We're lucky to have several professional bike fitting services available in Berlin and after a few days of research I booked a free consultation with Thomas at Bike Academy. I noticed that many other sites encourage you to book/checkout right away and I appreciate that Bike Academy takes the time to ensure a good match between your needs and the services offered before confirming an appointment.
Thomas was very friendly over the phone during the consultation. We spent about 15m talking about my cycling history, current bike, and goals for the visit. We ended the call with an appointment confirmed and about a week later I traveled down to their relaxed studio in Berlin-Zehlendorf.
I was greeted with a warm welcome and spent the next three hours going through different phases of the bike fit with Adam, a bike fitting specialist, which included an assessment of my flexibility, video captures, dynamic pressure point mapping, and various adjustments of the bike components. Combining all of these inputs with my feedback, Adam was able to build up an informed picture of my fit to inform potential changes.
We adjusted the handlebar tilt, saddle tilt, and seat height. We identified that my shoes were too narrow. We also determined that my saddle was too long and uncomfortably stiff. I ended up with brand new Lake CX242 cycling shoes, Shimano Ultegra pedals, semi-custom insoles, and a gebioMized saddle. I was pleasantly surprised by the premium selection of products in-store!
Overall, I had a fantastic experience and fully recommend the services of Thomas and Adam. The detailed report sent to me afterwards will be invaluable as I continue to improve my cycling and it's clear to me that this is just the start of our relationship. I plan to stay in touch with the team at Bike Academy and look forward to return for any follow-ups!
Thank you for your feedback.
Of course we are happy about every beginner we can put on the bike safe and sound. Also, numerous very ambitious cyclists and triathletes are enthusiastic users of our process and recommend us daily.
Both Adam and I always ask the same question at the end of the fitting, "Do you have any questions or requests?"
Usually, your evaluation documents in great detail why what happened. Also there it says in the last paragraph that we are always available for questions and feedback. If necessary, this can be done by sending us an e-mail or by telephone. So far, everything has been clarified this way.
This procedure makes it much easier for both sides to come to a satisfactory conclusion - but it does require leaving anonymity.
In any case, we will discuss your answers to our online questionnaire on site to find out more details. Wouldn't it be rather strange if we didn't talk about your information? Perhaps questions arose on our part? Maybe certain contexts needed to be clarified?
In any case, thank you for the time you took to fill out the questionnaire. This information will be discussed in every appointment!
Why what supposedly did not happen cannot be clarified in this - from your side anonymous - framework.
Maybe certain settings could not be made because the bike did not allow it? Maybe there were limitations in the area of mobility or stability?
If your brake lever could not be adjusted in the bike fitting, this had in any case a valid reason (e.g. later conversion of the handlebar up to defective screws, many things are possible).
Each fitting is documented in great detail - but I have to enter a name for it to be able to view the data.
I will be very happy to help you if you make direct contact with us and reply to the mail regarding your evaluation. We can gladly clarify any open question and give everything that you will be thrilled by the bike fitting final - like the numerous 5 star reviewers here.
Many greetings
Thomas