This is a selection of recent feedback on our bike fitting services.
278 Comments "Feedback"
Yvette Grice
After visiting Freespeed & Richard I am feeling more aero and importantly more comfortable which is vital during long distance racing. Richard is very passionate about triathlon & his work and this comes across during the session. He explains any changes so you can relate to what is going on & at the same time makes you feel very relaxed. First class service and would highly recommend. Thank you!
Paul Ahsunollah
Richard was recommended by a friend who had used him a couple of times previously. I chose to have a bike fit for a new TT bike and check out the fit on my existing road bike.
Richard was very welcoming, knowledgeable and found it easy to understand what I wanted from the fit.
Following the meeting he provided me with a good range of bikes which would work for me. I would recommend him.
Amir Intisar
Had a fantastic session with Richard for my initial triathlon bike setup. He optimised the fitting to minimise the strain on my bad right knee, which is exactly what i was looking for. Service was extremely professional and friendly. I feel much more confident getting a bike fit from an experienced Ironman triathlete like Richard, over any kid in a standard cycle store. Highly recommended !!
Jenny hunt
I learnt so much about my bike and cycling in my time with Richard, which in itself will improve my cycling over the years ahead. I was really impressed by all the attention to detail and kit used to help assess my cycling. Riding home and going out for rides afterwards, I feel much more comfortable and I’m getting more out of the energy I’m using on my bike.
Brilliant, well worth it.
Thank you
Anne
As a newcomer to cycling with a long history of running related injuries I was keen to avoid a whole new string of cycling injuries. A great service from Richard who gave me a number of suggestions for bikes to suit my size, technique and budget, helped me source and buy my choice and set it up for me. I’m loving the bike and am a convert to cycling!
Kristin
I went to see Richard because my bike was extremely uncomfortable and made riding a chore. Richard’s fitting not only helped me to get more comfortable, but made my setup safer and faster as well. Happy to say that cycling is a joy again and I’m excited to ride in a way I haven’t been in recent years!
Jen
Fantastic service from Richard. I’m totally new to bike-fit and didn’t know what to expect. Richard took the time to understand my riding; he readjusted my seat height, saddle position and handlebars – the before and after photos really show the difference. Richard went one step further though, and also gave me advice about my riding position and advice on new bikes.
Ian Livingstone
Thoroughly recommend this service, extremely professional and very enjoyable experience – and this is despite the fact that in my own case my bike needed only a fraction of an alteration to the saddle! It became clear that my main problem was with my cycling posture rather than the bike set up but just finding this out was well worth the cost.
Mel
Terrific value for money! Richard fixed my seat height, position and aerobars and taught me a lot about positioning. He got me to try a different saddle which is transformationally more comfortable for my lady parts. He also taught me how to dismantle my bike. I noticed the difference the second I rode out the door…….worth every penny!
Charles Cleal
Great session. My road bike is instantly more comfortable. I ride faster and for longer as a result. Richard knows his stuff and it was good to spend four hours talking bikes with him. Thanks again.
Helen Read
As a newbie amateur cyclist I was unaware that hand numbness and back ache were not just the “norm”. My bike is not exactly state of the art but Richard was very capable of dealing with it. Although he did not carry a part needed was able to source and subsequently fit. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The end result is well worth the money and I definitely recommend him
Myles harris
Having a bike fit with Richard is a fabulous and very valuable experience, I cannot recommend him enough, the difference in comfort and efficiency on my bike now is incredible, you will be amazed with the end result, I’m now going quicker with less effort.
Without a doubt the best in depth bike fit out there.
Thanks so much Richard.
Katherine Rowney
I asked Richard to look at both my road and TT bike. I suspected the TT bike had not been properly fitted with a previous company as I was experiencing neck, shoulder and hip issues. Richard did a fabulous job correcting it. He is also terrific to talk to about Triathlon generally and gave me pointers which I have turned into practice – from training focus to posture on the bike. Value for money!
Alexander Brown
Came back for a second bike fit for a new bike. Just as brilliant a service as my first time and Richard was a fount of information as before. Wish I had been able to fit him in before Velothon, as the bike instantly felt better on the short journey home. I had based my setup on the previous fitting and whilst this was close the little tweaks Richard made have taken it to spot on.
Paul Dench
I had a two bike fit (Road & TT) and it was great, Richard is a great guy, very friendly and clearly knows his stuff, the fact that he has a history in triathlon just adds to his already extensive knowledge.
A few changes on both bikes has had an affect on both comfort and speed and I look forward to really testing out on the road and upcoming races.
I can’t recommend Richard highly enough.
Kieran
I had a really interesting session with Richard, and was amazed how a few simple tweaks can make such a difference to my ride position! I look forward to seeing the results out on the road. I will be recommending a bike fit with him to all my cycling buddies.
