It’s -2 degrees in Minneapolis as I write this, and for many of us, riding our road bike or mountain bike outside is still a far-off vision. I know that the hardcore riders, commuters, and fat bike riders are out there no matter the conditions, but for many of us, winter means bringing the workouts indoors. With smart trainers and apps like Zwift, indoor cycling workouts are no longer the boring fests they once were.
There’s no denying that riding a trainer, stationary bike, or rollers during the offseason will pay huge dividends in strength and fitness come spring. It’s also a great time to evaluate form, technique, and position on your bike. As the old saying goes, practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
For just that reason, the offseason is the perfect time to get your bike fit. It allows you time to adapt to your new position. With any changes to your bike fit, it takes time to develop new muscle recruitment. On the trainer, you typically ride with less intensity and for shorter durations than you do outside; riding a trainer at lower intensities and shorter durations helps to acclimatize and build strength in your new position.
Two of the biggest concerns that I hear from people about getting fit over the winter are;
1) They may not be in the best riding shape, so there is concern that the bike fit may not be accurate.
Every person fluctuates a little in their fitness throughout the course of the year, even top athletes have a peak fitness level. We want your bike to fit you throughout the season, not only at a fitness peak or valley. If we fit your bike only for your peak fitness your position would not have the versatility to serve your needs year around.
2) They won’t have a chance to feel their bike out on the road until spring, so they won’t be able to properly evaluate their new riding position.
At ERIK’S we always do a complimentary follow-up session; it takes time to adapt to a new position, and we need your feedback to really dial in the fit. With offseason fits, we can schedule your follow-up after you have had a chance to get outside and ride and get a good feel for things on the road.
Getting your bike fit in the offseason gives you the whole season to ride your perfect fit!