The best words I ever heard from a bike shop owner a long time ago. "If it is uncomfortable you won't ride. If it is comfortable you won't stop riding."

I finally decided to buy a road bike last year. I watched so many of your bike fit Tuesday’s and the stuff I’ve learned here isn’t even known in a lot of bike shops. I’ll go into a bike shop and they’ll say the exact stuff you guys debunk. I just nod and pretend to agree with them. Without these videos, I would’ve been living with numb balls and numb hands my whole life.

one of the key points to mention, people tend to go to higher groupsets, and then are surprised how expensive the maintanance is. Replacing just part of the component is several times more expensive than lower groupsets.

The guidance in the video is totally on point. I'd like to share my experience with purchasing and dialing in a new road bike from about a year ago. Prior to buying the bike, I was vacillating between buying a frame and building it up vs. just buying a complete bike. I already had a 15+ year old road bike that I was fit on to base some decisions with, so I compared the geometry to what I was buying and figured I was good to go with buying a pre-built bike. Well, eh, sort of. After buying the bike I quickly realized that the stem was too short, even though the "reach" measurement reported by the manufacturer was similar to my old bike. What I discovered was that the stem on my old bike, while it was labeled 100mm, was actually quite a bit longer than this and didn't really compare to the 100mm stem on the new bike. My bike fitter had also said I would benefit from wider bars, so I swapped the bars too. I also wasn't in love with the saddle that came with the bike, so I swapped that for a 3D printed one (it works really, really well for me, I've never been so happy with a saddle). The last item was the crankset, which I deliberated over for the first 9 months of riding the bike. The bike came with a 52/36 + 11/30 set up. I could make it work, but even as a reasonably strong rider, I knew I was going to be better off with a compact (50/34) chainring set up with all the (steep) hills in my area. After putting it off all that time, I finally broke down and ordered a new crankset, and then quickly kicked myself for waiting so long to do it because it was immediately apparent how much better the bike was with it. I was able to sit (a lot) more on longer climbs and the new crankset (along with a swap to 700x32 tires) made the bike much more effective on the gravel sections I mix into some of my rides. So ~$1,200 in component changes later, the bike is pretty much perfect. Would I have been better off buying a frame and building it up from scratch? Maybe. The frame I wanted (note, I will only ride a bike with a threaded BB, so this limited my options to a few manufacturers) is sold standalone only in its highest end form, so I think I still came out ahead in terms of value for money. With that said, having a "curated" ride with handpicked components would have been pretty sweet.

James and his team are damn good. Best decision I ever made was going to him. Sorted out so many issues and kept me riding.

Darn. I wish I'd seen this in Sept 21 when I started along this glorious road. I *Literally* made ever mistake possible from shoe size to bike fit after purchase. I will say that cycling as a thing does creep up on you somewhat. If you'd have told me last August that in about 3 months I'd be utterly obsessed with cycling I'd have laughed, I was still murdering my poor middle aged knees on a bi-daily run. And even once discovered It took about 6 months of exceedingly slippery slopery to realize this was going to be a (big) part of my life going forward and by then all the errors had been made... Ho hum. Time to book in a retrospective bike fit with James and hope he doesn't give me a bollocking 8)

Great video, hitting all the critical sweet spots in making the most important cycling purchase decisions!

Does anyone else just love the way this guy speaks? He reminds me of my English teacher the unbothered but passionate human you remember forever.

Honest. Informative. Direct-to-the-point. Zero b*llocks. My kind of cycling channel. Kudos, Francis and James for this snappy guide to buying a bike. Cheers, mate!

Absolutely fantastic video guys. I bought a new bike this year and now am dealing with Lake Shoes in Toronto to assist with my short wide feet. I bought G8's and am loving them so your videos have really helped.

The bit about sizing is absolutely correct, especially for people with shorter legs or longer legs. For example, I’m 176cm which falls into Trek’s size 56 (rider from 174-180cm), but again that’s based on people’s inseam length rather than actual height. My inseam is shorter than average and as well as my arms. So instead of 56cm, 52cm fits me the best. But this would be impossible to tell from a first time buyer and they could potentially be wasting a lot of money on a frame that can lead to injury and not comfortable to ride.

I really appreciate all the information you gents provide in all your videos. Thank you!

Fantastic video! Glad to hear James rides a 52/53. I recently bought a small and am so glad I did.