Sandy Whisker
A fascinating and highly beneficial bike fit by Richard. He fine tuned the bike set up to get me into the optimum positions for cruising and being aero and also provided a wealth of information with respect to triathlon equipment and racing. It’s clear that Retul is simply an aid to help Richard confirm what he can already see with his naked eye due to his many years of experience.
Tim Murphy
I have just had my second fit with Richard and could not recommend him highly enough. My first was in April 2015, my frame at the time did not have great geometry but we were able to get the best fit possible given the circumstances. Over recent months Richard has helped me find and purchase a frame that is better suited to me, the new frame fits perfectly and the new position is great.
Natalie Seymour
Richard gives so much time, attention and thought to the service he delivers. I came away feeling confident about my TT position and excited to get out on my bike for training. I know his time and effort will help my racing and I am extremely grateful for his expert input. Most importantly, we had fun and chatted our way through the whole thing…. A very enjoyable visit!
matt Porter
Before deciding on Richard for my bike fit I looked at various other places, but I am so glad I made the choice I did. Richard’s experience as an Ironman was perfect for me as I take on my own Ironman. During the 3 hour session Richard perfected my road and tri positions as well as giving some valuable advice on training and completing the event. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Alex Edwards
I had a road bike fit (my first) with Richard in the summer of 2015. After initially being concerned about the price I took the plunge and I’m very glad I did. Richard is extremely personable, has a wealth of knowledge but most importantly really takes his time to get things absolutely right. He also makes sure you understand the rationale of his changes as you go along. For someone like me, who is ramping up their riding, its a real education.
Overall I now feel more comfortable, stronger and confident on the bike.
If you’re umming and ahhing about a bike fit with Richard, then my advice is to get on with it!
Laura Fidler
I contacted Richard following a recommendation as i was having some problems with both my road and TT bike. I have been riding and racing for a few years now and have had previous bike fits with other companies but was still getting issues with longer riding. I was starting to think that i would always have some issues.
Well, i am really pleased to say that this is not the case at all! For the first time in 5 years i have ridden pain free on my road bike. I have yet to try my TT bike over longer distances but it also feels much more comfortable on the turbo.
I only have positive things to say about the whole process. Richard was extremely helpful, friendly, thorough and very personable in his approach. His knowledge is extensive and i feel confident that he would be able to find a solution to even the most complexed of situations.
Thank you!
Steve Berry
Having been a TTer before taking up triathlon I always had a pretty aero position. The position probably wasn’t the best for long distance triathlon and I wanted to see if I could improve my position for triathlon. Richard had a bit of a challenge and he surpassed all my expectations.
He analysed my initial position and concluded it was aero but possibly a bit too aggressive for long distance triathlons. Obviously I didn’t want to lose to much aero and although the position changes were quite small, they did produce a considerable change in position and comfort (and I was comfortable already).
I like the methodical way Richard worked and the way he explained all the changes and how they would affect my position.
I have had a chance to test out the changes on the turbo and the result is a far more comfortable turbo experience and I expect this to reflect once on the road as well. It also seems to have cleared up another issue that I thought was unrelated and that is a left glute pain I was getting.
In short, I would highly recommend Richard and Freespeed for a bike fit.
Mike Dawson
I have taken the leap to enter Celtman 2016, but have only ever ridden a Mountain bike!
Outstanding service and advice from the first point of contact.
So glad to find such a wealth of experience in road cycling and triathlon.
Richard measured and analysed, my current position and cycling technique as i adapted to a road bike for the first time.
From this analysis Richard was able to specify a size and geometry of bike, bespoke to my requirements for a triathlon, with the emphasis on being ‘fresh for the run’.
All the advice was very easily explained to a complete layman in the road cycling scene!
I am also very impressed by the customer service level in general, advise, recommendations and moreover the time Richard has taken time to research bikes (with useful evaluation of each), turbo trainers, pedals and gear to suit me…. This is above and beyond my expectations and the ‘normal call of duty’ you would expect.
It’s a big confidence boost to know you are in safe hands and not end up picking up bad habits and subsequent injury by making mistakes through lack of knowledge.
Highly recommended, Mike
David Hegarty
Having taken the plunge into Tri only this year, I decided I wanted to get a TT/Tri specific bike to focus on Duathlon for 2016. Only having a road bike I decided to go for a TT fit with the hope that this would give me a good idea of which brands/bikes would be a good fit for me.
A friend/tri club member had only great things to say regarding there fit with Richard so I booked a session and arrived a little early for my appointment. Richard was so easy to talk to and had me on the rig and asking for feedback and making small changes based on this, the data from the sensors/his expert eye regarding angles/reach/stack and a lot of other things I pretended to understand (thankfully Richard explained in simple terms for me!!).
