Frequently Asked Questions - Ciclo Melbourne

Services & Booking

When should I consider a bike fit?

A bike fit is beneficial whenever you're experiencing discomfort or looking to optimise your cycling performance. You should consider a professional bike fit when purchasing a new bike, as each frame geometry requires specific positioning adjustments. If you're experiencing any pain or discomfort while riding - such as knee pain, lower back ache, neck tension, or numbness in hands or feet - a bike fit can often resolve these issues by correcting your position. Significant changes in your fitness level, flexibility, or riding goals also warrant a new fit assessment. After any injury or surgery that affects your mobility or strength, we recommend getting re-fitted to ensure your position accommodates any physical changes. Finally, if you haven't had a professional bike fit in over two years, it's worth reassessing your position as your body and riding style may have evolved.

What's included in a cycling-specific physiotherapy session?

Our cycling physiotherapy sessions go far beyond standard physiotherapy by incorporating both on-bike and off-bike assessments. We begin with a comprehensive movement assessment to understand how your body functions both on and off the bicycle, identifying any limitations or imbalances that may affect your cycling. This includes injury diagnosis and treatment using evidence-based techniques specific to cycling-related conditions. We conduct a detailed biomechanical analysis of your pedaling motion and riding position to identify inefficiencies or problematic movement patterns. Each session includes the development of a personalised exercise program targeting your specific needs, whether for injury recovery, prevention, or performance enhancement. We create a structured return-to-riding plan that safely progresses you back to your desired level of cycling activity. Throughout the process, we focus on performance optimisation strategies that help you ride stronger, longer, and more efficiently while minimising injury risk.

Do you offer follow-up appointments?

Yes, follow-up appointments are an essential part of our comprehensive care approach. We typically recommend a follow-up session 2-4 weeks after your initial bike fit or physiotherapy assessment, as this allows time for your body to adapt to any changes while ensuring optimal results. Follow-up appointments give us the opportunity to fine-tune your position based on your real-world riding experience and address any concerns that may arise. We understand that achieving the perfect fit is often an iterative process, and these sessions ensure you're getting the maximum benefit from your investment. Our follow-up policy includes [specify your timeframe and any included sessions], and additional follow-up consultations are available at [add pricing]. These shorter sessions focus on making specific adjustments and monitoring your progress.

Can you help with multiple bikes?

Absolutely. Many cyclists own multiple bikes for different purposes, and each bike requires its own specific fit. A road bike fit differs significantly from a mountain bike, gravel bike, or time trial setup, as each discipline demands different positioning for optimal performance and comfort. Even bikes within the same category may require different positioning due to variations in frame geometry, component specifications, or intended use. We can transfer fit data between similar bikes and make appropriate adjustments for different riding styles. For example, your commuter bike setup will prioritise comfort and visibility, while your road racing bike may emphasise aerodynamics and power transfer. We offer specific pricing for fitting additional bikes [add your pricing policy], and can often complete multiple bike fits efficiently by building on the biomechanical assessment from your primary fit.

What if I'm not satisfied with my bike fit?

Your satisfaction and comfort are our top priorities, and we stand behind our fitting process with a comprehensive satisfaction guarantee. If you're experiencing continued discomfort or feel that your fit isn't meeting your expectations, we encourage you to contact us immediately. We offer [specify your satisfaction guarantee policy, such as complimentary adjustment sessions within a certain timeframe]. Most fit adjustments can be resolved through minor tweaks during a follow-up appointment, as it sometimes takes a few rides for your body to adapt to significant position changes. We maintain open communication throughout the process and will work with you until you're completely satisfied with your riding position. Our goal is to ensure that every cyclist leaves Ciclo feeling confident and comfortable on their bike.

Preparation & What to Expect

How should I prepare for my bike fit?

