Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Optimize Your Ride: What Is a Medical Bike Fit and Why It Matters

Whether you're a weekend warrior, daily commuter or competitive cyclist, comfort and performance on your bike are everything. At Howard Head Sports Medicine, our team will work with you to help you ride better, feel better and stay injury-free.
 

What Is a Medical Bike Fit?

A medical bike fit is more than just adjusting your seat and handlebars. It’s a clinical, personalized assessment of how your body interacts with your bike, designed to optimize comfort, prevent injury and enhance performance.

Unlike a standard bike fitting, which focuses primarily on the bike's measurements and basic setup, a medical bike fit starts with you. Our trained specialists assess:
  • Flexibility and joint mobility
  • Muscle imbalances and strength deficits
  • Past injuries or surgeries
  • Pain patterns and posture
  • Pedal stroke mechanics and movement efficiency

Then, we apply those insights to your bike by adjusting saddle height and position, handlebar reach, cleat alignment and more to create a fit tailored to your body and your goals.
 

Who Can Benefit?

Our medical bike is especially valuable for:
  • Riders with chronic pain (knee, hip, neck, lower back, etc.).
  • Those recovering from injury or surgery.
  • Anyone who wants to ride more comfortably and efficiently.

Even if you feel fine now, a medical bike fit can help you prevent overuse injuries and improve performance in the long run.
 

Covered by Insurance? It Can Be.

Many of our medical bike fits are covered by insurance when part of a physical therapy plan. It’s always worth checking, especially if you're experiencing pain or recovering from an injury.
 

Why Choose Howard Head?

Our clinicians are trained and guided by clinical expertise, biomechanical analysis and evidence-informed practice. We bring together physical therapy knowledge with real-world cycling experience to give you a fit that feels right and keeps you riding stronger, longer. Learn more about scheduling a medical bike fit with one of our providers today!