Bicycle Fit: ever had a fitting with only minor adjustments?

[Ana]

I'm just mentally preparing to make my fit appointment:

Has anyone ever had a fitting where your bike setup was satisfactory already? If so, did they still charge you the $150-$300 for the fit?

Is it better to get a fitting off season or on season? I'm a bit out of shape but I need a fitting....

Please share! :D

Thanks!

[Biciclista]

they're going to charge you for all their work measuring you and setting you up.
yes.

whether the change is big or small.

[Ana]

Thanks!

I am okay with that, as long as I am mentally prepared before I go in :)

I love all you TE'ers :D

[Andrea]

My last one, she did about 10 minutes worth of measurements, had me warm up for another five or so on the trainer (even though I'd ridden to the store), then took some measurements of me on my bike and found that nothing needed to be adjusted.
She didn't charge me, but I do give/send her a lot of business and head up the shop ride occasionally when she's out of town, so that may not be the norm.

[indysteel]

If this is your initial fitting--and it sounds like it is--the cost is based on the time the fitter spends talking to you, measuring your body, observing you on your bike, and setting your bike up. The degree of changes he or she ultimately makes to the bike are likely not relevant to the price. In fact, assuming your bike is essentially the right size, the changes may not be that major, but that doesn't mean they won't make a big difference.

Depending on your fitter's policy, subsequent fittings or changes may be free. The cost of my fitting was for the life of the bike.

I would prefer to get fit during the riding season for no other reason than I'd want to have ample opportunities to test the fit out. Plus, some changes have to made gradually or in stages.

[Mr. Bloom]

Hey Indy, Silver got fitted at BikeGarage on 86th street in Indy. Now, it's my turn. Do you have someone else you recommend?

[7rider]

I'm just mentally preparing to make my fit appointment:

Has anyone ever had a fitting where your bike setup was satisfactory already? If so, did they still charge you the $150-$300 for the fit?

Is it better to get a fitting off season or on season? I'm a bit out of shape but I need a fitting....

Please share! :D

Thanks!


Did you buy the bike at this particular LBS? If so, and you just want them to check an issue you're having, they may not charge. If not, they might. Best to check with them before you make an appointment. Also...any new parts (such as a stem) will likely be at additional cost.

As for fitting in off season or in-season, in order to get the fitter's most undivided attention, try to schedule a time when they have a down-time or slow period in the shop. Any time I've had my fit adjusted on a bike, it invariably involves the fitter (LBS owner) talking with me, but also fielding questions and comments from curious on-lookers.

[Aggie_Ama]

I paid $40 to have my bike fitted. The shop I bought it at had gone out of business and I was having terrible knee pain. They spent about an hour adjusting saddle height, moving it forward, tweaking my shifters position and moving my cleats. Then they outfitted me with a pair of insoles and I left a happy camper albeit it $100 poorer ($50 insoles+ tax). Did five centuries after that with no knee issues. ;)

[indysteel]

Hey Indy, Silver got fitted at BikeGarage on 86th street in Indy. Now, it's my turn. Do you have someone else you recommend?

I've worked with Jonathan at Nebo Ridge. It's at 106th and Michigan in Carmel. Silver probably worked with Frank at BGI. He's supposed to be good, too. The one issue with Jonathan is that he really only schedules fit appts. on weekdays. For the precise reason mentioned by 7rider, it gives him a better opportunity to give his undivided attention.

Nebo is my shop of choice in Indy. I'm working with them (hopefully; it's still very early in the process) on my new bike.

[Eden]

Remember too that even a "minor" adjustment can make a major impact. Moving your saddle even just a cm can mean the difference between aching knees and happy knees, little tweak of your handlebars can mean comfortable vs hard to reach brakes...

[indysteel]

Remember too that even a "minor" adjustment can make a major impact. Moving your saddle even just a cm can mean the difference between aching knees and happy knees, little tweak of your handlebars can mean comfortable vs hard to reach brakes...

Amen to that. Keep in mind that changes in bike fit and geometry are measured in millimeters and centimeters. Small changes can make a huge difference, not just in comfort, but in power and efficiency. Your fitter will ideally take into consideration everything from her head down to your toes so bring your helmet and shoes with you.

Bike fitting is part art, part science. If and when you do have a chance to ride your bike after the fitting, I'd encourage you to give the fitter some feedback. You may require additonal tweaks to get the fit really dialed in, especially if you're like me and notice when even the slightest thing feels off.

[Ana]

Depending on your fitter's policy, subsequent fittings or changes may be free. The cost of my fitting was for the life of the bike.


So if you get a new saddle/handlebars, etc, would the fit with the new equipment be included? Or is it individually determined?



Did you buy the bike at this particular LBS?

I did buy my bike from an LBS of which I am no longer fond.... I went into my LBS for an brief fitting to address basic fit issues. The guy was very reluctant and lacking a helpful and constructive attitude. Overall, I only go back once or twice a year for my free tune up but other than that, I stay away. :(

Luckily, I'm considering a place that guarantees the fit :) Although they have a flat fee of $200, I'm thinking it will be worth it as long as I get it done soon so I have time to test out the fit. I'm planning to leave my area in a year or two but I have not made any definite plans yet (I'm trying to find a grad school in something I'm interested in...).

I've been dragging my feet for a while but I will make a fit appointment soon :) Of course, I'll fill you all in on the details ;) :D

I feel like I'm not experienced enough to pinpoint where it hurts, etc but that I would greatly benefit from easing the neck pain issue, the falling-forward-in-my-saddle issue and my (just noticed) slight right knee pain (although it could be that my ligaments/tendons in that knee have atrophied...which basically means I'm not in shape and so I have knee pain...).

I love riding my bike and I think I would be more inclined to ride if it were more comfortable :)

[ladyicon]

My last fitting only cost $60.00, but all they did was raise the seat. He said I could come back whenever I want. The fitting process is an on going process.

[HillSlugger]

So if you get a new saddle/handlebars, etc, would the fit with the new equipment be included? Or is it individually determined?


My fitter does fits in the evening after the store is closed so you get his undivided attention. New parts were additional.

[aicabsolut]

I've never paid for a bike fit. I've had 5, I think. The first 2 were at the shop where i bought my first bike. The last one was at another shop after they built my current bike (but it was minor b/c the geometry was the same and I came in with measurements from the previous build). Some were major. Most not so much. I guess the fitters just took pity on me?

[elk]

little hijack from the princess and the pea princess

I had a fitting in the summer and really like the difference....we did angle my seat down a bit (for the sake of the sensitive lady parts) and I'm thinking I want to level it out....for the sake of my wrists....but I'm afraid I'll mess up the whole gestalt of the fitting....

and then what!!!!???

[polly4711]

I'm with elk. I had my seat originally fit... and then after a few weeks of riding, I had my saddle changed... and I dont think that they put it back to perfect. Can I just go in and have them re fit me? What about my cleats? I'm going to be doing the MS 150 in april and am recovering from a back injury, so I just want to make sure that nothing goes wrong. Also if I haven't ridden in a while, will I need to relube, etc before I get going again? (Sorry for all the questions, I'm still new at this biking thing)

JP