Had a Serotta Fitting

[LAB]

As was scheduled, I had the Serotta fitting performed last night and it took about 2 1/2 hours. I was planning to post something last night, but my portable computer battery died and I had to figure out how to revive my OLD PC. Although I am just a novice at this bicycling thing, I am glad I did this for myself. I think that whether you're a total novice or an experienced biker, a fitting can be beneficial. Whether you're looking for more comfort and prevention of injuries (my objective - due to elbow and hand issues) or to become a more efficient biker, I think this type of fitting can be helpful.

So, what happens during a fitting? Tom, the owner of the bike shop and a certified Serotta fitter, asked me lots of questions regarding my physical health and abilities and what my objectives were in having this fitting done. After the question and answer period, Tom took a couple of measurements (like across my chest and my inseam). The tool used for the inseam was like sitting on a pogo stick. Then, Tom had me lie down on a table to measure the flexibility in my legs. Needless to say, if you have tight hamstrings like I do, ouch! The information gleaned from all of the above is then applied to the sizing bike. But first, I had my NEW cleats placed on my shoes and Tom fit these big metal things over my cleats that subsequently fit into the rotational adjustment device on the sizing bike. (Pedals that look like big metal blocks but have holes in them where the big metal things over my cleats fit.) I then cycled away and Tom made some minor adjustments to ensure that the cleats on my shoes were in the correct position. This alone, is a really good thing to do to ensure that your cleats are in the most efficient place possible. I was VERY comfortable -- even with my one bunion foot and the other bunionless foot.

So, now that my cleats are set and ready to go, Tom placed my pedals on the sizing bike and this was a totally new experience for me. I've never used clipless pedals and recognize that I will soon need to find some grassy areas for some serious practice!! Holy mackerel! Tom also removed my bike's saddle and placed it on the sizing bike. As I'm spinning on this sizing bike, Tom is checking out my every move and making gradual changes to the machine. Sometimes you have to get off for these adjustments to take place, and other times they can be made while you're still on the bike. And I just keep spinning and he just keeps making adjustments. At another point I am spinning and then he has me stop at a certain point to check where my knees are in relation to my feet (using a plum bob). Finally, the coordinates are plotted with this really cool measuring device and hopefully your bicycle can be adapted to these measured changes. (Or you can have a bike custom made for the perfect fit!) The good news for me is that I only need to replace the stem on my bike, and not the handlebars as well. My current stem is nearly 2" too short for me to be comfortable or efficient. Tom commented on my posture over the bike, which needs some serious core building strength. In addition, I need to increase the cadence which was detected by the bio-feedback computer which indicates how effectively you are performing.

Overall, I was very pleased with the experience and I think the adjustments he makes to my bike will help me avoid further discomfort. I want to thank all of you who suggested I have a fitting done. Thanks dudes! Let me know if you need more information about the fitting.

Lynda

[mimitabby]

Hi Lynda, thanks for writing about this. I plan to do a Serrota fit when I get my next bike, so this was very informative. and welcome to Team Estrogen!

[maillotpois]

I did this a few months ago! I went to PK Racing, and Chris is an instructor for Serotta's fit school. I originally went with the idea of getting a new brevet bike. My bike is great, but after 200 miles, I find myself on the tops a lot and felt the fit could be tweaked. also, I tend to get pain in my right lower back down my leg.

I spent 3 hours with Chris and he did the things you described and tweaked my bike a lot - lowered seat, changed stem, changed cleat location, etc.

I am still not able to ride outdoors til January (unrelated medical issue). but I feel a lot more power and openness (thats the only word I can think of) during my spinerval workouts.

he gave me a great printout showing how to measure and set up existing or new bikes and measurements for a custom bike when I eventually go this route.

it was expensive ($300) but worth it in my mind.

[Kalidurga]

Ok, on the one hand, I now can't wait to do a fitting with Tom. On the other hand, the more I talk to him about it the more I'm beginning to crave a custom frame... I'm gonna have to psyche myself into some serious self-discipline before I make my appointment with him.

It sounds, though, as if a Serotta fitting will definitely do the trick for dialing all the minute details of fit. I had been planning to focus mostly on my stem and finding a new saddle, but now I'm definitely eager to have him adjust my cleats.

Thanks very much for sharing this with us, Lynda. And definitely let us know how your bike feels the next time you ride!

[Bikingmomof3]

Hi Lynda. Thanks for sharing your fitting with us. Enjoy riding.

[LAB]

Mimi - go for it!

Sarah - sounds like you and I had the same experience! I'm waiting for Tom to send me my printout, which will likely be sent to me today via e-mail, since I just found out he had the stem in stock and my bike is ready for pick-up! Yippie -- except it's suppose to rain tomorrow.

Kali - You will love working with Tom.

[7rider]

LAB, what shop were you at?

[Kalidurga]

LAB, what shop were you at?

I'm gonna be my usual buttinski self because, well, I just love this LBS! When Lynda first posted here about comfort issues on her bike, I referred her to The Bicycle Escape up in Frederick. I haven't done a fitting there yet, but I've discussed fit issues with Tom and I went to one of his gear adjustment seminars the other night. I've been really impressed with him every time I've been in the shop. If you're considering a re-fit due to your shoulder problems, Regina, it couldn't hurt to give him a call.

[LAB]

Hi Regina - It's in Frederick and called The Bicycle Escape. They do have a website. Lynda