too big already).

So happy I found bikefit-james before buying my second bike. First one was waaay to big and I almost quit cycling because it was hard to sit on it for more than 1 hour

I love all the DIY stuff. Can you do one on how to properly measure oneself? I think I may have abnormally long wingspan proportionate to my legs. Already made improvements and upgrades based based on your advice. Thank you.

Excellent advice and video. I wish your shop was in NYC so that I can get the right bike for myself who's older and wants a decent no nonsense road bike.

So I rode my bike to work 4 days a week and raced in local races. Got pretty good. Then 6-7 years in my neck pain was so bad I just quit biking straight up. Just recently I started researching neck pain and bike fitting and it led me to your channel. God I wish I knew this stuff when I started. Also, I wish I could go to Richmond and get a bike fit with you. I do have a bike fit here in Arizona, place called cyclologic. It’s in about a week and I can’t wait. I’m cautiously optimistic that maybe I can go back to biking pain free. I loved biking and I miss it. Bottom line, thank you both for all you do. Keep it up because you are educating and reaching people around the world. Best from Phoenix Arizona!

@bikefitjames5579

Жыл бұрын

Say hi to Paraic 👋🏻

@buddhahat

Жыл бұрын

Best of luck for the bike fit Robert, it's a shame you had to quit because of injury, I hope CycloLogic sorts you out. @James nice to see you lurking in the comments! It gave me a laugh to pop up your profile and see your recent comment on this channel was 'that's what she said'. A master of comedy as always 😁

@robertreyes5036

Жыл бұрын

@@bikefitjames5579 I sure will. Thank you so much for the reply James 🙂

@MarioBecerraC

3 ай бұрын

How's the pain a year later?

@robertreyes5036

24 күн бұрын

@@MarioBecerraCit was definitely better and the fit helped. I think what also helped a ton was stretching and strengthening exercises. Just realizing I’m not 21 anymore and that i have to be diligent about doing the right things helped me ride again. Sorry for the late reply

Wise Words. I'm just over 6'2" and I mainly ride a 56cm Basso Diamante. I certainly wouldn't want the reach to be anymore drawn out than it is.

This is one of the best of these videos you've made Francis. James is the ace up your jersey sleeve, his knowledge and presentation is properly top notch. Can you ask him how many pairs of Lakes he thinks he has sold? He's a great salesman, he could sell Brexit to James O'Brien 👍👍 I'm 6'3-6'4 and I'm riding an XL Endurace and James is making me think I'm on an oversize bike now 🤔

@agstudioband

Жыл бұрын

XL is such a broad definition. anything from 58 to 62 can be described as XL

@buddhahat

Жыл бұрын

@@agstudioband R056 Canyon Endurace AL 8.0 Disc Stack 634 Reach 407 Top tube length 595 Seat tube length 592

@agstudioband

Жыл бұрын

@@buddhahat are you noticing any difficulties riding your bike ?

@agstudioband

Жыл бұрын

@@buddhahat I am 6"2 and currently my bike frame is 60. Stack 582 (but rised up with negative stem +5 degrees and dropbars turned up a little bit, i might be on 620 now) Reach 392 Top tube 560 i use only 90 mm stem, which i consider to be minimum on road bike. You might need shorter one too. But it depends on length of your arms.

@JeffOehlsen

Жыл бұрын

I'm the same height. It's crazy trying to get a bike that is a proper fit according to what I have learned from these bike fit videos

I've been cycling for about 50 years now and I can't believe how much I've learned from BFT. I've been riding various Time frames in the last 14 years, getting closeouts and gently used bikes. Fantastic frames. I always build my own bikes. I was 6'-1.5" but have shrunk to nearly 6' now. I started with a 57cm but have been on 55.5 for the last 10 years. All Times have relatively tall headtubes. My Scylon is the raciest (w/ Record Mech), and the Fluidity (w/ Potenza) by far the most comfortable. Honestly the Potenza which is newer, works better than the Record. Fortunately my seat height has been close to right from the start. I did assume I was like most and had it too high. I ended up with hip soreness and once I returned to the old height it got better again. I thought I had wide feet when actually I'm quite medium. I had been upsizing (oops). I used the Lake site and precisely measured my feet and ended up with the 238 regulars. I bought the G8 insoles from James and was shocked to find I needed the No.4 arch. I realize now, my foot and saddle problems were all due to shoe fit issues. In fact, I was able to find a cache of 10 pairs of G8 1800 for $85US, 3/4 length insoles to equip all of my shoes (not just cycling shoes). The other biggest change for me came from lever position. I had been mounting the hoods horizontal instead of slightly up. As a result even my Time long reach bars now work fine as I was able to really mount them high on the curve. Coming from track racing I was already used to narrower bars so the 40 c-c bars were already the right width. Also I've used 165 on the track and 170 on the road for the last 40 years so I think I got that one right. I did have to reduce the stem length to 100 from 110. I've looked for fitters in the Chicago area, but I've never met any that use the Hogg methods so I've had to resort to James and Neal Stansbury in Australia and DIY it. If I'm ever in London, I will definitely come by and see if I'm still doing it wrong. For now, this 63 year old is still going fast, but now with more comfort and efficiency. Thanks James.