Proper preparation ensures you get the most accurate and beneficial bike fit possible. Wear your normal cycling clothing rather than baggy clothes, as we need to see how your body moves and assess your natural riding position. Bring your cycling shoes with cleats properly positioned, as foot positioning is crucial to the entire fit process. Make sure to bring your bike along with all the pedals and accessories you normally use, including any aerobars, GPS devices, or other equipment that affects your riding position. Come hydrated but avoid large meals beforehand, as you'll be doing some light exercise during the assessment. It's also helpful to bring any previous fit reports, medical information about current or past injuries, and details about any discomfort you've been experiencing. If you have multiple saddles or stems you've been experimenting with, bring those as well so we can assess which works best for your biomechanics.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Dress exactly as you would for a normal ride to ensure the most accurate fit assessment. Wear snug-fitting cycling shorts and a jersey rather than baggy clothing, as loose fabric can obscure our ability to see your body mechanics and joint movements. Your normal cycling shoes are essential, as different shoes can significantly affect your foot position and overall biomechanics. Avoid wearing anything too warm since you'll be pedalling indoors and will likely work up a light sweat during the assessment process. We strongly recommend wearing your cycling helmet, even if it seems unnecessary, as your helmet affects how you position your head, neck, and back while riding. If you normally wear sunglasses or use a cap under your helmet, bring those as well since these accessories can influence your natural riding posture and comfort.

Will I need to buy new components?

Not necessarily, but achieving an optimal fit sometimes requires adjustments or replacements to individual components. Many fit issues can be resolved through position adjustments using your existing components, such as saddle height and angle, handlebar position, and cleat placement. However, some cyclists benefit from component changes like a different stem length to achieve proper reach, a new saddle that better matches their anatomy, or cleat position adjustments for better power transfer and comfort. Common modifications include stem changes for reach adjustment, saddle swaps for comfort and support, and cleat repositioning for optimal biomechanics. We always explain the reasoning behind any component recommendations and discuss costs upfront before making changes. The cost of any new components is separate from the fitting fee, and we'll work with you to prioritize changes based on their impact and your budget.

How long before I feel comfortable with my new position?

The adjustment period varies depending on the extent of changes made during your fit. Minor adjustments often feel comfortable immediately or within the first ride, while more significant position changes typically require 2-4 rides for your body to adapt fully. Some position improvements actually develop over time as your flexibility increases and your muscles adapt to the more efficient positioning. It's normal to notice the changes initially, but discomfort should decrease with each ride rather than persist or worsen. Your body needs time to develop the muscle memory and flexibility required for the new position. If you're still experiencing discomfort or the same original problems after two weeks of regular riding, please contact us immediately as further adjustments may be needed. Remember that a proper fit should ultimately make you more comfortable, not less.

Do you work with injured cyclists?

Yes, working with injured cyclists is one of our core specialties at Ciclo. Our cycling-specific physiotherapy approach is designed to address the unique demands that cycling places on the body. We commonly treat knee pain, lower back discomfort, neck tension, shoulder pain, and numbness in hands or feet - all frequent issues among cyclists. Our assessment process examines both your bike position and body mechanics to determine whether pain originates from poor positioning, muscle imbalances, previous injuries, or training errors. We coordinate with other healthcare providers when necessary to ensure comprehensive care and can modify our treatment approach based on recommendations from your GP, specialist, or other practitioners. Our goal is not just to treat current injuries but to identify and address the underlying causes to prevent future problems while optimizing your cycling performance.

Can you help with clipless pedal setup?

Absolutely. Cleat positioning is one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of bike fitting. Proper cleat setup affects your entire kinetic chain from your feet up through your knees, hips, and back. We assess your foot mechanics, arch support needs, and natural pedalling motion to determine optimal cleat placement both fore-and-aft and rotationally. Our evaluation includes analyzing how your feet interface with the pedals and ensuring proper power transfer while minimizing stress on your joints. We can make recommendations for different pedal systems if your current setup isn't suitable for your foot shape or riding style. Additionally, we provide instruction on safe clipless pedal use, including proper engagement and disengagement techniques, especially important for cyclists new to clipless systems.