What was great was Richard asked about my race goals and distances so we could decide on how aggressive I could go but also allowing for my body mechanics and a good run off the bike (hip angle is very important), along with future plans (IM – maybe). This was really important as it transpires, as it allowed Richard to know what I may require fit wise in the future and could advise on which bikes/sizes would work to cover this (awesome).
The time went really quick, and Richard was happy to talk about racing and training and is VERY knowledgeable, and it really felt like a bespoke service with no hard sell, just great advice and delivered in a friendly manner.
At the end I was sent over my Report with all measurements and data, and based on my shortlist of bikes Richard took the time to cover each one in detail regarding its fit and which size would work best taking into account current/future plans.
If you are thinking of having a bike fit I would thoroughly recommend Richards service.
Now all I need to do is explain to Mrs H why I need ANOTHER bike!!
Phil Barella
Very enjoyable session with the benefit of a definite overall improvement in comfort and a feeling that i would be more efficient and spin easier. 3 sets of small adjustments and the use of a new stem of mine that gave me a better reach and more comfort on the front combined with slight cleat alignment changes meant i was far better off afterwards.
Richards a nice guy, and his knowledge and skill were very apparent.
Heartily recommended.
Andy young
As a novice to TT bikes, Richard was able to provide really good advice on how to approach the purchase of my 1st TT bike. Richard was very knowledgable, friendly and extremely helpful.
I would highly recommend Freespeed!
Andy
Fred Bowman
I had a great session with Richard, he is very friendly and really knows his stuff.
He took the time to get the small adjustments just right and I have absolute confidence that he has achieved a great fit for my new bike.
Richard’s wealth of knowledge about cycling/triathlon means that his advice is not only technically sound but is also very practical.
I would certainly recommend a session at freespeed and I am already planning to go back with my other bike!
Tamara McCombe
When it comes to bike mechanics I have always been an utter novice with little interest except for if it works, that is until meeting Richard and being pulled in by his passion. Watching him elegantly twist and turn the components on my (noble but not noteworthy) bike was enthralling entertainment and testament to his love of all things bike related.
The three hour fit went in a flash during which he used the Retul video method to evaluate and improve my position on my current road bike and assess which TT model I might best upgrade to for the next triathlon season.
As we were all told by maths teachers at school Richard showed all his working! He explained fully in laymen’s terms what the videos showed, what improvements he would make and why.
The same day as my fitting I received all the images and specs that had been taken as well as links to some specific bikes he recommended for my needs.
Richard’s service is personalised, efficient and comes with no sales pitches. I may become a bike nerd yet!
Alexander Brown
Was referred by a satisfied customer and will be thanking her for the recommendation. Very much enjoyed my session with Richard today and having made a number of tweaks to both my bike setup and my own posture I could already feel the difference on the ride home.
The added bonus of having a proper report to take away with me is the icing on the cake.
Marek Siwicki
Richard spent plenty of time with me learning a little bit about the way I like to ride and my main uses for each of my bikes.
My original set up had given me a few minor niggles and I just wanted to see if we could iron those out.
The initial video of my original set up showed Richard a lot, and after he showed me and explained it made sense why I was getting a slight niggle in one of my knees and a sore back at times.
Amazing how just a few slight tweaks to the position got me into a much more professional and comfortable looking position.
It is great to have someone spend so much time with you on something like this to get it right. The amount of variables on a bike and how they interact with each other seems to be something that Richard has built up excellent experience of understanding.
I am very pleased with the look of the new position, time will tell whether it sorts my issues.
Tullio Salvatore
I was referred by a friend, another very happy customer. And I am very happy to join the camp.
Richard was very professional and friendly, doing a great job at totally revolutionising my bike setup. A most useful and enjoyable visit.
Richard is a great mentor, no matter the level of experience (or lack of) you walk in with.
Strongly recommended.
Mihai Codreanu
Well… I have a dream! I want to participate and finish a 70.3 Ironman competition, and this dream made me to search to find the best bike suited for me in my budget range.
With a little bit of luck this search led me to Richard via internet and I must say it was an excellent choice. I am really new with road bike thing, had no clue what I am looking for but I knew I need professional help .
I have read all his web-site as well as some other bike fitters and the more I knew the more convinced I was I am on the right track.
I have traveled all the way from Romania to meet Richard and I don’t regret it, it was worth while!
Richard help me understand what are the things I should be mindful of when looking for a proper bike, he measured my constitution, the way I sit in the saddle, he took in consideration my lower back spine injury, he walk and talked me through the entire process.
At the end of it, I was recommended 5 possible bikes (he has no brand affiliation thus I’ve got 5 different brands/models to work with) suited to me and my budget, and he made sure I know what is good or needs tweaking for each and every. I really appreciated the honest and direct feedback plus the sense of humor.
I honestly liked talking to him and felt as any customer should feel -respected and listened – so much so that I am planning to send my bike directly to him, have it tweaked and shipped back to me in Bucharest.
