Copyright 2004 Waterford Precision Cycles, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Page - 11
Step 4: Establish the rider’s initial top tube length.
A. Reset the head tube height to create a horizontal top tube.
B. With the top tube slider loose, slide the front angle plate forward until you reach the computed
theoretical top tube length (also known as the effective top tube length).
C. To the extent that you slope the top tube, subtract 2mm to the top tube length for each centimeter
(or degree) of top tube slope. This is an approximation of the effect of top tube slope on the theo-
retical top tube. For example, if you want a 56cm theoretical top tube, with a 5 centimeter slope,
the actual top tube (measured center to center will end up about 1cm shorter, or 55cm.
D. Once you establish the starting top tube length and slope. Lock down all the sliders, the stem and
bars.
E. The rider should pedal under light to moderat resistance to warm up. Waterford recommends that
the rider warm up fully - 5-10 minutes - before providing feedback on the fit.
Custom Fitting (Cont’d).
Step 5: Get rider feedback and adjust the rider fit .
This is where the fitter’s “bedside manner’ is crucial. The goal is to get the most honest feed-
back possible from the rider and then to make adjustments accordingly. Be wary of riders who give
you the answers they think you want to hear. Be especially sensitive to issues brought up during the
rider inventory.
Ask, listen, observe and document.
A. Look for rocking of the hips from side to side or riding with the feet pointed downward. These
symptoms indicates excessive leg extension.
B. Look for excessive back movement (“hopping up and down”), this may indicate too low a saddle
position.
C. Look for comments about knee pain - another indicator of improper saddle height..
D. Listen for comments about being cramped or over-stretched. This indicates the need for a top
tube adjustment.
E. Listen for complaints about lower back and shoulder pain. These symptoms typically indicated a
position with handlebar height and reach as well as saddle angle.
The above comments just scratch the surface of possible conditions to address through the fitting
process. Training and experience will provide you the tools to address a wide range of fit issues.
The key is to adjust the rider’s position until he or she feels comfortable with their riding position
and otherwise show reasonable form.
Step 6: Record the measurements.
Once you and the rider establish the ideal fit, it is essential to record all the pertinant statistics as
a prelude to creating the custom bike. Your custom builder may have specific measurement require-
ments you will want to record at the end of the fitting. The following is a basic list:
A. Saddle height from the bottom bracket.
B. Seat tube length (center to center)
C. Top tube length (center to center).
D. Top tube angle (in degrees).
E. Stem length and rise.
F. Saddle position on the rails.
G. Saddle height over (or under) the bars.
H. Bar width.
I. Crank length.
