Ata Cycles

As an former competitive cyclist just getting back into the sport after a long layoff I thought my bike was set up pretty good. I had some lower back pain and thought that it was a symptom of the long layoff. Some friends on a group ride mentioned that they had great results from a bike fit at ATA. I went for a visit and Husam took time to explain in detail about his methods and equipment to optimize an individual's position on the bike. His knowledge and the technology in his fitting room convinced me to give it a go.\r After recording my measurements and taking some video of me riding my bike, his fit program identified that I was riding too far back and that I wasn't able to use all my leg muscles effectively. It looked like my breathing was being restricted as well. We tested his recommendations on his adjustable bike with my original position and then with the new position. The new position immediately felt more comfortable and there was a measurable increase in power output for the same perceived effort. \r After some discussion about my options, Husam helped me adjust my saddle position and install a new stem on my bike to the new specs.\r I have been riding the new position for a few weeks and am delighted with the change. The back pain was gone from the first ride and my overall balance and comfort is improved. I can definitely hang better with stronger riders, especially on climbs. \r So now my next problem, how to pick my next bike from the incredible selection available at ATA. Husam has quite a candy store.\r Pros: terrific knowledge and state of the art technology Cons: wish I had done this sooner more

I have known Husam for nearly a decade. Over the years he has seen me ride a number of bikes, and occasionally, in an understated way, he has kindly mentioned that he thought I was riding too large a frame. Well, I finally sat down with Husam had had a fitting, and what an eye opener it was. I am sure many of us have through the years settled on a frame size and fit that might feel right now, after years of adaptation, but when you go back to the roots of why you ride the size bike you ride, you might wonder about its correctness. In my case, I decided I was a certain frame size back in college, when a friend working at a bike shop looked me up and down and said ""you are about a 56cm."" And ever since then I have ridden 56cm bikes. One Boston-area frame manufacturer even put me on a 58cm bike once. But I have always felt like my bikes were just a little too big. Sure, though the years I dropped a plumb line now and again to see where my knee was over the pedal, and friends commented on how good they thought my leg extension was, but that was the extent of my fitting. Until now. Laser jigs, video cameras, power meters--Husam has an impressive array of technology at his shop to evaluate your most powerful and comfortable position on a bike. I watched in amazement as he approximated my existing position on the Argon size-cycle, measured power output, and then with the flick of a switch made a few adjustments that resulted in 60 watts of additional power. Husam found me sixty watts in not as many minutes. And my bike feels better, more comfortable, and faster than ever. Take the time, get fit. Oh, and my new frame size? 54cm. For fifteen years I have been riding a frame 2cm too large. Wish I had done this earlier. Pros: Expert fitting Cons: Wish I had done it sooner more

I walked in on Sunday, wanting to tune up my bike for an upcoming charity ride. The owner looked at it and told me it wasn't the right fit for me. He showed me how, even though it was custom bike ('custom' fit for me by a shop in Burlington, MA!), the seat was way too far back and made for an uncomfortable, inefficient ride. Husam piqued my curiosity and I came in the next day for a bike fitting with him. After taking my body measurements, he set up his Fit Bike for me and had me ride for a while. It felt great! Once I was warmed up, he readjusted his Fit Bike so that it was set up like my current bike. My old bike felt like I was riding uphill under water!!!!! I couldn't believe it. My power output, as measured on a bike computer, went down measurably and I couldn't imagine riding a long charity ride (190+ miles over two days) on my old bike if it felt like that! That custom, once-in-a-lifetime titanium frame was not fit properly for me - no wonder my back got sore on it and my knee hurt after my 80 mile ride last Sunday! Shame on that other bike shop for 'custom' fitting that Serotta to me so poorly! It cost a lot of money and I feel completely cheated by them! But back to ATA and Husam.... Long story short, Husam told me he could build a new bike for me by the next day... and he did! I am now the proud owner of a very comfortable, very fast bike and can't believe how good it feels to ride! Husam is a wizard at bike fitting. I don't know what else to say except I am completely impressed and can tell you it is, without a doubt, completely worth getting a professional bike fitting by Husam - and only Husam. Don't let another bike shop fit you for a bike!!!!!!! They will not be able to get your bike to fit you like Husam can! Pros: Husam is incredible at fitting a bike more

Husam and his ""crew"" are just the most knowledgeable and passionate people that we have met. This is after going to many bike shops and looking for something special. The fit process is so important for a comfortable and proper ride. We were given the opportunity to get it right the first time. The shop is friendly and professional. They truly put your needs first and treat your bike like it is their own.\r The folks we spoke to at the Cambridge store were equally as concerned with us getting the right bike and referred us to the Concord store so that we could get into the fit lab. \r The variety of bike brands are superior and the time spent with us to get the right one was more than worth the trip, which was from No. Maine. \r So, if you want superior service, ATA is the place. We absolutely LOVE our Museeuw bikes!! Pros: Best bikes more

