Why a Proper Bike Fit is Essential for Triathletes (and Why Retül is the Gold Standard)

Why Bike Fit Matters More in Triathlon Than Any Other Discipline

Triathlon cycling has one unique challenge: you’re riding hard, in an aerodynamic position, then immediately running afterwards. If your fit is even slightly wrong, the problems can quickly snowball.

Comfort that lasts for hours

Triathletes spend long periods locked into one position. A proper fit helps you stay comfortable so you can hold your position for longer — without constantly shifting to relieve pressure.

Injury prevention and pain reduction

A poor setup can lead to knee pain, lower back tightness, numb hands, sore neck, hip discomfort and more. Retül fitting focuses on keeping your body aligned to reduce strain and decrease injury risk.

Improved performance and efficiency

If your position is optimised, you’ll produce power more efficiently — meaning you can ride faster with less energy wasted, and start the run with fresher legs.

Why Retül Bike Fitting is Different

Retül Fit is a dynamic bike fit process that uses 3D motion capture technology to measure movement in real time as you pedal. Instead of relying only on what looks “about right”, Retül provides accurate data down to every degree of movement and millimetre of distance.

In short: it’s a fit based on your body, your movement, and your goals — not generic averages.

The Speedhub Retül Fit Process: Step-by-Step

Speedhub’s Retül Fit is a structured five-step process, delivered by trained specialists to ensure your bike works in harmony with your body.

1) Interview

Your fitting begins with a detailed consultation where your Speedhub Fit Specialist discusses:

• Your riding history
• Your triathlon goals
• Your current challenges (discomfort, injury niggles, performance limits)

This stage also includes evaluation of your strength, flexibility, and biomechanics to help build a fit around your individual needs.

2) Ride Analysis

Next, your fitter carries out a visual, in-motion assessment of your current riding position. This real-time observation helps identify key areas that could be limiting your comfort or performance — and guides adjustments that improve overall efficiency on the bike.

3) Fitting (15-step detailed adjustment process)

This is the core of the Retül Fit experience at Speedhub. Over 15 detailed steps, your bike setup is refined and customised. Adjustments can include:

• Saddle choice, saddle height and saddle position
• Shoe fit
• Footbeds
• Cleat alignment
• Handlebar position and control setup

Every element is tailored to support your body mechanics, comfort and triathlon performance needs. Retül can also be supported by motion capture using LED markers placed on key points of the rider’s body, tracked in real time as you pedal.

4) Product Selection

Once your fitting measurements and adjustments are complete, your Speedhub specialist will recommend the best components or upgrades only if needed — to support your performance and comfort. This ensures your setup matches your riding style and helps remove equipment limitations that might be holding you back.

5) Follow-Up

A triathlon fit isn’t a “set-and-forget” service. After your Retül Fit, Speedhub schedules a follow-up to:

• Check how you’re adapting to the new position
• Answer any questions
• Fine-tune anything needed once your body has settled into the changes

This final step helps ensure your fit delivers real-world results on the road and in training.

Who Should Get a Retül Fit?

A Retül Fit isn’t just for professionals — it’s ideal for:

• New triathletes wanting to start correctly
• Experienced athletes chasing marginal gains
• Anyone struggling with discomfort or injury niggles
• Riders moving to a new bike, shoes, saddle, or aero position
• Athletes preparing for long-distance races where position matters most

Retül’s data-backed approach makes it especially valuable for triathletes who need a balance of aerodynamics, comfort, and sustainable power.

Final Thoughts: Comfort = Power = Speed

Triathletes often search for speed in expensive upgrades — but the truth is, your biggest gains often come from improving the thing that matters most: the connection between you and the bike.

A Retül Bike Fit at Speedhub gives you a position that supports better comfort, better efficiency, more sustainable power, reduced injury risk, and improved performance from bike… to run.

If you want to race faster and feel better doing it, a professional bike fit is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make.

Bike Fit for Triathletes – FAQ

How long does a Retül Bike Fit take?

A Retül Bike Fit is a detailed, step-by-step process and typically takes around 2–3 hours, depending on your goals, experience level, and how many adjustments are needed.

What should I bring to my bike fit appointment?

For the best results, bring:

• Your bike (road bike or triathlon/TT bike)
• Your cycling shoes
• Your usual kit/shorts
• Any insoles/orthotics you currently use
• Your helmet (optional, but useful if you ride in a more aggressive aero position)

If you race triathlon, it also helps to mention what distance you’re training for so your fit can be tailored correctly.

Do I need a bike fit even if my bike feels “fine”?

Yes — many triathletes only realise they’ve been compensating after they experience a proper fit. Even small improvements in saddle height, cleat setup, and cockpit reach can improve comfort over longer rides, power output, pacing efficiency, and how you feel when you start the run.

Can a bike fit improve my triathlon run?

Absolutely. A triathlon fit isn’t just about bike comfort — it’s about helping you ride in a way that reduces fatigue and strain so you can run stronger off the bike. A better position can help preserve your hips, reduce lower back fatigue, and improve how efficiently you ride.

What problems can a bike fit help solve?

A professional Retül fit can help with common triathlete complaints such as:

• Knee pain (front or side of knee)
• Lower back tightness
• Numb hands or sore wrists
• Neck/shoulder discomfort
• Saddle discomfort or pressure points
• Feeling “too stretched” or cramped
• Difficulty holding an aero position

Will I need to buy new parts after the fit?

Not always. The goal is to work with what you already have first. If your fitter believes your current setup is limiting your position, Speedhub may recommend changes during the Product Selection stage (for example a saddle, footbeds, or cockpit adjustments).

Is Retül fitting suitable for beginners?

Yes — in fact, it’s often even more valuable early on. Getting set up correctly from the start helps prevent poor habits, reduces injury risk, and ensures you build fitness in a position you can sustain as your training volume increases.

Should I get a fit on a triathlon/TT bike or road bike?

That depends on what you race and train on most. If you mainly race triathlon in an aero position, a fit on your triathlon/TT bike is ideal. If you train mostly on a road bike, it’s still worth fitting that bike too (many triathletes do both).

How often should I get a bike fit?

A fit can last a long time, but it’s worth revisiting if you change shoes, saddle, or handlebars, buy a new bike, have an injury, your flexibility/strength changes significantly, or your training volume increases for longer events. Speedhub also includes a follow-up stage to ensure your position remains effective once you’ve adapted to the changes.

If you’re serious about triathlon performance, a professional bike fit is one of the best upgrades you can make. Pop into store to chat with the Speedhub team, or call us on 01455 558951 to book your Retül Fit.