Bike fitter education?

[Wasp]

Before I fork over $300 or more on a bike fit, I started wondering what types of education the bike fitters have. Anyone on TE know what is involved education wise to be a "bike fitter?". How long are the course/courses?, are some courses/programs a lot better than others?. What questions do I need to be asking, Prior to plunking the cash down?.

[Kathi]

2 sources:

http://masterbikefitters.com/mbfa-uniform-dealer-standards

http://www.serottacyclinginstitute.com/Classes/

There are many others, I'm familiar with SICI (Serotta) as my fitter has the training. Many fitters have training with several fit schools.

[velo]

Just chiming in to say that at one of my Bike shops they carry Specialized and their fitter went to a school specific to that brand for certification. The guy doing my fitting now on my Wilier was trained by a guy who had been doing fittings for like 20 years. He has been doing fittings for a long time himself, but I'm not sure he has had formal training at a school. By far, he is a better fitter than the one trained at Specialized - at least that was my perception having used them both. I think some things about fitting can't be taught, but comes with experience, so IMO, that would be an important factor for me and I would definitely ask about that. Don't forget to get a copy of measurements and changes made.

[Catrin]

Recommendations are also very important - what experience have others had with that fitter? Fitting is indeed an art, and all of it cannot come out of a course or book. It takes time and experience - along with being willing to LISTEN that separates a good/great fitter. One can have all the training there is but if they can't think outside of the box when the client might have special fitting/physical issues than that training doesn't mean much.

[indysteel]

Recommendations are also very important - what experience have others had with that fitter? Fitting is indeed an art, and all of it cannot come out of a course or book. It takes time and experience - along with being willing to LISTEN that separates a good/great fitter. One can have all the training there is but if they can't think outside of the box when the client might have special fitting/physical issues than that training doesn't mean much.

Amen to what Catrin and Velo said.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Just to confirm about Specialized, the fitters are sent on a one week training course on Specialized's fit system and have refresher courses every year or so after that. They also have to sit a test to gain certification. It's the same for Shimano certification (for workshop repairs) and no, not everyone passes.

But also ask for reccommendations as well in your local area. I also like "independent" fitters who don't work for a bike store (or work independently for the store) as they would be less likely to be "pushing" their brand of bikes.

[velogirl]

There are fitters with no education (except perhaps a mentorship with another fitter or experience in a bike shop) and there are fitters who are also physical therapists or biomechanics specialists. And, everything in between.

Serotta is the gold standard -- the first formal fitting system and the basis for other systems like Retul and SBCU (Specialized). What really differentiates the various certifications and systems is the bells and whistles (lasers, motion-capture video, etc). As others mentioned, fitting is a science (there are acceptable ranges of numbers/angles to maximize performance, minimize discomfort, and aid in bike handling) but I think the art part of fitting trumps the science any day. A good fitter, who has fit 1,000s of bodies/bikes will possess a wealth of knowledge. Also, finding a fitter who will listen to your unique needs/concerns is extremely important.

FYI, I've been fitting for 12 years now. I initially learned the basics while working in a bike shop. I then receive a certification in Biomechanics, Bike Fit, and Injury Prevention from USA Cycling (a five-day course they no longer offer). Two years ago I received my SICI (Serotta) professional certification (3-day course). All of this education was invaluable, however, I draw most on my years of experience (fitting about 250 clients a year for 12 years).

You will also find that some fitters specialize in certain types of riders (racers, touring cyclists, triathletes, TT specialists).

My advice is interview your potential fitter. Ask what is involved in the process and what you will receive (ie data in addition to your fitting session). Do they offer a guarantee and if so, for how long? Are follow-up visits included in the initial fee? If the fitter recommends changes (saddles, bars, stems, etc) will they provide you with the parts and make the changes (I think this is extremely important)? Do they have a saddle demo program and if so, which brands do they carry? Can they provide references (or you could check YELP)?

Oh, and how long is the fitting session? A thorough fit will take 2-3 hours (and maybe longer).

Hope this helps!

Lorri

[Wasp]

Thank you to all that responded. I truly appreciate all the great advise. Sometimes you just don't know enough to figure out what questions to even ask (which is the case with me and bike fitting).