This is a selection of recent feedback on our bike fitting services.
278 Comments "Feedback"
Paul Waters
Richard provided a very professional service, taking time to understand my requirements at the outset. He’s a very knowledgeable guy & offers a great deal of insight in a relaxed environment. The changes he made to my position on the bike have had a significant impact, in that I can now hold an aero position for considerably longer. He’s also eradicated a lot of discomfort I was experiencing across my back, shoulders & neck. I would highly recommend this service, which without doubt is great value for money.
Richard Jones
By investing the time to understand you as an individual and what your specific needs are on the bike Richard brings his wealth of experience to provide a fantastic first class service. This is certainly not a “one size fits all” bike fitting. If you are preparing for a big race or spend a lot of time in the saddle a session with Richard is a great investment.
Andrew Jordan
Having had a Cervelo S5 for a number of months, and already in training for the Etape in July, I wanted to ensure that the bike and I were as optimised as possible.
What you get with Freespeed is two-fold. The first is clearly what you see in the adverts for Retul: a highly accurate and detailed set of stats that describe how and where there may be issues with your set up. But the second for me made the real difference: Richard. He brings an acute sense of knowledge and pragmatism displaying deep knowledge of how something ‘should’ look and how it would affect performance, using real examples and explaining why something may be sub-optimal. Starting with physiology (OK, need to improve my core), it puts the bike fit in context allowing you to understand why seat angle or stem length would affect not just the comfort but the performance of your ride. He made a number of small changes which, as well as reflecting improved data from Retul, actually began to feel better. Although I’ve not ridden the bike any distance since, it certainly bodes extremely well.
I am hugely grateful to Richard and Freespeed for an exceptional, professional and outcome-driven service. Absolutely worth every single penny.
Dale Reeson
I went to see Richard after a number of recommendations as I wanted to make sure that all was well running into a busy 2012 on the bike.
Richard takes the time to listen to your history and your requirements then tailors the whole session to these requirements. He moved me into a less aggressive position and worked out that lower back pain was being caused by a saddle set too high. My riding is now smoother, more powerful and I feel less fatigued. Plus the pain has gone!!
This isn’t bike fit by numbers, this is much more than that. It is a personalised service – bike fitting, using the best equipment, tailored to ensure that when you ride out, you can move your riding on to the next level.
Ellen
Having been bought a bike fit session by my boyfriend I went along very apprehensive as I have been doing triathlon for 1 year and I was aware of Richard’s creditials.
I was very pleasantly surprised how welcoming Richard was and helpful. He was able to explain the technicalities without any jargon and treat my inexperience without any prejudice. It was a fantastic experience. I’m learning to focus on small changes applicable to me rather than just becoming a better cyclist and Richard only emphasised this.
Looking back, I previously would never have arranged this for myself. Now….I’m extremely thankful to my boyfriend and Richard for the session.
The future….let’s see what the 2012 session brings now!!! I’m very excited.
Richard Willis
A thoroughly professional and detailed session from Richard, who puts all his knowledge and expertise in to making this is a ‘must do’ for any individuals out there who want to get the best from their bike.
Highly recommended and well worth the money.
Troy Squires
The Freespeed fit session is more than a Retul bike fit. It’s a session on how to be a better bike rider (with tips to be more aerodynamic) with the added bonus of finding the optimum position on your race machine.
Richard’s history and experience in triathlon comes through in the knowledge and insight he offers – without any BS or jargon.
I was very hesitant to pay money for someone to show me how to do something I’ve been doing competitively for the last 3 years, but with the first piece of advice I got, I knew I was in the right place.
The fit session has given me a renewed passion for riding and running off the bike.
Here’s to my goal of a sub-10 Challenge Roth.
Thanks Richard.
Michael Andrews
I bought a new road bike in September and although I had a static fitting at the time of purchase, Richard was able to make some key adjustments to improve my position and pedalling.
My real reason for the visit was having entered the Outlaw for 2012 I wanted to also get a set up for triathlon. Thanks to the Retul system and Richard’s in-depth knowledge he has been able to give me a great aero position even though I dont have a TT bike.
Richard’s experience and detailed explanation of the changes he has made have really give me the confidence that I now have a set-up to conquer an ironnman bike leg.
At the same time it was great to get so much positive feedback and practical first hand advice on completing my first Ironman distance race.
Thoroughly recommended and money well spent, really looking forward to now getting out on the bike.
Many thanks, Richard for all your help.
Mike Andrews
Dave Pearce
Had an initial fit on the jig (generic bike) and I was recommended a selection of bikes that would suit my position and race format (ironman and 70.3). All through the fitting Richard was excellent in explaining the various aspects of a good fit.
From the recommended list I ended up buying a Blue Triad. I returned for my fit on the Blue, and as the geometry of the bike was close to what Richard thought would be good for me, it only took minor adjustments to get it perfect.
I am very excited for training and the season next year.
For anyone who enjoys triathlon, I can’t recommend a bike fit highly enough. And in terms of bike fit, Richard was excellent throughout.
Massive thank you.
Dave
Ryan Mclaughlin
I met with Richard last week and had my first proper fitting done since buying my TT Bike last year. Richard made some key adjustments that have been hampering my position on the bike over the last year. The result, very pleased to say – an average of 2km/h faster than usual on my weekly London to Brighton training ride.
He has a wealth of knowledge in the field. It was great getting motivating race advice from a true pro while getting the fit done too.
Thanks Richard
David Stopher
After a reasonably full tri season and lots of tweaking of a previous bike fit it was great to get some refinements done with Richard which restored my confidence in the set up I now have. There was one important change made with the saddle (from an Arione to an Adamo Time Trial) as well as adjustments to stem length and base bar set up as I was too compact.
