A new study conducted by the International Journal of Exercise Science has revealed the benefits of Selle Italia’s Idmatch bike fitting system, underscoring how proper positioning and geometry promotes both peak and sustained power, as well as a reduction in fatigue and discomfort.
According to the research, 12 participants (10 males, 2 females) with an average age of 37, underwent an Idmatch system bike fitting process, which employs three-dimensional motion capture to optimize rider position. The cyclists completed a six-second peak power test (PPT6) and a 20-minute functional threshold power (FTP) test before and after the fit, wherein the performance metrics (power, cadence, and torque) and subjective measures (RPE, discomfort and region-specific pain) were recorded.
Post-fit, peak power during the PPT6 test was 8.6% higher. Also, in the post-fit FTP test, average power output (pre: 190.0 ± 50.0 W; post: 198.7 ± 47.8 W; p = 0.047) and torque (pre: 15.6 ± 3.5 ft-lb.; post: 16.6 ± 2.2 ft-lb.; p = 0.035) were increased, while discomfort was decreased compared to pre-fit values.
Additionally, the performance improvements in both tests were positively correlated with the magnitude of saddle-to-handlebar distance adjustment. Moreover, self-reported hand, foot and hamstring pain trended lower following the bike fit.
“We observed that many of the study participants presented with saddle–handlebar distances that were too short, which were significantly altered by bike fitting. The increase in saddle-to-handlebar distance observed post-fit likely played a multifaceted role in improving cycling performance. From a biomechanical standpoint, increasing the distance between the saddle and handlebar effectively opens the hip-torso angle and redistributes upper body weight more efficiently across the contact points (saddle, pedals, handlebars). This can reduce mechanical strain in the shoulders, cervical spine, and lumbar region, while simultaneously enhancing trunk stability and breathing capacity. Importantly, the positive correlation between themagnitude of saddle–handlebar distance change and improvements in peak suggests thatcorrecting maladaptive fit patterns, whether they involve overextension or compression, canunlock untapped performance potential. Given that our participants included recreational cyclists, short saddle–handlebar distances prior to bike fitting may be due to an intentional preference for a more upright, comfort-oriented posture, often influenced by limited core stability, spinal flexibility, or concerns about reach-induced discomfort.While this setup may feel stable or relaxed, it often results in a closed hip angle that restricts hip extension, limits gluteal engagement, and can impair power production. Over time, such configurations may also contribute to overuse injuries due to poor load distribution across the spine and upper body, potentially contributing to the high prevalence of hand and wrist pain that participants experienced in their pre-bike fit FTP test. The adjustments made during our study suggest thatidmatch system fitting can help recreational cyclists adopt a more biomechanicallyadvantageous posture without compromising comfort,” explained the researchers.
“Similarly, many of our participants needed their cleats repositioned anteriorly, which also likely contributed to improved power output. Cleats placed too far posteriorly are often chosen by riders under the belief that they reduce calf strain; however, this setup actually increases reliance on ankle plantar flexion and can reduce stability at the pedal-foot interface.Excess posterior cleat position increases the ankle’s range of motion and promotes excessive dorsiflexion during the upstroke, which can compromise force transfer efficiency and lead to foot numbness or discomfort on longer rides and/or during intense efforts, potentially contributing to the high level of foot pain reported during the pre-bike fit FTP test. By better aligning cleat position, the pedal spindle is better aligned with the metatarsophalangeal joint, resulting in improved joint stacking, reduced ankle involvement, and more consistent torque production across the pedal stroke.This adjustment, though subtle, may have contributed to the observed increases in both torque and FTP by enabling more stable and biomechanically efficient pedaling mechanics,” the researchers added.
“We investigated the acute impact of a bike fit using the idmatch system on cycling performance, discomfort, and pain during cycling in healthy, recreational cyclists. Our findings demonstrate that a bike fit using the idmatch system resulted in meaningful improvements in key performance outcomes, including peak anaerobic power during the PPT6 and power and torque during an FTP test, while concurrently reducing RPE and musculoskeletal discomfort. These outcomes were associated with quantifiable changes in bike configuration, specifically an increase in saddle–handlebar distance and anterior displacement of right and left cleat position. Notably, these adjustments brought participants bike configurations closer to the IDmatch system’s biomechanically optimal reference values,” concluded the researchers.
The IDmatch fitting process consists of five steps:
When the procedure has finished, the system suggests options for the frame, saddle and components compatible with the cyclist’s profile that can be consulted in a constantly updated catalogue.
The IDmatch database contains over 200 bike brands and 10,000 bike models. It independently guides the store owner or technician in the choice of the frame size and relevant accessories.
Idmatch
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