@craigwilson118

Жыл бұрын

Nice to hear some good feedback on Potenza. There's not much talk about it, but it's the one I'd go for when next building a bike. How many miles do you have on it? My 105 worked great, but after 15,000km it became really sloppy. Miss my old Centaur.

@bleckandbleck

Жыл бұрын

@@craigwilson118 I bought it used and it was said to have 500 miles on it. I’ve got another 500 of mostly on hard smooth gravel. It’s been discontinued so used is the route. FYI I spent about $400usd no brakes in the set. I had some 90s era Chorus that I’m using. Very smooth and solid group.

great video.... very informative and well produced..

A lot of good pointers here. Like James and with his advice, I’ve tried comfier handlebars, cranks, seats, shoes and honestly it’s a night and day difference to a stock bike experience and especially one that doesn’t fit. I go to stores that press me on buying a 54 when I know im closer to a 50. Consumers have to do a lot of homework before purchase. It’s a shame but extremely worth it once it clicks.

Definitely agree that almost everyone should be riding an endurance bike. I got a Scott Addict this year and it is so much more comfortable than my previous bike (Merida Reacto) - especially on 100K+ rides. I am able to keep up fine on group rides with guys who have racing bikes, slammed stems, etc. And I’ve still got the drops, so I can get reasonably aero when I need to. Sure if you’re serious about racing you probably want to get something with a more aggressive geometry - but for me I’m just looking to get out and have fun and get in a good workout, and it’s a lot more fun when you’re not in pain.

Woah this is a great video!!!! incredibly helpful!

Best video ever..... Someone actually said 105 Are a great group set ,and you do not need to spend the big money on the top group sets to go fast. Put a little money into your feet, and think 🤔 they only hit the dam puddles....

Merida Scultura Endurance. Great bike. Can ride all day. No, having some fancies on my bike doesn’t make me go faster. But it does make me want to go more often …

@dan_lazaro

Жыл бұрын

I thought merida's endurance frame is the ride? I rode a Scultura once and if sized correctly it's about as aggressive as a caad 10. I only needed a 130mm -17 stem instead of the usual 140mm but Cannondale just has a short reach in general.

Ughhhhh I made a huge rookie mistake years and years ago with my frame. 54cm frame 5’6. I’ve had nothing but fit problems. Thanks for this video. I’m in the market for a new one and plan on doing it right this time

@stanschmenge1965

Жыл бұрын

some tips to think about - consider looking for female specific frames. bikes are designed for men, and women are basically hinged differently at the hips so I believe female bike frames would have a slightly longer top tube. Cannondale did make one in 2021, called a Synapse. Also depends on your body type too, longer legs or longer torso can make a big diff. And one more tip, if you ever need to use a longer seatpost, or a stem that's more than 20 mm longer than what the bike came with, the frame is too small. Same goes for having the seatpost completely buried in the frame and needing a stem way shorter than stock - this frame is too big. A bike fitting would help, but I certainly wouldn't trust this guy - he doesn't even know how to measure a frame.

you cannot get a better video thsn this! kudos!

Can't book a coffee. It's so weird after all these videos to hear that, but I get it. Randoms who have seen your videos tons of times just showing up "I have an appointment ???" Tons of good advice, especially for party pace riders like me.

Very nicee videoo! Huge thnaks from Uruguay!

I would have saved a small fortune if James had made this video 20 something years ago but it’s never to late to be informed many thanks !

I do like James I wish I have his advice before I bought my first bike I have subsequently bought a smaller bike frame 😁

Same with me with sizing . I wear size small tops and a lot of bike charts suggest size Small as I am 168cm in height. I have ridden XS and even XXS bikes and they both fit better than size Small. In fact every size Small bike I have ridden the reach is too long and can't be corrected even with a 80mm stem which is wrong anyway on that size frame. Some bike charts do recommend XS and XXS small though and some Small . It's very easy to buy a frame that doesn't fit from following size charts.