Many great points there for people starting! I have an entry level bike with a Claris drivetrain and TRP disc brakes that has been great. Been wanting to upgrade to a 1x drivetrain for a more gravel oriented gearing and more powerful brakes but can't justify the cost because the Claris symply just continues to work, 1600km so far and only nedded to replace a chain.

Excellent and informative as always. This channel is extremely hard to beat ✊🏾👊🏾

I'd also add the suggestion of considering summer and winter shoes, fitted for the thickness of socks you're likely to be wearing in that season. It took a few years, but I've now gone to having winter shoes that are 45 instead of 44 because I trade out thin cycling socks for medium weight wool once the frost comes.

Thanks Francis and James......I wish id known a lot of this 4 years ago.....eh ? I have learned most of what I know from watching you , and others like you , on UKposts...I still love to ride , no matter what !

Great tips! Come at the right time, since I´m making up my mind on what road bike to get after 18+ years urban riding.

I agree - Colnago geometry is classic and superior. The larger head tube eliminates spares and yet allows the hips to open up.

As a former bike shop worker (Procurement) we used the same ethos as in this video, I'm glad we werent the only independent bike shop to do so! Great content, thank you.

Great videos and obvious James speaks from great knowledge and experience. That said, his comment on bike sizing really surprises me as the implication is that frame sizes of 58+ are for folk who are 6'4+. I'm 6'2" but with long inseam so needed a 60cm Domane as I was at the limit of the seatpost in the 58cm. I did have a general fitting and my seat height wasn't said to be 20mm too high and I'm sure any lower wouldn't be ideal so it's obviously down to individual sizing. I have needed to fit a shorter stem to reduce the reach but given the endurance fit it feels fine and I can ride on the hoods no problem.

James is needed more man xxxxx we need a regular show an local events with James an the shop...

I wish I had seen this year's ago when I started out. Spot on. Get fitted for a bike and shoes first. I sunk a small fortune into shoes, bib and saddles and quite frankly was miserable with constant chafing, aching shoulders and neck. Wrong size bikes. Until finally I got a bloody fit and got both sorted out. That fit has served me well. My shoes are all Lakes now!

As Mars Blackmon said in the old Nike commercials "It's the shoes 👞 " I took James' recommendations and found the Lake CX 241suited me best, fit well, and with the G8 Performance insoles allows me to ride 3-4 hours at a time. ....I did buy some ZIPP 303S wheels for my Specialized Roubaix though...again I went with a bike that suited me instead of the BMC I lusted after... Top marks Francis for the series and thank you BFJ for some real world advice.

Impressed am I - best informational clip I have ever seen on choosing the right bike!

I’m getting ready to buy a Cannondale SuperSix Evo 3. I’m 6’1 and I’ve been riding a 56 Dogma 2. The top tube on the Cannondale seems to be true to 56 size. I’m going to measure it in the shop. Also you’ve convinced me to buy new shoes as well. Great video!

The best advice all things we wish we knew when started riding and super helpful for new riders 👌

Fantastic video, I'm looking for a bike - and now know sizing is not as simple as measuring my inside leg - you've probably just saved me a fortune in a buying a mis-sized bike. Will use a chunk of budget on bike fit and shoes first. Thanks guys!

So I rode my bike to work 4 days a week and raced in local races. Got pretty good. Then 6-7 years in my neck pain was so bad I just quit biking straight up. Just recently I started researching neck pain and bike fitting and it led me to your channel. God I wish I knew this stuff when I started. Also, I wish I could go to Richmond and get a bike fit with you. I do have a bike fit here in Arizona, place called cyclologic. It’s in about a week and I can’t wait. I’m cautiously optimistic that maybe I can go back to biking pain free. I loved biking and I miss it. Bottom line, thank you both for all you do. Keep it up because you are educating and reaching people around the world. Best from Phoenix Arizona!

Really enjoyed this one. For someone who is not into drop bar/racing/gravel/endurance bikes I can say that there should be a bike fitting market for us folks who ride hybrids/commuter bikes and normal shoes. I ride a Trek Allant+5 and it’s the most uncomfortable bike I have ever had. On my 3rd saddle, 2nd stem, and have 2 handlebars on order.

Ecxellent advice!. I'm seeking a new bike and plan to get a fitment done. I went into my file cabinet and found the fitment I did 20 years ago to compare against new methods, geometry and bio-mechanics thinking. Things have definately gravitated towards smaller frames with the advent of TCR style frames.(RIP Mike Burrows)

James is probably the most intense guy on UKposts :-) Fortunately he's extremely well versed in his subject!

