Race Week Bike Fit: Why It’s the Smartest Way to Gain Free Speed

Why Pre-Race Bike Fit Matters (Even if You’ve Already Been Fit)

Race week is not just about tapering and nutrition. If your position isn’t optimized for race day, you could be leaving huge watts on the table. Every watt saved from better aerodynamics, stability, or efficiency turns into a faster time — without extra effort.

Think of it like this:
👉 If you’re riding at 200 watts, and we find you 10 free watts from fit and position adjustments — that’s a 5% gain, which can be minutes faster in your bike split.

What You Can Still Fix This Week:

1. Your Pelvis Isn’t Stable = Lost Power

Your saddle is more than just a seat — it’s your power platform.

We recently did a saddle pressure map for a rider where 70% of the weight was dumping onto the right side. After the fit, balance was restored, and pelvic rotation reduced — this rider is now pushing more watts symmetrically.

2. Wrong Crank Length? You’ll Feel It

We fit Porter Kochis recently and found he was using 175mm cranks. After switching to 170mm, Pedaling Pro System showed improved mechanics and comfort. Smaller cranks = better hip mobility, less strain, more consistent torque.

3. Handlebars Too Low = You Can’t Breathe

If your bars are too low for your spine mobility, you're collapsing your chest and struggling to breathe efficiently. In thermal imaging, this shows up as excess upper body heat, a sign that you're compensating — and losing efficiency. Fix the cockpit and you free your lungs.

4. Wrist Pain or Shoulder Discomfort?

These are clues. You’re likely overreaching, flaring elbows, or riding in a poor pressure zone. Temperature mapping reveals where the hotspots are — and where we need to intervene.

The Power of Thermal and Pressure Mapping

We're using Temperature Technology to go deeper into fit science. With tools like:

  • Thermal Imaging: Pinpoints hotspots caused by poor biomechanics

  • Saddle Mapping: Reveals pelvic symmetry and weight distribution

  • Pedaling Pro System: Used by World Tour teams like Visma to refine pedaling mechanics

  • Crank Length Analysis: Ensures optimal knee tracking and power phase timing

These tools help us make real, measurable improvements — even in a single session.

Book Now — Spots Are Limited This Week

I’m heading to Ironman 70.3 Michigan, but I’ve left open a few slots for race week fits and adjustments. If you’re racing this weekend, this could be the easiest way to:

✅ Ride faster
✅ Hurt less
✅ Avoid mechanical surprises
✅ Show up to T2 fresher

📅 [Booking linkridescience.com/book-your-fit]
📍 Ride Science Fit Lab – [Your Location]

Let’s make your race smoother, faster, and stronger — by fixing it before the start line.

Bonus Feature:
Ask about your Thermal Test Fit when you book. See your hotspots. Fix your weak links. Ride smarter.