Every bike fit is a puzzle in motion. Get the geometry right and your cycling experience becomes smooth, powerful and pain-free; get it wrong and even short spins breed nagging aches. This article explains how Andrew Budge and his team at Livefit Australia’s boutique fit studio turn stock frames into custom extensions of your body. You’ll discover why correct size matters, how a thorough fitting transforms your bike, and which fit recommendations—like switching to 165 mm cranks—can super-charge performance. Read on if you want to pedal farther, faster and happier.
Outline
-
Why does every cyclist need a professional bike fit, not just a bigger or smaller bike?
-
How does a bike fitter measure the perfect saddle height and hip angle?
-
What role does crank length play, and why are 165 mm cranks trending?
-
Can a comprehensive bike fitting solve knee pain and other discomfort?
-
How does Andrew Budge bike fitting personalise cleat alignment and pedal stroke?
-
Which upper body cues signal a need to reduce the reach or adjust the handlebar tilt?
-
Why frame size is only half the story: assessing bike frame geometry and flexibility.
-
What happens during the Livefit pre-fit interview and on-bike review?
-
How does biomechanical assessment tailor road bikes, mountain bikes and triathlon rigs?
-
What should a rider expect from follow-up fitting services and ongoing optimisation?
1. Why does every cyclist need a professional bike fit, not just a bigger or smaller bike?
Buying a new bike by size alone feels logical—until your lower back screams after 30 km. That’s because frame size addresses only inseam and torso length, ignoring hip angle, arm reach and upper body stability. A professional bike fitting fine-tunes dozens of micro-dimensions, from seat height to cleat rotation, ensuring full leg length utilisation and balanced weight distribution.
During a Livefit session the bike fitter observes the rider’s posture, pedalling style and flexibility. Subtle adjustment—sometimes a single spacer under the stem—transforms the cycling position. The result is seamless power transfer, lower heart-rate drift and fewer post-ride twinges. Investing in a fit means future frame upgrades start from a data-rich baseline, not guesswork.
2. How does a bike fitter measure the perfect saddle height and hip angle?
Setting saddle height by eye can lead to over-extension (stressing tendons) or under-extension (wasting watts). Livefit uses a simple plumb line, digital level and physical assessment skills to locate the sweet spot where the knee achieves full leg extension without rocking the hips. Achieving the right hip angle keeps the pelvis stable so glutes fire efficiently and lower back muscles stay calm.
Next comes fore-aft: aligning the kneecap over the pedal spindle balances torque across the range of motion. Andrew then rechecks pedal stroke under load, asking the cyclist to sprint and climb while he observes ankle articulation. This process highlights any unexpected asymmetry that a quick showroom trial ride would never reveal.
3. What role does crank length play, and why are 165 mm cranks trending?
Crank length dictates knee travel and hip angle. Riders with limited lumbar mobility or shorter femurs often benefit from 165 mm arms; the reduced arc lets hips stay open, improving breathing and lowering perceived exertion. Shorter cranks also allow a lower front end without compressing the torso—gold dust for aerodynamic time trial and triathlon positions.
Yet crank swaps aren’t about fashion; they’re data-driven. Livefit’s approach to bike fitting includes measuring femur-to-tibia ratio and preferred cadence. Andrew explains that many women and junior athletes immediately gain seven to ten watts simply because shorter arms remove artificial strain. In other words, one small mechanical change can maximise both comfort and sustainable wattage.
4. Can a comprehensive bike fitting solve knee pain and other discomfort?
Yes—if the root cause is biomechanical rather than pathological. Most cycling discomfort stems from load imbalance: a saddle too low, a cleat angled outward, or a cockpit too long. Livefit tackles these issues via a comprehensive bike fitting protocol: assess, adjust, test. When knee tracking diverges, Andrew checks cleat rotation and stance width, then suggests shims if leg-length discrepancy appears.
The payoff is tangible. Clients with chronic knee pain often leave describing the ride home as “effortless.” By unloading aggravated tissues and improving joint alignment, the process supports healing and prevents relapse. That’s why physios and sports doctors frequently refer patients to a good bike fitter before prescribing invasive treatments.
5. How does Andrew Budge bike fitting personalise cleat alignment and pedal stroke?
No two feet hit a pedal identically. Livefit starts by marking the first metatarsal and locating the cleat so the ball of the foot centres over the axle, optimising leverage through the pedal circle. Next, Andrew watches for varus or valgus tilt; if present, he installs wedges to level the knees during the power phase. This micro-tuning reduces shear force on ligaments and tendons.