I just went to Ultegra because I am middle adged and having the buying power :) Wanted a new bike and upgraded to carbon middle class and they just come with Ultegra. But I was having good fun with my 105 aluminum endurance bike and honestly it is all I would need. I stayed on mechanical because it is easier to maintain. Generally speaking I think investing in better wheels is much more benefit than upgrading group set for recreational drivers. Almost every bike in entry and lower middle class (up to €5000) usually comes with very basic wheel set. And I think the geometry part is also overrated. Every endurance bike from a major manufacturer should be basically ok if one knows how to measure frame size correctly. Just look for a relaxing stack to reach factor of around 1.5.

Love these videos, errrrrrrrrerrrr James is errrrrrrrrrrr great to listen to Cheers simon

Yes geometry is a minefield brand to brand, last time I was advised by a shop I test rode a 61cm Roubaix, I'm 6ft 3. So I've taken the info from my bike fit with James to piece together a new steed.

You know, this video helped me a ton! I know people that I ride with an we're not racers. We're just endurance adventure cyclist. Some of them got bikes that range in 5k or more. They even upgraded their wheels and tires. I have a Domane SL 5 2021, and I love it. I still have the same wheels and tires. Haven't done anything to it, and we're riding the same pace. I don't understand why some people buy these super bikes and expensive gears if they're not professional races. I just don't understand it at all. Maybe it motivates them or something. But I'm glad I researched what type of bike there were and what I wanted before I went shelling money on a bike just because it's expensive.

thanks for the advise, most bike heads can ride any bike with various adjustments, saddle height etc, if you are not racing anywhere , have seen some tall guys using bike too small for them -by just increasing the saddle height. and the seem happy.

Didn't realise how much variation there is in top tube length as I've always gone by down tube sizing. I'm generally good at getting the correct fitment on my bikes but will definitely pay attention more to top tube length as well. Cheers for the info.

This was great! Glad I stumbled off of my bike and onto this video

With bikes being nearly impossible to purchase in-store, videos like this are invaluable. As someone who is currently suffering on a bike purchased online i'll definitely be booking a slot with James at the end of the year.

I think these videos are helping more people than you can imagine. Awesome content as always. Cheers from Mexico!

Very informative as usual. Thank you.

I do enjoy James 'cumberbatch' on your channel. soooo much common sense advice from him (and you Francis) is really refreshing..... I've got 8 bikes .... but before I buy #9 I'll deffo get a bike fit. promise!

Interesting... I'm going to be buying a bike in the not too distant future and your (well James') words of wisdom are always a help

Agree 1000% with this video. I bought a trek emonda size 58 because thats what the guy suggested to me according to the size chart. Im 183 so im in the middle range of 58 according to the chart but afterwards went for a bike fitting and the only solution was to short the stem and get a short saddle to make it work….

So happy I found bikefit-james before buying my second bike. First one was waaay to big and I almost quit cycling because it was hard to sit on it for more than 1 hour

That’s why I got a Focus Cayo as it was great value and looks cool and fits perfectly.by upgrading the wheels etc I can easy drop the weight by over half a kilo

Thank you so much guys, awesome real talk there❤

Great video. So happy I saw this today.

Best video ever to watch before buy. It sure helped me with my thinking process of what is important. Thank you !

I’m a 51 year old woman, I’m getting back into cycling, I just bought the Trek Domane AL 3. I absolutely love it. I just got my hip replaced in April. I rode 26 miles yesterday. It’s so comfortable and easy to ride. I’m 5.8 and I have a 52 inch.

James is so right about current lower end group sets being as good as older top of the line. Current sora, and acera group sets are as good if not better than my 1990 dura ace with the original sti brifters. For my style of riding now I don't need to spend the money on the latest and greatest.

I do like James I wish I have his advice before I bought my first bike I have subsequently bought a smaller bike frame 😁

For me the balance test was a really defining moment. I am 170cm tall and have gone through 3 bikes and 60mm stems just to find out I should ride a 49cm after a balance test at home. And in my country there's no road bikes on stock til who knows when. So I'll stay away from the stem police until I can get my hands on a 49.

Excellent video. The advice is spot on.

Excellent video, thoroughly enjoyed.

This guy always makes me feel like I'm being told off by a copper

I love all the DIY stuff. Can you do one on how to properly measure oneself? I think I may have abnormally long wingspan proportionate to my legs. Already made improvements and upgrades based based on your advice. Thank you.

Woah this is a great video!!!! incredibly helpful!

