IBFI cafe stop: Nick James

UK fitter Nick James of Bikefit Exeter and Yeovil shares his toughest fit, his love for cycling in Mallorca, and his technique to getting honest answers from bike fit clients.

What’s your favourite event in the cycling calendar?

Paris–Roubaix.

Describe an average working day for you

With the COVID pandemic it has been a little bit of a crazy year. For the last couple of months I have been back-to-back servicing. I re-opened the fit studio early in August and I‘m booked solid for the next six weeks - assuming we don’t go back into lock down.

What’s the biggest frustration in your job?

Customers coming for a fit with a bike they have just purchased and it’s the wrong size.

What’s the toughest fit you’ve ever done?

Bringing a new para (below the knee amputee) triathlete into the sport.

What’s the best thing about working in cycling?

The variety of people I meet. From the UCI rider to the person who’s new to riding or getting back into the sport, it's great to have that mix.

What’s the best thing you’ve learnt while fitting?

The customer likes to tell you what they think you want to hear. I’ve learnt the need to ask the same question different ways to get an honest answer.

If you had to get a job outside of cycling, what would it be?

An aircraft engineer.

What’s the most useful tools/ technology you work with?

Not a tool or technology per se but I’m a huge fan of the heal wedge from Roman over at Form.

What course, book or websites do you think every fitter should check out?

I have trained with a few trainers here in the UK and in the EU, but the time spent with Tony Corke in Bath stands out the most, especially his body position course.

Espresso time

What was the last TV show you binge watched?

Deadliest Catch

How many bikes do you have and which is your favourite?

Five. My winter bike, a Tifosi CK7 (custom build) is my favourite.

What’s your dream bike?

The GRiT

Favourite place to cycle?

Mallorca, especially Cap Formentor to the lighthouse (pictured, above)

Favourite pro rider?

Geraint Thomas

How do you unwind?

A bike ride followed by a cup of tea in the hot tub.

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