the right fit

[KnottedYet]

One of the LBS's here (Ti Cycles) does a complete (1 to 1 1/2 hours) bike fit with EVERY bike they sell. They put you on the bike and have you "ride" in front of them on a trainer stand. Then they have you ride outside. They do all the tweaking and adjusting and swapping bars and stems and such before you even take the bike home, then you are supposed to come back to them if you have any fit issues.

Another of the shops (Sammamish Valley Cyclery) does a Serrota fit (like Quint's) for $200. They will put you on a fit-bike and make all the adjustments on the fit-bike, then transfer what they learned about your measurements and needs to the real bike you are buying. They then deduct the $200 from the cost of your new bike, so the 2 hour fit session is essentially free as long as you buy a bike from them.

I bought my commutermobile from a shop that had me stand over the bar for basic fit, scootched the seat a little, and sent me on my way. I was ok with that, because I knew how I wanted to fit on the bike and could tell the bike was good for me already. Over time I figured out what other things needed to be adjusted (bar width, etc.) and took care of it.

My next bike is a used steel frame. I'm taking it to a shop (R + E Cycles)that specializes in steel and Campagnolo for a complete fit ($200). They will also do the work needed to adjust the gearing to the way I ride. This bike will be my long-distance-mobile so I want the fit "dialed in". The fitter at R+E is very good at adjusting the standard ideal fit so that it works for a rider's unique characteristics. Like spinal issues or flexibility problems. (for example, I know I will need the bars higher than "normal." He will figure out how much higher works best for me.)

Probably the first step to fitting a new style of bike is letting someone who is very good at it do it for you. If you haven't ridden a roadie before, you will need some guidance as to fit. Ride for a while, then go back to your fitter and tell them how things are working. Expect to pay for a good fit, and expect them to keep taking care of you at no extra charge until the fit is perfect. Even if it takes months.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Someone posted this good article recently- worth a read:
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/

[inatree]

thanks for the replies!!

well i went out today to test drive....and ended up giving up before i got to the last two bike shops because:
-i have found that store employees have no tolerance for newbies, unless they themselves are newbies.
-when i told them my price range ($500) they practically laughed me out of the store.

BUT at this one place where the girl helping me was a newbie too, she was real nice and let me test drive a bike i could not possibly afford and told me i need a 51 to 52 inch. she also said any bike can be fitted to me, so just make sure i get the right frame, and i can have everything else adjusted. does this sound right? i'm considering buying online now ( ) just so i can afford it, and then spend the money to have it adjusted. i also need $ left over so i can get all the crap i need. (hence the low budget) ive got only 700 to blow on this little endeavor of mine. is this impossible? am i just being naive?

[Veronica]

Have you tried looking at Craig's list for used bikes?

V.

[madisongrrl]

she also said any bike can be fitted to me, so just make sure i get the right frame, and i can have everything else adjusted. does this sound right?

I would not agree that any bike can be fitted to you. For example, bikes that have long top tube lengths will never fit me (I'll never own a LeMond, for instance). While I'm sure many people can be fitted on a variety of different bikes, I don't think it is entirely accurate to say that any bike can necessarily be fitted to you (without compromising the way the bike handles and "should" handle on the road).