It's great that James is so convincing, now i know i'm not crazy. The manufacturer's site keeps telling me i need a size L, but taking a closer look at the geometry, their size M is almost as big as my current bike (which feels slightly too big already).

I will be checking out new shoes. Thanks for the advice. It sounds quite logical.

Awesome video! Prolly my favorite thus far having to do with a proper fitting bike, with the last one with James being a close second (until this one)!! My question has to do with James mentioning the importance of reach. I just had professional bike fits done by an independent IBFI-certified fitter in FL for my current 2 endurance-geometry road bikes: a size Small 2021 Defy Advanced Pro 0 (both pre- and post-purchase) and a size Small 2021 Contend 3 (post-purchase only). My question is when looking for a race-geometry bike, should I choose a bike with similar reach, stack, reach and stack as those on my endurance bikes? For example, I’m looking at a TCR or Propel in the future, but their reach for a size X-Small is most similar to the reach measurements on my size Small Contend and Defy.

Wise Words. I'm just over 6'2" and I mainly ride a 56cm Basso Diamante. I certainly wouldn't want the reach to be anymore drawn out than it is.

This is one of the best of these videos you've made Francis. James is the ace up your jersey sleeve, his knowledge and presentation is properly top notch. Can you ask him how many pairs of Lakes he thinks he has sold? He's a great salesman, he could sell Brexit to James O'Brien 👍👍 I'm 6'3-6'4 and I'm riding an XL Endurace and James is making me think I'm on an oversize bike now 🤔

I've been cycling for about 50 years now and I can't believe how much I've learned from BFT. I've been riding various Time frames in the last 14 years, getting closeouts and gently used bikes. Fantastic frames. I always build my own bikes. I was 6'-1.5" but have shrunk to nearly 6' now. I started with a 57cm but have been on 55.5 for the last 10 years. All Times have relatively tall headtubes. My Scylon is the raciest (w/ Record Mech), and the Fluidity (w/ Potenza) by far the most comfortable. Honestly the Potenza which is newer, works better than the Record. Fortunately my seat height has been close to right from the start. I did assume I was like most and had it too high. I ended up with hip soreness and once I returned to the old height it got better again. I thought I had wide feet when actually I'm quite medium. I had been upsizing (oops). I used the Lake site and precisely measured my feet and ended up with the 238 regulars. I bought the G8 insoles from James and was shocked to find I needed the No.4 arch. I realize now, my foot and saddle problems were all due to shoe fit issues. In fact, I was able to find a cache of 10 pairs of G8 1800 for $85US, 3/4 length insoles to equip all of my shoes (not just cycling shoes). The other biggest change for me came from lever position. I had been mounting the hoods horizontal instead of slightly up. As a result even my Time long reach bars now work fine as I was able to really mount them high on the curve. Coming from track racing I was already used to narrower bars so the 40 c-c bars were already the right width. Also I've used 165 on the track and 170 on the road for the last 40 years so I think I got that one right. I did have to reduce the stem length to 100 from 110. I've looked for fitters in the Chicago area, but I've never met any that use the Hogg methods so I've had to resort to James and Neal Stansbury in Australia and DIY it. If I'm ever in London, I will definitely come by and see if I'm still doing it wrong. For now, this 63 year old is still going fast, but now with more comfort and efficiency. Thanks James.

I have been on road bikes for over 30 years now. Back then there was a big difference between 105 and Ultegra/Dura Ace but as of today? 105 is just an awesome set and miles better of what it was 30 years ago. Really awesome guid here, well done.

Can't book a coffee. It's so weird after all these videos to hear that, but I get it. Randoms who have seen your videos tons of times just showing up "I have an appointment ???" Tons of good advice, especially for party pace riders like me.

I've just ordered a Giand Defy Advanced 2 and whilst I really enjoyed this video and could see the perfect sense in the advice, the realities of buying a bike these days makes a lot of it impractical. 13 months ago I ordered a similar model from Ribble and the original delivery date was put back 5 times and a total of around six months before I cancelled the order. I bought the Giant from stock in Edinburgh but it was the last size 54 they had. My point is that it's so hard to get your first choice of bike nowadays that the only option can be to grab what you can whilst you can and then do the necessary adjustments when you get it.

James is a legend!

Hi Francis, went to see James today, had a fit for my Sarto, also found out where your next bike adventure is going to be. 🚴👍

great video.... very informative and well produced..

