Quote Originally Posted by owlgirl View Post
The bianchi is an eros, 51cm, a little big for me actually. The cannondale is a 48. the next size up was a little too big. Unfortunatly not too sure about the differences in geometry. Stupidly I did not measure (or have myself measured) on the bianchi before I took the seat off, etc.

As for what the LBS measured, I don't know the exact names of all the angles, but we started with seat height, and knee angle, the guys watched me from the front, but I heard no mention of q-angle, which I feel might be important in my case.

Is anyone out there from Oakland? can you recommend someone for a fitting? Is there a better forum to ask that in? Thanks again for the advice so far.
I do not know anyone in Oakland, but if you ask in the regional sections here and on the Bike Forums www.bikeforums.net you will find some suggestions. The bikeforums have a lot of users so I'm sure there must be people from your area.

That sounds like a quick fit they gave you. Did they fit you on the correct crankarm length and pedal position, and set the cleats for you? Incorrect crankarm length may be a big factor on knee stress. The same is to be said about pedal/cleats position: cleats can change the position of your foot on the pedal, the circle you male, and also the angles your ankle and knee may make. Also, the position of your back and upper body has an effect on the % of weight that your feet have to support and therefore the amount of work your knees do - so they may need to review your seat/stem/handlebar position as well, in order to find your best fit. I think you need a really good fitter that takes his time to help and find your optimal setup.

The reason I asked you about the geometry is to see right off the bat if they are widely different from each other. I know the Bianchi geometry, I've been riding Bianchi's for 30 years - but I have no clue about the Cannondale. If there is a marked difference - that could give your fitter some more clues on what to look for.

Hope this helps. Oh and by the way, welcome to TE!