Patterns from the Fit Studio: Insights from 97 Riders

Here's what the data keeps telling us: most riders aren't set up correctly. Not slightly off, not almost there - genuinely, measurably wrong in ways that are holding them back.

Over the last four months - November 2025 to March 2026 - Baseline completed 97 bike fits, averaging around 2 per day since opening (my gosh thank you!). Those fits spanned the full spectrum of rider: first-timers and seasoned racers, weekend group ride regulars and Ironman athletes, each coming in with their own goals and concerns.

From this data a few common patterns emerged:

The saddle is almost always too low

Three quarters of riders (75%) came in with their saddle height set too low.

Not a little low. Low enough to be costing them power, loading up their knees, and making every climb harder than it needed to be. A low saddle feels "safe" because you can get a foot flat to the ground. But it's not doing you any favours on the bike.

On average, we raised saddles by around 10mm. That's not a huge number on paper. On the bike, it's a completely different story. Riders immediately notice more power through the pedals and less fatigue in the quads. Small change, real impact.

The bars are almost always too high

78% of riders came in with their bar stack set too high.

This one surprises people. We're often told that a more upright position is more comfortable - and in some contexts, that's true. But for riders who are training with purpose, a stack that's too high means you're fighting your own aerodynamics, shifting load onto your hands and wrists, and actually putting more strain on your lower back, not less. A lower stack also allows for you to hinge through your hips- increasing your glute and hamstring activation.

On average, we lowered stack height by 22mm. That's a meaningful change, and the difference in how riders feel on longer efforts is significant.

Reach: most riders are too cramped

65% of riders needed their reach extended.

When something feels uncomfortable, the instinct is often to bring the bars closer - shorter stem, more stack. But a reach that's too short means you're scrunched up, your shoulders are elevated, and your core can't engage properly. Extending reach by even 5–6mm opened things up for most riders immediately.

So what does this actually mean?

It means that riding "uncomfortable" is not your baseline. It's not just part of the deal. In most cases, it's a setup problem and setup problems have solutions.

The riders who came through Baseline left feeling better, riding more efficiently, and with a clearer picture of what their body actually needs on the bike. That's the whole point.

If you've been ignoring that niggle in your knee, that ache in your lower back, or the feeling that your power just isn't where it should be - don't wait for it to become an injury.

Come in.

A bike fit is one session. The benefits last a whole lot longer.