My virtual fitting with Dougie was AWESOME. He talked me through adjusting my cleats to a different position and orientation and then changing every aspect of the bike fit. For those who ride a Peloton, my settings went from an I-16-B to an L-20-F! The bike couldn't feel more different under me. Immediately, I felt activation in my hamstrings that I've never had before. Dougie also coached me on my pedal stroke; it's going to require continued work and focus, but it's great to have a professional telling my exactly what I need to do to improve. I haven't even been riding a year yet at this point, and I'm glad I didn't wait any longer to get fitted. This is going to totally change the way I ride for the better. I can't wait to do my first endurance ride at these new settings! read more

This review is based on my hubby's experience but I was there watching, taking notes and pics and marvelling in the technology and expertise. Before this process started, my hubby was very sceptical of this new-fangled bike fitting system. In his day *coughs* it was very common to get your steel bike custom made and any good bike shop had the ability to measure you up at no extra cost. And if you're not a pro - will a fitting really improve your performance? Well after an in-depth session with Dougie at Edinburgh Bike Fitting we have a much better understanding of who will benefit and how. So, If your're not a pro looking for marginal gains, why is this fairly expensive service needed? ONE: Most bikes are now carbon and stamped out in a factory far, far away. You've only got 3 options, Small, Medium or Large and any adjustments come from your handlebar stem and seatpost. Chances are you bought it online or in a chain store that has no idea how to fit a bike. You now have a sore back, dodgy knees and a stiff neck from riding your expensive yet poor fitting bike. What do you do? Take your bike to a specialist bike fitter and they can adjust your position so you can ride comfortably and maybe even a bit better. TWO: You don't want to buy a poor fitting carbon bike but there are so many brands out there - each with slightly different geometry and sizing. The Retul system Dougie uses is connected a big database of off the shelf bikes. He can take detailed measurements using lots of wires and lasers from all different angles - plug that into the database and hey-presto you get a list of the best bikes for your body and riding positions. You no longer are at the mercy of poorly trained salespeople (or even knowledgeable ones trying to sell you the most expensive bike). THREE: This was my hubby's reason for crossing over into the hi-tech dark side of cycling. You want to buy a good old-fashioned custom built steel bike - made just for your and your quirky long back and short legs. After searching for months the bike builder you settle on is in Holland. You can either fly over for the builder to take measurements OR most builders will accept measurements taken by a reputable system (Retul is top of the list). My hubby was happy to find a Retul Fitter right here in Edinburgh and Dougie took this service to an even higher level. So, although we both saw merit in the bike fitting system in general the 5 stars really go to Dougie (sole proprietor at Edinburgh Bike Fitting). Pretty much anybody can go for a few days training, buy the kit and become a registered Retul Fitter. Dougie's background and previous experience allow him to provide an in-depth fitting service that goes way beyond sticking on sensors and letting the software do all the work. Not only is he an avid cyclist, he has gained valuable knowledge through studying sports science and sports massage both requiring a huge amount of anatomy and physiology. When the laser traces showed an imbalance in my hubby's left hip and leg (where he was also experiencing dull by annoying pain), Dougie was able to offer suggestions for exercises and stretches as well as making adjustments on the bike. I'm sure there are not many other fitters that could do the same! All these measurements were done on a Bicycle shaped 'rig'. For the one price, we were also able to bring the newly built bike in (even several months later) and have his position tweaked to optimise comfort and performance. My hubby is now a bike fit convert - but only if the fitter has the additional knowledge of cycling and anatomy like Dougie. Note: These fittings are by appointment as Dougie may not be in the shop if you just drop in. The entry is the door next to 'Laid Back Cycles'. read more

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"I was recommend to use Edinburgh Bike fitting by a friend and fellow rider a few months before taking part in the 2019 L'Etape du Tour de France. I was a bit sceptical at first, how much difference could a few millimetres actually make? The answer was a lot. I spent three to four hours with Dougie being measured and assessed in various ways to understand how the bike and I fitted together. At the end of the session I was given some recommendations on what may improve my riding and also improve my comfort on the bike. I had been experiencing some discomfort around my shoulders when riding over four hours since purchasing a new bike last year. With Dougie's expert eye and technical equipment assessing my position on the bike we made some simple modifications and some changes in equipment which resulted in negating this irritating issue. The result, nine hours in the saddle in France with no pain in my shoulders. If you are serious about cycling and want to improve and be more efficient I would recommend getting a bike fit, its definitely worth the investment" read more