There are a series of climbs and descents that I measure myself with at the beginning of every season. I'm 68 so I am really mindful of any loss of power. Having just been fitted by Husam Sahin, I think that I just took off 40 years. Why do I say this? After my fit I charged into my test track (noted above) and simply flattened the hills, slammed the descents, carved the swtichbacks with finger tip control and forgot that I was in my big ring. Thank you Mr. Sahin. Pros: Discovered unleashed power more

As a category 1 cyclist for the past 14yr's I am always looking at my bike fit and seeking to find a position that is both comfortable for long rides as well as a position that is efficient, economical and that ultimately allows for higher output with less exertion. After many years of different fit systems, Husam finally got me into that position on the bike! I appreciated how thorough the fit was, how with each change he made I could both feel the difference, as well as see the difference through the video analysis, and more importantly he explained to me with each change what we were doing, why and what the functional benefits would be. I cannot recommend getting your bike fitted with Husam any higher than saying it was simply the best fit that has been done for me!! Don't waste your time or money any place else! Pros: Retul Fitting System more

Last year my left knee starting hurting badly after I'd ride 15-20 miles. I went to see Husam, the owner of ATA, who sold me the bike 8 years ago. Husam did a custom measurement and fitting for me and adjusted my seat height and stem length. I never would have thought that what seemed to me like minor modifications would make such a big difference.\r \r In the past couple of months I have done solo rides of 70 and 135 miles without any knee pain and I look forward to thousands of miles of pain-free riding thanks to Husam and ATA. Pros: great service, bike fitting more

My old bike never fit me properly, leaving me unable to even turn my head without shooting pain in my neck and shoulders after a couple hours of cycling. It was well past time to get a new bike, but making a choice amongst all the great bikes out there was overwhelming! I was determined that whatever I got would fit ME and was even considering going the custom route. I happened upon ATA Cycles when I popped in to get a spare part and mentioned that I was considering buying a new bike. Husam explained their bike fit process and gave me an idea of what I could get for my budget, and it all clicked for me. This was what I was looking for: to find the ideal bicycle frame geometry for me, some help sorting through frame options, and to get a bike that was good value and that I would be happy with for some years to come. Why should I spend a single moment longer with a bike that didn't fit me?? I feel extremely lucky to have come across Husam and ATA-- after the first fit session, I had my new bike the next day, which Husam then made sure was adjusted exactly to fit me. The process took all the uncertainty with getting a new bike away for me. I am in love with cycling again! Sum-up: why would you go anywhere else for a new bike if you could go to ATA and get fitting sessions with a master so you get the right bike for you?? Value for money when you consider the service being provided is hard (if not impossible) to beat. Pros: fit system, knowledge, service, trustworthiness Cons: parts cheaper elsewhere if you know exactly what you need more

I've been an avid cyclist for over thirty years and during that time I've always sought the perfect bike. Between strattling the top tube, the fit kit or the experience of the shop, I never found a bike that fit like it was made for me. In researching custom bike fitting services in the Boston area I came across the ATA web site. I reviewed the video on the web site, read the testimonials and decided that I would call for an appointment. I brought in a custom made frame that I had ridden for the last two years. The bike always felt good at the beginning of the ride, but after long rides I was always hurting. When I brought my bike into ATA Husam looked at the bike and said it was the wrong size and that I was probably experiencing the following symptoms: sore back and numbing hands. Husam's fitting process is biomechanically sound and accurate. He explained every aspect of the fitting process so that I would feel knowledgeable and confident about what makes the difference between a good fit and a great fit. The bike that I bought from ATA is a revelation. I've never felt stronger or more comfortable. Their service is exemplary and their follow through is tremendous. more

In January I made a decision that it was time for a new road bike. We had been training heavily indoors at Optimum Performance in Leominster, for the upcoming 2009 season, and with all the hard work indoors, I thought I would treat myself to a new bike. The challenge with purchasing a new bike is which bike to choose, and I wanted the best possible fit. I shopped around online and at several local shops, but the fit is what worried me the most. A friend mentioned he had just been at a shop in Concord, ATA Cycles, and had never seen such an intricate high end operation for a bike shop.\r \r I made an appointment with Husam, for an evaluation of my current bike geometry and body geometry to first get my numbers to see which bikes would properly fit. Husam has a philosophy that “bikes should not be fit to riders, but rather riders should be fit to bikes” in other words choosing a bike is all about matching the correct bike geometry to your body first, then building the bike around the correct frame. Three hours after I arrived we had the correct body specifications and geometry specifications that would optimally fit. (see other posts for the fit procedure).\r \r My goal in purchasing the new bike was to ultimately improve my Functional Threshold Power (FTP), and here are the numbers to prove that proper bike fit can have a huge impact on power output. \r \r At Optimum Performance we test Functional Power Threshold every 6 weeks to keep track of our fitness improvements. We do this test on a Tac-X trainer performing a 20 minute all out time trial and taking the average power for 20 minutes.\r \r Date Bike Comments\r 1-5-2009 Trek Madone Fit measurements at ATA Cycle\r 1-7-2009 Trek Madone 306 watts FTP test at Optimum Performance\r 1-14-2009 Look 595 Picked up new bike from ATA Cycle\r 2-25-2009 Look 595 340 watts FTP test at Optimum Performance\r \r In analyzing the numbers there is an incredible 34 watt improvement or an overall 11.1% Functional Threshold Power increase in my power output. \r \r The numbers speak for themselves, bike fit is critical to performance and Husam seems to be the master at squeaking out every last watt. ATA is a great shop, with excellent customer service, and they can deliver the numbers to prove it!\r Pros: Great Shop, Ultimate Bike Fit, Unmatched Customer Service Cons: High End Shop more

