Like many cyclists venturing into the Pacific Northwest, I was eager to explore the region’s renowned biking scene. Starting my physical therapy career in Seattle back in 2010, I discovered bike fitting as a specialized area within PT. I remember signing up for a BIKEFIT continuing education course, aimed at physical therapists and clinicians, feeling completely new to the world of bike mechanics, components, and especially bike fitting itself. Honestly, my initial lack of knowledge could be a blog post on its own!
Looking back, what truly stands out was the incredible instruction I received from Paul Swift and Katrina “Kat” Vogel at that BIKEFIT course. Paul, the charismatic face of the brand, patiently guided me through the technical skills of fitting. I still recall his firm advice on avoiding stem bolt stripping by using the correct end of the wrench! While Paul brought his racing expertise, it was Kat’s approach and communication style, as a fellow physical therapist, that truly resonated with me. She walked us through the decision-making process of a bike fit, using me as the example for my very first fitting. The course concluded with an in-depth look at cycling-related injuries and how the body compensates, knowledge that proved invaluable. Four years later, I returned to BIKEFIT and my mentors for the Level 2 advanced certification, further refining my skills and reigniting my passion alongside fellow cyclists, PTs, and bike fitters. The principles I learned during these courses remain fundamental to my own bike fitting practice today.
Transitioning to Portland, OR, for my next PT position, I encountered Chloe Murdock, DPT, and witnessed the thriving bike fit program she had meticulously built. Chloe was an exceptionally experienced bike fitter, with significantly more hours under her belt than myself. She generously offered mentorship as I aimed to further integrate bike fitting into my career. Chloe helped me bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application in a busy clinic setting. Although our time as colleagues was brief, her influence remains strong. I continue to follow her career and learn from the insights she shares.
Years of bike fitting experience in an outpatient sports medicine setting followed, and my skills grew steadily. I used to meticulously track the number of fits I completed, aiming for a significant milestone that would somehow validate my expertise. Reflecting on those early fits now, I realize how much more I’ve learned since. In the summer of 2019, eight years into my physical therapy career, I was ready to fully immerse myself in bike fitting. That’s when I joined Endurance, founded by Annalisa Fish, PT, DPT.
Annalisa had already established a successful cycling-focused PT practice in Portland for over five years and assembled a dedicated team of PTs and fitting specialists. I booked a bike fit myself to experience their approach firsthand. Watching Jacob Rathe and Annalisa collaborate, discussing their strategies for my fit, I knew I had found the right environment. Even as a paying client on the trainer, the learning opportunity was palpable. Anna and Jacob worked seamlessly together, co-fitting me while thoughtfully reflecting, reviewing, and refining their methodology. The learning curve was steep and exhilarating – like drinking from a firehose of bike fitting knowledge.
Annalisa took a chance on me, and I am immensely grateful for it. Whether intentionally or not, she taught me far more than just how to perform an exceptional bike fit. She guided me in selecting a new bike, educated me on the intersection of cycling fashion and function (a continuous learning process!), and offered a glimpse into the world of small business ownership within the cycling community. Annalisa will always be a mentor who profoundly shaped my bike fitting journey, and the lessons learned from her are truly invaluable.
This reflection is inspired by International Women’s Day. The incredible women I’ve mentioned are powerful and inspiring voices in the bike fitting world, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to have learned from each of them. If you’re looking for a Bike Fit Near Me, consider seeking out experienced professionals like these women who are dedicated to helping cyclists of all levels ride more comfortably and efficiently. A proper bike fit can be transformative, improving performance, preventing injuries, and ultimately enhancing your enjoyment of cycling.