I highly recommend Richard for a bike fitting session and I for one will surely use his services again!
Jakob
Having decided to finally get a TT bike, I went to see Richard to get a pre-purchase fit. I had warned Richard, that I was not the most flexible person in world. Nevertheless, I was impressed with how relative aero, yet comfortable Richard could get me.
Within 48hrs, Richard had send me a list with suitable frames, based on the fitting.
Whilst there Richard also made numerous tweaks to my road bike setup, including changing the saddle, which instantly got me in a more balanced position.
Highly recommended!
Dan W
I wanted to buy a aero-frame bike to use for both regular road use & triathlon.
Richard’s work has been invaluable throughout the entire process. From ordering the right sized bike, fitting TT bars & shifters, to getting the bike set up in a way that I can swap between triathlon and road easily, and with minimal alterations. I’m delighted with the end result.
Richard provides much more than a traditional bike fit service. He is an incredible source of knowledge & advice on all aspects of triathlon.
Highly recommend.
Greg
I brought a TT bike and then had a bike fitting with another bike fitter, I absolutely hated riding the bike, everything felt wrong and uncomfortable. I was on the verge of selling the bike, but decided to see Richard first for a bike fitting. Richard made a number of changes to my bike setup, including a new saddle. Every change was explained as to the reason for the change, I did my first ride back over the weekend, only 80km but I felt amazing on the bike. I would highly recommend Freespeed and Richard for a bike fitting, also Richard is really knowledgeable about all things cycling and triathlon. I have to also mention that Richard responded to my e-mails and made a bike fitting booking for me while on leave which was much appreciated.
Rachel Hallam
Ok so I had a bike fit with Richard a few months back as part of my preparation for racing my first ironman and he made quite a few changes to my TT position. I got dialled into the new position during the long training rides in the build up to the ironman. I felt really comfortable and most importantly powerful on the bike in the new position. So I must say a huge thank you to you Richard I ended up having a great first ironman, rode strong, felt good on the bike and was then able to run off the bike. I also achieved my goal of winning my age group and gaining that Kona slot so thanks again for the help 🙂 will be paying you a visit before Kona!!
Mike Swatman
Recently had a bike fit after buying a new Canyon. Richard’s knowledge and attention to detail was brilliant, and although only a few subtle changes were made, the bike now feels as if it were made to measure. Highly recommended and money well spent.
Thanks
Alistar Duggin
I can’t recommend Richard highly enough. Before seeing Richard the longest I had only been able to stay down on my aero bars on my new TT bike was for about an hour. A week after I was able to complete a middle distance triathlon in an aero position and smash my PB on the bike by over 12 minutes. Last week I smashed my long distance triathlon bike PB by 35 minutes at Challenge Roth and followed it by my fastest run to date.
Richard has a great setup in his studio and made me feel very comfortable. The bike fit was very thorough and he explained everything he was doing and finding with great clarity – and was happy to answer all my questions. Richard went the extra mile of ensuring that my bike was setup correctly for my race the following weekend. Thank you Richard – a fantastic service!
Shane McDermott
Thorough analysis of bike, gait and set up followed by revisions and improvements. Really enjoyed the session and ‘free speed’
James Brown
Highly recommended. A really comprehensive and professional process. Rich is an experienced triathlete as well as bike fitter. Great studio too. First class
AlexK
I went to see Richard for a fitting for my current bike as I felt that I wasn’t sitting as well as I should be. Although thankfully the bike wasn’t too far off in its settings and positioning, Richard made a few small but key changes which helped me feel more comfortable. I’m now waiting to bring him my other new bike to adjust it to the new settings.
All in all a great experience and Richard is a top bloke!
Much appreciated
Patrick
I came to see Richard about building a new bike and to avoid buying parts based on guess work. He gave me some great advice both on fit and how to get a more aggressive position over time. His advice on saddles was also a big help.
A great bloke who is very knowledgable and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Jonathan
I was recommended by a friend to see Richard.
He very quickly gauged my level of experience and advised accordingly.
Been on the bike a few times since and feels great so far.
Many thanks.
Dino Alexopoulos
I can’t thank Richard enough for all his help during my bike fit yesterday.
I came to Richard with some shoulder and hand pain but after some adjustments made these have immediately stopped hurting. I now have a riding position which is completely pain free and has made a huge difference already.
I can’t recommend Richard enough!
Ryan
Thanks Richard for your invaluable help in ensuring my road bike was as comfortable as possible for Roth.
Your patience in answering my myriad of ‘dumb’ questions was also appreciated.
Tony Crawte
After 3 months as a road cycling novice things felt like they’d benefit from some tweaking – the time spent with Richard was informative and I came away with a much improved position: felt more confident with better covering of the levers and the knee issues I’d started to experience disappeared.
As others have said all very well explained plus a few tips passed on as well.
For me definitely time and money very well spent.
