15.05.2024 | Reading time - 8 min(s)

Specialized Retul Match Bike Fitting

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Exciting news! In our Edinburgh Bruntsfield and Newcastle stores we can now offer a Specialized bike fitting service using Specialized Retul Match!

Contents and Quick Links

Ross' Retul Review
Steps to the Perfect Fit
Final Thoughts

Co-op member, Ross explains more:

“Whether starting a new cycling discipline, concerned you are on the incorrect size of bike or have trouble finding shoes and saddles that fit – Specialized Retül fit can help. It was not the physical assessment I was expecting and with just a few questions about riding discipline/preferred bike position and some simple measurements, Retul Match will advise you on bike size and style, saddle height, the best fitting shoes for your needs and a saddle that matches your unique shape. It can even tell you which shoe inserts are best for your arch height. It can be used for any bike from road bikes to Specialized hybrid bicycles.

I put the Retul Match to the test as I have always had a problem finding the correct shoes and saddles so I was particularly interested in what this would suggest for me. First of all the frame size and height of the saddle came up spot on (from just three measurements per leg). After having my feet measured in just a couple of minutes, it suggested I would be a size 45. I was sceptical as I have always worn size 46 Specialized shoe but having tried on a few pairs from the suggestions list, I have to say this was spot on as well. I have not tried the first saddle recommended (I will soon though!) but the number two on the list is the exact saddle I use so I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with this comprehensive system with how simple and quick it is to nail down the right bike size, shoes and saddle.

We currently have these set up in our Newcastle and Bruntsfield Stores so please pop in and speak to our Retul Match trained staff.”

Steps to the perfect Retül fit

Finding the correct bike fit

Connecting bike and rider starts with questions about yourself and the type of rider you are and the style of riding you do. Once this information is gathered, the Retül system accurately measures body proportions with the help of the incredibly accurate measuring wand and the Retul match tower. Once this is complete, the system will recommend your ideal bike and size - it might even suggest other bikes you had not considered. Using the Retül bike fit means you can be sure the bike fits too. The system will also advise the optimal position for your seat height, helping riders with injury prevention and increasing efficiency and comfort.

Finding the Correct Saddle

The saddle is arguably one of the most important pieces of componentry on a bike as this is one of only three places that riders are in contact with the bike (along with the handlebars and pedals). Finding the correct saddle can greatly increase the enjoyment of cycling.

With the Retul Match, once you have answered a few questions about the type of cycling you do (road, mountain, hybrid etc) and your desired riding position, all you need to do is sit on the specially designed pad that shows where the contact points of your sitbones are and with that, you can see the correct style of saddle you require and, importantly, the correct width. The width of the saddle is incredibly important in terms of comfort and efficiency. With the Retül bike fit for saddles, it takes away the 'trial and error' aspect of finding the correct saddle.

Finding the Correct Shoes

To find the correct shoes for you and your type of riding, again, you will be asked a number of questions about your preferences and the riding you do as road shoes differ from mountain bike shoes. Once you have answered these questions, you place each foot on a specifically designed foot pad and your foot is then traced for width and shape and then the top of the foot also. Once done, this will recommend not only the correct size and style of shoe, it will also recommend what arch support, if any, you require. As mentioned above, any point that you are in contact with the bike is incredibly important to get right for increased comfort and efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Our colleagues are all trained to provide guidance and great service on finding the correct size and style of bike by asking questions and having you sit on bikes but where Specialized Retul Match is especially useful is when we do not have a particular bike in stock or if you are in between sizes and would like a digital second opinion.

An area where the Retul Match system is indispensable is when choosing a sadddle - in the past the only way to find the correct saddle was trial and error as you cannot ever be sure of a saddle until you have ridden on it for a good number of kilometers. With the saddle fit system, it makes finding the correct saddle a much simpler process.

Finally, with shoes, the Retül system can simply and easily recommend the correct size, shape and style of shoes dependent on your preferences, riding experience and bike position.

This video gives you an idea of how Retul Match works:

Author

Ross Howieson

Content Creator

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Specialized Retul Match Bike Fitting

Steps to the perfect Retül fit

Finding the correct bike fit

Finding the Correct Saddle

Finding the Correct Shoes

Final Thoughts