What if I have a leg length discrepancy?

Leg length discrepancies are more common than many cyclists realise, and we're experienced in addressing both functional and anatomical differences. During our assessment, we determine whether the discrepancy is structural (actual bone length difference) or functional (caused by muscle imbalances or pelvic alignment issues). Solutions may include shims under cleats, wedges, or specific position adjustments to accommodate the difference while maintaining optimal biomechanics. We also assess whether the discrepancy is contributing to any discomfort or performance issues you're experiencing. Many cyclists unknowingly compensate for leg length differences in ways that create problems elsewhere in their kinetic chain. Our approach ensures that any accommodations we make improve your overall comfort and efficiency rather than simply masking the issue.

Do you fit electric bikes?

At the moment we don’t fit electric bikes, but it is something we are working on doing very soon. Feel free to contact us if you have further questions about your e bike.

Technical & Medical

Do you offer bike fits for different cycling disciplines?

Yes, we specialise in fitting cyclists across all disciplines because each type of cycling has unique positional requirements. Road cycling typically emphasises aerodynamics and power transfer with a more aggressive, forward-leaning position. Gravel riding requires a balance between performance and comfort for longer, more varied terrain. Mountain biking prioritises control and maneuverability with a more upright position that allows for dynamic movement. Triathlon and time trial positions focus heavily on aerodynamics while maintaining sustainability for the specific race distance. Commuter and recreational cycling emphasise comfort, visibility, and ease of handling for daily use. Each discipline requires different considerations for handlebar height, reach, saddle position, and overall geometry. Our expertise across all these areas means we can optimise your position whether you're a weekend warrior, competitive racer, or daily commuter.

Can you help me choose a new bike?

Absolutely. Our pre-purchase consultations can save you significant time, money, and potential discomfort by ensuring you choose the right bike from the start. We determine your optimal frame size and geometry requirements based on your body measurements, flexibility, riding goals, and any physical limitations. This assessment provides specific recommendations for frame size, reach, stack height, and other geometric considerations that affect how a bike will fit you. We can coordinate with bike shops to ensure you're looking at appropriate models and can even accompany you for test rides when possible. Our recommendations consider not just your current needs but also your cycling goals and how your requirements might evolve. This service is particularly valuable for cyclists moving between disciplines, returning to cycling after time off, or making their first serious bike purchase.

Do you offer group bookings or corporate services?

Yes, we provide group bookings and corporate wellness services tailored to organisations that want to support their cycling employees or groups. Group rates are available for cycling clubs, corporate teams, or organisations with multiple cyclists needing services [add information about group rates if available]. Our corporate wellness programs can include on-site bike fitting clinics, cycling injury prevention workshops, and educational seminars about proper bike setup and cycling biomechanics. We also partner with cycling clubs to provide member education and fitting services at reduced rates. These services help organisations promote cycling as a healthy commuting option while reducing the risk of cycling-related injuries among their employees or members. Group sessions can be customised to focus on specific needs, such as commuter bike setup, preventing common cycling injuries, or optimising performance for competitive cyclists.

Practical Information

What are your cancellation policies?

We understand that schedules can change and aim to be flexible while respecting everyone's time. We require 48 hours notice for cancellations to avoid any charges. Appointments cancelled with adequate notice can be rescheduled without penalty to any available time slot. For cancellations made within [specify timeframe] of your appointment, a cancellation fee may apply to cover the reserved time slot. We do offer emergency cancellation procedures for unexpected illness, injury, or unavoidable circumstances - just contact us as soon as possible and we'll work with you to reschedule appropriately. Same-day cancellations due to illness are handled on a case-by-case basis. Rescheduling is always preferable to cancellation, and we'll do our best to accommodate changes to your appointment time when possible.

Do you provide written reports?