Andrew
Thanks Richard for your help. I was very impressed with your set up and would highly recommend you. You made me feel comfortable straight away and now much more confident in a better racing position.
Thomas
A few subtle changes have made a huge difference to how my bike feels to ride. My love of figures was gracefully indulged and Richard was fantastic.
Mark Fordyce
Was really great to get my aerobars fitted to my road bike. Great compromise position that feels great in both a road and TT position. Really good as in interim before biting the bullet on a TT bike!
Richard explained everything really well and made it really easy.
After visiting Freespeed & Richard I am feeling more aero and importantly more comfortable which is vital during long distance racing. Richard is very passionate about triathlon & his work and this comes across during the session. He explains any changes so you can relate to what is going on & at the same time makes you feel very relaxed. First class service and would highly recommend. Thank you!
Richard was recommended by a friend who had used him a couple of times previously. I chose to have a bike fit for a new TT bike and check out the fit on my existing road bike.
Richard was very welcoming, knowledgeable and found it easy to understand what I wanted from the fit.
Following the meeting he provided me with a good range of bikes which would work for me. I would recommend him.
Had a fantastic session with Richard for my initial triathlon bike setup. He optimised the fitting to minimise the strain on my bad right knee, which is exactly what i was looking for. Service was extremely professional and friendly. I feel much more confident getting a bike fit from an experienced Ironman triathlete like Richard, over any kid in a standard cycle store. Highly recommended !!
I learnt so much about my bike and cycling in my time with Richard, which in itself will improve my cycling over the years ahead. I was really impressed by all the attention to detail and kit used to help assess my cycling. Riding home and going out for rides afterwards, I feel much more comfortable and I’m getting more out of the energy I’m using on my bike.
Brilliant, well worth it.
Thank you
As a newcomer to cycling with a long history of running related injuries I was keen to avoid a whole new string of cycling injuries. A great service from Richard who gave me a number of suggestions for bikes to suit my size, technique and budget, helped me source and buy my choice and set it up for me. I’m loving the bike and am a convert to cycling!
I went to see Richard because my bike was extremely uncomfortable and made riding a chore. Richard’s fitting not only helped me to get more comfortable, but made my setup safer and faster as well. Happy to say that cycling is a joy again and I’m excited to ride in a way I haven’t been in recent years!
Fantastic service from Richard. I’m totally new to bike-fit and didn’t know what to expect. Richard took the time to understand my riding; he readjusted my seat height, saddle position and handlebars – the before and after photos really show the difference. Richard went one step further though, and also gave me advice about my riding position and advice on new bikes.
Thoroughly recommend this service, extremely professional and very enjoyable experience – and this is despite the fact that in my own case my bike needed only a fraction of an alteration to the saddle! It became clear that my main problem was with my cycling posture rather than the bike set up but just finding this out was well worth the cost.
Terrific value for money! Richard fixed my seat height, position and aerobars and taught me a lot about positioning. He got me to try a different saddle which is transformationally more comfortable for my lady parts. He also taught me how to dismantle my bike. I noticed the difference the second I rode out the door…….worth every penny!
Great session. My road bike is instantly more comfortable. I ride faster and for longer as a result. Richard knows his stuff and it was good to spend four hours talking bikes with him. Thanks again.
As a newbie amateur cyclist I was unaware that hand numbness and back ache were not just the “norm”. My bike is not exactly state of the art but Richard was very capable of dealing with it. Although he did not carry a part needed was able to source and subsequently fit. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The end result is well worth the money and I definitely recommend him
Having a bike fit with Richard is a fabulous and very valuable experience, I cannot recommend him enough, the difference in comfort and efficiency on my bike now is incredible, you will be amazed with the end result, I’m now going quicker with less effort.
Without a doubt the best in depth bike fit out there.
Thanks so much Richard.
I asked Richard to look at both my road and TT bike. I suspected the TT bike had not been properly fitted with a previous company as I was experiencing neck, shoulder and hip issues. Richard did a fabulous job correcting it. He is also terrific to talk to about Triathlon generally and gave me pointers which I have turned into practice – from training focus to posture on the bike. Value for money!
Came back for a second bike fit for a new bike. Just as brilliant a service as my first time and Richard was a fount of information as before. Wish I had been able to fit him in before Velothon, as the bike instantly felt better on the short journey home. I had based my setup on the previous fitting and whilst this was close the little tweaks Richard made have taken it to spot on.
I had a two bike fit (Road & TT) and it was great, Richard is a great guy, very friendly and clearly knows his stuff, the fact that he has a history in triathlon just adds to his already extensive knowledge.
A few changes on both bikes has had an affect on both comfort and speed and I look forward to really testing out on the road and upcoming races.
I can’t recommend Richard highly enough.
I had a really interesting session with Richard, and was amazed how a few simple tweaks can make such a difference to my ride position! I look forward to seeing the results out on the road. I will be recommending a bike fit with him to all my cycling buddies.
