Getting a bike fit can sometimes feel like an indulgent purchase – it can be tempting to fiddle around with a turbo trainer, mirror, and a ruler yourself.

We understand why – you part with a fair wadge of cash, and walk away with the same bike that you entered the bike shop with. There’s nothing to technically show for your money.

However, a bike fit is probably the most worthwhile invisible purchase you could make. It’s also not a simple case of having a bike fit once in your life, and it’s unlikely you’ll do an equally good job armed with YouTube and a ruler as a professional fitter.

We asked Mariel – who works at the women’s bike shop, Everyone Bikes for her advice on how often, and why, a rider should get a fit.

“We recommend that cyclists riding around 3-5 times a week and doing longer rides, over 50 miles, on a regular basis have one bike fit every 6 months,” she said.

And what would be the reasons for booking yourself in? Mariel gave us four common scenarios….