So far so good with the new set up – very pleased that I made the trip in to Chiswick as Richard gives you full attention and shares his own experiences which help to round out the fitting.
Wholeheartedly recommend a visit
Thank you Richard
Gordon Ramsay
Richard has been fantastic in really teaching me just how key the position on the bike is to your performance.
Kyle Buckingham
Had a great bike fit last night with Richard. Not a great amount of change for me, we only made a few adjustments for myself with the saddle and tilting the aero bars a bit. But i can say that the studio is very well organized, great feed back during the whole 3 hrs so you know exactly whats going on. Great footage at the end with the before and after photos, I bought a new Adamo Saddle which fits great too. Hope to see myself riding more comfortable and fast 🙂
Thanks Richard
Khurshed Cooper
I’ve been casually road riding for a few years and was thinking about getting fit on my latest bike. Even though I thought I was pretty much set up right, I suspected there were a few tweaks that would help get things spot on.
I have to say that having done the fitting a couple of months ago, the changes that we made have completely transformed how comfortable I am on the bike and how much power I can transfer through it.
Richard has the tools and know-how to analyse what is happening on the bike when you are actually in motion and applying power. He talks you through everything and there are no big secrets or tricks, just lots of analysis and experience applied to your own personal situation.
I can’t believe I took so long to decide to go for it.
I recommend it for anybody into cycling, whether you are a racer, sportive rider or weekend warrior!
Thanks again Richard!
Paul Burton
I’ve had a Retul fit on a TT bike before, but have since bought a Blue Triad that actually fits (stupid long legs!), and did my best to set it up to my old Retul coordinates myself.
Winning a bike fit with Richard in a competition from Freespeed/For Goodness Shakes was great as I was thinking of getting the TT bike fine-tuned ahead of another Ironman next year. The fit showed how worthwhile it was, as whilst I was close to a decent position, a few small details were out. Richard knows all there is to know about bike fit, and through some small tweaks and a new saddle we got to a powerful, aero and comfortable position. I look forward to getting used to the new position over the winter.
I also got my road bike done, where Richard’s feedback was similarly valuable.
Highly recommended – Richard is an experienced Ironman and knows his stuff!
Dave Mantle
I’ve been pondering on the idea of a Retul bike fit for some time but couldn’t quite get my head around parting with the cash and seeing the value.
After spending a good solid 4-5hrs today with Richard i only wish i had done this years ago. I’ve managed to spend literally thousands on Ironman events only to realize my bike positions were wrong and i could have gone faster with a better fit, Doh! Lesson learned.
If anyone is unsure as to whether this is a sound investment then i have no doubt in recommending Richard at Freespeed. He listened to what goals i had planned and tuned my bikes accordingly with unbelievable attention to detail, nothing was too much trouble.
At less than half the price of just an Ironman entry free, its a no brainer!
Lauren Whitmore
I had my road and TT bikes fitted in May, ahead of a packed season of Ironman and cycling road racing.
I came away with an improved position on my TT bike, and following the fit noticed that my shoulders and upper back, which had previously been getting tight, felt very relaxed in the new position.
The new set up on my road bike (which was substantially different) yielded an immediate improvement in power (almost 10%!).
I raced a few road races towards the end of the year and in three races took two wins and a third! I then raced Ironman Wales and plumped for the road bike given the hills, I had a great swim-bike and hung on during the run and managed to win my age-group. I’ve accepted my slot for Kona in 2012, and can’t wait to get out there.
The bike fit was definitely a worthwhile investment, having previously set up my bikes using trial and error. I would recommend it to cyclists and triathletes alike.
Jonathan Watts
I had been meaning to get a bike fit done for ages however, I had always been put off by the cost and thought that the difference would hardly be noticeable – I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I visited Richard four days before competing in my first Ironman 70.3. The fitting was extremely thorough and Richard went out of his way to provide a service that was above and beyond what i expected from a fitting.
It is a great testament for getting a bike fit that despite the fact that I hadn’t actually ridden the bike before the race, the position was totally different to what i was used to, and i had had a brand new saddle fitted; I managed to knock out a 2hr 45min 90km (and run off it!) with absolutely no discomfort or problems. I kept waiting for the inevitable muscle twinges or fatigue but it never came!
An excellent service delivering measurable results. Highly recommended!
Stuart Auckland
I had an excellent session with Richard. It was a very thorough and interesting process to work through, and great to see the changes in data as we worked through the options.
I came away with a much more effective position which enabled me to compete in the Ultra London Duathlon, posting a good time for me, and to be able to run more efficiently afterwards.
Top stuff and welcome recommended.
Mark Dunlea
I wish I had visited Richard a long time ago, his patience and attention to detail was fantastic, even after 9pm on a Friday night we were still going through a variety of settings and I had already been there for over 3 hours. My new position on the bike is so much more comfortable and powerful I know my times will drop.
Ian Hughes
This is an excellent service which is highlighted by the fact this was my second fit as I had now bought a TT bike. The fit was carried out two days before Hyde Park and I raced with no problems on the bike. I feel I’m keeping the power on throughout the bike instead of wasting time trying to get comfortable.
Justin Hennessey
For anyone serious about their time in the saddle then a session with Richard is a must. I found his advice as valuable as the the excellent bike fit. Taken all together my visit to him allowed me to complete my “End2End” in good time and in much less discomfort than if I had not been fitted. Being at one with your machine gives you great confidence and definitely reduces injury risk considerably.
Thanks Richard and I may see you before my first Ironman next year.
Mark Richardson
An excellent service that allowed an old man like me still achieve an 11 hour dead time at Ironman Austria. Not only did you provide comfort (a new saddle) but also speed. Highly recommended, pity I have to come all the way from Scotland to get a quality bike fit. Thanks Richard.