A fascinating and highly beneficial bike fit by Richard. He fine tuned the bike set up to get me into the optimum positions for cruising and being aero and also provided a wealth of information with respect to triathlon equipment and racing. It’s clear that Retul is simply an aid to help Richard confirm what he can already see with his naked eye due to his many years of experience.
I have just had my second fit with Richard and could not recommend him highly enough. My first was in April 2015, my frame at the time did not have great geometry but we were able to get the best fit possible given the circumstances. Over recent months Richard has helped me find and purchase a frame that is better suited to me, the new frame fits perfectly and the new position is great.
Richard gives so much time, attention and thought to the service he delivers. I came away feeling confident about my TT position and excited to get out on my bike for training. I know his time and effort will help my racing and I am extremely grateful for his expert input. Most importantly, we had fun and chatted our way through the whole thing…. A very enjoyable visit!
Before deciding on Richard for my bike fit I looked at various other places, but I am so glad I made the choice I did. Richard’s experience as an Ironman was perfect for me as I take on my own Ironman. During the 3 hour session Richard perfected my road and tri positions as well as giving some valuable advice on training and completing the event. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
I had a road bike fit (my first) with Richard in the summer of 2015. After initially being concerned about the price I took the plunge and I’m very glad I did. Richard is extremely personable, has a wealth of knowledge but most importantly really takes his time to get things absolutely right. He also makes sure you understand the rationale of his changes as you go along. For someone like me, who is ramping up their riding, its a real education.
Overall I now feel more comfortable, stronger and confident on the bike.
If you’re umming and ahhing about a bike fit with Richard, then my advice is to get on with it!
I contacted Richard following a recommendation as i was having some problems with both my road and TT bike. I have been riding and racing for a few years now and have had previous bike fits with other companies but was still getting issues with longer riding. I was starting to think that i would always have some issues.
Well, i am really pleased to say that this is not the case at all! For the first time in 5 years i have ridden pain free on my road bike. I have yet to try my TT bike over longer distances but it also feels much more comfortable on the turbo.
I only have positive things to say about the whole process. Richard was extremely helpful, friendly, thorough and very personable in his approach. His knowledge is extensive and i feel confident that he would be able to find a solution to even the most complexed of situations.
Thank you!
Having been a TTer before taking up triathlon I always had a pretty aero position. The position probably wasn’t the best for long distance triathlon and I wanted to see if I could improve my position for triathlon. Richard had a bit of a challenge and he surpassed all my expectations.
He analysed my initial position and concluded it was aero but possibly a bit too aggressive for long distance triathlons. Obviously I didn’t want to lose to much aero and although the position changes were quite small, they did produce a considerable change in position and comfort (and I was comfortable already).
I like the methodical way Richard worked and the way he explained all the changes and how they would affect my position.
I have had a chance to test out the changes on the turbo and the result is a far more comfortable turbo experience and I expect this to reflect once on the road as well. It also seems to have cleared up another issue that I thought was unrelated and that is a left glute pain I was getting.
In short, I would highly recommend Richard and Freespeed for a bike fit.
I have taken the leap to enter Celtman 2016, but have only ever ridden a Mountain bike!
Outstanding service and advice from the first point of contact.
So glad to find such a wealth of experience in road cycling and triathlon.
Richard measured and analysed, my current position and cycling technique as i adapted to a road bike for the first time.
From this analysis Richard was able to specify a size and geometry of bike, bespoke to my requirements for a triathlon, with the emphasis on being ‘fresh for the run’.
All the advice was very easily explained to a complete layman in the road cycling scene!
I am also very impressed by the customer service level in general, advise, recommendations and moreover the time Richard has taken time to research bikes (with useful evaluation of each), turbo trainers, pedals and gear to suit me…. This is above and beyond my expectations and the ‘normal call of duty’ you would expect.
It’s a big confidence boost to know you are in safe hands and not end up picking up bad habits and subsequent injury by making mistakes through lack of knowledge.
Highly recommended, Mike
Having taken the plunge into Tri only this year, I decided I wanted to get a TT/Tri specific bike to focus on Duathlon for 2016. Only having a road bike I decided to go for a TT fit with the hope that this would give me a good idea of which brands/bikes would be a good fit for me.
A friend/tri club member had only great things to say regarding there fit with Richard so I booked a session and arrived a little early for my appointment. Richard was so easy to talk to and had me on the rig and asking for feedback and making small changes based on this, the data from the sensors/his expert eye regarding angles/reach/stack and a lot of other things I pretended to understand (thankfully Richard explained in simple terms for me!!).
What was great was Richard asked about my race goals and distances so we could decide on how aggressive I could go but also allowing for my body mechanics and a good run off the bike (hip angle is very important), along with future plans (IM – maybe). This was really important as it transpires, as it allowed Richard to know what I may require fit wise in the future and could advise on which bikes/sizes would work to cover this (awesome).
