A rider-specific bike design consists of two parts. The first of these is the rider’s position on the bike. Given the rider’s physiological characteristics, we need to determine the optimal position of the saddle and handlebars relative to the bottom bracket before designing the frame.
Some people have flexible lower backs. Some do not. Some people have long muscles. Others do not. These are extremely personal factors. Formula-based methods do not take these factors into account and are therefore of limited use in determining your optimal position.
We work with our selected partner, Pedaalkracht, to determine your optimal riding position using a dynamic bike fitting method.
Over the years, Pedaalkracht has developed and refined its bike-fitting method, becoming known as experts in the field.
When we design your bike, we start with a blank drawing showing just your three contact points with the bike, which are determined by your optimal position found during the fitting session: your hand, saddle and bracket positions. Designing the bike with your optimal position as a starting point increases your pedalling efficiency and decreases the risk of injury. In other words: more fun and better performance!
Have you had a bike fitting before, or would you prefer to use your own bike fitter? We can also start the bike design process based on the results of your bike fitting.
The second equally important aspect of your riding experience is how the bike handles. With a custom-built St Joris bike, you can design the steering and riding characteristics to meet your specific demands and riding style. Is your bike going to be used for comfortable long-distance riding, for achieving ultimate control on the descents of the Italian Dolomites during your cycling trips, or for racing crits?
In order to optimise the handling of your bike, we will evaluate your riding style and how you intend to use it. We will take into account the head tube angle, fork rake, bottom bracket height and wheelbase in order to tune the handling of your bike.
Our custom design process enables you to build a bike with uncompromised riding performance. Whether you feel connected to your bike or not depends on the small details of your bike’s design balance. One of those details is the distribution of your weight over the two wheels. So are the bracket height, wheelbase, and the flop of your fork. We combine our insights into bicycle dynamics with our experience as cyclists to design a bike that is as specific to you as possible.
