Shifting challenged...bar-ends that is

[Catrin]

Good idea. I used to practice all sorts of skills at the velodrome and I still try to focus on a skill every ride, whether it's cadence or pedalling action etc.

btw, I think it's good that your LBS requires a little bike time before fitting (although getting it in the ballpark first is good), but I wouldn't expect it to last the life of the bike. I know that a couple of stage-winning pros tweak their saddle height regularly so don't think you are stuck with it forever if it's not right. It changes with flexibility, injury, weight etc.

It's also a good idea after your fit to record all the measurements (you might even be able to get the shop to do it while you're there). Park Tools has a nice chart for this. So if a saddle slips or the bike is damaged or you change components, you have the data.

They do record everything, and swear that if any changes need to be made for any reason whatsoever that there will never be a charge to "tweak" the fitting as needed. Can't beat that! I suspect this is the reason behind the mileage requirement.

My other LBS did a fitting on my Trek, but they were too busy to do much with the new bike other than apply measurements from the earlier fitting. This did not, and does not, make sense to me as the two bikes have very different geometry. The fitter there insisted that I do not need a fitting with the LHT - and it seems apparent that it is needed. So I won't argue with him, I just won't use their fitting services again.

I found out the Velodrome open track hours - I just might check this out if I can find a time when they are not busy.

[Catrin]

My LHT went to the LBS today for his 30-day free tune-up. I mentioned the problems I am having with steering when I start moving my hands around to one of the mechanics. He knows that I am a very new rider - he thought the very short stem a large contributing factor.

Thankfully the other LBS isn't making me wait to do a full fitting - so this coming week will put in the work order to order the parts needed to move my shifters to the top of the bars, and schedule the fitting after that is done. I just do not see myself ever liking where those bar-end shifters are - so while I am keeping them - will move them before the fitting so everything can be worked with at the same time.

It is only $100 for parts/labor - and shifting is important enough that it seems a no-brainer to go ahead and do it. Interestingly enough, my original LBS would have charged me much more for the same job - and this other LBS is very familiar with Surly bikes - which is a plus!