Equipment Tells a Story – October Newsletter

Equipment Tells a Story

One of my favorite sayings when teaching bike fitting is, “Equipment tells a story.”

Close-up of a worn-out bicycle pedal held by hand, with the damaged area circled in yellow. The wear is visible on the upper part of the pedal.

The wear on your bike isn’t just random—it reveals critical insights into your fit and riding style. My question to you as a bike fitter is: Are you reading those stories? If not, you are often missing an essential aspect of bike fitting.


One of the most commonly overlooked stories is hidden in the wear pattern of the pedal (sometimes the cleat). Next time you look at your pedals, notice any uneven wear. What does it tell you about your alignment and riding technique.   

It’s an Oasis 

Have You Seen a NINETYK Saddle Yet? If not, you’re about to.

The Oasis from NINETYK

NINETYK Saddles are quickly becoming the top choice in shops, studios, and clinics. We’re excited to introduce the latest addition: the 3D Oasis. Email to experience exceptional comfort and performance at the unbeatable price of $269 – RETAIL.

Bike Fitters of the World, Unite!

Attention all professional bike fitters! You’re invited to join the Bike Fitting Professional Facebook Group—the largest online community of fitting experts. Connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and dive deep into discussions on all things bike fitting.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to grow your knowledge and collaborate with other professional fitters. Click Bike Fitting Professionals Group

Looking forward to the road ahead

It’s been a while since I’ve done something like this. After selling BikeFit in 2020, a month later, I was nearly killed when a pickup truck ran a red light and T-boned my van. Navigating recovery and the world during COVID-19 has been quite the journey. I know I’m not alone in facing life’s obstacles, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support from so many of you.

In December 2023, I was offered a position with Bicycle Fit. Before that, I helped a friend launch NINETYK Saddles. Now, I’m proud to serve as the managing director of both companies, helping to grow www.BicycleFit.com and www.NINETYK.com.

I’m fortunate to have a fitting studio inside of 509 Therapy Hub in Spokane Valley, WA. It’s a privilege to collaborate with Ryang Maynes, DPT, and be a part of this amazing team. You can check them out at www.509therapyhub.com.  

As I get back into the saddle, I’m excited to share more tips and insights through this newsletter. Most importantly, I’m here to continue serving you with your bike fitting needs.

Paul Swift

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