Hey Chris

Just wanted to tell you I tested this morning on the bike. I was nearly 20 watts higher than last fall. And at 126 lbs that is huge in my book:) My CT tested me at 204 and my PT (which is always lower) said 197 for the 20 min ALL out test with cadence of 90 rpms or more. So I am thrilled. It is always SO HARD to do those, but I think the bike fit helped. MY coach said to take a little credit for myself, but I told her you were getting credit for AT LEAST 10 of those watts:)

Have a great weekend!

Julia

I am a long-time cyclist with over 27 years of experience and innumerable thousands upon thousands of miles under my belt.  During that time I have periodically struggled with my position on the bike.   And like many fellow cyclists, I read books, sought advice and asked for opinions before attempting to “fit myself.”  I know that WE have all been there…  sitting on our trainers in the basement in front of a mirror with a carpenter’s level, measuring tape, plumb line and wrenches in hand.  You know it’s true!!

This past spring my body experienced the usual aches and pains that many of us have come to expect after a long off-season.  Neck, shoulders, arms, lower back…. LEGS!  All making readjustments to another season back on the road or trail.  For me, those aches and pains persisted and my cycling suffered as a result.  Once again I attempted to make my own adjustments but soon became frustrated with my continued inconsistency….  One day was really good.  The next several a struggle!

I relayed this very sad story to a friend who said, “I know this guy who you should go see!!”  [Enter Chris Balser]  So, I made my appointment with The Bicycle Fit Guru and met with him late this past summer.  Honestly, given my past struggles and attempts to address those struggles, I was a little skeptical.  However, Chris made quick work of that skepticism by making some immediate adjustments based on what his trained eye saw.  Instant results!!  Then made further changes based on what “the numbers” said.  As a result, I don’t know that I have ever felt this comfortable or powerful on a bike before!  He literally performed a minor miracle!

In short, Chris brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and know-how and a passion for his craft to the sport of cycling.  Whether you are an elite competitive road racer, a recreational cyclist or something in between, working with him should be considered the foundation for any level of cycling pursuit.  It is a worthwhile short term investment that will pay out long term dividends!

Colin Manley – Mpls, MN

“With such a thorough understanding of biomechanics and proper bike fit techniques, Chris has really helped optimize my riding position while maximizing both comfort and power.”

-Cathy

Chris,

For every mile traveled be it on the road or trainer, I have come to realize the value of having an optimal bike fit.  After riding my Quintana Roo Kilo for several years, I became accustomed to what I thought was insignificant toe numbness and a sore saddle.  However, after you took my dimensions, introduced a new pair of LG shoes, and fit my bike, form and function were interwoven together.  To that end my QR took to me to IM Wisconsin, and the bike felt great.  I ran my marathon about 10 minutes faster than I anticipated.

Knowing that my bike served its purpose, I was ready to upgrade.  You met me at Gear West Bike and Tri.  You and Kevin O’Connor identified the right bike for my dimensions as opposed to retrofitting a bike in “hopes” of a proper fit.  I am grateful for your invaluable service and look forward racing my QR Lucero next season.

Thanks again for all of your help!

Dustin Warner

Chris,

I just wanted to thank you for fitting my bike.  My biking speed and performance has increased each and every time I have worked with you.  More importantly, my bike feels great and no longer feel fatigued when I get off the bike and start running.

Jeremy

Thank you Chris for helping my find the best bike and getting me fit on the bike!

I was in the market to upgrade from a road bike with clip on aero bars to a triathlon bike, but I didn’t really know the best way to go about it.  I asked around and I got Chris’s name as highly respected and knowledgeable on the subject and he would be able to help me.  So, I set up an appointment with Chris.  After taking measurements, Chris looked through many bikes trying to find the best fit for me.  The Argon 18 came out the winner and Chris then contacted a dealer for me to try out the bike.  I purchased the bike and then went back to Chris for the fitting.  Chris went out of his way to get the fitting done quickly for me.  The whole process went much more smoothly and quickly than I had planned.

Prior to the new triathlon bike, my fastest bike average for a 40k was 22 mph during a relay triathlon where I was only doing the bike portion.  Most of my triathlons I averaged  20-21 mph.  I did the Minneapolis Duathlon this past weekend with the new bike and averaged 24 mph for the bike split.  This greatly exceeded any expectations I had when I started the process.  Chris has been great and immensely helpful during the entire process.

Thank you again Chris!  I would recommend Chris to anyone looking to find the right bike and to anyone looking to be fitted on a bike.

