Fallout from the bike fit

[alpinerabbit]

Well I think he got that part right, the rest is just too advanced for me?

[Nokomis]

It all depends on who does the fit.

A bike fitter can do a terrific job for average joe. It can be very technical, and by the book, and result in a great fit.

But if you are dealing with any kind of pain, recovery, etc... I would Strongly recommend going to a trained bike fitter that is also trained in physical therapy - I know we've got quite a few in Portland.

I had a bike fit. Felt good - then a cleat got loose, long ride, and persistent knee pain even tho we re-fit and replaced the cleats. After months of "recovery" I went to a PT for a fit and physical, and with a simple saddle adjustment we removed that pain completely - from that day forward.

A quality fit of the right kind will make all the difference.

[Jiffer]

Some pain and discomfort is to "potentially" be expected after a bike fit. Your body has to adjust to the new fit, and it sounds like you had a pretty major adjustment from touring to racing. I'm not saying there isn't something wrong with your fit, because it sounds like you may be having more pain than you should, but it's possible that it's just a matter of getting used to it. Also, I was told at my recent bike fit to be careful how much pressure I put down on the handlebars. The more pressure on the handlebars, the more potential neck pain. Your abs and ... um ... hoo ha are supposed to hold your weight, not your hands on the handlebars. This also helps with numbness in your hands, plus you need to move your hands around on the handlebars in different positions to keep the blood flowing, etc. The squirrely handlebars is also probably from the new extra pressure you're putting onto them from your new position. Something to get used to.

I remember the first time I rode my husband's road bike (with race fit) around the neighborhood after being used to my touring bike ... it was the strangest feeling ever! I wasn't sure I'd ever get used to it. The way I did get used to it was by letting Dh get us a road tandem and riding that for several months. And then once I got my own road bike, it felt very natural ... except the handlebars MOVED!!! I was very squirrely at first because I was used to the tandem bars being dead still, plus my bike was lighter than any I'd ever ridden.

Anyways, I would recommend giving it a little time before going back to touring position. You might want to look into researching for another good bike fitter and seeing what they say. A second opinion. I'm still getting used to my new bike fit and it wasn't nearly as major of a difference as yours. I hear it can take months for your body to adjust. Your neck muscles aren't used to it, nor the rest of your body.

Just some things to think about.

[alpinerabbit]

Hmm. A PT turned bike fitter is just not available in this country, I've looked.

I was expecting the neck issue but the hands are a no-go. I've been there and am not going back. So up they go (the bars that is).
Plus I don't accept the reduced stability.

[Biciclista]

after just paying someone big bucks for a fit, if i felt worse i would stomp back there IMMEDIATELY and complain!
Is there no satisfaction guarantee? Maybe he made a mistake??!

[jobob]

Ow. That sux!

Sometimes I wonder if I should go get a bike fit, if maybe I'm missing out on some great performance benefit without it. But I'm so comfortable on my bike right now that I'm afraid I'd be less so after the fit. I suppose in my case, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[arielmoon]

Mimi has a good point! I would go back and tell the fitter what is going on and see if they can help you. When I got my new Madone fitted I had pain in my right knee on the test ride. He put the saddle a tad higher and it was immediately gone.