how to adjust for a shorter leg

[withm]

I think if it were me, I'd spring for a really good bike fitting, (and I'd travel to do it), before I started changing stuff on the bike. Did you see the article in the NYT on bike fit the other day? I'm thinking you need that calibre of fit rather than the 60 minute job at the local bike shop. Not to disparage the LBS, but this is a more uncommon problem and I would not expect the average shop bike fitter to be able to deal with it effectively.

Maybe it's worth contacting Andy Pruit's place in Colorado? You probably deserve a road trip anyway!

Just my 2 cents.
Martha

=======================
Yesterday's New York Times has an article about bike fitting. Here is
the beginning, for the rest go to the link at the bottom.

Martha

Ouch, My Knee! Is There a Bike Fitter in the House?

November 20, 2008
Ouch, My Knee! Is There a Bike Fitter in the House?

By CHRISTOPHER PERCY COLLIER

TAD JACOBS loved cycling. The 44-year-old arborist from northern
California used to ride two to three times a week to stay in shape.
But while pedaling, he suffered muscle soreness in his lower back and
joint stiffness in his shoulders. At home, the discomfort worsened.

Then he booked an appointment with Paul Kundrat, a specialist in
biodynamics at the Endurance Performance Training Center in Mill
Valley, Calif.

During a two-hour session, Mr. Jacobs saw computer-generated data
related to his problem. Lasers made precise three-dimensional
measurements of his body. Range-of-motion tests were performed.
Adjustments were made, and Mr. Jacobs?s pain dissipated.

Six months after the appointment, he was riding 200 miles a week, more
than twice his previous distance. ?It was amazing,? Mr. Jacobs said.
?I haven?t iced my knees since.?

==============================
For the rest of the article, click on the link below; it's long and
may become truncated by your email program, so you may have to copy
and paste it into your browser. It ends with "=res"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/he...er=rss&emc=rss

[sgtiger]

X, in your situation I'd avoid a regular fitting by a LBS and instead opt for someone who has a background in sports medicine/biomechanics. IIRC Knot received her bike fit training by Michael Sylvester in PDX. There's Eric Moen in Seattle, too. Both fitters have a solid reputation in the area.

ETA: Oops! How could I forget our own Knott and Wahine. PTA and PT, respectively, who do bike fittings. It might help to PM them directly.