Bike Fitting System

Juteau-Cantin - Certified Ergonomic Geometry

In the spring of 2005 we purchased a Juteau-Cantin bike fit kit system. The system allows us to accurately and properly measure the rider and the consulting the tables of bike geometries, determine what size of road bike is needed based on the measurements of each individual manufacturer. The system also includes a platform and measuring tools to properly measure and set-up any bike whether road or mountain.

Measuring the Rider

The Juteau-Cantin bike fit kit system is based on two measurements of the rider. The first is inseam and the second is fore-arm length. The inseam measurement provides the required frame size and the fore-arm measurement is used to determine a starting point for the stem length and consequently the cockpit length of the bike. Juteau-Cantin has also completed detailed frame geometry measurements for all the major and many of the minor road bike brands available in Canada. Based on the geometry tables for each manufacturer, the proper size for any road bike can be determined.

Fitting the Bike to the Rider

Fitting a bicycle properly to a rider starts with measuring the rider and finding the correct frame size. The next and more important step is to now correctly fit the bike to the rider. The Juteau-Cantin bike fit kit system includes tools for easily measuring the bike, and rider's position on the bike. The platform that the bike sits on simplifies the process and makes the entire process more accurate.

It is very important to remember that with a system such as the Juteau-Cantin (and something they emphasize themselves) is that bike fit is not as scientific as some would suggest. The recommendations based on the measurements and data of a bike fit system are a starting point. Based on a rider's flexibility and preferred position, the length and height of stem may be changed, or even the size of the bike.

The Juteau-Cantin system provides us with the tools necessary to provide you, the customer, with the right sized bike custom fit to you.

Road Bikes

The Juteau-Cantin bike sizing system was designed to fit customer's to road bikes and supports both the Scott, Argon 18, Rocky Mountain and Lemond road bikes that we sell as well as most other manufacturers.

Triathlon Bikes

The Juteau-Cantin bike fit system was designed for use with road bikes but it is still an incredibly useful tool in properly setting up a triathlon bike to fit the owner.

Mountain Bikes

The Juteau-Cantin bike fit system was designed for use with road bikes but it is still an incredibly useful tool in properly setting up a mountain bike to fit the owner.

Bike Fit Benefits

A properly sized and fit bicycle has many benefits to the rider. It will be more comfortable to ride, the right sized bike is generally safer to ride. Proper saddle height and placement improve the riders power (you go faster with less energy expended) and reduces the risk of injury caused by bad ergonomics.

Bike Fit Myths

Bike fit is not a science! You cannot treat the numbers created from formulas for saddle height, frame size, stem length, etc as the final word on what you need. There are literally dozens of different methods of determining proper bike fit and all are valid within their own limitations. Most systems do not account for flexibility, the ratio of leg length to femur length, foot size, or a number of other details that can affect your bike fit. We understand this and use our fit system to get you to a good starting point.

Do it once and you have the perfect fit! Getting a bike fit done is a good starting point for you to try the position for a while of riding and decide if it suits you or not. Maybe you like a stretched out position to your handlebars and decide you need a longer stem. Maybe you have poor flexibility and need your handlebars closer than recommended. You might like to be more over your pedals so want the seat moved forward. All of these are good reasons to adjust your bike fit. You may become more flexible as you ride and thus would like to adjust your position.

Only one size of bike will give the perfect fit! Especially with road bikes where the differences between sizes will often be measured in mm instead of cm, most people can fit two sizes of bikes quite comfortably! A typical 56cm frame bike with a 105mm stem will fit the same as a typical 54cm frame bike with a 120mm stem. The smaller frame will steer quicker and have a bit harsher ride. The larger frame will be a bit more comfortable and steady but will have less stand-over clearance.