Finally, the on-bike review captures cadence and torque smoothness. A slow-motion replay reveals whether the pedaler drops heels excessively or toe-points, flagging future strain. Correcting these patterns early improves long-term cycling performance and keeps the nervous system learning an efficient motor pattern.
6. Which upper body cues signal a need to reduce the reach or adjust the handlebar tilt?
Numb fingers, tight traps or flared elbows often trace back to cockpit length. Andrew checks whether the elbow sits slightly bent and shoulders relaxed; if not, he may reduce the reach by moving the saddle forward, installing a shorter stem or rotating the handlebar. Proper tilt keeps wrist angle neutral, preventing nerve compression and restoring comfy steering precision.
Subsequent test laps confirm that breathing deepens and the rider can glance behind without wobbling. These simple changes remind cyclists that small cockpit tweaks, not wholesale bike swaps, frequently deliver the biggest gains in control and endurance.
7. Why frame size is only half the story: assessing bike frame geometry and flexibility.
A 54 cm bike frame from one brand may ride like a 56 cm from another; stack and reach metrics vary widely. Livefit’s method weighs published numbers against each client’s flexibility and core strength. A taller stack benefits riders with tight hamstrings, while those chasing speed might choose a lower front end coupled with shorter cranks to preserve hip angle.
The evaluation extends to stem angle, seatpost setback and bar flare. Andrew also explores future proofing: if a customer plans to specialise in gravel or mountain bikes, he’ll ensure the chosen geometry accommodates fatter tyres and wider bars without compromising performance and comfort.
8. What happens during the Livefit pre-fit interview and on-bike review?
The pre-fit interview covers medical history, training load and riding style—critical context for tailoring adjustments. Next comes the static physical assessment: spinal curves, hamstring length, ankle dorsiflexion and any observable asymmetry. Only then does the on-bike review begin, capturing real-time footage while the pedaler hits target wattages.
Throughout, Andrew narrates findings so the client learns to self-monitor posture on future rides. The final print-out lists stack, reach, frame size, saddle height, setback and fit recommendations for accessories like insoles or 165 mm cranksets. Every number links directly to an observed functional need, turning raw data into actionable guidance.
9. How does biomechanical assessment tailor road bikes, mountain bikes and triathlon rigs?
Different disciplines impose unique loads. Road bikes emphasise long steady output, so Livefit seeks a stable pelvis and mid-torso for energy economy. Mountain bikes demand quicker micro-adjustments to terrain, leading Andrew to lower seat height slightly and widen bars for leverage. In triathlon, maintaining open hips during aero tuck is paramount; here a shorter crank and forward saddle preserve hip angle and guard against tight hip flexors later in the run.
Each solution begins with a thorough biomechanical assessment—joint ranges, tissue compliance, muscle firing order—before the mechanics change anything. This systematic process ensures every adjustment matches the athlete’s individual needs rather than generic discipline stereotypes.
10. What should a rider expect from follow-up fitting services and ongoing optimisation?
Bodies change. Strength routines, accidents or even new shoes alter the kinetic chain. Livefit offers follow-up fitting services six to twelve months post-session to optimise setups. Clients bring fresh data—race results, power files, new bike shop purchases—and Andrew checks whether numbers still align with goals.
Minor tweaks like a two-millimetre saddle drop or half-degree cleat rotation protect progress. Those who swap to aero bars, heavier winter tyres or new shoes receive tailored micro-fits to maintain the delicate blend of power and comfort. Continuous care underscores Livefit’s promise to personalize every detail, keeping each bicycle an ally, not a liability.
Key Points to Remember
-
A precise bike fit is the fastest upgrade for any bike, enhancing cycling performance and longevity.
-
Andrew Budge bike fitting uses hands-on tools and decades of insight, not flashy gadgets.
-
Correct hip angle, saddle height and handlebar reach eliminate excess strain and maximise power.
-
165 mm cranks can open hips, improve cadence and boost aero potential.
-
Continuous reviews ensure each cyclist stays aligned with evolving individual needs and goals, from club rides to triathlon podiums.
Share:
Perth Bike Fit Masterclass: Saddle Science & Bicycle Performance with Livefit Australia in WA – Insights from Andrew Budge