A Brief Discussion On Size and Fit

More than twenty years ago, we bought this Italian “fitting” cycle that allowed us to kind of mock-up a bicycle and check top tube and stem lengths. It was a blue-green thing, very rickety, without pedals. At the time, we used it to determine correct stem length, thus preventing customers from needing to return over and over with incorrectly sized stems. And, it began to show us how to resolve issues such as stiff necks, numb hands, and sore backs.

We quickly learned that very few customers really “fit” on a stock bike with factory supplied saddle, handlebar, or stem. Often the top tube or seat angle just didn’t allow for optimum comfort and performance. We knew even then that the 4′ 10″ dancer or 6′ 11″ ball player would never find a “stock” bike small or large enough; or, that the customer who had repeated back surgeries or severe arthritis needed special attention paid to top tubes and handlebar/stem combinations. We found that chronic genital numbness, for example, was a condition which we were able to resolve – and still do with considerable success.

We also recognized that many of the problems took time to work out – results were, and still are, sometimes trial and error. That’s when the idea of a custom-only-shop began to take shape. And, in February, 1997, it became a realiity. We don’t stock hundreds of bikes; we don’t sell anything from a production manufacturer. Every bike is custom from start to finish. And, because we offer just that kind of service, our time is your time. And, that investment in time and patience pays off in your satisfaction with and commitment to your riding.

Most importantly, our customers are not necessarily Paris-Brest-Paris riders or Ironman triathletes – although, we’ve worked with both – but they are riders just like you. They ride for fun, exercise, self-expression, competition, and transportation. What they want is the best possible combination of frame, components, fit, and performance.

Today, we use a Serotta SizeCycle mounted with the Salsa Size-O-Matic stem for more accurate height and extension data. Our goal is to continually add useful tools and increase our expertise.

In addition to start-to-finish fitting for new singles and tandems, we also offer the service of working with you and your existing bike to enhance your riding comfort and performance. From pedals and cleats to handlebars and stems, everything will be checked and considered. A typical re-fitting on your bike takes between 30 and 90 minutes. A complete new-bike fitting ordinarily takes somewhat longer. But, plan to spend at least an extra half-hour to an hour with us. We will take ample time asking you questions pertinent to your riding techniques and goals. Once again however, our time is your time – we want to work with you until we are BOTH satisfied with the results.

©2000, Diane Lees & Brian Jenks

Does Bicycling Lead to Impotence?

(this article was written in 1999)

As the media, the bicycle industry, and the medical community all continue to debate the question(s) of cycling and impotency, perhaps a rational measure of educated information is in order.

I have spent the better part of the last decade perfecting bike fitting. As a result, I have found that with time and patience, there is yet the person whose stiff neck, sore knees, or even numb genitals didn’t benefit from careful adjustment of the correct size bicycle, its equipment, and the rider’s position on it. And, while there is no question that many physical problems might occur while cycling, I contend that it just doesn’t have to be so!

Don’t misunderstand. I am not in any way dismissing these ideas out of hand. In fact, I am taking the entire matter quite seriously. The impact of a statement such as “bicycling leads to impotency” has already had a VERY negative reaction – especially from the rider who is new to the sport or has been thinking about riding more miles. I am, however, very disturbed at the statement for its lack of scientific validity and the manner in which is it on-goingly being presented to the public.

Cycling has been PROVEN to be a healthy cardio-vascular sport and is used extensively in the rehabilitation of everything from knees to hearts. From a non-medical point of view, dozens and dozens of my customers will claim that cycling is the means by which they relieve the stress in their lives. I can’t and won’t argue with that.

Dr. Goldstein, the urologist who blatantly came out with his “cycling causes impotency statement” both in Bicycling Magazine and on ABC’s 20/20 last year, really only has a THEORY! (As an aside, he recanted nearly every one of his statements in a subsequent issue of this same magazine!)

I for one have a lot of questions for Dr. Goldstein. Did these patients already have an impotency problem when they started riding? Did they have other arterial or vascular problems? Is there a history of depression or other mental disorders that might lead to impotence? And, just how did Dr. Goldstein make the giant leap from man-goes-riding to man-becomes-impotent?

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With all the research and development in saddles, position, and good cycling apparel, any discomfort should not be an issue for more than a couple of bike rides. Why didn’t these cyclists go back to their bike shops for advice? How did it get so far before needing to seek help from a urologist?

I cannot comment on anyone who didn’t have the guts or was too embarrassed to come in and ask me to help him. But, since the piece on 20/20 and the “Bicycling Magazine” article, I have queried dozens of men to discover whether they have had any problems with numbness, pain, and especially if they had experienced any incidence of impotence. (A couple have said they became IMPORTANT, but I decided that didn’t count.)

I would almost bet the farm that more damage has been done to men’s genitals from wearing Jockey underwear while cycling, due to the SEAMS, than from arterial compression from a bicycle saddle. So, does wearing underwear cause impotence?

My advice to any man who is experiencing ANY type of problems that he even remotely thinks might be associated with riding his bicycle is to contact his local, professional bicycle dealer for an evaluation of the bicycle and his position on it. I believe that this is a situation that never needs to get out of control.

©1999 Diane Lees