JR Grasset
I was very realistically hoping that Richard would help me shave off at least 3 hours on an ironman distance event thanks to a new revolutionary position. The bad news is that he reckons I probably need to train a tad more but the good news is that my bike fit is now perfect so I can invest the time in full confidence!
Thank you very much Richard for your expertise and time.
Conan Gibney
If you need a fit for a triathlon or road bike, Richard is your man to go to. I have had 2 Retul based bike fits before, this one was streets ahead.
Richard knows what he is talking about, is experienced in triathlon and road racing and knows exactly how to dial you into an aero but comfortable triathlon position.
James Bird
Previously I questioned the value of a bike fit, but having now ridden a few times in the new position I am far more comfortable and quicker. Plus running off the bike is now far easier with a lot less stiffness in the legs & lower back. Really recommend this service to any serious rider/ triathlete.
Having spoken to other athletes the Retul system is by far the best, plus gives the data you need to set your bike up again should you need to dismantle (for travelling, etc).
I also had some training & coaching tips thrown in for free!
Thanks Richard
Dario Giancristofano
I bought my TT bike early this year and had been experiencing some discomfort and pain in my neck when over 2 hours riding. My running off the bike was also very stiff. I heard about Freespeed and decided to give it a go and the problem was solved.
Thanks to Richard and his work I managed an 11.40 on my first IM race and felt pretty good.
This is highly recommended.
Dario
David Murr
Anyone that rides a bike needs to be measured and Richard is a fountain of knowledge.
Although I did not need a lot of adjustment you can feel the difference straight away, far more comfortable and efficient.
The science is fascinating and easy to understand, with Richard’s help. The advice on riding positions and training methods will see me fly up Ventoux in September.
Thanks again Richard and I will see you again when I buy my next bike.
Jon O'Donnell
As a relative newcomer to triathlon I recently purchased a TT bike to quite unashamedly gain me a few extra minutes that my ability would not allow…
After a couple of outings it didn’t feel right and my legs were shot for the run.
I had heard about bike-fitting and after hearing Richard on LBC I took the bike in.
The fit was fascinating. He’s a fantastic bloke and hugely knowledgable so I learnt an immense amount from Richard. Not just about the fit, but he also gave some excellent advice on ride style with some training tips to improve my overall performance.
Had my first trip out on Sunday at Blenheim and the difference was quite remarkable. My shoulders no longer felt as sore and my legs were absolutely fresh for the run. A massive improvement.
Really great and worthwhile experience. I will be taking my road bike in shortly!
Simon Kenyon
I’d been using a combination of luck and guesswork to refine my position on my road and TT bikes, but with a big bike and LD triathlon season planned and a string of knee and calf niggles, I decided to get a professional bike fit.
The results were pretty impressive. Both road and TT positions are far more comfortable with less stress on the neck and lower back. A revised saddle position means I can develop far more power on both bikes – I really notice the difference on long tough climbs, where I can fly up the hills without needing to get out of the saddle.
The fit itself was great fun, especially for a bike tech geek like me! Richard’s a great guy with stacks of cycling knowledge, and takes the time to understand your individual aims and goals to get the fit just right. Highly recommended.
Hilary Hillhouse
Really impressed with the service I received from Richard at Freespeed. I’d been having some injury issues and Richard tweaked my road bike set up which seems to have helped.
The changes to my TT position were changed more radically and I definitely felt the benefits on my first outing since the new set up. Was really pleased to equal my 10 mile TT pb after a relatively hard training week. Hoping to set some new pbs soon!
Vince Brand
Just wanted to say a big thank you for your very professional, friendly and above all patient service. Having suffered for a long while with lower back pain and the eternal search for a comfy perch, your in depth knowledge and interpretation of the data has eliminated my lower back pain and put me on the right road to really enjoying cycling at another level.
I explained at the outset that I would probably never have any competitive aspirations for some while. This did not detract from your advice and dialling in my ideal position.
Having recently been bitten by the cycling bug again after some years. The thought of going to a place like Freespeed was a little daunting. However, you quickly put me at ease. It doesn’t matter what your ability or aspirations currently are, I can firmly recommend you will benefit from a professional bike fit.
Jason Kemp
Having been fortunate enough to get a new TT bike, I finished my first TT of the season feeling like I was shoe horned onto the bike. It just felt wrong. I didn’t feel like I was generating any power and I had several areas of discomfort. Fast forward two days, during which I spent a morning with Richard, and it is like I have a new pair of legs! It is amazing how a few relatively straight forward changes (enabled by a lot of knowledge and technology) can revolutionise the riding experience.
I would recommend to anyone who takes pleasure from their riding to have a Freespeed bike fit. Richard blends his passion and knowledge with some amazing technology to produce a bike set up that is just right for the rider, their level and their ambitions. I wish I had done it sooner and will be coming back to get my road bike set up too!
Muriel Sibley
The service provided by Richard/Freespeed is professional but at the same time friendly, informative and patient. Even though I felt stupid for turning up with a bike that I (well Richard immediately) soon realised was far too large, he put me at ease and offered reassurance that I would get the bike changed and I would have all the dimensions to get a bike that would fit me perfectly. Once I had received my new Trek bike Richard had me back at the studio to ensure the set up was perfect!
Richard knew that my first long distance race and fifth triathlon ever was Abu Dhabi Long and emailed me to wish me luck… how many people do you deal with that offer that kind of personal service? Not many at all!!
Thanks Richard, whenever people ask about Retul / or just bike fittings I will always recommend you and Freespeed!!
Steve Hooley
Richard’s relaxed but highly professional approach ensured that my bike fit was not only extremely productive but also fun and informative. He was able to identify three key areas and suggest small changes that made a huge overall difference. I’d say that a bike fit with Freespeed is a must for any serious cyclist or triathlete.