If you are looking to purchase your next ride, I would strongly recommend that you visit ATA in Concord (or Cambridge). I acquired my most recent bike from ATA and was extremely impressed with my entire experience. \r \r Prior to visiting ATA there were 3 other “fittings” from the usual suspects from Vermont and the Boston area. While these certainly were an improvement from the stock setting with the original bike…they were by no means at the level provided by Husam at ATA. One of my bikes is totally custom…from the ground up…still a great bike (rides like a Cadillac)…but by no means provides the responsiveness and power from the bike/fit from ATA.\r \r My fit is for triathlon, Ironman and 70.3 distances\r \r An example…prior to the new bike/fit provided by ATA, I was a strong cyclist…usually in the top 10% (roughly top 20% running). My first race with the new bike (in the late summer/early fall of 2008) I managed to be in the top 2% on the bike (5th overall and fastest in my AG - 22.94 mph, 2:26:53) and top 5% on the run (this is for the 70.3 distance). Can this leap be a case of “new-bike-itis” …sure…but that does not explain the run improvement, that was based on the bike fit…I had fresh legs. \r \r The chronic back pain that I had been plagued with for 4 years…was GONE!!! Also, prior to the race, I had only 1 outing on the new bike (about a 30-40 mile ride).\r \r There is an enormous difference between someone that goes to a fit school and someone that actually understands fitting. The protocol listed on the ATA site is exactly what is followed…fit the person to the bike…not the other way around. The Concord store is packed with “lustworthy rides” and any of them would be a great addition to your “stable”….BUT…Husam had to order my bike frame (he was not clearing out his inventory) and I “patiently” waited for my ride to arrive…he said 7-10 days…he delivered the fully assembled bike in 5 days (how refreshing…under promising…over delivering).\r \r If you just want a bike…you can go anywhere. If you want service, attention to detail and a fit process that exceeds your expectations…ATA is your shop.\r more

ATA cycles is not only a great all around bike shop but it stands out above all others with their knowledge and specialized fitting services. Husam's sizing philosophy and knowledge is incredible. The difference in fit between my old road bike and my new bike is like night and day. I have experienced not only a major difference in comfort but my performance has improved greatly. The increase in power is noticeable every time I get on the bike! I was so happy with the fit of my road bike I returned with my Time Trial bike to be fit on that. I have also been very pleased with the service at ATA. They have been very accomodating and have completed service in a timely fashion. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who wants a great fit and great service! Pros: Best Bike Shop for Fit and Products more

As my biking intensity and mileage have increased over the last couple of years, I found myself in need of a bitter fitting bike. Husam at ATA bike took 6 hours of his time to talk with me about my riding, measure me, and to find a frame geometry that worked for me and felt right. Once the bike was built and I test road it, I felt like someone gave me the keys to a 911 turbo and said “have fun”. It feels that good. If you want your dream bike go to Husam and tell him what you want and he will work with you and your budget in attaining your dream. Pros: Fit, Fit, Fit Cons: you get wha tyou pay for more

To say that ATA is a unique bike shop is an understatement. Husam cares much more about customer service and satisfaction than any business owner I have ever met. He worked with me to find the best bike possible while totally respecting and working within my budget. Moreover, he was forthright and honest with me throughout the entire buying and fitting process. When the time came for fitting, Husam got to know me, my fitness level and my riding preferences, and worked to give me the best fit I have ever experienced. I saw my power jump nearly 70 watts when Husam made two or three small adjustments. The man is brilliant, and the shop is, quite simply, the best. more

I have been riding seriously for over 35 years and this is hands down the best bike shop I have ever been in. I drove down from Southern NH Seacoast area to buy a bike. The fitting process is state of the art and Husam really takes the process seriously. And in case you think this is a ""Serotta Fit"" you better think again. With the software and lasers ATA has taken the fitting process to the next level.\r \r On top of that all of the bikes and components are high end and the best that money can buy all in one place. \r \r Great job ATA. Pros: Attention to Customer Cons: The best bikes cost a lot of money!! more

