The Waterford Fit Process

Growing custom bike demand goes hand-in-hand with the increasing appreciation of how much good fit impacts both performance and enjoyment. Waterford's flexibility really shines in this area.

Many fitting systems have popped up in the bicycle world in recent years. Though several systems can yield a good fit, we find some common elements of the most successful methods:

• They happen face-to-face with a skilled fitter. Only through trained eyes can someone see how you interact with the bicycle.
• They make body measurement a starting point, with observation and your feedback as key parts of completing the fit.
• They recognize that comfort is a key element of even performance fits.
• They anticipate that your ideal fit will change with your level of fitness, age and other health-related factors.

Waterford has performed over 1000 fittings at our factory in Wisconsin. Through the years we have developed a highly successful method for achieving a comfortable and powerful fit for our clients:

By studying the rider and the current bike, developing a starting position, then adjusting it before creating the desired bike, a shop can develop a great fit. The value of face to face fitting advice cannot be underestimated when compared to typical fitting formulas.

That's why we developed the Fitmaster professional sizing machine, the leading tool to let professional bike fitters assure you a great fit.

We recommend a review of your fit before making your Waterford purchase. Here are some tips on insuring a good fitting session:

• Measurements provide a starting point but only rarely the ending point. Your riding habits, level of flexibility, medical conditions and riding objectives all have an impact on your ideal frame size.
• Your ideal frame size may evolve as the season and your riding evolves. The key is to find a fit that works well for you now, but also can be adjusted for how your riding will change over the coming years.
• A fitting is an opportunity to review your riding style and habits. Sometimes, changes in your pedaling style, posture and other aspects of riding technique can improve your overall enjoyment. Likewise, examining your fitness, flexibility and strength can also lead to changes which can affect your riding.
• Make sure you are comfortable working with your fitter. The ideal fitter not only has good bike knowledge but also the ability to listen, observe and coach.
• Don't be afraid to speak up during a fitting. Your feedback is very important to achieving a good fit. Just because the fitter says you look good doesn't mean you are good. If it doesn't feel right, it isn't right.
• This also applies to disclosure. It's very important to let the fitter know about any conditions you have including soreness, numbness and, of course, any known medical conditions that might have a bearing on your situation.
• Be patient - both during and after the fitting. A full fitting session should allow you to warm up before finalizing a fit and will involve up to an hour of pedaling. If significant changes are suggested from a fit, you may need an "implementation plan" to gradually move to your new riding position.

Waterford's Quick Bike Fit Guide shows you the essential fit dimensions a seek as a starting point for developing a good design for you.

A professional fitting can cost over $200. Given the number of hours you may spend in the saddle, it can be a valuable investment.