Martin Muldoon
I had spent 2 years finding the right position by trial and error, Richard was able to tweak and verify the ideal position to the nearest milimeter. From the frontal viewpoint I was off centre, he analysed this and recommended a new saddle that has solved the issue. Very knowledgeable and a very professional service.
Jim Kirkland
Very professionally done. Whole thing was relaxed but informative from the time I arrived. I had spent a few quid on the new bike and wanted to make sure it was fitted properly to the vagaries of my ageing body to balance output and comfort and Richard succeeded on both counts.
Richard made what is quite a technical and lengthy procedure just seem to fly by. As expected after a few years of cycling there was nothing enormously wrong with my position but the small adjustments picked up by the process have made me feel much more comfortable already.
Off to recommend it to all and sundry as a worthwhile investment.
Vicki Wade
Last week I spent the morning with Richard at Freespeed. The aim was to improve my time trial/triathlon position on my new Colnago Flight. My frame is a size small (the smallest size), so getting an optimum position was always going to be a test. Richard was able to use different stem length and changed my saddle for a Cobb saddle. This enabled him to give me a much better aero position that I could use comfortably on my first race of the season.
The effect on my race position was greater comfort at the same power output which I’m delighted with. I will definitely be recommending you to anyone considering a Retul bike fit.
Richard, thank you! 🙂
Nico van der Westhuizen
Richard offered to look at both my road and tt setup on the same bike. The session was very helpful.
Freespeed offers a relaxed and professional service. I will be going back to get my measurements taken before purchasing a triathlon bike.
Money well spent, highly recommended!
Dr Tamsin Lewis
I had been struggling with a hamstring injury for some time which I felt had been aggravated by my bike position.
Richard was able to successfully see this and rectify possible contributing factors.
On my new Cannondale Slice I am more aero, yet comfortable and more powerful than before… That’s the Freespeed effect!
Paul Huntingford
I’ve been getting more and more into road cycling over the past few years but have always just taken an off the peg approach. This summer I have a few events planned and I wanted to ensure that I would be in the optimum position to compete in the events and also beat my friends!
The bike fit was an amazing experience and I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone who is keen on their cycling. Richard certainly knows his stuff! I now feel a lot more efficient on my bike, am a lot more comfortable and I took 5 mins off my weekend ride!
Colin Wilson
I spent a very rewarding afternoon in January at the Freespeed studios having a Retul fit on my Planet X Nanolight road bike; in advance of a number of triathlons that I am competing in this year.
The whole session was run at a relaxed pace, and Richard took the time to explain every step of the process and the underlying theory, which in itself was of great value.
Richard also took extra time to fit me with the two different types of aero bar systems that I will be using this year.
Since having the fit, my ride experience has been much more comfortable, which has no doubt enabled me to train longer and harder (and recover quicker) than was previously possible.
I would be delighted to recommend anyone considering a Retul fit to contact Richard and the team at Freespeed.
Ed Kirk-Wilson
What a great experience….
I’ve raced triathlon for a few years and ridden bikes for ages. I wasnt expecting much of a change except tiny adjustments.
Richard moved my seat up by 2cm and explained the problems with my pedal stoke.
I now seem to be putting out 5 watts extra for the same effort.
Cant wait for my first race of the season!!!
Charlotte Ramsay
I am a complete amateur triathlete, training for my first Ironman this year. I was recommended to Richard, and whilst on a tight budget, I have to say it is without a doubt the best money I have spent on triathlon.
I was worried that being such an inexperienced triathlete and complete bike tech/set up novice that I was out of my depth but Richard made me feel just as important as any pro. And I can proudly report that having used a road bike (for triathlon) for 3 years now that after my bike fit session with Richard I did not suffer from any lower back pain for the first time ever. I couldn’t believe how the smallest changes made the biggest difference – Retul technology is awesome and Richard is the man to go to!
James A
What a great experience.
I got my old Road Bike fitted with the intention of using that for training but also upgrading to a bike that would obviously shave minutes off my times.
The fit itself was great, and I immediately felt much better on my bike – even though it was already quite well fitted the fine tuning made a noticeable difference. And I have the information I need to buy a new bike of the right size, meaning that I can choose the retailer that I want and be independently sure that I am getting a well fitted bike, rather than rely on the retailer themselves.
But what turned a good bike fit into a great experience was the advice that I got from Richard on much broader topics – as a previous reviewer said, you get out what you put in.
Amanda Benstead
I found the whole experience of having the Retul fitting really helpful. I am not particularly technical but I found Richard’s explanation and recommendations clear and easy to understand. However at the end of the day it is all about performance and I think the fact that in my first “A” race of the year I won my age group and qualified for the European Duathlon Championships speaks for itself!
Mathieu Davy
I spent a long evening at the freespeed studio fitting both my TT and road bikes, and Richard’s patience and knowledge of the Retul system yielded some unexpected and impressive results, both in position and comfort!
His experience in the field also helped me understand better the mechanics involved in the bike fitting process and upgrade my bike where needed, which has been all beneficial. My back and knees are also thankful!
I probably had the best feedback I could have to my queries, and I’d recommend freespeed highly to anyone wondering about a bike fit!
Good luck to team freespeed in their next races!
Stuart Anderson
Richard fitted me for my TT bike prior to racing Kona – Hawaii 2010. Richard is well informed and his relaxed consultative style made the 3 hour bike fit proceed quickly and efficiently.
We made some quite marked changes to my position, mainly relaxing my angles and raising my stem height. In Hawaii last year I biked a sub 5 hours and still ran a 3.07 marathon, my fastest Ironman marathon to date. Overall this contributed heavily to my 9.17 performance (86th overall, 10th in AG)
Thank you Richard for the ‘freespeed’
Cameron Smith
Richard was kind enough to give me 4-5 hours of his time and the experience was incredibly beneficial.