Yes, every client receives comprehensive written documentation of their session. Our detailed fit reports include all your bike measurements and position settings, making it easy to replicate your setup if you travel with your bike, get mechanical work done, or purchase additional bikes. The reports include specific saddle height, reach measurements, cleat positions, and any other relevant specifications. For physiotherapy clients, reports include your personalised exercise recommendations, stretching protocols, and any specific instructions for your return-to-riding program. We can also provide photos or videos of your position if requested, which can be helpful for monitoring changes over time or sharing with other healthcare providers. These reports are invaluable references that ensure your optimal position is maintained and can be replicated across multiple bikes or after any maintenance work.

How often should I get re-fitted?

The frequency of re-fitting depends on several factors, but generally recreational cyclists benefit from a professional assessment every 2-3 years. You should consider a re-fit sooner if you experience significant fitness changes, weight loss or gain, injuries, or changes in flexibility that might affect your optimal position. After any major bike changes such as new frame, wheels, or component upgrades, a fit check ensures everything still works optimally together. New discomfort or pain that develops during or after rides is always a reason to reassess your position, as is a change in your cycling goals or riding style. Competitive cyclists or those riding high annual mileage may benefit from more frequent assessments. As we age, our flexibility and strength can change, making periodic re-evaluation valuable for maintaining comfort and preventing overuse injuries.

Can family members attend appointments?

Family members are welcome to attend appointments, and we often find their presence valuable for the educational aspect of the session. Partners or family members can learn about proper bike setup, understand any exercises or recommendations we provide, and help support your cycling goals. However, we do have some space limitations in our fitting area, so we ask that you mention if someone will be accompanying you when booking your appointment. For younger cyclists, parent or guardian presence is often helpful and sometimes required. Family members can gain valuable insights into cycling biomechanics and injury prevention that benefit the whole family's cycling activities. We encourage questions from accompanying family members as education is a key part of our holistic approach to cycling health.

Special Populations

Do you work with older cyclists?

Absolutely. Cycling is an excellent activity for active aging, and we have extensive experience working with older cyclists to maximise their comfort, safety, and enjoyment on the bike. Age-related changes in flexibility, strength, and joint mobility are normal, and we adapt our fitting approach to accommodate these changes while maintaining optimal biomechanics. We often focus on more upright positions that reduce strain on the neck and back, ensure easy handling and control, and prioritise comfort for longer rides. Our approach considers any age-related health conditions, medications that might affect balance or reaction time, and the slower recovery that often comes with age. We also work closely with older cyclists who are returning to the sport after time away or dealing with conditions like arthritis, joint replacements, or other health considerations that affect their cycling.

Can you help with cycling during pregnancy?

Yes, we can provide guidance and positioning adjustments for cyclists who want to continue riding safely during pregnancy, though we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider first. Cycling can be an excellent low-impact exercise throughout much of pregnancy, but positioning needs change as your body changes. We focus on ensuring comfort and safety while accommodating the growing belly, changing centre of gravity, and evolving comfort needs. Position modifications often include raising handlebars for a more upright position, adjusting saddle tilt and position for comfort, and ensuring easy mounting and dismounting. We provide guidance on when modifications might be needed and safety considerations for each trimester. Our recommendations always complement and never override medical advice from your obstetrician or midwife regarding exercise during pregnancy.

Do you work with junior/youth cyclists?

Yes, we work with young cyclists and understand the unique considerations that come with fitting growing bodies. For youth cyclists [specify age ranges, e.g., typically 12 years and older], we focus on establishing good cycling habits early while accommodating ongoing growth and development. Our approach considers that young cyclists' proportions, strength, and flexibility are still developing, requiring different considerations than adult fits. We often recommend more conservative positioning that can adapt as the cyclist grows, and we provide guidance to parents about when re-fitting might be needed due to growth spurts. Parent or guardian involvement is essential for youth fittings, both for obtaining consent and to understand the recommendations and any necessary equipment. We emphasise safety, proper bike handling skills, and developing good cycling mechanics that will benefit young cyclists throughout their cycling journey.aptations for age-related physical changes