Credits: Article and images by Tim Mosso @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/05/27/__trashed-6/
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Having pursued a decade’s worth of physical therapy, medications, various kinds of injections, ice packs, and rest, a new bike fit was the only unexplored avenue for relieving the worst of my discomfort.
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/05/2-TIM-GRESH.jpg)
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/05/2-TIM-GRESH.jpg)
Tim Gresh, founder of GreshFit bike fitters
After a few failures to launch, a fit appointment was made, and I paid a mid-January visit to GreshFit. Following introductions, Tim spent two hours leading me through efforts on a stationary trainer, positioning on my existing bike, flexibility tests, and evaluations of my current fit.
This is a good time to mention that GreshFit is an observational fitting studio. While it sounds self-evident that a bike fit would involve a supervisor “observing” a rider, primary reliance on firsthand observation is something distinct.
Since the 2000s, bike fit studios have been overrun with technological gimmicks of varying value. Lasers, cameras, video playback, motion capture software, and computer analytics have promoted secondhand observation that leaves the fitter’s eye and judgement dependent on the output of an electronic filter.
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/05/PHOTO-A-BALANCE-TESTING.jpg)
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/05/PHOTO-A-BALANCE-TESTING.jpg)
Tim Mosso testing his balance on a bike
At best, this tech can supplement an experienced fitter’s expertise. At worst, it can be a crutch for deficits of understanding and skill. The less foundational experience a fitter brings to the job, the greater the likelihood that standardized tech will produce standardized solutions. In general, the best fit studios have less of this.
Frankly, I was relieved to see nothing but a turbo trainer and a virtual road screen inside of the fitting space.
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/05/4-EVALUATING-KNEE-TRACKING.jpg)
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/05/4-EVALUATING-KNEE-TRACKING.jpg)
Evaluating knee tracking for pedal width and shape
Tim spotted issues immediately. Viewed from behind, my knees were moving diagonally; vertical motion is ideal. Knee tracking corresponds directly to knee health, and mine had been declining for years. Special-order Speedplay pedals with dramatically longer 59mm spindles – up from my old 53mm – were selected.
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/05/5-EVALUATING-CRANK-LENGTH.jpg)
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/05/5-EVALUATING-CRANK-LENGTH.jpg)
Evaluating pedal crank length
Knee flexion at the top and bottom of my pedal stroke was excessive; new crankarms of 165mm – down from 175mm – were specified. All of this helped to close my hips and remove potentially aggravating motion.
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Credits: Article and images by Tim Mosso @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/05/27/__trashed-6/