Matt Perrine

I have known Chris for over a year on a professional basis.  Every client remarked about the knowledge, time, precision and professionalism that Chris puts forth with each fitting.  After spending several afternoons with Chris as he performed his craft, I witnessed the mastery with which he works.  Chris’ years of experience combined with his knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, cycling and bikes enables Chris to identify each cyclist needs to fit the bike to them.  The expertise Chris exhibits during each fitting is only surpassed by his passion for the profession.

As someone with a specific, challenging anatomy (based on a a combination of congenital birth defects and injuries), I have found that Chris’ unique combination of expertise in biomechanics, bike technology, and a wide range of techniques to quantify and optimize fit based on the individual’s needs rather than standard proscribed techniques are what set him apart from many others in the bike fitting universe.  His attention to detail and persistence has been essential in helping me recover from some recent injuries and achieve a much better fit that previously.  I strongly recommend Chris, particularly for anyone with unusual fit circumstances.

Regards,
Mike Kautzky

What differentiates Chris from others is his genuine, personal interest in the health, comfort and general well being of his clients. His thorough personal analysis, world-class understanding of body mechanics and knowledge of varying fit systems allowed him to alter my fit to simultaneously improve my comfort and performance. These are the reasons I sought his services and he delivered! His thoroughness, follow-up and knowledge leave you wondering if your family physician could be this helpful. The fit experience with Chris is truly exceptional.

After grinding through years of pain from a leg length inequality and bike fits from other professionals that didn’t fix the problem, I found my way to Chris. Now I’m pain free and an exponentially more powerful cyclist. I could go on about Chris and his depth of bike fitting knowledge but the real heart of the matter is Chris’s comittment. I was a tough case that required multiple visits and follow ups and Chris never gave up until everything was solved.

I have been a triathlete for over 15 years with 3 Kona qualifications. I was pretty dialed into my position so when I was asked if I would be willing to pay back  a favor to a friend by serving as a model for a fit teaching session Chris was hosting I was pretty dubious. When I walked in I was first impressed by how many modalities Chris uses. The second thing that struck me was that he does not follow a formula or stick to one method. Nor does he just eyeball you. That said I was still uncertain and made sure he marked all of my original measurements. After a warm up there was a tweak here, a teak there, next thing I knew I had insole and an easy 20W increase along with a smoother, more efficient pedal stroke. The best part is that I am as comfortable if not more with greater power. The other beauty is that he not only focuses on your fit but how you pedal. He provided me with a whole other gear.

After riding and living with knee pain for the last 20 months I was referred by a friend to Chris. Within the first session Chris was able to see what was wrong and solve my problem. I have been riding pain free ever since. It was the absolute best investment I have ever made.

I wanted to follow up with you on my bike fit. I got the wide elbow supports as you recommended and rode the bike for many, many miles in training and during Ironman Wisconsin. I am more powerful on the bike and fatigue less than prior to the changes you made in my geometry and shoes. More importantly, I run with fresh legs off the bike even after 112 miles of riding. Case in point, at Ironman I suffered from nutrition issues and had to take it very easy on the bike. Yet, I posted my best bike time for the Ironman course. Coming off the bike my legs actually felt great withing a few minutes and I was able to run a good pace for several miles before I started running/walking on empty due to lack of calories. Nonetheless, I ended the day with a PR for the IM distance thanks to feeling comfortable on the bike – I never thought I would be saying this – and having fresh legs to get the run going. And I am sure I would have gone – and will go - a lot faster on the bike in a good day.

Thank you for a great set up. I will visit with you again next year to confirm my measurements and make sure we accommodate any changes in my riding style or body alignment.

Back in July I was fortunate enough to set up a bike fitting appointment with you.  You may remember I was having problems with some left knee and hip discomfort and could not find a comfortable “aero” position as a newbie triathlete.  And I felt I wasn’t getting enough power to the pedals.  You made some adjustments, crafted inserts for my shoes, and dialed in saddle and bar height for me.  I remember you made a remark about how with these adjustments I might possibly be 1-2 mph faster in this new position, “maybe faster.”  I was open-minded but skeptical whether those adjustments could make that much difference with the same pair of legs providing the power.

I’m happy to say that I on three separate subsequent 15-mile time-trial training runs I was over 2 mph faster.  I rode 3.2 mph faster than me previous personal best on one largely flat TT run this summer.  Last Saturday I finished a sprint triathlon with my best bike split ever.  Not only was I faster but I felt much stronger going into the run.  And my rides leading up to race were much more comfortable and enjoyable.  Thank you for that.

