The Peddler: Finding the Right Bike Fit

After training for the Rapha Women's 100 for about two months, I now officially have my own bike.

And it's making all the difference.

I've gone from a borrowed unisex bike to my newly purchased women's specific, and I got a proper fit. The bars feel higher and closer to me, and after riding it, I can say I'm much more likely to be happier sitting there for hours.

Before stepping foot in a bike shop, I had been bugging friends while casually looking at bikes online—which ones are good intro bikes, which ones have good (enough) components and what would be a good price range?

The Bike Shop

After going to a local bike shop and trying out a few bicycles, it honestly felt like wedding dress shopping. I went in with an idea of what my bike would look like, and after trying some that were completely wrong or felt wonderful, I walked out with something different than what I originally intended.

They all kind of felt the same as each other: completely different than the borrowed bike I had been riding, and much more comfortable.

After a while, I started to figure out which of them I might feel comfortable riding for hours at a time. I found one, but somebody had already spoken for it at the shop. So, I went up to the shop's main store north of Dallas.

I went for a test ride, and it felt fine. Just fine. I didn't exactly know. It seemed good enough?

More: What to Look for When Buying a Used Bike

The Fit

The associate put the bike on a trainer and had me ride for a little while. He looked concerned. He pulled out some measuring tape along with a contraption that showed an angle and began measuring different things, all the while shaking his head. I'd move forward, still clipped in, balancing while he'd adjust my seat. As I started to pedal once more, he said another bike might be a better fit.

The one I originally requested would work, he said, he'd just have to change out the stem, move the handlebars and move the seat a little more, while the other bike would be a better fit as soon as I hit the saddle.

I trusted him as he spoke about the details. For example, it wasn't until then that I found out I had longer legs and a shorter torso. I was also surprised he was suggesting a less expensive bike.

He put this 51 cm purple Trek Lexa on the trainer, I clipped in and we went through the process all over again. He nodded looking pleased, which made me feel well enough. I was still getting used to a bike that felt so much better. I had no clue how the previous bike fit so poorly until now.

After asking if they had this bike in my newly discovered size but a different color and getting a positive answer, a decision was made.

I now feel like I should've posted a picture to Instagram with the bike and a sign that read "I said yes to the bike."

Of course, I had to wait a bit while they tuned up whatever they needed to tune. I had to wonder if this wait period was on purpose, because I ended up buying shoes, cleats, helmet, socks and gloves.

More: 4 Ways to Avoid Neglecting Your Bike

Onward

I was really confused why this bike was making such a difference. The borrowed bike felt so much larger, but it was technically a smaller size.

Apparently, the women's specific geometry of the Trek is making a big enough difference. This approach includes taking into account aspects like handlebar width. Also, it seems that my longer legs and shorter torso simply work out with this bike.

So, try, try and try again until you find the right fit. As long as you have an expert guiding you along the way, you'll be in good shape.

To find out more information about The Rapha Women's 100 or to pledge to ride July 26, visit Rapha's site.

Read the rest of The Peddler series.