The time went really quick, and Richard was happy to talk about racing and training and is VERY knowledgeable, and it really felt like a bespoke service with no hard sell, just great advice and delivered in a friendly manner.
At the end I was sent over my Report with all measurements and data, and based on my shortlist of bikes Richard took the time to cover each one in detail regarding its fit and which size would work best taking into account current/future plans.
If you are thinking of having a bike fit I would thoroughly recommend Richards service.
Now all I need to do is explain to Mrs H why I need ANOTHER bike!!
Very enjoyable session with the benefit of a definite overall improvement in comfort and a feeling that i would be more efficient and spin easier. 3 sets of small adjustments and the use of a new stem of mine that gave me a better reach and more comfort on the front combined with slight cleat alignment changes meant i was far better off afterwards.
Richards a nice guy, and his knowledge and skill were very apparent.
Heartily recommended.
As a novice to TT bikes, Richard was able to provide really good advice on how to approach the purchase of my 1st TT bike. Richard was very knowledgable, friendly and extremely helpful.
I would highly recommend Freespeed!
Andy
I had a great session with Richard, he is very friendly and really knows his stuff.
He took the time to get the small adjustments just right and I have absolute confidence that he has achieved a great fit for my new bike.
Richard’s wealth of knowledge about cycling/triathlon means that his advice is not only technically sound but is also very practical.
I would certainly recommend a session at freespeed and I am already planning to go back with my other bike!
When it comes to bike mechanics I have always been an utter novice with little interest except for if it works, that is until meeting Richard and being pulled in by his passion. Watching him elegantly twist and turn the components on my (noble but not noteworthy) bike was enthralling entertainment and testament to his love of all things bike related.
The three hour fit went in a flash during which he used the Retul video method to evaluate and improve my position on my current road bike and assess which TT model I might best upgrade to for the next triathlon season.
As we were all told by maths teachers at school Richard showed all his working! He explained fully in laymen’s terms what the videos showed, what improvements he would make and why.
The same day as my fitting I received all the images and specs that had been taken as well as links to some specific bikes he recommended for my needs.
Richard’s service is personalised, efficient and comes with no sales pitches. I may become a bike nerd yet!
Was referred by a satisfied customer and will be thanking her for the recommendation. Very much enjoyed my session with Richard today and having made a number of tweaks to both my bike setup and my own posture I could already feel the difference on the ride home.
The added bonus of having a proper report to take away with me is the icing on the cake.
Richard spent plenty of time with me learning a little bit about the way I like to ride and my main uses for each of my bikes.
My original set up had given me a few minor niggles and I just wanted to see if we could iron those out.
The initial video of my original set up showed Richard a lot, and after he showed me and explained it made sense why I was getting a slight niggle in one of my knees and a sore back at times.
Amazing how just a few slight tweaks to the position got me into a much more professional and comfortable looking position.
It is great to have someone spend so much time with you on something like this to get it right. The amount of variables on a bike and how they interact with each other seems to be something that Richard has built up excellent experience of understanding.
I am very pleased with the look of the new position, time will tell whether it sorts my issues.
I was referred by a friend, another very happy customer. And I am very happy to join the camp.
Richard was very professional and friendly, doing a great job at totally revolutionising my bike setup. A most useful and enjoyable visit.
Richard is a great mentor, no matter the level of experience (or lack of) you walk in with.
Strongly recommended.
Well… I have a dream! I want to participate and finish a 70.3 Ironman competition, and this dream made me to search to find the best bike suited for me in my budget range.
With a little bit of luck this search led me to Richard via internet and I must say it was an excellent choice. I am really new with road bike thing, had no clue what I am looking for but I knew I need professional help .
I have read all his web-site as well as some other bike fitters and the more I knew the more convinced I was I am on the right track.
I have traveled all the way from Romania to meet Richard and I don’t regret it, it was worth while!
Richard help me understand what are the things I should be mindful of when looking for a proper bike, he measured my constitution, the way I sit in the saddle, he took in consideration my lower back spine injury, he walk and talked me through the entire process.
At the end of it, I was recommended 5 possible bikes (he has no brand affiliation thus I’ve got 5 different brands/models to work with) suited to me and my budget, and he made sure I know what is good or needs tweaking for each and every. I really appreciated the honest and direct feedback plus the sense of humor.
I honestly liked talking to him and felt as any customer should feel -respected and listened – so much so that I am planning to send my bike directly to him, have it tweaked and shipped back to me in Bucharest.
I highly recommend Richard for a bike fitting session and I for one will surely use his services again!
Having decided to finally get a TT bike, I went to see Richard to get a pre-purchase fit. I had warned Richard, that I was not the most flexible person in world. Nevertheless, I was impressed with how relative aero, yet comfortable Richard could get me.