Hi Chris…Well…I must say, I’m impressed.   Here is how it breaks down for the sprint Tri one day after the fit.

Left IT Band issues – nowhere to be found.   The turn-around point for the race is a 1.5-mile climb up “Mount Hudson”.  If anything was going to ignite my left IT, this would have.

Transition to the run = my legs have never felt so fresh.  I was shocked, it was almost if I hadn’t biked at all.

Average Speed  = I felt much more power, I was certainly able to maintain faster speeds, but I was not disciplined enough to “back-off”; therefore, I bonked the climb and killed my average.  So, my final average speed improvement is yet TBD after I take on some longer rides.

Overall position = much more comfortable and natural.  I didn’t feel like I was forced into a certain position and cramped.

Major improvement here.

St Croix Valley Triathlon

Overall Place – 14th

Age Group – 8th

I am much more confident with the bike fit as I start to prepare for an Ironman next year.

Thanks Again Chris.  You are a genius.

Finally got some miles on my bike.  Saturday was my first day back riding due to travel schedules.  I did 20 miles on Saturday, no issues.  No more pinch between the shoulders.  Actually felt stronger riding.  Sunday I got a 30 mile ride in.  No issues.  You fixed me!  Thank you!!!!

I would like to get my wife, Sandy into see you.  Sandy is copied on this mail.  If you could write back to her when you have a chance and let her know when you would have an opening.

On our 17.2 mile time trial course last evening I averaged 23.6 mph compared to
22.6 mph a month ago. Felt fine, was able to breath better. Will be trying the
road position on the group ride this evening. Thanks a lot.

I meant to send you a thank you note last week after the Lifetime Tri.  I was very pleased with my bike set-up.  I was able to beat my overall time goal and the major reason was the bike leg.

I’m still working on the new bike and will give you notice before I get it built.

Hope all is well.

We cut 4 minutes off our previous best time for the course. Thanks for the help – I focus most of my May/June/July on training for that specific TT and this was our 4th year in a row, so a 4-minute drop was beyond expectations. I did ride the TTX, but recovered quickly – although the hip was a problem for about 24 hr I’m now back to better than before the ride and the best I’ve been in over year. I popped out of the left pedal twice during the race and once out of the right – still not quite sure what’s going on with them. I’ll try and organize to get in and have you take a look before the end of Sept but we’re kind of busy right now so working out a time may take some time.

Chris was AMAZING!  I could go write book about all my experiences with bicycle fitters…including one that sells Gear over on the West side…as I have had over 6 different fits around the COUNTRY including some by some very well know and prominent people. I have some unique medical issues with a rotated Ilium and I originally went to Chris to be fit for sore knees and possible, if necessary a fit for D2 shoes.  However, it turned in to the best fitting experience that I have ever had.  I am a 32 year-old Cat 2 cyclist and I have NEVER felt this comfy or strong on my bike…. even my recovery is better as am more efficient.  Chris has all the science with Retul, Spin-Scan, etc. However, don’t be fooled. They are only as good as the fitter’s experience and knowledge of biomechanics and the human body.  Go see Chris for his experience, knowledge, and intuition.  Use the scientific tools for validation and measurement.  Chris was great!

If any one has questions, please let me know.

I had my first ride after my fit. WOW. The changes even before the new handle bar were pretty amazing. Saddle height was perfect.  More power with the same effort. Shoes seemed to assist with the rotation,especially through the bottom of the stroke.  The arch seemed high and hard when walking, but it was very comfortable and assisted in pedaling.  Position on the pedals and feet seemed very stable. The reach to the bar was greatly improved with the shorter stem,  I can hardly wait for the new bar. Handling was better.  Comfort was much better.  Balance was better.  Pedaling out of saddle was more stable because the hoods were closer and I was in better balance holding the hoods.  Thus more power. I am very pleased, to say the least. Look forward to finishing the project.

I wanted to thank you for all the help as I set a new PR by over 1.4 MPH avg. at the Brice Prairie TT. 40K @ 19.6 mph. I was happy with it.  The EC 90′s worked well, and I felt comfortable. Take care and we’ll talk later.

