Tony Wild
Is there a recommendation for how low your handlebars should be compared to your seat height?
The recommend ‘drop’ from seat to handle bars will largely depend on the riders flexibility and pelvic tilt. Meaning, that this measurement will be different for every rider.
Typically, racers will have a more aggressive drop to offer a more aero position as well as a lower leverage point while pulling on the handlebars during a sprint.
Paul Goldman
What are the critical measurements I need written down for travel?
The 2 key measurements will be seat height and cockpit length. If you are traveling using your own bike I would write down the following 2 numbers;
Tip of saddle to center of stem = X measurement
Base of pedal to top of seat height = Y measurement
If you are using a rental bike these numbers are still good to apply depending on the model difference (variance) between the rental saddle and pedals.
David Henderson
What are the factors that go into a good fit? Knee bend? Reach to bars? Balance between bars, pedals, and seat?
The factors would include the ‘symmetry’ or balance between the proper sit bone support, saddle height while not overextending the knee taking into account the rider’s flexibility, pelvic tilt and hand position on the bars. All this while keeping a focused eye on the rider’s overall goals and ambitions.
Dennis Lastochkin
Can bad bike fit cause knee pain or hot spots in feet?
Yes, whether a rider is fit correctly or not the power output and pressure points will be close to the same. Being fitted is important as it will optimize the pressure points making you more efficient with your power output. If you are going to do the work anyway - why not do it pain free and be better at it?
Dennis Lastochkin
Are there certain bike brands that fit certain type of bodies better? For example, best brands for short / tall / long arms / legs / torso / heavy / light people?
Yes, some brands offer longer top tubes while other brands offer shorter top tubes. Depending on the rider’s physical dimensions and make up, (example: longer or shorter femur vs. longer or shorter inseam or torso) one bike brand would be more comfortable out of the box even though the bike frames are the same size.