Matt Larson Bike Coach & Fitter

I was in the market for a new bike, but I needed to make sure the size and geometry of my target bike was right for me.
I met with Matt where we did a pre-​fit which confirmed the size I should go with and the fact that the geometry of the bike was right for me. After buying the bike, I went back to Matt for a complete fitting which really dialed the bike in for my particular needs.
I’m data driven, and Matt’s use of the Retul system provides the science behind the fit, while Matt provides the expert ‘art’ component. While Retul provides parameters for countless variables, Matt’s understanding of my flexibility and structure allows Matt to optimize the fit.
Matt has a great demeanor, and when working with Matt there was no rush, no pressure, or money grab. He’s simply great at what he does and is a pleasure to work with.
I wholeheartedly recommend Matt for your fitting needs.

I have been cycling (commuting, racing and leisurely) for decades and my only regret upon getting a fitting with Matt was that I had not done it so many years earlier. The improvements were noticeable, material and immediate. I was so please I returned with my back-​up bike. Nice work Matt!

I wouldn’t say I’m a serious cyclist, but I do enjoy biking on my way to classes and work. For a while, I was having some issues with old spokes snapping every so often, which was making me too nervous to ride regularly. A relative of mine (a serious cyclist) recommended I go in for a bike fitting, where I could get a recommendation for better wheels, and where other adjustments might be made to make my biking experience that much better.
I went in this last week, and have zero regrets! It was really fun working with the tools they have there. I ended up replacing a few other parts that weren’t quite the right fit for me. Measurements were taken to see where adjustments could be made, and I came out of the appointment feeling like I was riding an entirely new and SUPER comfortable bike!
I highly recommend this to anyone (even non-​serious cyclists) who wants to make their bike really fun and easy to ride. I feel like I’m flying on my new wheels :)

Matt has a background in social work, and the attitude showed during my fitting. He is a good listener and very attentive. This great because the fitting was very similar to seeing a doctor. Matt did a great job navigating all the different concerns I had.
I ride quite a lot every week, so paying for a fitting was well worth it for me. I highly suggest you see Matt!

Matt was phenomenal! I have friends who swore by him, so I made an appointment and spent 3 hours with him as he fit everything from my cleats to pedals, stem and seat post. I have some medical issues (fused ankle, spine, inflexibility) that he addressed and offered some good solutions and excursuses to help me overcome.
I highly recommend spending the time to have Matt reset your ride!

I am a 69 year old cyclist. My first association with Matt was in 2013 for a Retul bike fit. I was very pleased with the results, and immediately noticed an increase in my wattage output. In 2015, I returned to Matt for a re-​evaluation of my bike fit, plus a LT test. Matt adjusted my position on the bike to address some lower leg and ankle issues mostly associated with old age! The adjustments also got me aligned to more fully activate my core. Result? What every cyclist wants-​MORE POWER!
Regarding the LT test. I have self tested for years, but always wondered if my results were really valid. The LT test Matt conducted confirmed that my self testing was yielding useable results. This is important as I self test every 6 weeks. I also like the way Matt’s heart rate and power zones are broken out. Much better than either Coggins or Friels.
I will close with a thumbs up for Matt’s Tuesday morning group training ride. He is currently having the group do big gear intervals. Matt does a fantastic job of «coaching up» his riders. I knew I had a hole in my training program, but never had the confidence to do big gear intervals. Matt got me over that obstacle!

I cam to Matt with a fairly unique problem to a cyclist in that I’m 6’9″. A problem tot unique to me is that I love cycling, do it a ton and don’t want to hurt while doing it (bad hurt, not «shut up legs» hurt).
While I have had several traditional fittings in the past and they have helped, the more fit and aggressive I get cycling the more the little issues I have pop up. Having read up on 3D fit systems I choose Retul and Matt as the solution to my problems.
Before seeing Matt I had the following issues that I couldn’t shake no matter how I adjusted the bike:
* pain in the neck after riding 2+ hours
* shoulder/​neck pain while descending
* ride-​ending right side IT band pain on long rides (80+)
* need for a knee brace on the left knee for any climbing (it had surgery 1.5 years prior)
* issues finding a comfortable spot on the saddle (always adjusting front/​back left/​right).
* uneven femur length, even length legs (not fixable, but a problem to work around).
While it took two sessions with Matt to solve all my issues, I understand and appreciate why it took time as this was primarily due to the massive amount of adjustments needed.
Since my fit with Matt, I’ve ridden my first two Century’s and all my friends have started making comments like «uh oh, it’s just you and Ash riding. You’re probably going to want a 15min head start». While I haven’t changed my riding/​training, being comfortable on the bike has made all the performance difference in the world. Thanks to Matt, I look forward to a long and healthy cycling experience.

This was my first time getting a proper fit and Matt was simply fantastic. The Retul Bike fit system is awesome and Matt is a true professional that knows how to get the best out of the system. Matt answered all of my questions regarding adjusting my bike, stretching and nutrition. He even spent over 20 minutes discussing and answering my questions regarding The CA Death Ride. During the fit process, we made several adjustments and at one point I asked him if he reduced the resistance. The answer was no. I was amazed at how the adjustment improved my pedal stroke. Matt explained every step of the fit and showed me in real time how the adjustments he made improved my position on the bike.
I highly recommend Matt as a true professional that will help you become a better cyclist.

