Bicycle Fitting Tools

Most bicycle fitting tools are fundamental tools that most cyclists have in their underseat packs, but there are a few specialized tools that are used for fine-tuning the cyclist’s bike to his individual body shape. By utilizing some new tools and tricks, bikes are more comfortable than ever.

  1. Cleat Wedges

    • Cleat wedges work by leveling the cyclist’s foot to the pedal. Most cyclists do not have flat feet, but pedal and cleat attachments force the cyclist's foot into a flat position. This causes stress on the knee, tilting it to the side. As pedal stroke repetition continues all day, stress on the knee and foot can become a problem. Cleat wedges are tools that slip under the cleat of the cyclist's shoe and stay there. The wedge brings the cleat up on one side to bring the pedal surface square with the cyclist’s foot, aligning the knee, foot and leg to the pedal.

    Plumb Bob

    • The simple string and weight combination aligns the knee directly above the cyclist’s cleat. To utilize the plumb bob tool alignment method, the cyclists puts the bike in a trainer, gets on the bike, puts his hands into the grips and brings the pedals to the horizontal position. By holding the plumb bob at the center of the knee and letting the plumb bob hang straight down, the cyclist can see if the knee is directly above the center of the pedal. If not, the seat can be moved forward or backward, depending on the reading of the plumb bob and string tool.

    Allen Wrenches and Screwdrivers

    • All bike-fitting adjustments require Allen wrenches. Most adjustments for bike fitting can be done with either a 4mm or a 5mm Allen wrench. These work on the seat post, the handlebars, stem and all shifter and brake handle positioning. Other adjustments such as pedal and cleat fitting may require a No. 2 Phillips screwdriver.

    Angle Finders

    • Other bike-fitting tools are levels and large compasses, "G-Meters" or “angle finders.” When a cyclist is sitting on the bike, with hands in the grips, his back should be at a 45 degree angle to the ground. By holding a level at the bike's top tube, adjusting the compass to 45 degrees, then having an assistant hold them to the profile of the cyclist, the 45 degree angle can be dialed in by adjusting stem length or grip positioning. It can be beneficial to trace the angles onto a large piece of cardboard, cut it out and use it for an impromptu angle-finding tool.