During the 3D fitting process, motion-capture technology is used to analyse your movement and guide sensitive adjustments to your riding position. Efficiency testing adds a measurement of your metabolism while you cycle in different positions.

For example, an athlete riding at 150 watts may initially consume approximately two litres of oxygen per minute. Following a fit based on their individual functional assessment, the oxygen cost at the same 150-watt workload may fall to approximately 1.9 litres per minute.

In that example, the rider is producing the same power at a lower metabolic cost. This gives the practitioner and athlete an objective measure to consider alongside comfort, movement and rider perception.

Similar technology and testing processes are used within high-performance cycling environments, including by professional teams seeking small but meaningful performance improvements.

Traditional bike fitting often relies on practitioner observation, fitting ranges and the rider's subjective response. Those inputs remain important, but they do not directly quantify the metabolic effect of a position.

Efficiency testing allows us to compare the power you produce against the oxygen required to sustain that power. This provides an objective way to assess whether a change has reduced, increased or maintained the physiological cost of riding.

The final position is not selected from one data point alone. Metabolic results are considered alongside your functional assessment, movement patterns, symptoms, comfort and practical riding requirements.

The session begins with functional assessments relevant to your mobility, movement and riding position. We then take a baseline measurement of oxygen consumption while you cycle at a controlled power output.

Your bike position is adjusted using the results of the functional assessment and the 3D motion-capture fitting process. Oxygen consumption is then measured again at the same controlled workload.

Further adjustments may be made using your feedback and the efficiency data collected during the session. A mask is worn during the metabolic measurements so gas exchange and oxygen consumption can be analysed.

The standard service includes up to 2.5 hours of fitting and testing. Some bicycles require additional time because of their design or the complexity of making adjustments. Work extending beyond the included 2.5 hours is charged at an additional hourly rate.

You will need to bring the bicycle being fitted, your cycling shoes, appropriate cycling clothing and a compatible heart-rate chest monitor.

You should also bring any spare parts or components that may be required to change your position. Depending on the bicycle, this could include stems, spacers, saddle hardware or other relevant fitting components.

Contact Exercise Institute before your appointment if you are uncertain whether your equipment is compatible or whether specific replacement components may be required.

A wide range of riders and bicycles can be assessed through the 3D fitting process. This includes road bikes, mountain bikes, time-trial and triathlon bikes, flat-bar bikes, cyclocross bikes and other bicycle designs.

The exact fitting process and the time required can vary according to the bicycle's design, available adjustment range and the complexity of changing its components.

You do not need to be an elite cyclist to benefit from a rider-specific bike fit. The service can support athletes seeking improved comfort, more efficient movement, reduced symptoms or a more sustainable performance position.

Your fit is based on your own functional assessment, riding history, bicycle, goals and feedback. It is not based solely on a generic fitting range or a position copied from another athlete.