Is my LBS doing a good job?

[Kathi]

I have the information from all my fittings, including the refit on my Aegis. However, I did have to ask my last shop for the information. I figured I paid for it and am entitled to it.The numbers are very handy to have in case something gets changed, ie. I had my Aegis repainted and all the components had to come off. While it was being repainted I moved to Colorado. Because I had all the numbers the new shop was able to put the components right back where they belonged, no time spent trying to figure it all out again.

Pooks, I don't know what other fit systems do if you don't have a bike but Serotta fitters have an adjustable bike called the "Sizecycle". The fitter takes your measurements, sets the sizecycle up and you can ride it to see how it feels. If you don't feel right they can make adjustments until you're comfortable.

When I had my Aegis refitted we found out that my handlebars were 4cm too low. The fitter explained that I would need a new fork and stem in order to raise the handlebars. I was waivering on spending the money thinking that 4cm wasn't that much. Then she set up the sizecycle and I could feel the difference. It was unbelievable so I made the changes to the bike. She also told me to get "optimal" fit I should get a custom frame. I put another 10,000 miles on my Aegis before I went with custom, so the $500 in changes was well spent.

Bikes shops used to cut the steerer tube after they fitted you. I don't know how many do this anymore but if the shop mentions doing this do not let them until you're absolutely sure you want that done. If the steerer tube is cut you have no flexibility in raising or lowering the handlebars. That's what caused the problems with my Aegis.

[Batbike]

just a note ...

you can do your own measurements to get started in "general ranges" of bikes to test ride. doing your own measurements may be all the info you need to get started and buy the proper frame size, once you have the info and start test riding bikes to get different feels. sometimes a bit of info and trial and error can get you a great fit! if you go to Serotta, Cramerotti, (I believe) Colorado Cyclist, or any other site that customizes or sells bike frames, they usually have a few measurements they ask you to take to ensure you are ordering the correct size. The info is there ... why not use it?! use their measurement requirements to get your personal "range of measurements". personally, I feel this is good info for everyone to have if they are into riding a bike -- body measurements, and flexibility tests. I have done this and it is very helpful.

now, a professional bike fit is excellent info to have and use, if needed. my understanding is there are two types: 1. Custom fitting where you start from scratch, using no previous bike, and get measurements that you could use to build your dream custom bike, and 2. Custom fitting to maximize your position/fit on bike currently owned. I believe Serotta fit system does both, using the fit cycle and/or personal frame to fit you. either way, they take your measurements, test your flexibilty, and ask a series of "how you ride" questions to help determine proper fit. Serotta is NOT the only fit system, but they set the standard for many fit systems.

[stpbound]

Pooks - Test ride, test ride, test ride! Eyeballing fits are good enough for test rides. Ride LOTS of bikes!

OK. I know I'm probably being dense and making some of you pull out your hair with my incessant questions, BUT....if you FIRST test ride bikes that are eyeballed for a fit instead of test riding AFTER the professional fitting, what exactly are you looking for in the test ride?

Wouldn't it make more sense (and save time) to get the professional fit done first, then ONLY test ride the bikes that meet the numbers that have been derived from the fit?

stpbound

[dex]

Wouldn't it make more sense (and save time) to get the professional fit done first, then ONLY test ride the bikes that meet the numbers that have been derived from the fit?

But what's the harm in test riding? It's test riding, not test buying. It costs you nothing, except some time, and everytime you get on a bike you're getting a little more acquainted with being in that road bike position, and you may just figure out a few things that work or don't work for you while you're waiting for a fitting appointment.

[pooks]

BUT....if you FIRST test ride bikes that are eyeballed for a fit instead of test riding AFTER the professional fitting, what exactly are you looking for in the test ride?

Wouldn't it make more sense (and save time) to get the professional fit done first, then ONLY test ride the bikes that meet the numbers that have been derived from the fit?

I've test riddent four bikes so far, and I feel my body "learning" every time I get on a new one. I am feeling differences, and beginning to identify what they are. Which means I'm better able to describe them and analyze them when talking to the LBS guys. I think trying a bike that doesn't fit is just as educational as trying those that do, because how do you know what feels good if you've never felt bad?

[stpbound]

I've test riddent four bikes so far, and I feel my body "learning" every time I get on a new one. I am feeling differences, and beginning to identify what they are. Which means I'm better able to describe them and analyze them when talking to the LBS guys. I think trying a bike that doesn't fit is just as educational as trying those that do, because how do you know what feels good if you've never felt bad?

Good point, Pooks.

[salsabike]

Pooks is right. That does help you start figuring out what feels okay and what doesn't. Just feel free to be firm that you're not buying yet. Then get the fit, come back with your numbers, and start narrowing down the test ride bikes. It works! And it's a whole lot more fun when you feel like you're in control of your decisions rather than a bike saleman. It really helps to have the info.

Questions are good!