What an awesome experience. My first time getting a proper fit and I’m very excited to see how I feel on my next few rides. Matt Larson is extremely knowledgeable about riding dynamics and matching your bike to your physiology for a comfortable and efficient fit. Matt uses state of the art 3D RETUL system which provides amazing detailed data but also rely’s on his experienced eye to fine tune where needed. He goes above and beyond to make sure you understand the process and areas to work on for overall improvement. Matt got me setup with great fit, new shoes, and comfortable seat for my new TT bike. Will continue to work with Matt as I work to improve my flexibility and technique. Many thanks to Matt and the great team at Devil Mountain Cyclery!

I met Matt through his association with the LaMorinda Cycling Club and the Cushman Wakefield Racing Team. After riding with him a couple of times, he suggested that a Retul Bike Fit might help me ride more efficiently and feel more comfortable on the bike. I decided to give the Retul Bike Fit a try and I’ve been very pleased with the results. From start to finish Matt was systematic in his approach to the bike fit. We started with a basic physical, testing flexibility and strength. Then moved onto my stance on the bike and the efficiency of my pedal stroke. He explained in detail a couple of changes (shorter cranks, custom soles) that have made riding my road bike more efficient and a lot more fun for me. I should add that in total, Matt spent about 7 hours with me to get the bike fit just right.

I decided to purchase a new road bike and went to Matt for a Retul Bike Fit at Devil Mountain Cyclery in Walnut Creek. Matt helped me decide what road bike would be the best fit for me. Due to a previous crash, I am unable to fully straighten my right arm and also have a long torso, so don’t fit on a women’s specific design. Matt was very helpful in steering me in the right direction to buy a new bike based on my Reach & Stack numbers and my unique body. After purchasing the new bike, Matt provided a second fitting session on the new bike and dialed in the seat height, saddle position, handle bar position, etc. to get my upper body weight distributed to my upper back and torso, not carried in my arms. Finally, I am experiencing the type of cycling that everyone dreams about! Thanks to Matt for helping me pick out and fit my new bike. Everyone should cycle pain free. It’s just a matter of a good fit. Call Matt. You’ll be impressed!

Went to Matt Larson for a 3D Retul Bike fit at Devil Mountain Cyclery. He once again
exceeded my expectations. I have never had a bike fitting prior, and didn’t realize how much I needed one. I started racing mid year 2011 and the training’s have increased since.
Matt explained every step of the fit. He always throws in the extras like proper stretching, nutrition, and answers all questions. The report was emailed to me as well.
I highly recommend Matt Larson!

Want the ultimate bike fit? Are you torn between finding the best ‘fitter’ or the ‘newest technology? Look no more. Matt Larson offers ‘BOTH’! Matt is not only an excellent cycling coach who understands the importance of ‘bike and body’ geometry, but he is also now ‘officially trained’ in the high tech use of a 3D computer/​fitting machine called ‘RETUL’. Not relying specifically on this ‘technology’, Matt has also become even more profficient (and certified) in the art and science of a great bike fit!
Here’s my story: One year ago, I decided to ‘upgrade’ from my current bike to a more ‘aggressive and expensive’ bike (Ithinking this might help my performance). What ensued was a mass series of wreckless and impatient bike fitters. I even had one fitter who REFUSED to try and fit me on this new bike stating the archietecutre was simply not right for me. Although that is entirely possible, I thought, I didn’t want to give up that readily. But after a year of a ‘love/​hate’ relationship with this new expensive bike, I was actually starting to feel pain. Pain in my shoulders, neck and back…
Here’s where it gets good: I had started to spread the word about selling this beautiful high end bike and Matt said ‘WAIT’!!! I can at least try and with this new technology, we should be able to get this to work for you”! His positive attitude coupled with new technology and newly certified fitting skills made me give it one more try.
THE FIT: Walking into Matt’s studio, located inside Devil Mountain Cyclery in Walnut Creek, I was immediately impressed. Here was a laser light camera focused on the ‘stage’ where I sat ‘hooked up’ (like electrodes) as we worked and changed measurements for 3 hours. Yes, 3 hours. Matt explained everything he was doing and rationalized each change! I was in awe of the amount of data that he had derived and the accuracy that this ‘3D laser’ computer was able to measure. Before I was ‘hooked up’, Matt first assessed my ‘physcial geometry’ and we found that I had a large variance in leg length. My ‘left leg’ was much shorter than my right leg. What a previous fitter had told me was that my ‘right leg was’ shorter and he had put shims in to rectify this. So, I have been riding with shims improperly placed. Matt double checked his findings with his colleague and we all agreed Matt was right. We inverted the shims immediately.
THE RESULT: I walkd away from the FIT feeling like Matt had just created my perfect fit. He was incredibly patient (I am high maintenance) and I am excited to ride this new bike for the first time since I bought it a year ago.
I hope I made it perfectly clear: there is no better person to do the job: Matt Larson is a master!

