Bike fitting

[firenze11]

Thanks for all the info. I picked my bike up and asked them to describe their fittings. The wrench told me that it would take around 15-20 min and he'd just watch me on the trainer and change things in and out "as needed." Sigh. I'll be looking elsewhere. I really think I need something a bit more in-depth than 20 min by eye.

Miranda: I can't believe your bike was 2 sizes too big! I really identify with the "oh, looky honey, you can clear the top tube standing. . .'it fits'. . ." That sounds identical to what happened to me, even though all the bike shops I've been to have been very nice (but sometimes in a pat me on the head kind of way). When I got the bike back, threw it on the trainer, and hop on, I just don't feel right. I don't know if it's because the bike is too big, because I've been gone for a year and only rode on spin bikes so I need to get used to it, or just because I'm still really new. It's frustrating because I really like riding but I'm never fully comfortable.

[spindizzy]

Firenze:

Congratulations on finishing grad school.

A bike fitter I would recommend is JP Tesolin at Via Ciclante in Streetsville ( West Mississauga). He (even according to my coach) is one of the best bike fitters around. He is meticulous and wants to make you one with your bike. I imagine it is around $150-200 but I got mine with my bike purchase. I've met people there from all over Ontario. He uses lasers and levels and goniometers....and way longer than 20 minutes....

http://www.viaciclante.com/

[zia]

Thanks for posting this question. I am feeling a little disenchanted with my $50/30 minute fitting, but am not sure what spending more gets you... and am reluctant to pay for a second fitting. Lots to think about. Especially since every one of the LBSs here has a completely different offering. Lasers, video-taping, what-have-you...

[Maxxxie]

I got a bike fitting done by a physiotherapist who does bike fittings for a living. He operates from a specialist sports medicine clinic, so has no vested interest in selling floorstock (have you ever noticed how marked-down floor stock bikes are always magically the right size, according to the salespeople?).

I paid around $200 for it, and it was worth every cent. He told me the bike I was on was too big for me, adjusted it as best he could, then gave me recommended measurements for a new bike. I took those measurements to my bike store, told them I wanted a new road bike, and they were able to recommend a bike based on those measurements. When the time came to pick up The Beast, they plonked it on the trainer, dialled the measurements in according to the physio's recommendations, and had me ride for a bit. In the end, they ended up tweaking it by tilting the bars up a tad (one or two mm). That was the only variation from the physio's recommendation. And the bike fits perfectly.

A bike fit is definitely worth the money spent. The only recommendation I can add to the excellent ones already in this thread, is that you consider getting a fitting from someone impartial.


Max

[zia]

Max, that's a useful perspective. But where do you find such a person? I've asked around, but everyone goes through their bike shop.

I'm looking at a basic, bike shop, $150 "performance fitting," which is 1.5 hours long. Or, for $300, and another hour, there's the "SpinScan Pedal Stroke Analyzer Software," range of motion assessment, and "Specialized's Body Geometry Dual Angle Technical Assessment."

That's a lot of words. I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money. All I want is for my shoulders not to burn. But if I'm tweaking that, why not go all out?

Or, there's another guy who claims to be independent but works in a bike shop who seems to offer the same thing at the same price.

Around and around I go. But these anecdotes are very helpful.

[Maxxxie]

Hi Zia,

I think from memory I found out about the bike fitter from a mate, who in turn found him via a google search. Something like "bicycle fitter" or "bicycle fitting service", maybe coupled with "physiotherapist" or "biomechanic".

My thoughts are that the bike fit is just as important as the rest of the bike. I'd go the whole hog, but acknowledge that's a fair bit of cash to lay down.


Max

[zia]

My husband would call you a bad influence.

Let me ask, though: do you really think all those *extras* are worth twice the price of a regular fitting? (And six times what I paid for my cheapo one?) I honestly can't describe what those extras are or why they're valuable. (I should probably ask the bike shop that.) I'm very competitive with myself and like to be comfortable, but it's not like I'm heading out to win the Tour de Whatever. And I will admit that I don't feel like I'm getting the power out of my bike that I want to. But that might not be entirely due to fit -- ha!