Chris – wanted to thank you again for the bike fitting and let you know how pleased I am with the fit! The bike is perfect. I expected to feel better on the bike, but am amazed at how much more efficient I am pedaling and how much longer I can ride without becoming fatigued. Amazing results and thanks again

COMMENTS: Hey Chris. It is Brody Pasciullo from Thunder Bay. Just letting you know that our club had its first tt of the year on thursday. It was a 10km(6.2mi) itt and my time was 14:18. Just shy of 42km/h(26.07mph) but, and here is the good part, I went 33 seconds faster then last year at this time of the year. Also, only 14 seconds off my PB for the course. Oh, and I was sick… Anyways, the fitting definitely was a huge success. My dad likes his position too, but unfortunately he was sick as well and didn’t do the time trial.
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> As far as being able to help you out at the studio, I don’t think I’ll be able too. I think it is something I would like to do in the future, so I’ll keep you in mind. If I can make a team in the U.S it could work out well.
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> Thanks, and next time Im around town I’ll have to stop in and get my road bike honed in.
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>

Brody Pasciullo

UPDATE:

Hey Chris. Last weeks tt went well. It was a 9.3 mile out and back course, and my time was 21:32. That comes out to a speed of 25.97 mph. The position feels really good, and I think my road position is good as well. I’ll attach a picture so you can have a look and let me know if I need to change anything. That is Josh in the background during our local crit series, in which he placed first and myself second… as we both lapped the field. Tomorrow there is a 12.4 mile out and back course. I feel good so Im shooting for a time of 27:30 and a speed of over 27.00 mph.

Just back from a light spin with no pain in my Achilles…LOVED being back on my bike! You bring so much joy to people by giving them the gift of riding a bike pain-free. You are great at what you do. Thanks, Chris!

I am a multi sport athlete, an expert climber and skier, and a 50+ masters Cat 4 cyclist. I met Chris Balser this February after my wife signed me up for his Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga class at the Yoga House. I was trying the class as part of my rehabilitation from a Total Knee Replacement surgery in October of 2009. The surgery was to replace a worn out knee joint which was the result of a number of accidents in my reckless youth. In addition to the bad knee, I had a ¾ inch leg length discrepancy, a pronounced bowed tibia, and a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament. The surgery not only replaced the knee, but also corrected the leg length discrepancy, straitened the tibia, and tightened the posterior cruciate. That was the good news. The bad news was that because of all this work and changes to my body structure the rehab was hell.

I met Chris when I was three months into the rehab, past the worst of the pain, and done with my formal physical therapy. I was already telemarking skiing and cross country skiing, rock climbing and ice climbing, far exceeding my original rehab expectations. However, my cycling rehab was lagging. My left pedal stroke was uneven and resulted in a “hitch” in my hip, my lower back ached, and I had too much weight on my arms. This was after I had just been fit by another professional bike fitter. Chris refitted me on my bike with great care and insight. The result is the hitch is gone and I am in a much more comfortable riding position. This has enabled me to focus on my pedal stroke and rebuild my efficiency and power.

Anyone can be fitted to a formula. The problem is the human body is so complex and cycling biomechanics are so precise that we may not necessarily fit the formula; especially those of us that are older riders or have some type of imbalance or injury issue. Chris brings a higher art to the science of bike fitting. I would recommend Chris to anyone looking for a superior fit or to correct chronic problems. I especially look forward to recommending Chris Balser to my 50+ Master competitors once I am back in full form and have crushed them on the course. How discouraging to be beaten by guy coming off a full knee replacement.

Thank you Chris and I look forward to working with you on my bike fit and in the Yoga class.

After a fall I experienced knee pain while riding for about a year.  Chris helped by adjusting my position, changing the pedals and shoes I use.  I am grateful I can again ride without knee pain.

Thank You Chris,

After foot surgery and with properly fitting bicycle shoes, I could now make full use of the power in both legs. My new changed position and bicycling technique lead to some upper body discomfort which Chris was able to promptly and effectively address through changing my bicycling position and recommending the proper components to meet my fit needs.

Bottom line? If you have bicycle fit issues see Chris!

Chris Balser’s fit session really nailed it for me.  He is able to combine his very keen eye and judgment capability with the very latest high-tech gizmos to really understand what’s going on for my situation.  It’s great that I can return as many times as needed until we get it just right, though so far I only went for one follow-up session to set up some new pedals.  Chris is also able to provide recommendations for things to do off the bike that will help you feel more comfortable while riding.  I highly recommend the Chris Balser fit experience.

