We're proud to be partnering with Natasha Bowyer (AKA "Coach Tash") as an ambassador for 2025. One of her biggest passions is working with athletes to help them mitigate the risk of injuries and health setbacks that can hinder their progress and enjoyment of the sport. Like Natasha, we believe that every athlete deserves the chance to reach their full potential and achieve the goals they've worked so hard to attain. So when people ask her what the most important piece of cycling gear is, the answer often surprises them: a proper bike fit.
Not a carbon wheel upgrade. Not aero bars. Not the latest GPS or nutrition hack.
Just you, your bike - and how well the two actually fit together. Here's what Coach Tash has to say about bike fit and why it's a critical piece of your performance puzzle.
Just you, your bike - and how well the two actually fit together. Here's what Coach Tash has to say about bike fit and why it's a critical piece of your performance puzzle.
Small Tweaks, Big Differences
I get a professional bike fit every year, and every time, I’m amazed by how even the tiniest adjustments—sometimes just a few millimeters—can make a massive difference.
Last year, a subtle saddle height change gave me more power through the pedals and instantly took pressure off my lower back. Another time, a small adjustment in cleat position completely stopped a nagging knee pain that had been bugging me for a long time. None of these were dramatic changes. But they changed how I felt every single ride.
Position Problems Add Up Over Time
Here’s what no one tells you when you first start riding: Even a slightly “off” position can cause major issues over time. Maybe you’re too stretched out on the bike. Maybe your hips rock side to side when you pedal. Maybe your saddle’s tilted a degree too far forward. These things don’t hurt at first—but ride like that for hundreds of hours, and you start accumulating tightness, imbalances, even injury. A good fit helps you stay efficient, powerful, and injury-free. A bad one? It’ll catch up with you, eventually.
Your Body Changes—So Should Your Fit
One of the biggest reasons I get refit every year is simple: My body changes.
Strength, flexibility, and riding style evolve. You might be riding more volume, doing more climbing, or recovering from an injury. What worked for you two seasons ago might not serve you now. Routine bike fitting is akin to going to the Chiropractor, Massage therapist, or getting your car serviced. It’s not just for when things go wrong—it’s proactive. And when your bike is set up just right, it feels like flying.
The Contact Points Matter Most
There are three places your body touches the bike: hands, feet, and saddle.
A good bike fit will assess all of these—and optimize each one for your body mechanics, riding goals, and even your gear. That’s why I ride a TIME frame; The geometry is designed for balance and precision, and it responds beautifully when the fit is dialed in. The frame matters—but how your body is placed on that frame is what unlocks your true performance.
A good bike fit will assess all of these—and optimize each one for your body mechanics, riding goals, and even your gear. That’s why I ride a TIME frame; The geometry is designed for balance and precision, and it responds beautifully when the fit is dialed in. The frame matters—but how your body is placed on that frame is what unlocks your true performance.
My Advice? Don’t Wait Until Something Hurts
I can’t count the number of riders I know who waited until they were injured—or totally uncomfortable—to book their first fit. But if you ride regularly, or you're training for an event, you owe it to yourself to get your setup checked—even if it “feels fine. Because “fine” is not the same as optimal. And optimal is where the real magic happens because cycling is all about the long game: Longevity, consistency, and enjoyment matter just as much as speed. A proper bike fit helps with all of that.
So yes, upgrade your gear when it makes sense. But first, start with the foundation: your position on the bike. It’s the most underrated investment in your performance, your comfort—and your future in the sport.
If you need help finding a great bike fitter nearby, please let us know - we have a robust network of dealers with expert bike fit technicians ready to help. Oh, and if you like Coach Tash's advice, use her code on your next order! NBFIVE will net 5% off the total.