Matt is simply the best coach around. I started working with Matt only 4 months ago and I’ve not only lost 20lbs but my watts have increased over 100% holding the same heartrate!
4 months ago I was a struggling cat 5 racer. Now we expect to upgrade to cat 3 later this season or early next season.
His training is sensible yet difficult. If you want to work hard and see results, I recommend Matt 110%.

I have been working with Matt for a couple months now. I could never have imagined how far beyond the LT test and writing of workouts Matt takes his coaching. He has gone above and beyond anything I would have expected. As others have mentioned he makes absolutely sure you are totally comfortable during the testing process (something that done wrong could be very uncomfortable). Once he provides you with workouts he makes sure you understand the workouts themselves and how they fit into the bigger picture of your overall goals. He is monitors your progress and is always available for questions over email. He has also helped me immensely with my nutrition. Also as others have mentioned he is simply a very nice, positive good guy to be around. I came to Matt as a purely recreational cyclist looking to train for some big rides this summer and already know by the progress I have made that I will well exceed my goals. I absolutely recommend Matt to anyone who is looking to take their cycling abilities to a new level — and get healthy and be happy in the process.

I’ve been working with Matt for two years. I’d been riding for a couple of years before getting a coach. As soon as I started working with Matt, my performance went way up, and I started seeing results right away.
When you start with Matt, he thinks of anything and everything that might be useful when it comes to writing a program. This includes past sports history, cycling experience, diet, schedule, and many other factors. Every program is personalized; you won’t find any «mass-​produced» programs. He treats each athlete individually, and knows how to tailor a program for each person’s strengths and weaknesses.
But it doesn’t stop with writing a program. Matt always makes himself available for questions or concerns. He is quick in responding to emails, and is easy to reach over the phone. He will readily make adjustments of necessary. He is extremely knowledgeable about training and the physiology of the sport. He will also take into account what you like to do.
In addition to being a great coach, he is a supremely nice person. He is easy to talk to, easy to get along with, and explains everything to a T. When you get a program, there is no confusion whatsoever. If you have a question or concern, he explains it an a straight-​foward, easy to understand manner.
In short, Matt is everything you could want in a coach. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him.

I won a free LT test with Matt as a prime prize. Matt was even at the prize tent handing out awards, so I was able to meet him that day. Very friendly guy. I scheduled an LT test in Orinda within a few weeks.
Before getting on the bike, Matt asks you about your strengths and weaknesses, riding history, etc. Matt is very easy to talk too. It felt like a pleasant conversation with a friend, not a visit to a doctor’s office (which it could be with someone less personable).
The actual LT test is done on a trainer with your own bike, which makes the test procedure more comfortable and the results more applicable. I also brought my own music. In the last couple of steps of the LT test, Matt’s encouraging words helped me keep going.
After he compiled the results, Matt thoroughly explained the results, what they mean, and how my performance in the test related to my race experiences we discussed prior to the LT test. Much more helpful than simply being told training power zones.
A teammate of mine is coached by Matt. She has nothing but positive things to say about Matt. And her racing results since she switched coaches have been outstanding.
All in all, very friendly and professional. When I need another LT test in a year or two to gauge my progress in training, I’m definitely coming back to Matt.

If you are into racing bicycles and want to get the most of your training, then you really need to consider hiring a cycling coach — and if you are lucky, your coach will be Matt Larson. Matt is a cycling coach affiliated with AthletiCamps. I was referred to Matt by a couple of successful local cyclists. I raced my first season without any coaching and had some top 10 finishes in the beginner category 5 races, but was never a top contender. I met with Matt in the off season and we had a very lengthy conversation regarding my goals, background, work schedule, family life, etc. We covered all of the details of my life. This is one of Matt’s many strengths — attention to detail. Matt performs body composition testing on me every 3 months and he also tests my lactate threshold. From this information, he plans my training. He takes my everyday life with work and family into consideration, as well as upcoming races. I have enjoyed continuous improvement in my fitness and was able to upgrade to category 3 during this race season. I feel I have a chance to win every race I enter. I only wish I would have known about Matt from the start. Matt truly cares about his athletes in all aspects of their lives and has several other successful racers under his coaching. Matt has helped me meet other racers to train with and takes the time to ride with me and expose me to some amazing routes in Northern California. We have done motor-​pacing workouts as well. My training schedule is designed to the minute and Matt figures out all of the details, including where to do the workouts. If I have a change in my plans, then Matt is readily available to adjust my workouts in a timely fashion. He is very energetic and positive all of the time and will take you to the next level if you follow his advice. I hesitate to submit this review as I feel I am associated with one of the best kept secrets in Nor Cal bike racing and have a competitive edge over many of the cyclists I race with. Coaching is the way to go, without question and Matt is the best. I have been fortunate to play sports at a high level through my life and have been coached by some of the most successful coaches in college football history, and Matt is on par with or exceeds the best of them.