I've just ordered a Giand Defy Advanced 2 and whilst I really enjoyed this video and could see the perfect sense in the advice, the realities of buying a bike these days makes a lot of it impractical. 13 months ago I ordered a similar model from Ribble and the original delivery date was put back 5 times and a total of around six months before I cancelled the order. I bought the Giant from stock in Edinburgh but it was the last size 54 they had. My point is that it's so hard to get your first choice of bike nowadays that the only option can be to grab what you can whilst you can and then do the necessary adjustments when you get it.

@pirminborer625

Жыл бұрын

Sadly this is true

@worland9

Жыл бұрын

If it makes you feel any better, I ordered a a Defy Advanced 2 completely unseen (for the reasons you outline above) last year and (after waiting 9 months for delivery) have loved every minute of it!

@zoothornrollo9960

Жыл бұрын

@@worland9 You have made me feel better Joe, thanks. However I'll feel better still if it turns up on Wednesday 3 August as promised. What do you like about it especially if I may ask?

@worland9

Жыл бұрын

@@zoothornrollo9960 It's incredibly versatile - I can do fast group rides with the club one day, and hop onto side paths and light gravel another. The 32mm tubeless setup feels puncture proof and super comfortable but feels perfectly fast enough when needed. Enjoy!

@zoothornrollo9960

Жыл бұрын

@@worland9 I was hoping you would confirm these features. Many thanks Joe.

I will be checking out new shoes. Thanks for the advice. It sounds quite logical.

I eye balled bike size based on self measurements. It turned out the bike is a nearly perfect fit. Went for the smaller frame having a feeling it would be better and it was.

Funny 😢 I've clearly suffered from reach as a beginner. Told to get a bike fit knowing my bike would never fit. It was a very good value intro which I still have while I'm looking for the next. But I realised the sizes quoted still put me at risk of spending 2k and being in exactly the same spot! So refreshing to hear this get a fit without a bike. Anyone in cambs do that?

Anything with James in it Is good!

James is amazing and I agree with almost everything he says, however some brand sizing is just odd. I've a Cube endurance bike in size 58, and a Kona cross bike in size 54, and they both fit great (and are surprisingly close in measurements). So check (at a minimum) the stack and reach before you buy (after your fitter has told you what ballpark you want those numbers to be in).

@Adanteh

Жыл бұрын

One extra quick thing to look at, is seeing which size stem they put on some models. Another one is offset seatposts. Combine the two and suddenly with the same reach on the specsheet, buying a bike from a different brand can still give a 3CM difference. Handlebar reach is also a big one, where some Trek bikes still come with 100mm reach vs 75ish on other branch, so despite seemingly having a tiny reach on the frame, the Trek ones can still be just as long.

@lincolnlu9869

Жыл бұрын

Kona is famous for being big

@troycollett8540

Жыл бұрын

@@Adanteh crank length as well

@erwindenengelsen8144

Жыл бұрын

Which Cube bike you drive?

UUUUGHHH James is dropping true science!!!!! Great points Cheers.

James is a legend!

I used a sizing calculator on a very popular bike site and no matter what height I put in they just gave me the exact same frame size - designed for a 6ft+ person, and I'm nowhere near that. Methinks they're trying to shift some inventory!

Great video. Recently got back into riding after a long time and now planning on getting my first roadie. James made an interest comment @ 4:56 where he said he rides a 52/53cm frame being 5’ 10” of height (contrary to most online charts I’ve referred to recommending 56cm for the same height). I would love to know the exact model James rides so I can refer to the geometry of that bike when selecting a bike on my own as I am of the same height. Unfortunately I do not have access to such bike fitting experts where I am, and do not want to rely solely on the shop/salesman recommendations. Thanks in advance!

@calebsouthey12

Жыл бұрын

End up figuring it out? I’m in the same position

I had reserved a bike that was already coming into my local bike shop, they said if I changed my mind I wouldn’t lose my deposit. I thought I would need a 52cm bike, but on seeing these videos I have cancelled that order & booked myself a bike fit so I will then have all the information I need to buy a bike that will fit me.

Would you recommend a gravel bike for most (non racing/competitive) riders? Given the geometry is more relaxed in the way the rider interacts with the bike. The more robust build, wider tires ,and "easier" gearing also seem to be more appropriate for fitness/health concerned riders.

@blinkofani

Жыл бұрын

I’m wondering the same thing as @chris Myers if gravel bikes better for non competitive riding but better posture for fitness/fun/health as I’m shopping for a bike these days. Been considering Trek, Canyon, Specialized, under between $1500-2000 if that’s a good range for beginner into this world. I live in the Los Angeles area. Anyone James/anyone can recommend would be so appreciated. Thank you

@agstudioband

Жыл бұрын

But its 2 kg heavier and honestly pricing of gravel bikes is so hyped. I dont understand why. If you plan riding on roads most of the time, gravel is not good. If you plan riding offroad you may want gravel. But mtb gives you more variety offroad.

