One of the most common reasons to revisit your bike fit is improvement. A new rider logging more miles will often gain mobility and strength, particularly in the hips, spine, and shoulders. This can lead to a more aggressive riding position, allowing for a lower front end and a more powerful saddle height. If you started with a conservative fit to accommodate limited flexibility, you may now be leaving speed and efficiency on the table simply because your bike hasn’t kept up with your body’s progress.
The reverse is also true. If you’ve been off the bike due to injury, life circumstances, or simply winter hibernation, you may find that your old fit no longer serves you. A position that once felt dialed in might now cause discomfort or even pain. As Andy Pruitt famously says, “Make the bike match the body.” That could mean raising the handlebars, lowering the saddle, or adjusting reach to keep you in a sustainable, pain-free position as you regain fitness and mobility.
Even small changes in riding habits can make a big difference. A cyclist shifting from occasional weekend rides to structured training will develop different muscle recruitment patterns and posture. Someone who starts bikepacking or long-distance endurance events may find that their old race-oriented fit isn’t as comfortable over hours in the saddle. And let’s not forget the aging process—what worked at 30 might not be ideal at 50. A yearly check-in ensures that your bike continues to support your goals rather than working against them.
At our clinic, we often see riders who assume their bike fit from years ago is still optimal, only to discover that subtle aches, numbness, or loss of efficiency have crept in. It’s not always obvious when your fit needs tweaking; discomfort can build gradually, and inefficiencies can develop slowly. This is why we recommend a fit assessment at least once a year, or every six months for those undergoing significant changes—whether that’s recovering from injury, ramping up training, or aging into a new era of cycling.
A good bike fit isn’t just about aerodynamics or wattage—it’s about sustainability. The goal is to ride comfortably, efficiently, and injury-free for years to come. And that requires recognizing that your body is dynamic, not fixed. If your strength, flexibility, or goals change, your fit should evolve too. It’s not about getting fit once—it’s about staying fit for life.
As a licensed physical therapist and bike fitter, I’ve worked with elite and professional cyclists, trained at leading fit education organizations like Specialized, and developed my own approach to integrating biomechanics, physical therapy, and real-world cycling demands. Whether you’re a competitive racer, a weekend warrior, or someone just getting started, your bike should support you—not the other way around. If it’s been a while since your last fit, it might be time to check in. Your body has changed. Has your bike fit?