As an avid triathlete, I have done extensive business with five bike shops in the greater Boston area, including having fittings on two bikes ( road and time trial) at three of them. None of them come close to ATA Cycle, which stands in a league of its own. The quality of the products, the superiority of the service, and Husam Sahin's world class fittings are unsurpassed. After one fitting with Husam, my power, as measured by watts, improved 17%. Since expense is a factor for most of us, I found it was more costly not to do things right the first time around. I am grateful that I finally discovered ATA Cycle, and recommend it enthusiastically. Pros: Example: best croissants in town Cons: What are the drawbacks? more

I went to every bike shop in the Metro Boston area and found service levels to be disappointing. Then a friend recommended ATA and my experience was completely different. I highly recommend ATA to anyone that wants a quality bike, expert advice and bike fitting, and a customer-centric approach. Thank you ATA Concord!! Pros: Knowledgeable staff; great approach to customer service Cons: What are the drawbacks? more

I?d been out of serious cycling many years when I first heard of ATA in Concord, MA. Having spent time in shops earlier in life in Princeton, Philly and the Carolinas, I thought I had a pretty good sense of how to shop for, buy and set up a bike for high performance, efficiency and comfort. I?d done well on my former high end, ?custom fit? steel frame decked out with Campy. Wasn?t I surprised to learn from several knowledgeable folks at ATA not only how far technology had come but how ?custom fit? had evolved. After wandering, and drooling, around the ATA shop for a while during my first visit, I was introduced to the shop owner Husam and we were off. Lots of questions about riding experience, style, type of equipment I?d been riding and what I thought I was looking for now. He was tremendously, and gently, informative about newer technologies, demonstrating significant depth in the engineering of components, frame sets, wheels and more. Then Husam introduced me to his fitting room and took me through his fitting philosophies and techniques, ?going to the whiteboard? to draw diagrams on the more complex concepts. I was pretty quickly sold on the entire process and signed up for a formal fitting session. \r Coming out of the fitting session, Husam had clearly deduced in his mind a range of set-ups that would fit me, my riding style, my component preferences and my wallet. He took me through them in tremendous detail, and within a couple of hours we?d decided on the final product. The bike was assembled in a few days and I was back for a fitting room test drive and final tuning. The product was better than I?d imagined and the rebirth of my cycling underway.\r I?ve been back to ATA innumerable times for other equipment, clothing, bike adjustments and just to catch up on other newer frames and components. I?ve always been welcomed, even five minutes before the shop is supposed to close. Better customer care and attention is just not available. Great place! more

Excellent selection of high end road bikes. Terrific services. FIT system can work wonders. Husam spent lots of time with me and dialed in a fit that saves my knees and back while at the same time increased my power output. Love it. Pros: FIT Cons: A hair more expensive than it would have cost to build the bike on my own. more

I can?t say enough about my experience with ATA Cycle. I bought my first road bike from ATA in 2006, Back then, Husam listened to my needs and carefully fitted me on a Giant OCR3, a entry-level road bike. Turns out I got into the sport (in part because the bike fit well and was a blast to ride). I rode 400 mi the first summer, 1500 the next and 3000 last year. So this winter I went back and after a few visits commissioned a custom build. I had an interview with Husam and a session on his fit machine, in which Husam took measurements and experimented with saddle position, tube length, and my dynamic motion and power output. This information steered him to a frame (for me a Wilier Mortirolo), and he selected remaining components appropriate to my size, weight, and strength. I set the budget, and he delivered a bike within that amount and did not try to upsell me out of my range. When I went to get the bike, we spent an hour in his fit lab with the cameras running and he used some software to measure a number of key angles and to watch the circles that my ankles inscribed as I pedal. This led to a few more small tweaks. Now for the incredible part, I brought the bike home, and put it on my Tacx Fortius trainer. I rode the first leg of the Amstel Gold race, which I had been riding at 180 ? 190 Watts on the Giant OCR. My very first ride I blasted through this leg at an average power of 260 WATTS!!! My speed was up 3.5 MPH!!! I am so excited and I can?t wait to get outdoors this year. Now, I?m sure the upgraded components make a bit of difference, but the key was the great fit that allows my legs to naturally apply power in the most efficient manner. Having a bike built exactly to me and my body enabled me to get the perfect fit and geometry. I now see why people fly across the country to have ATA build and fit their bikes. So, in summary I highly recommend the process that they employ at ATA, and I?m thrilled with the results. Pros: precise fit for optimimum power and safety / injury prevention, knowledgable staff, great inventory of mid-range and high end frames and components Cons: you're not going to walk in and walk out with a bike, the process and build takes a couple weeks more