Within 48hrs, Richard had send me a list with suitable frames, based on the fitting.
Whilst there Richard also made numerous tweaks to my road bike setup, including changing the saddle, which instantly got me in a more balanced position.
Highly recommended!
I wanted to buy a aero-frame bike to use for both regular road use & triathlon.
Richard’s work has been invaluable throughout the entire process. From ordering the right sized bike, fitting TT bars & shifters, to getting the bike set up in a way that I can swap between triathlon and road easily, and with minimal alterations. I’m delighted with the end result.
Richard provides much more than a traditional bike fit service. He is an incredible source of knowledge & advice on all aspects of triathlon.
Highly recommend.
I brought a TT bike and then had a bike fitting with another bike fitter, I absolutely hated riding the bike, everything felt wrong and uncomfortable. I was on the verge of selling the bike, but decided to see Richard first for a bike fitting. Richard made a number of changes to my bike setup, including a new saddle. Every change was explained as to the reason for the change, I did my first ride back over the weekend, only 80km but I felt amazing on the bike. I would highly recommend Freespeed and Richard for a bike fitting, also Richard is really knowledgeable about all things cycling and triathlon. I have to also mention that Richard responded to my e-mails and made a bike fitting booking for me while on leave which was much appreciated.
Ok so I had a bike fit with Richard a few months back as part of my preparation for racing my first ironman and he made quite a few changes to my TT position. I got dialled into the new position during the long training rides in the build up to the ironman. I felt really comfortable and most importantly powerful on the bike in the new position. So I must say a huge thank you to you Richard I ended up having a great first ironman, rode strong, felt good on the bike and was then able to run off the bike. I also achieved my goal of winning my age group and gaining that Kona slot so thanks again for the help 🙂 will be paying you a visit before Kona!!
Recently had a bike fit after buying a new Canyon. Richard’s knowledge and attention to detail was brilliant, and although only a few subtle changes were made, the bike now feels as if it were made to measure. Highly recommended and money well spent.
Thanks
I can’t recommend Richard highly enough. Before seeing Richard the longest I had only been able to stay down on my aero bars on my new TT bike was for about an hour. A week after I was able to complete a middle distance triathlon in an aero position and smash my PB on the bike by over 12 minutes. Last week I smashed my long distance triathlon bike PB by 35 minutes at Challenge Roth and followed it by my fastest run to date.
Richard has a great setup in his studio and made me feel very comfortable. The bike fit was very thorough and he explained everything he was doing and finding with great clarity – and was happy to answer all my questions. Richard went the extra mile of ensuring that my bike was setup correctly for my race the following weekend. Thank you Richard – a fantastic service!
Thorough analysis of bike, gait and set up followed by revisions and improvements. Really enjoyed the session and ‘free speed’
Highly recommended. A really comprehensive and professional process. Rich is an experienced triathlete as well as bike fitter. Great studio too. First class
I went to see Richard for a fitting for my current bike as I felt that I wasn’t sitting as well as I should be. Although thankfully the bike wasn’t too far off in its settings and positioning, Richard made a few small but key changes which helped me feel more comfortable. I’m now waiting to bring him my other new bike to adjust it to the new settings.
All in all a great experience and Richard is a top bloke!
Much appreciated
I came to see Richard about building a new bike and to avoid buying parts based on guess work. He gave me some great advice both on fit and how to get a more aggressive position over time. His advice on saddles was also a big help.
A great bloke who is very knowledgable and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
I was recommended by a friend to see Richard.
He very quickly gauged my level of experience and advised accordingly.
Been on the bike a few times since and feels great so far.
Many thanks.
I can’t thank Richard enough for all his help during my bike fit yesterday.
I came to Richard with some shoulder and hand pain but after some adjustments made these have immediately stopped hurting. I now have a riding position which is completely pain free and has made a huge difference already.
I can’t recommend Richard enough!
Thanks Richard for your invaluable help in ensuring my road bike was as comfortable as possible for Roth.
Your patience in answering my myriad of ‘dumb’ questions was also appreciated.
After 3 months as a road cycling novice things felt like they’d benefit from some tweaking – the time spent with Richard was informative and I came away with a much improved position: felt more confident with better covering of the levers and the knee issues I’d started to experience disappeared.
As others have said all very well explained plus a few tips passed on as well.
For me definitely time and money very well spent.
Thanks Richard for your help. I was very impressed with your set up and would highly recommend you. You made me feel comfortable straight away and now much more confident in a better racing position.
A few subtle changes have made a huge difference to how my bike feels to ride. My love of figures was gracefully indulged and Richard was fantastic.
Was really great to get my aerobars fitted to my road bike. Great compromise position that feels great in both a road and TT position. Really good as in interim before biting the bullet on a TT bike!
Richard explained everything really well and made it really easy.