Bike fitment has moved on significantly since I was first fitted 16 years ago and his work challenged much of what I had set up, but also confirmed some as well.
Richard is a very knowledgeable operator and explains the process in a stright-forward and clear manner. I cannot recommend his services highly enough.
Anton Blackie
Retul is a great way to get yourself a bike fit. Richard has a wealth of skills and knowledge to help you find the best position for you on a bike and the information provided is easy to replicate between bikes.
Don’t forget to ask questions! You’ll get out as much as you put in to the session and won’t regret it.
Richard provided a very professional service, taking time to understand my requirements at the outset. He’s a very knowledgeable guy & offers a great deal of insight in a relaxed environment. The changes he made to my position on the bike have had a significant impact, in that I can now hold an aero position for considerably longer. He’s also eradicated a lot of discomfort I was experiencing across my back, shoulders & neck. I would highly recommend this service, which without doubt is great value for money.
By investing the time to understand you as an individual and what your specific needs are on the bike Richard brings his wealth of experience to provide a fantastic first class service. This is certainly not a “one size fits all” bike fitting. If you are preparing for a big race or spend a lot of time in the saddle a session with Richard is a great investment.
Having had a Cervelo S5 for a number of months, and already in training for the Etape in July, I wanted to ensure that the bike and I were as optimised as possible.
What you get with Freespeed is two-fold. The first is clearly what you see in the adverts for Retul: a highly accurate and detailed set of stats that describe how and where there may be issues with your set up. But the second for me made the real difference: Richard. He brings an acute sense of knowledge and pragmatism displaying deep knowledge of how something ‘should’ look and how it would affect performance, using real examples and explaining why something may be sub-optimal. Starting with physiology (OK, need to improve my core), it puts the bike fit in context allowing you to understand why seat angle or stem length would affect not just the comfort but the performance of your ride. He made a number of small changes which, as well as reflecting improved data from Retul, actually began to feel better. Although I’ve not ridden the bike any distance since, it certainly bodes extremely well.
I am hugely grateful to Richard and Freespeed for an exceptional, professional and outcome-driven service. Absolutely worth every single penny.
I went to see Richard after a number of recommendations as I wanted to make sure that all was well running into a busy 2012 on the bike.
Richard takes the time to listen to your history and your requirements then tailors the whole session to these requirements. He moved me into a less aggressive position and worked out that lower back pain was being caused by a saddle set too high. My riding is now smoother, more powerful and I feel less fatigued. Plus the pain has gone!!
This isn’t bike fit by numbers, this is much more than that. It is a personalised service – bike fitting, using the best equipment, tailored to ensure that when you ride out, you can move your riding on to the next level.
Having been bought a bike fit session by my boyfriend I went along very apprehensive as I have been doing triathlon for 1 year and I was aware of Richard’s creditials.
I was very pleasantly surprised how welcoming Richard was and helpful. He was able to explain the technicalities without any jargon and treat my inexperience without any prejudice. It was a fantastic experience. I’m learning to focus on small changes applicable to me rather than just becoming a better cyclist and Richard only emphasised this.
Looking back, I previously would never have arranged this for myself. Now….I’m extremely thankful to my boyfriend and Richard for the session.
The future….let’s see what the 2012 session brings now!!! I’m very excited.
A thoroughly professional and detailed session from Richard, who puts all his knowledge and expertise in to making this is a ‘must do’ for any individuals out there who want to get the best from their bike.
Highly recommended and well worth the money.
The Freespeed fit session is more than a Retul bike fit. It’s a session on how to be a better bike rider (with tips to be more aerodynamic) with the added bonus of finding the optimum position on your race machine.
Richard’s history and experience in triathlon comes through in the knowledge and insight he offers – without any BS or jargon.
I was very hesitant to pay money for someone to show me how to do something I’ve been doing competitively for the last 3 years, but with the first piece of advice I got, I knew I was in the right place.
The fit session has given me a renewed passion for riding and running off the bike.
Here’s to my goal of a sub-10 Challenge Roth.
Thanks Richard.
I bought a new road bike in September and although I had a static fitting at the time of purchase, Richard was able to make some key adjustments to improve my position and pedalling.
My real reason for the visit was having entered the Outlaw for 2012 I wanted to also get a set up for triathlon. Thanks to the Retul system and Richard’s in-depth knowledge he has been able to give me a great aero position even though I dont have a TT bike.
Richard’s experience and detailed explanation of the changes he has made have really give me the confidence that I now have a set-up to conquer an ironnman bike leg.
At the same time it was great to get so much positive feedback and practical first hand advice on completing my first Ironman distance race.
Thoroughly recommended and money well spent, really looking forward to now getting out on the bike.
Many thanks, Richard for all your help.
Mike Andrews
Had an initial fit on the jig (generic bike) and I was recommended a selection of bikes that would suit my position and race format (ironman and 70.3). All through the fitting Richard was excellent in explaining the various aspects of a good fit.
From the recommended list I ended up buying a Blue Triad. I returned for my fit on the Blue, and as the geometry of the bike was close to what Richard thought would be good for me, it only took minor adjustments to get it perfect.
I am very excited for training and the season next year.
For anyone who enjoys triathlon, I can’t recommend a bike fit highly enough. And in terms of bike fit, Richard was excellent throughout.
Massive thank you.
Dave
I met with Richard last week and had my first proper fitting done since buying my TT Bike last year. Richard made some key adjustments that have been hampering my position on the bike over the last year. The result, very pleased to say – an average of 2km/h faster than usual on my weekly London to Brighton training ride.
He has a wealth of knowledge in the field. It was great getting motivating race advice from a true pro while getting the fit done too.
