Pro Bike Fitter Reveals The 1 Change Amateurs Should Make

Jan 27, 2026

Daryl Fitzgerald, pro bike fitter and coach who works with World Tour riders, shares his top fitting tips. He unpacks common saddle-height and reach mistakes. He talks through tiny tweaks, cleat and crank trends, and why no saddle fits everyone. Practical at-home fixes and how to balance comfort with performance round out the conversation.

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INSIGHT

High Saddles Often Backfire

Amateurs commonly set their saddle too high because they assume higher equals more power.
Without hamstring and lumbar flexibility the rider slides forward and loses efficient pelvic position.

INSIGHT

Bodies Adapt Differently

Riders' adaptability varies: some change by 2 mm and notice everything, others don't.
Flexibility and prior experience with tiny changes determine sensitivity to position tweaks.

ANECDOTE

Seven Millimeters, One Minute Faster

A client dropped saddle by 7 mm and rode the same TT loop three watts higher, shaving a minute off his time.
Small position changes can produce surprisingly large performance gains.

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In this episode, a pro bike fitter opens up on the #1 thing amateurs miss when it comes to bike fit. Joined by Daryl Fitzgerald, we dive into the small details that make a big difference to comfort, performance, and long-term riding enjoyment. From common assumptions riders make to subtle setup choices that often get overlooked, this conversation sheds light on why many cyclists struggle to feel truly dialled on the bike.

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