A lot of good pointers here. Like James and with his advice, I’ve tried comfier handlebars, cranks, seats, shoes and honestly it’s a night and day difference to a stock bike experience and especially one that doesn’t fit. I go to stores that press me on buying a 54 when I know im closer to a 50. Consumers have to do a lot of homework before purchase. It’s a shame but extremely worth it once it clicks.

Best video ever..... Someone actually said 105 Are a great group set ,and you do not need to spend the big money on the top group sets to go fast. Put a little money into your feet, and think 🤔 they only hit the dam puddles....

Great info well presented✌🏻🚴🏻‍♂️

I eye balled bike size based on self measurements. It turned out the bike is a nearly perfect fit. Went for the smaller frame having a feeling it would be better and it was.

Definitely agree that almost everyone should be riding an endurance bike. I got a Scott Addict this year and it is so much more comfortable than my previous bike (Merida Reacto) - especially on 100K+ rides. I am able to keep up fine on group rides with guys who have racing bikes, slammed stems, etc. And I’ve still got the drops, so I can get reasonably aero when I need to. Sure if you’re serious about racing you probably want to get something with a more aggressive geometry - but for me I’m just looking to get out and have fun and get in a good workout, and it’s a lot more fun when you’re not in pain.

Ughhhhh I made a huge rookie mistake years and years ago with my frame. 54cm frame 5’6. I’ve had nothing but fit problems. Thanks for this video. I’m in the market for a new one and plan on doing it right this time

I had reserved a bike that was already coming into my local bike shop, they said if I changed my mind I wouldn’t lose my deposit. I thought I would need a 52cm bike, but on seeing these videos I have cancelled that order & booked myself a bike fit so I will then have all the information I need to buy a bike that will fit me.

UUUUGHHH James is dropping true science!!!!! Great points Cheers.

you cannot get a better video thsn this! kudos!

Funny 😢 I've clearly suffered from reach as a beginner. Told to get a bike fit knowing my bike would never fit. It was a very good value intro which I still have while I'm looking for the next. But I realised the sizes quoted still put me at risk of spending 2k and being in exactly the same spot! So refreshing to hear this get a fit without a bike. Anyone in cambs do that?

Great information!! Thank you!

Same with me with sizing . I wear size small tops and a lot of bike charts suggest size Small as I am 168cm in height. I have ridden XS and even XXS bikes and they both fit better than size Small. In fact every size Small bike I have ridden the reach is too long and can't be corrected even with a 80mm stem which is wrong anyway on that size frame. Some bike charts do recommend XS and XXS small though and some Small . It's very easy to buy a frame that doesn't fit from following size charts.

This is incredibly helpful

For the first part of the video i'd have to quote James' "It depends on the needs of the individual". Sure, generally speaking it makes a lot of sense, however for me endurance bikes are WAAAY to short or too high. I'd be bashing my knee on the handlebars or would be sitting more upright than in my car. My torso is just relatively tall for my leg length. anyway, just get a fit and work from there.

A discussion on crank length would be great, seems like they are all to long. When in the drops my legs hit my chest, but being taller a bike will come with long arms. Bigger rider == Longer cranks??

Anything with James in it Is good!

Awesome video: very good advice!

James is amazing and I agree with almost everything he says, however some brand sizing is just odd. I've a Cube endurance bike in size 58, and a Kona cross bike in size 54, and they both fit great (and are surprisingly close in measurements). So check (at a minimum) the stack and reach before you buy (after your fitter has told you what ballpark you want those numbers to be in).

Hardest part for me was to find bike suitable for my height (2.05m). Scott sub cross 50 xxl size was perfect fit :)

Vote 🗳 for the Canyon endurace (if it fits you). love it and easy to buy the right size bar width stem etc after a fit

Merida Scultura Endurance. Great bike. Can ride all day. No, having some fancies on my bike doesn’t make me go faster. But it does make me want to go more often …

Very clear info again.

Like the speedmaster 👌🏻

Pretty much have my mind made up at this point that I'm going to travel to London from the US at some point for a fit and shoes.

Had sidi til recently but bought some lake shoes recently which I've wanted for years. They are beautiful to wear

Makes me want to fly across the pond and book a bike/shoe fitting at James' shop.

DAMN!! This vídeo is just on another level of information I just did my pre bike fit and on my current bike (an entrance one) I spend a third of it cost on my shoes Nice to see that I did some good choices

If Carlsberg did bike fits they’d send them to James! 👌🏽 Great vid!

Very good advices thanks a lot !