If you enjoy outdoor exercise, this social isolation is probably putting quite a weight on you. Fortunately, cyclists can still enjoy the great outdoors fairly safely, because it’s a wide-open, high-speed activity. Most trails, suburban neighborhoods and even urban cityscapes are still fairly safe, since you’re not really up around people. Just be sure to wear a mask, and sanitize yourself and your bike every time you go out and come home.
However, road bike fitting is a lot more difficult right now, because many bike shops aren’t open, and it’s not really safe to go into the ones that are. However, the Internet is saving the day in a lot of ways with this isolation, and yet again, it’s making road bike fitting a safe thing to do as well.
How Online Road Bike Fitting Works!
How does this work? How do you get an online bike fit? After all, adjustments have to be made to the bike, measurements have to be taken, and an expert opinion needs to weigh in. Well, it depends. Some bike shops are offering online bike fitting, where you have the measurements done, drop the bike off, and pick it back up after adjustments have been made. This is mostly safe, because the bike is sanitized before and after being handled, and no actual contact is made between you and other people.
However, most online bike fit services require you to be a little more hands-on. You will have to make the adjustments yourself, but honestly, as long as you have the right tools, it’s not that difficult. In fact, most of them will explain exactly what to do, and even provide you with video tutorials on how to do it. This is actually healthy, because you understand and appreciate your bike much more if you have to do the modifications and adjustments yourself!
How do Experts Weigh in with an Online Bike Fit?
So, when it comes to Internet-based road bike fitting, how do experts help you? Well, this can be done in three different ways. Recent times and a demand for online solutions for a number of problems have led to a rapid development in this area in fact. Some services will provide you with one-on-one videoconferencing, where they will talk you through majoring your bike, majoring yourself and so on, and will discuss your biking environment.
Others are a simple app that have you fill out some information, and then provide you with instructions on adjustments and accessory suggestions. Others are a mix of the two, with moderated AI that can help you determine what you need, and talk you through doing it.
Yes, and online bike fit does lack some of the social aspect, and it does make things a little more challenging, and a little more involved. Nonetheless, as long as you’re willing to do your part, you can safely enjoy your cycling hobby and spite of these trying times. It’s really not that much harder, it just requires a little more patience. Thank you in advance for doing your part to help these difficult times passed by quicker, and in saving lives in the long run! Happy cycling!