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Optimising Bike Fitting and Aerodynamics with Matt Bottrill

Real Coaching with Joel Filliol

Release Date: 05/13/2025

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In this episode of The Real Coaching Podcast, Joel Filliol welcomes Matt Bottrill from Matt Bottrill Performance Coaching. The discussion delves into Bottrill's extensive expertise in bike fitting, aerodynamics, wind tunnel testing, and optimising performance for world-class triathletes and cyclists. Topics include the process of refining bike positions, myths and trends in bike fitting, the importance of shoe design, short cranks, saddles, and helmets. Bottrill also shares his experience working with high-profile athletes like Vincent Luis and provides insights into practical drills for enhancing riding efficiency. The episode emphasises the significance of integrating proper bike fitting with rigorous training methods to achieve peak race performance.

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EPISODE TIMELINE

00:00 Introduction to The Real Coaching Podcast

02:58 Matt Bottrill's Background and Achievements

05:37 Training and Optimisation Strategies

07:30 The Evolution of Bike Fitting

11:00 Aerodynamics and Performance Insights

15:39 Coaching Philosophy and Techniques

18:00 Practical Drills and Training Tips

36:45 Understanding Power Generation and Pedal Efficiency

38:51 The Importance of Cleat Position and Q Factor

40:47 Balancing Aerodynamics and Running Efficiency

42:18 The Role of Bike Fitting in Performance

44:09 The Evolution of Bike Fitting Techniques

45:23 Case Study: Working with Vince Luis

48:39 The Art and Science of Bike Fitting

01:01:13 The UK Time Trial Scene and Its Influence

01:08:25 Optimising Aerodynamics with Forearm Support

01:09:15 Addressing Saddle Problems and Bike Fit

01:10:58 Cleat Position and Mid-foot Cleats

01:14:25 Insoles and Foot Support

01:17:03 Cleat Wedges and Leg Length Discrepancies

01:19:45 Preferred Pedal Systems and Shoe Design

01:22:09 Shorter Cranks and Hip Mobility

01:25:43 Saddle Selection and Pressure Mapping

01:29:51 Summarising Bike Fit Myths and Best Practices

01:33:04 Conclusion and Follow-Up

 

SHOW NOTES / LINKS 

Matt Bottrill Performance Coaching:

https://www.mattbottrillperformancecoaching.com

Matt Bottrill Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mattbottrillcoaching 

Matt Bottrill instagram https://www.instagram.com/bottrillmatthew/