bike fit--art vs. science (long)

[SouthernBelle]

what a crazy story. who ever heard of a bike fit where you don't get observed riding the bike?
My bike fit included science, measuring and comfort. Yes, you don't know how it's supposed to feel, but if you're feeling pain, something's not right. and the cleats and the handlebars were part of the whole thing.

having said that, i'm not sure i'll ever have it just right, i wonder why they put the brake levers out there anyway! ps, I don't understand the shims.
where would you put them?

Aw, Mimi, don't you remember the pic of my shimmed levers with the orange tape?

[ridebikeme]

Wow!i'm glad that you are feeling better on your bike!As someone who also does bike fits, I can tell you there is a lot of variety in how one completes one. let me give you an example... about 18 years ago an older gentleman showed me how to do* a bike fit with a plumb bob and by sight. I didn't question him because he was a national caliber rider and was always helping people with their fit on the bike.(all of this based from the shop that I worked at ) Later my shop bought the FIT KIT... I had one of the shop guys fit me again, and believe it or not, everything that was previously set was right on the money. I realize many of you may disagree, but the bottom line is that people have been doing this for many years BEFORE all of the systems that are out there today. While I think many of them are good, it still relies on the person doing the fit .. how they can adapt numbers/fittings to different people... we need to be able to work with the information that a system can give us, BUT the ultimate fit is being able to adapt that to each of us. Simply taking a class or two, doesn't quarantee that someone can do that.

FYI.... for future people with handlebar issues... not only does a bar that is too narrow compromise the handling of the bike, it also does not allow your lungs to fully open as well.

Have a great ride everyone!

[Starfish]

A fit stem is a stem that allows you to adjust both the height and reach very easily and 'dial in' your fit.

Hmmmmm, thank you. Never heard of this before!

[mimitabby]

Aw, Mimi, don't you remember the pic of my shimmed levers with the orange tape?

no. i remember folks talking about it though.
Thanks for the explanation!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

having said that, i'm not sure i'll ever have it just right, i wonder why they put the brake levers out there anyway!

Because they design them for men's larger hands.

[aicabsolut]

First, I'm glad you went with women's bars and that they have done a lot to help with your reach problems. That's what I was going to recommend when I started reading your post. That worked for me with my bike, and I don't have to use shims.

As for the shims and all, if the normal ones are still not enough, have you tried looking into short reach levers? Are you running Shimano? What level? Newer Ultegra or DA shifters have a shorter reach than older models. Then there are the odler style, like these Ultegra ones that can be fitted with 2 thicknesses of shims: http://www.awcycles.co.uk/brands/Shi...617/index.aspx

Finally, if you're running Shimano, have you considered moving to Campy? A lot of people prefer shape of the hoods and the reach of Campy levers to Shimano. That's of course a potentially pricey change, but if it helps you get out and ride your bike...

[madscot13]

I considered doing the fit at Proteus, because you recommended it so highly. goiwever, I actually don't have any problems with my bike, except for those pesky reach issues. That said it is great that yours is working out so well. If I find later in the season that it has not worked well, I will know where to go to!

[divingbiker]

As for the shims and all, if the normal ones are still not enough, have you tried looking into short reach levers? Are you running Shimano? What level? Newer Ultegra or DA shifters have a shorter reach than older models. Then there are the odler style, like these Ultegra ones that can be fitted with 2 thicknesses of shims: http://www.awcycles.co.uk/brands/Shi...617/index.aspx

Finally, if you're running Shimano, have you considered moving to Campy? A lot of people prefer shape of the hoods and the reach of Campy levers to Shimano. That's of course a potentially pricey change, but if it helps you get out and ride your bike...

I did look into the short reach levers, and that's not a cheap switch either. I'm not planning on keeping this bike forever (I have a dream of getting a custom bike, hopefully in the next year) so I don't want to dump any more money into it than I already have.

Jill (the second fitter) suggested I look at SRAM shifters when I get a new bike. I looked at them on a bike in the shop, and they were noticeably smaller and more comfortable.

[F8th637]

Janice, glad to hear that you have resolved a lot of your issues. It really is truly amazing how Jill can just look at you and see those kinds of things about your body. I would definitely be frustrated if I didn't feel comfortable on the tops. Jill does a great job with making sure the bike is right for you and it fits you well. If you have an issue, I definitely think it's worth a visit to her. I'm an engineer to so I know what you mean about the numbers but, man, does she know what she's talking about. I have had minimal issues with the bike I bought from them. I guess having long fingers and arms helps too.

[aicabsolut]

I did look into the short reach levers, and that's not a cheap switch either. I'm not planning on keeping this bike forever (I have a dream of getting a custom bike, hopefully in the next year) so I don't want to dump any more money into it than I already have.

Jill (the second fitter) suggested I look at SRAM shifters when I get a new bike. I looked at them on a bike in the shop, and they were noticeably smaller and more comfortable.

And with SRAM you can match your hoods with your bar tape

[Zen]

Here's the fit stem.
Supposedly, some shops will let you rent or borrow one.
Pretty cool little item.

[7rider]

As far as I'm concerned a good bike fitting is a combination of science and art.

Here, here.