Fallout from the bike fit

[blueskies]

I'd definitely go back for adjustments. Just talk to the fitter & say "The knees & hips are better, but now I'm having trouble with my hands & neck." When I had my bike fit, I was told that a post-fit tweaking was often part of the process.

[Kalidurga]

Why is it necessary to be fit into a race/aero position? Are you racing or planning to? I had neck/shoulder issues and numb hands, and raising my bars to the type of touring position that you had been using made all of that go away. If you're not racing, then why not go back to a touring position?

One of the guys who writes for the RoadBikeRider.com newsletters (whose name I of course can't remember at the moment) has also commented on this multiple times, stating that he thinks a lower bar position is detrimental for most riders out there. His view is that lower bar might = more speed, but higher bar = greater comfort = more riding.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Why is it necessary to be fit into a race/aero position? Are you racing or planning to? I had neck/shoulder issues and numb hands, and raising my bars to the type of touring position that you had been using made all of that go away. If you're not racing, then why not go back to a touring position?

One of the guys who writes for the RoadBikeRider.com newsletters (whose name I of course can't remember at the moment) has also commented on this multiple times, stating that he thinks a lower bar position is detrimental for most riders out there. His view is that lower bar might = more speed, but higher bar = greater comfort = more riding.

It seems to me that racing position has become sort of the 'default' riding position that many LBS people put riders in these days. People seem to want to look like racers even if they never do any racing at all.
Of course everyone has a right to be in whatever position they choose on their bikes, but I think sometimes the beginner riders have no idea why they are not comfortable in the now almost 'standard' racing posture.

And JoBob- I agree- if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[alpinerabbit]

yeah I "race" - tris. I'll do the reversion on the bars myself as I don't need to take the trip there but I'll definitely let him know what worked for me and what did not.

Best learning experience is now I know why most triathletes out there just veer left and right on the road - it's the bars. When I got them, I thought "this is easier than it looked". but having them real high up was the difference.

[greycoral]

I also got a bike fit from a LBS in Portland, and have been completely dissatisfied with it. I went in complaining of numbness and pain in my crotch, and felt like I needed to adjust my seat for more power. Okay, so he actually moves my seat down, it felt okay in the shop on the trainer for a few minutes, but when I went out to road test it, I couldn't go any longer than a couple miles from the knee pain.

So, I bumped it up myself so I could finish the ride, then went back. He readjusted my seat and then declared I needed more narrow handlebars. Hmm, okay. He's the professional, who am I to argue? I got the handlebars installed, he did another quick little adjustment, and sent me out. Two months later, I still have pain in my neck and shoulders and also in my groin. He didn't make anything better, only adding the new neck pain to the mix.

I went in today actually, and asked to exchange handlebars to a bigger size, which they did with no problems at all. But now I'm back to square one, trying to find the right handlebar angle, hood position, seat position, and cleat position. I have no confidence that this fitter knows what he's doing. I essentially threw away $75 for the fitting itself, and another $60 (plus install) on the handlebars, which are the same size as I had prior, they got rid of my old bars after they swapped them.

SO angry.

[Jiffer]

The right bike fitter makes all the difference. I heard great things about mine before I went. I agree that you should be able to go back in and let him know the problems you are having. My fitter told me to expect some possible discomfort as I get used to the new position, but to let him know if I have any problems. You are certainly having problems. However, I would still recommend getting a referral to someone who has a reputation for being a good fitter.

And, by the way, if you don't want to be in race position, then don't be in race position. Sounds like you already have your mind made up anyway.

[melissalb]

My local triathlon bike shop fit me and I was miserable. Even after going back for round 2. I went to my PT who is also a bike fitter and he got everything set up perfectly for me. In fact, when I get my new bike (someday) I'll have him set it up for me. Best of all, my insurance paid for it! (due to foot and hand pain and numbness from previous fit.)