Fit talk:
Schicke Mütze

The team at Düsseldorf-based bike shop Schicke Mütze have learned a lot over the years about matching riders with the right bike. Partnering with bike-fit experts MotivAktiv, they know the important roles that proper setup and saddle selection play in that process. Read on to learn about their individually tailored approach to bike fitting as well as their thoughts on the benefits of our Aliante saddle.

FIZIK When do you usually recommend the Aliante shape?

NK The Aliante is ideal for riders who prefer a more relaxed, less aggressive riding position. Its curved shape provides excellent support for the pelvis and ensures optimal comfort and stability on long rides. Additionally, this saddle can be particularly beneficial for riders dealing with biomechanical issues like hip impingement or shortened gluteal and hamstring muscles. The curved design addresses these challenges by helping to minimize pelvic rotation, reduce pressure on the posterior chain, and facilitate a more comfortable posture. Frequently, stretching and strengthening exercises are also beneficial to stabilize the saddle position, which is why we always incorporate these aspects into our bike fittings.

FIZIK How often do you recommend cyclists to reconfirm or update their position/fit on the bike?

NK A bike fitting should always have a clear purpose. If riders experience discomfort or pain while cycling, a fitting helps to identify and address the root cause. Performance optimization is also a valid reason to reassess the position. After accidents or significant changes in training volume, we recommend a bike fitting to ensure the setup remains optimal for the rider’s individual needs.

“The Aliante curved shape provides excellent support for the pelvis and ensures optimal comfort and stability on long rides.”

FIZIK Which saddle are you using on your bike(s)?

NK I use a custom-made 3D-printed saddle, which is an excellent way to find a saddle that is individually optimized. However, the choice of saddle strongly depends on individual riding behavior and position, and often the standard saddle versions work great as well. It's important to note that not every saddle suits every rider. Even for the same rider, using different bikes for different purposes may require different saddles. That's why selecting the right saddle or saddle shape can be an essential component of our bike fitting process. Still, it's important to determine if the saddle is actually the root cause of the discomfort. Often, the underlying issue lies in positional problems, such as rotated or shifted seating. Without addressing these, changing the saddle alone is rarely effective, and the search can quickly become endless.

FIZIK Did you work or are you working with any athlete you’re proud of?

NK One particularly interesting athlete was a recreational cyclist with a significant leg length discrepancy of about 3 centimeters, which caused severe issues on the bike, especially with the saddle. Over multiple sessions, we optimized his position, as it’s essential not to overwhelm the body with drastic changes in a single session. The key is always to find the most individually suitable solution during a bike fitting. Two fittings are never identical because each rider requires a tailored approach to address their unique challenges.