Chris,
Hello, the ride on my Tri bike feels SO MUCH better after the bike fit.   I got the HED risers and they made a difference, and the other adjustments have prevented the continued muscle tightness in my left upper back.

THANKS SO MUCH!!

ps – I have to brag, last weekend I did my first tri for the year (and first since 2005) and I took 1st place (age group) in the bike!!

Being a large rider (6’7”; 250 lbs.) — and someone with multiple knee and foot injuries – finding comfort while riding has been very difficult.  After working with Chris, my whole riding experience became greatly enhanced.  His unique approach helped me find my optimal riding position for power/comfort.  I now ride with more power, speed, and comfort than I ever have.  Chris is the best in the business.  His personable and impeccable approach to the whole fit process really made me feel at ease…. I couldn’t wait to get out and ride!

As a serious recreational cyclist, I threw caution to the wind and rode my bike until I could ride no more. I enjoyed my cycling life until a tiny little knee problem brought my cycling days crashing down. I couldn’t ride more than 10 miles without debilitating knee pain. I saw doctors and many dollars later said “you’ve got chondromalacia patella, get a professional bike fitting.” With all their high-powered knowledge and tools I doubted this advice. Finally, I gave in and started looking for the best biking fitting I could find. I was wary of the local bike shop fitting that involved standing over the bike and the sales clerk pronouncing all is good. I decided to go right to the top and contacted Chris Balser. Chris is a passionate, professional bike fitter introduced to the craft through physical problems of his own. Chris spent over three hours with me and analyzed every movement, asked questions, then made adjustments. We arrived at a setup that immediately reduced my knee pain and has given me the freedom to ride until I can ride no more. My advice to all cyclists of all levels is call Chris. He will save you lots of money down the road. Thanks Chris!

Playing professional football for 8 years has left me with some physical issues that were making riding a bike more of a challenge than an enjoyable experience. Now that my body is set up correctly on my bike I have become a more powerful and efficient rider. The biggest benefit for me is when I am done with an intense ride my body does not ache thus helping my recovery time for my next ride. Your time and talent have allowed me to take my biking to a level I thought was never possible.

Thank you for making biking enjoyable again!

I’ve been racing my bike for a few years and have always adjusted my position every season. I thought my fit was close, or close enough. Getting my bike fit by a professional was always on the list of things to do, but I thought that the money, time and effort could be better spent on better gear and training. After talking to Chris for about five minutes, I knew I was really wrong. Fit is much more important. If you’re losing 15% of your power due to improper fit, your super sweet new wheel set that is claimed to save you 2% will do nothing but cost you $$$$.

The most impressive part of the fit wasn’t the technology in Chris’s fit-studio, (although he’s got the best technology available) it was his knowledge about riding bikes and how the human body works. Chris doesn’t use the technology to tell people where they should be on the bike, he uses it as one source of information to determine the fit. Most people think bike fitting is a “plug and play” process, especially with the new technology. A professional bike fitter must know that everyone has a different shape and that everyone has different goals on the bike. Sometimes injuries and medical problems are a factor when fitting a person to a bike. A computer program alone cannot factor all of these things. Chris does.

After I left the studio Chris called a few days later to see how the fit went and how the new position felt. He still had some ideas on improvement and some things we might try in the future. It was nice to know that Chris is always evaluating his riders even if they are not in the studio.

The only problem I have now is that I don’t want to ride a bike without having Chris fit me on it!

I have known Chris Balser for over 2 years. Time and time again he has impressed me with his extensive knowledge in biomechanics and movement systems. His capability as a bike fitter is impressive as he is able to translate movement patterns into efficient cycling position and pedal stroke. His attention to detail and his understanding of kinetics makes him effective in fitting the beginning cyclists and the elite professionals.

Chris:  Great fit on my new bike.  Thanks for helping me out again.
You ARE the Guru of cycle fitting.  My knee pain is gone.

After getting my bike fit with Chris, I am stronger, faster, and more efficient on the bike. My leg imbalances were straightened out and my neck pain has gone away. I would highly recommend getting a professional fit from Chris. It is the most overlooked area buying a bike.

Chris Balser brings the perfect mix of science and art to the bicycle fit. It is evident from the intensity with which he labors to achieve the perfect fit for your specific body, needs and goals that he is dedicated to his profession. I have been professionally fit by two other people and never achieved what Chris did for me. When I rode out of the shop after my fit, I eliminated my back pain, gained significant speed on the flats, and was able to attack the hills in a way I never before experienced. I believe Chris to be the best in the business.