Bike fitting

[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!

[lunacycles]

The fitter's experience--on the bike and also looking at people on the bike, plus having a good set of ears--is a lot more important than lasers or fancy equipment. It is worth asking around for who people in your community recommend.

A lot of people hold a concept around what a good fit is, and that may apply to them, personally, or even to their buddies, but not necessarily to others. You don't want someone who holds a strong bias, but someone who asks you questions and listens to your answers, then applies their wisdom and experience to work with you til you are happy.

p.s. a lot of shops carry whatever fitting service/tools works for the brands they sell. The built-in bias reflects the philosophy of the company. Not to steer you clear of them, just to suggest you may want to be aware of this.

[tprevost]

I took both of my bikes over to Velogirl to get fitted and she made some adjustments that made a huge difference. It wasn't cheap but worth every penny to have avoided the overuse problems that would have likely occurred if I hadn't had it done. (they were already starting, just not horrible )

[Running Mommy]

didn't read thru all the replies.. But, I would ask if they are certified. I wouldn't pay any amount for anyone who is not.
And second, just because they say they have some high tech video system does not mean that it's all that.
A good friend spent 300 clams years ago at a high end shop. All they did was set the video camera and computer up to record him riding. The computer then spit out measurements, they changed his bike and went on his way.
Over the years he went back a couple of times because he never felt like he was getting max power.
After a frame warranty/swap issues he made some changes himself that ended up causing a nasty ITB injury. He decided to try our FIST certified fitter, and low and behold, he has been PR'ing races left and right! He was amazed because he finally has the power he knew he was missing.
And she does everything manually.
Video analysis is nice, and is helpful to a certain extent. But any industry vet will tell you the best thing is the dog and pony show that it creates. It shouldn't be used exclusively.