Thanks Richard
After a reasonably full tri season and lots of tweaking of a previous bike fit it was great to get some refinements done with Richard which restored my confidence in the set up I now have. There was one important change made with the saddle (from an Arione to an Adamo Time Trial) as well as adjustments to stem length and base bar set up as I was too compact.
So far so good with the new set up – very pleased that I made the trip in to Chiswick as Richard gives you full attention and shares his own experiences which help to round out the fitting.
Wholeheartedly recommend a visit
Thank you Richard
Richard has been fantastic in really teaching me just how key the position on the bike is to your performance.
Had a great bike fit last night with Richard. Not a great amount of change for me, we only made a few adjustments for myself with the saddle and tilting the aero bars a bit. But i can say that the studio is very well organized, great feed back during the whole 3 hrs so you know exactly whats going on. Great footage at the end with the before and after photos, I bought a new Adamo Saddle which fits great too. Hope to see myself riding more comfortable and fast 🙂
Thanks Richard
I’ve been casually road riding for a few years and was thinking about getting fit on my latest bike. Even though I thought I was pretty much set up right, I suspected there were a few tweaks that would help get things spot on.
I have to say that having done the fitting a couple of months ago, the changes that we made have completely transformed how comfortable I am on the bike and how much power I can transfer through it.
Richard has the tools and know-how to analyse what is happening on the bike when you are actually in motion and applying power. He talks you through everything and there are no big secrets or tricks, just lots of analysis and experience applied to your own personal situation.
I can’t believe I took so long to decide to go for it.
I recommend it for anybody into cycling, whether you are a racer, sportive rider or weekend warrior!
Thanks again Richard!
I’ve had a Retul fit on a TT bike before, but have since bought a Blue Triad that actually fits (stupid long legs!), and did my best to set it up to my old Retul coordinates myself.
Winning a bike fit with Richard in a competition from Freespeed/For Goodness Shakes was great as I was thinking of getting the TT bike fine-tuned ahead of another Ironman next year. The fit showed how worthwhile it was, as whilst I was close to a decent position, a few small details were out. Richard knows all there is to know about bike fit, and through some small tweaks and a new saddle we got to a powerful, aero and comfortable position. I look forward to getting used to the new position over the winter.
I also got my road bike done, where Richard’s feedback was similarly valuable.
Highly recommended – Richard is an experienced Ironman and knows his stuff!
I’ve been pondering on the idea of a Retul bike fit for some time but couldn’t quite get my head around parting with the cash and seeing the value.
After spending a good solid 4-5hrs today with Richard i only wish i had done this years ago. I’ve managed to spend literally thousands on Ironman events only to realize my bike positions were wrong and i could have gone faster with a better fit, Doh! Lesson learned.
If anyone is unsure as to whether this is a sound investment then i have no doubt in recommending Richard at Freespeed. He listened to what goals i had planned and tuned my bikes accordingly with unbelievable attention to detail, nothing was too much trouble.
At less than half the price of just an Ironman entry free, its a no brainer!
I had my road and TT bikes fitted in May, ahead of a packed season of Ironman and cycling road racing.
I came away with an improved position on my TT bike, and following the fit noticed that my shoulders and upper back, which had previously been getting tight, felt very relaxed in the new position.
The new set up on my road bike (which was substantially different) yielded an immediate improvement in power (almost 10%!).
I raced a few road races towards the end of the year and in three races took two wins and a third! I then raced Ironman Wales and plumped for the road bike given the hills, I had a great swim-bike and hung on during the run and managed to win my age-group. I’ve accepted my slot for Kona in 2012, and can’t wait to get out there.
The bike fit was definitely a worthwhile investment, having previously set up my bikes using trial and error. I would recommend it to cyclists and triathletes alike.
I had been meaning to get a bike fit done for ages however, I had always been put off by the cost and thought that the difference would hardly be noticeable – I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I visited Richard four days before competing in my first Ironman 70.3. The fitting was extremely thorough and Richard went out of his way to provide a service that was above and beyond what i expected from a fitting.
It is a great testament for getting a bike fit that despite the fact that I hadn’t actually ridden the bike before the race, the position was totally different to what i was used to, and i had had a brand new saddle fitted; I managed to knock out a 2hr 45min 90km (and run off it!) with absolutely no discomfort or problems. I kept waiting for the inevitable muscle twinges or fatigue but it never came!
An excellent service delivering measurable results. Highly recommended!
I had an excellent session with Richard. It was a very thorough and interesting process to work through, and great to see the changes in data as we worked through the options.
I came away with a much more effective position which enabled me to compete in the Ultra London Duathlon, posting a good time for me, and to be able to run more efficiently afterwards.
Top stuff and welcome recommended.
I wish I had visited Richard a long time ago, his patience and attention to detail was fantastic, even after 9pm on a Friday night we were still going through a variety of settings and I had already been there for over 3 hours. My new position on the bike is so much more comfortable and powerful I know my times will drop.
This is an excellent service which is highlighted by the fact this was my second fit as I had now bought a TT bike. The fit was carried out two days before Hyde Park and I raced with no problems on the bike. I feel I’m keeping the power on throughout the bike instead of wasting time trying to get comfortable.
For anyone serious about their time in the saddle then a session with Richard is a must. I found his advice as valuable as the the excellent bike fit. Taken all together my visit to him allowed me to complete my “End2End” in good time and in much less discomfort than if I had not been fitted. Being at one with your machine gives you great confidence and definitely reduces injury risk considerably.
Thanks Richard and I may see you before my first Ironman next year.
An excellent service that allowed an old man like me still achieve an 11 hour dead time at Ironman Austria. Not only did you provide comfort (a new saddle) but also speed. Highly recommended, pity I have to come all the way from Scotland to get a quality bike fit. Thanks Richard.