@JoshuaTootell

Жыл бұрын

I didn't get into the gravel thing. I have one, but I'm selling it soon. But in general, I think they are great alternatives to an endurance bike.

Hi Francis, went to see James today, had a fit for my Sarto, also found out where your next bike adventure is going to be. 🚴👍

@bikefitjames5579

Жыл бұрын

🤫🤫🤫

@bikefitjames5579

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for coming Phil! Good to see you again

@philellis386

Жыл бұрын

@@bikefitjames5579 silence is golden. 👍👍

Great video for a beginner like me! Thanks!!!

When I was 11-14 old, I was a member of one of the local sport clubs in Budapest. We were out there on the road, riding 5 times a week, and we did most of the races we could go to. Don't ask me how many kilometers I've done - we were so poor I didn't even have my own bike, but had to ride the ones that were lent out by the club to me and thus I didn't even have a computer with an odometer... And the track days/track races were done with the club's own bikes as well... But in all those years my lower back, my feet and my b*tt was hurting... I always dreamt of having a road bike that was fun to ride. I can't even imagine how different those years could have been, if I would have had a bike that fit me :(

Very clear info again.

Great info well presented✌🏻🚴🏻‍♂️

Great information!! Thank you!

Awesome video: very good advice!

Vote 🗳 for the Canyon endurace (if it fits you). love it and easy to buy the right size bar width stem etc after a fit

I love these videos, although they raise lots of questions for me as a cyclist, physiotherapist and scientist (professor) - the claims made are based on a static riding position/bike fit. Even those professional athletes spoken about at the beginning of the video do not actually “maintain” a position (maybe more so timetrialling) if we look at you and particularly James on your videos riding you are never in a set position on a bike/saddle/handlebar - maybe a clipped in foot is(although most people utilise the float if possible). If you ride over an hour your position will change due to hysteresis and creep, no one sits on and pedals a bike/rig for the length of time they are in that position - I could go on - I respect what you are both doing but would love the opportunity to chat over these things with you both - I am local to Richmond.

@michaelcheng6469

Жыл бұрын

I think the important point is that you feel comfortable from the beginning. Regardless of how many times you shift your body position during the ride you can gaurantee that if you are not comfortable at kilometer zero, then it will be worse after 1 hour and worse after 2 hours and so on.

@guppyitsallgood

Жыл бұрын

But your bike is still a fixed and static object? If the bars are too far away, someone can't reach them comfortably. If the saddle is too high, pedals are too far away. You can try bend further, or stretch those little legs (in my case anyway), but then you might get a sore back or saddle sores. The purpose of the bike fit seems to essentially be for someone with specialised equipment to measure how far you can reach comfortably. Hence why the videos usually feature old mate James and his jig. It seems really straightforward in principle actually. You put someone on the jig, and you move things around till you find where they're comfortable and where they aren't. Then you get your measurements and aim for a bike that falls within the range.

@dibbygibby

Жыл бұрын

@@guppyitsallgood of course those things have to be approximately in the right place but the point I am making is that if we are careful we actually do what James argues against and make the person fit the bike not the bike fit the person I.e they believe that there is one ideal set position and actually attempt to maintain that rather than be dynamic in relation to it.

@dibbygibby

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelcheng6469 and I reckon that most people who are comfortable at km zero would according to James be on the wrong bike? - you have people replying here that they are now worried they are on the wrong bike but the question is are they having any issues!

@guppyitsallgood

Жыл бұрын

@@dibbygibby at this point I feel like you're just looking for someone to argue semantics with. I don't think your comment was particularly clear, but I think there is an ideal position, at least theoretically. Power delivery and aerodynamics can be optimised. The only question left is can comfort be optimised? And I imagine at least to a certain extent, it can. If you've got a bunch of money to spend on a brand new bike, it does seem reasonable to try get a picture of what would make you generally most comfortable. I was a competitive kayaker, and I think anyone who has competed in these kinds of disciplines can recognise the benefit in filming and optimising your action (whether paddling or pedalling). I spent time working on, and making observable gains by maintaining an ideal position and motion. Sure the average person riding a bike might not have much to gain, but at the prices they are, it's not really aimed at someone riding their comfy commuter or a cruise around the park is it? There's only one way it's worth it. You ride enough K's, hard enough. Maybe you should pay for a bike fit with him and give us an independent review, I'd watch it.

A discussion on crank length would be great, seems like they are all to long. When in the drops my legs hit my chest, but being taller a bike will come with long arms. Bigger rider == Longer cranks??

Very good advices thanks a lot !