When it comes to buying a new bike, most cyclists focus on aesthetics, brand reputation, and specs. But here's an important mistake that too often gets overlooked: the most critical factor in your cycling experience isn’t the brand name or even the carbon layup—it’s the fit.
This turns the whole bike-buying process on its head, we know! But if you want to ensure you're making the right decisions, saving yourself potential comfort or performance issue, read why a fitting should be established before you buy, and not after.
A client purchasing a bike travels from Perth for his bike fit
Whether you're an experienced road cyclist eyeing an upgrade, a gravel enthusiast planning epic adventures, or even ordering a custom frame, a professional bike fit before purchase can save you so many costly mistakes, discomfort, and wasted time.
At Chainsmith Sydney, we specialise in helping cyclists across Australia—Sydney locals and clients from Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and beyond—make smarter investments in their bikes. Our pre-purchase bike fitting service is designed to ensure the right bike for your body, goals, and riding style—whether you're buying a Canyon online, or a Cervelo from another store, or commissioning a custom build such as a Prova or Devlin. While we have our inhouse brands and Italian frame building partners, you can buy any bike including a Trek or Specialized. Quite simply, we are here to help.
Why Bike fitting is important before buying a bike
Why Get a Bike Fitting Before You Buy?
1. Avoid Buying the Wrong Size Frame
Frames are the heart of your bike—but the size and geometry can vary wildly between brands and models. A "Medium" from one brand may fit entirely differently from another's "Medium." Relying solely on manufacturer size charts? That’s a gamble.
Our IdMatch bike fitting system provides a data-backed analysis of your body dimensions, flexibility, and riding style. With tens of thousands of bike models in its database—both current and previous years—it offers precise geometry and frame size, with component sizing. But we also develop this further with additional consultation packages that deliver full advice and recommendations on a compatible customised build for your fit and ride goals.
Result?
With the bike fit and cosnultation, you get clear guidance on the exact models and sizes that will suit you, eliminating guesswork and ensuring every ride feels like it was made for you.
2. Tailor Your Components for Maximum Comfort & Performance
The frame is just the starting point. Components like crank length, handlebar width, stem length, saddle position, and height all significantly impact your ride quality. Too often, cyclists spend thousands on a high-end bike only to need expensive adjustments—or worse, suffer discomfort or injury.
Saddle pain is one of the most common issues experienced with a new bike
With Chainsmith’s pre-purchase bike fitting, we ensure every component is optimised before you buy. Using IdMatch and our expert team’s experience, we recommend:
-
Crank length suited to your leg length and riding discipline.
-
Handlebar width tailored to your shoulders and riding style.
-
Stem length and angle for ideal reach and handling.
-
Saddle fit and position based on your unique pelvis shape and flexibility.
- Cleat position based on your existing shoe
These details ensure you're not just buying the right bike, but the right bike for you.
3. Custom Builds & Bespoke Frames: Get It Right from the Start
If you’re investing in a custom road or gravel bike from an Australian frame builder, our pre-purchase fitting is essential. Collaborating with bespoke builders is part of what we do at Chainsmith. We help clients ensure that every detail of their custom frame geometry supports optimal performance, comfort, and longevity. We have worked with dozens of builders over the last 10 years, and assisted riders buy their bike from their chosen and favoured bike manufacturer.
Alison McGregor and Sean Doyle, Devlin bikes chat bike fit and frame building
Once your fitting is complete, we provide precise measurements and recommendations that can be shared with your builder, ensuring the frame is crafted to your exact needs. This level of accuracy:
-
Prevents costly frame redesigns or adjustments later.
-
Guarantees a position that supports power output, comfort, and injury prevention.
-
Enhances the lifespan of your investment by building from a perfect foundation.
We’ve helped clients commissioning custom bikes across Australia achieve the ideal fit—whether they’re racing crits, tackling gravel adventures, or setting personal bests on the road.
Professional bike fit provides your ideal bike position to help you buy your bike
4. Confidence in Every Purchase—Online or In-Store
In today’s cycling world, many riders purchase bikes online or from distant retailers. While this offers convenience and a broader selection, it comes with risks:
Will the bike actually fit? Will I need costly changes after it arrives?
Book Your Pre-Purchase Bike Fit Now
Our pre-purchase bike fitting gives you the confidence to buy from anywhere, knowing you’ve made the right decision. Plus, if you decide to have your bike built or tuned in-house at Chainsmith, our expert mechanics ensure the entire process—from fit to final assembly—is seamless.
Buying online is made easier when you know what size to buy your components
How the Chainsmith Pre-Purchase Bike Fit Works
-
Initial Consultation: We discuss your cycling goals, current challenges, and any bike models you’re considering.
-
Comprehensive IdMatch Fit Session: Using advanced technology, we assess body measurements, flexibility, and biomechanics.
-
Bike & Component Recommendations: You’ll receive a detailed report outlining the best frame, and component specs for your unique profile. Once you decide on your bike, we can send all the details to ensure you order the correct component sizes.
-
Optional Bike Build or Final Fit: If you proceed with your chosen bike—whether it’s custom, online, or from another store—we offer in-house building, servicing, and fine-tuning.
We make sure every detail aligns with your cycling ambitions.
Trusted by Cyclists Across Australia
Our clients come from Sydney and as far afield as Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Canberra because they trust Chainsmith’s commitment to excellence. Whether you’re purchasing a new carbon road bike, a versatile gravel steed, or working with a bespoke builder, we ensure your fit-first approach results in the best cycling experience.
As Brenda experienced recently, the Idmatch fitting service ensures every need is met and your bike purchase is perfected before you buy.
"The full bike fit using both the IDMatch bike lab and working with David was worth every minute. The combination of the two systems, and David’s personal approach and expert knowledge had me on my new bike without an issue. This is the first time I have had a new bike set up and have not changed a thing. It was so nice to get out on the first day, and although feeling a bit uneasy beforehand, everything could not have been smoother and more perfect."Brenda Duffy
Ready to Invest Smarter in Your Next Bike?
Before spending thousands on your next bike, ensure it’s the perfect fit. Book your pre-purchase bike fitting consultation at Chainsmith Sydney today and make the right choice for your comfort, performance, and long-term enjoyment.