I was very realistically hoping that Richard would help me shave off at least 3 hours on an ironman distance event thanks to a new revolutionary position. The bad news is that he reckons I probably need to train a tad more but the good news is that my bike fit is now perfect so I can invest the time in full confidence!
Thank you very much Richard for your expertise and time.
If you need a fit for a triathlon or road bike, Richard is your man to go to. I have had 2 Retul based bike fits before, this one was streets ahead.
Richard knows what he is talking about, is experienced in triathlon and road racing and knows exactly how to dial you into an aero but comfortable triathlon position.
Previously I questioned the value of a bike fit, but having now ridden a few times in the new position I am far more comfortable and quicker. Plus running off the bike is now far easier with a lot less stiffness in the legs & lower back. Really recommend this service to any serious rider/ triathlete.
Having spoken to other athletes the Retul system is by far the best, plus gives the data you need to set your bike up again should you need to dismantle (for travelling, etc).
I also had some training & coaching tips thrown in for free!
Thanks Richard
I bought my TT bike early this year and had been experiencing some discomfort and pain in my neck when over 2 hours riding. My running off the bike was also very stiff. I heard about Freespeed and decided to give it a go and the problem was solved.
Thanks to Richard and his work I managed an 11.40 on my first IM race and felt pretty good.
This is highly recommended.
Dario
Anyone that rides a bike needs to be measured and Richard is a fountain of knowledge.
Although I did not need a lot of adjustment you can feel the difference straight away, far more comfortable and efficient.
The science is fascinating and easy to understand, with Richard’s help. The advice on riding positions and training methods will see me fly up Ventoux in September.
Thanks again Richard and I will see you again when I buy my next bike.
As a relative newcomer to triathlon I recently purchased a TT bike to quite unashamedly gain me a few extra minutes that my ability would not allow…
After a couple of outings it didn’t feel right and my legs were shot for the run.
I had heard about bike-fitting and after hearing Richard on LBC I took the bike in.
The fit was fascinating. He’s a fantastic bloke and hugely knowledgable so I learnt an immense amount from Richard. Not just about the fit, but he also gave some excellent advice on ride style with some training tips to improve my overall performance.
Had my first trip out on Sunday at Blenheim and the difference was quite remarkable. My shoulders no longer felt as sore and my legs were absolutely fresh for the run. A massive improvement.
Really great and worthwhile experience. I will be taking my road bike in shortly!
I’d been using a combination of luck and guesswork to refine my position on my road and TT bikes, but with a big bike and LD triathlon season planned and a string of knee and calf niggles, I decided to get a professional bike fit.
The results were pretty impressive. Both road and TT positions are far more comfortable with less stress on the neck and lower back. A revised saddle position means I can develop far more power on both bikes – I really notice the difference on long tough climbs, where I can fly up the hills without needing to get out of the saddle.
The fit itself was great fun, especially for a bike tech geek like me! Richard’s a great guy with stacks of cycling knowledge, and takes the time to understand your individual aims and goals to get the fit just right. Highly recommended.
Really impressed with the service I received from Richard at Freespeed. I’d been having some injury issues and Richard tweaked my road bike set up which seems to have helped.
The changes to my TT position were changed more radically and I definitely felt the benefits on my first outing since the new set up. Was really pleased to equal my 10 mile TT pb after a relatively hard training week. Hoping to set some new pbs soon!
Just wanted to say a big thank you for your very professional, friendly and above all patient service. Having suffered for a long while with lower back pain and the eternal search for a comfy perch, your in depth knowledge and interpretation of the data has eliminated my lower back pain and put me on the right road to really enjoying cycling at another level.
I explained at the outset that I would probably never have any competitive aspirations for some while. This did not detract from your advice and dialling in my ideal position.
Having recently been bitten by the cycling bug again after some years. The thought of going to a place like Freespeed was a little daunting. However, you quickly put me at ease. It doesn’t matter what your ability or aspirations currently are, I can firmly recommend you will benefit from a professional bike fit.
Having been fortunate enough to get a new TT bike, I finished my first TT of the season feeling like I was shoe horned onto the bike. It just felt wrong. I didn’t feel like I was generating any power and I had several areas of discomfort. Fast forward two days, during which I spent a morning with Richard, and it is like I have a new pair of legs! It is amazing how a few relatively straight forward changes (enabled by a lot of knowledge and technology) can revolutionise the riding experience.
I would recommend to anyone who takes pleasure from their riding to have a Freespeed bike fit. Richard blends his passion and knowledge with some amazing technology to produce a bike set up that is just right for the rider, their level and their ambitions. I wish I had done it sooner and will be coming back to get my road bike set up too!
The service provided by Richard/Freespeed is professional but at the same time friendly, informative and patient. Even though I felt stupid for turning up with a bike that I (well Richard immediately) soon realised was far too large, he put me at ease and offered reassurance that I would get the bike changed and I would have all the dimensions to get a bike that would fit me perfectly. Once I had received my new Trek bike Richard had me back at the studio to ensure the set up was perfect!
Richard knew that my first long distance race and fifth triathlon ever was Abu Dhabi Long and emailed me to wish me luck… how many people do you deal with that offer that kind of personal service? Not many at all!!
Thanks Richard, whenever people ask about Retul / or just bike fittings I will always recommend you and Freespeed!!
Richard’s relaxed but highly professional approach ensured that my bike fit was not only extremely productive but also fun and informative. He was able to identify three key areas and suggest small changes that made a huge overall difference. I’d say that a bike fit with Freespeed is a must for any serious cyclist or triathlete.
I had spent 2 years finding the right position by trial and error, Richard was able to tweak and verify the ideal position to the nearest milimeter. From the frontal viewpoint I was off centre, he analysed this and recommended a new saddle that has solved the issue. Very knowledgeable and a very professional service.
