A scientific study of theUniversity of Wisconsin–River Falls confirms that a bike fitting performed with the system idmatch, the biomechanical analysis platform developed by Selle Italia, improves significantly performance, comfort and perception of fatigue in amateur cyclists.
The research, published inInternational Journal of Exercise Science (2025), demonstrates that correct positioning in the saddle is not an advantage reserved for professionals, but a key element in making every ride more efficient, enjoyable and safe, even for those who pedal for pleasure.
A systematic review
The project involved 12 non-competitive cyclists (10 men and 2 women, average age 37), all tested with their own bicycle.
Participants took two tests before and after a complete bike fitting carried out with the idmatch system, based on:
- 3D motion detection
- anthropometric analysis
- proprietary location optimization algorithms
The tests performed:
- PPT6 (Peak Power Test – 6 seconds): to estimate peak power in an explosive effort
- FTP (Functional Threshold Power – 20 minutes): to evaluate the maximum sustainable power over time
Key findings
After the bike fitting with idmatch, the researchers recorded:
- +81,5 ± 96,6 watts peak power in the PPT6 test
- +9,7 ± 14,9 watts average power in the FTP test
- increase in average torque on the pedals
- reduction of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE)
- significant reduction of discomfort in the saddle and at the support points
The increase in performance was found to be closely related to specific biomechanical changes introduced by the idmatch system, in particular:
- increase in the saddle-handlebar distance
- more advanced repositioning of the cleats
Comfort, posture and injury prevention
One of the most relevant aspects that emerged concerns the saddle-to-handlebar distance: in many participants it was initially too small and was widened after fitting.
A more “upright” posture, often perceived as more comfortable, can actually help overloads and injuries, due to a non-optimal distribution of weight on the spine and upper body.
After fitting with idmatch, the presence of pain or discomfort was reduced in almost all body regions monitored: hands, wrists, back, pelvis, hamstrings and feet, even though the intensity of the tests was equal or higher.
The value of objective fitting
The study represents one of the first experimental verifications of the overall effects of a bike fitting system based on 3D motion capture and optimization algorithms, confirming that a digital approach reduces the variability typical of subjective methods.
«This study clearly demonstrates that a correct position is not just a matter of comfort, but can translate into a benefit measurable in watts», he declares Matteo Paganelli, Project Leader of idmatch in Selle Italia.
"This result confirms the vision behind idmatch: using technology to allow every cyclist to express their potential."
The conclusions
The study provides solid preliminary evidence on the fact that an individualized and objective bike fitting through idmatch:
- increases power in sprinting and under prolonged effort
- reduces perceived fatigue
- improves comfort and reduces overload signals
For amateur cyclists, often characterised by non-optimal set-ups or imprecise postures, idmatch represents a concrete support for pedal better, longer and with less pain.
