Oswald Cycle Works...custom bicycle frames handmade by Tom Oswald

Bicycle Fitting Services

We can make you a better rider!

What is good bicycle fit?
At the most basic level it starts with a bike and frame that are the best size for you, with the seat set to the right height, a comfortable reach to the handlebars, and your weight distributed appropriately between the two wheels. At more intricate levels it can involve subtle adjustments to improve your comfort on the bike, or tiny refinements of your position in order to maximize power output, speed and efficiency.

Why do you want good bicycle fit?
If you are a recreational rider, first of all it will make you more comfortable. It will also have the pleasant side effects of helping you avoid injury and ride more efficiently. That means you can go faster and farther for the same effort, see more stuff along the way, and have more fun.
If you are a competitive rider or racer, good fit will help you to ride faster and be fresher at the end of a long ride or race. It will help you avoid injury. So you can train better, race harder and improve your results.

How do you get good bicycle fit?
You really can’t do it on your own. You need professional help. That’s where Oswald Cycle Works comes in. We have helped hundreds of people become better riders. We can help you too. Check out the options below, then call or email us to schedule your own fit session. Can’t get here in person? We still may be able to help. Tom has had great success helping people achieve excellent fit using just the telephone and email.

The Options:

Frame Sizing – This is the way to figure out what size bike to buy. First we discuss what kind of riding you do and what your goals are. Next we take about a dozen body measurements and get a gauge on your flexibility. Then we boil all that info down to come up with the best size bike and components (cranks, stem, bars etc.) for you. This service is offered free with the purchase of any new bike from Oswald Cycle Works. It can also be a valuable second opinion if you’re buying a bike elsewhere. Long distance (you take the measurements, we do the calculating) $25. In person (we do it all) $35.

Bike Fitting – This is the best way to make an existing bike fit you better. We do all of the Frame Sizing procedures listed above, then put your bike on a stationary trainer, install an adjustable sizing stem and adjust cleats, seat, bars and stem to your optimal position. You may need to buy new parts (stem, seatpost, cranks, handlebars etc.) to achieve the desired improvements. $60.

Power Bike Fitting – This is the way to maximize your performance on the bike. First we get a baseline reading of your current power output vs. heart rate using a CycleOps Electronic trainer. Next we do a Frame Sizing and a Bike Fitting. Then we further refine your position to optimize your wattage/heart rate ratio. Would you be faster if you scooted your seat back a little bit? Should you time trial at 85rpm or 95rpm? How far can you lower your handlebars before you start losing power? Our Power Bike Fitting can answer all those questions and more. You will come away a faster, more comfortable, and more knowledgeable rider. $100.

Cleat Shimming – This is the way to avoid knee problems and also improve your power output. Most people have some degree of forefoot tilt that can cause their knees to not track properly while pedaling (i.e. the knees move in and out as they go up and down). That can be uncomfortable and inefficient. We use the LeMond LeWedge system to view knee tracking problems, measure forefoot tilt and install the right shims under your cleats to compensate for it. This will eliminate unnecessary stress on your knees and let you put more of your power into the pedals. Service $25, LeWedge kit $25.

The Works – The ultimate in fit. Combines our Power Bike Fitting and Cleat Shimming for a special package price. Want to revolutionize your riding? This is how you do it. $135.

Oswald Cycle Works - 7 North Main Street, Mansfield, PA 16933 - (570) 662-3097

The Oswald name, logo, and all lug and gusset designs, including the flame gusset, are trademarks of Oswald Cycle Works.
Site last updated: March 3, 2008