Very professionally done. Whole thing was relaxed but informative from the time I arrived. I had spent a few quid on the new bike and wanted to make sure it was fitted properly to the vagaries of my ageing body to balance output and comfort and Richard succeeded on both counts.
Richard made what is quite a technical and lengthy procedure just seem to fly by. As expected after a few years of cycling there was nothing enormously wrong with my position but the small adjustments picked up by the process have made me feel much more comfortable already.
Off to recommend it to all and sundry as a worthwhile investment.
Last week I spent the morning with Richard at Freespeed. The aim was to improve my time trial/triathlon position on my new Colnago Flight. My frame is a size small (the smallest size), so getting an optimum position was always going to be a test. Richard was able to use different stem length and changed my saddle for a Cobb saddle. This enabled him to give me a much better aero position that I could use comfortably on my first race of the season.
The effect on my race position was greater comfort at the same power output which I’m delighted with. I will definitely be recommending you to anyone considering a Retul bike fit.
Richard, thank you! 🙂
Richard offered to look at both my road and tt setup on the same bike. The session was very helpful.
Freespeed offers a relaxed and professional service. I will be going back to get my measurements taken before purchasing a triathlon bike.
Money well spent, highly recommended!
I had been struggling with a hamstring injury for some time which I felt had been aggravated by my bike position.
Richard was able to successfully see this and rectify possible contributing factors.
On my new Cannondale Slice I am more aero, yet comfortable and more powerful than before… That’s the Freespeed effect!
I’ve been getting more and more into road cycling over the past few years but have always just taken an off the peg approach. This summer I have a few events planned and I wanted to ensure that I would be in the optimum position to compete in the events and also beat my friends!
The bike fit was an amazing experience and I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone who is keen on their cycling. Richard certainly knows his stuff! I now feel a lot more efficient on my bike, am a lot more comfortable and I took 5 mins off my weekend ride!
I spent a very rewarding afternoon in January at the Freespeed studios having a Retul fit on my Planet X Nanolight road bike; in advance of a number of triathlons that I am competing in this year.
The whole session was run at a relaxed pace, and Richard took the time to explain every step of the process and the underlying theory, which in itself was of great value.
Richard also took extra time to fit me with the two different types of aero bar systems that I will be using this year.
Since having the fit, my ride experience has been much more comfortable, which has no doubt enabled me to train longer and harder (and recover quicker) than was previously possible.
I would be delighted to recommend anyone considering a Retul fit to contact Richard and the team at Freespeed.
What a great experience….
I’ve raced triathlon for a few years and ridden bikes for ages. I wasnt expecting much of a change except tiny adjustments.
Richard moved my seat up by 2cm and explained the problems with my pedal stoke.
I now seem to be putting out 5 watts extra for the same effort.
Cant wait for my first race of the season!!!
I am a complete amateur triathlete, training for my first Ironman this year. I was recommended to Richard, and whilst on a tight budget, I have to say it is without a doubt the best money I have spent on triathlon.
I was worried that being such an inexperienced triathlete and complete bike tech/set up novice that I was out of my depth but Richard made me feel just as important as any pro. And I can proudly report that having used a road bike (for triathlon) for 3 years now that after my bike fit session with Richard I did not suffer from any lower back pain for the first time ever. I couldn’t believe how the smallest changes made the biggest difference – Retul technology is awesome and Richard is the man to go to!
What a great experience.
I got my old Road Bike fitted with the intention of using that for training but also upgrading to a bike that would obviously shave minutes off my times.
The fit itself was great, and I immediately felt much better on my bike – even though it was already quite well fitted the fine tuning made a noticeable difference. And I have the information I need to buy a new bike of the right size, meaning that I can choose the retailer that I want and be independently sure that I am getting a well fitted bike, rather than rely on the retailer themselves.
But what turned a good bike fit into a great experience was the advice that I got from Richard on much broader topics – as a previous reviewer said, you get out what you put in.
I found the whole experience of having the Retul fitting really helpful. I am not particularly technical but I found Richard’s explanation and recommendations clear and easy to understand. However at the end of the day it is all about performance and I think the fact that in my first “A” race of the year I won my age group and qualified for the European Duathlon Championships speaks for itself!
I spent a long evening at the freespeed studio fitting both my TT and road bikes, and Richard’s patience and knowledge of the Retul system yielded some unexpected and impressive results, both in position and comfort!
His experience in the field also helped me understand better the mechanics involved in the bike fitting process and upgrade my bike where needed, which has been all beneficial. My back and knees are also thankful!
I probably had the best feedback I could have to my queries, and I’d recommend freespeed highly to anyone wondering about a bike fit!
Good luck to team freespeed in their next races!
Richard fitted me for my TT bike prior to racing Kona – Hawaii 2010. Richard is well informed and his relaxed consultative style made the 3 hour bike fit proceed quickly and efficiently.
We made some quite marked changes to my position, mainly relaxing my angles and raising my stem height. In Hawaii last year I biked a sub 5 hours and still ran a 3.07 marathon, my fastest Ironman marathon to date. Overall this contributed heavily to my 9.17 performance (86th overall, 10th in AG)
Thank you Richard for the ‘freespeed’
Richard was kind enough to give me 4-5 hours of his time and the experience was incredibly beneficial.
Bike fitment has moved on significantly since I was first fitted 16 years ago and his work challenged much of what I had set up, but also confirmed some as well.
Richard is a very knowledgeable operator and explains the process in a stright-forward and clear manner. I cannot recommend his services highly enough.
Retul is a great way to get yourself a bike fit. Richard has a wealth of skills and knowledge to help you find the best position for you on a bike and the information provided is easy to replicate between bikes.
Don’t forget to ask questions! You’ll get out as much as you put in to the session and won’t regret it.