What the heck is a mini fit?

[MartianDestiny]

I would suspect this means they are going to more or less to a basic fit to the bike in question. Adjust saddle height, stem length/angle MAYBE saddle fore/aft. They'll probably just eyeball all these measurements. This is sort of the baseline standard. Expect to potentially have to pay for or pay the difference on stem or saddle swaps.

My shop's basic "to the bike" type fit when you are buying something off the floor means putting the bike on a trainer and literally measuring your angles on the bike. Basically gets you the same thing as above, but a little more scientifically/with a little more care. They'll also adjust cleats, etc, and because they are spending 30 minutes or so really looking at you physically are more likely to spot something odd that could be an issue.

This is in contrast with an all out fit. Typically involving a size cycle and lots of adjustments to find your "perfect" fit. SG goes through the whole kit and caboodle. Athletic profile (lots of questions), range of motion tests, stance/stature/gate analysis, relevant measurements (inseam, etc.), time on the size cycle with a motion capture camera, etc. It takes 2+ hours.

So even at a "good" LBS a fitting is not just a fitting. There are typically many different levels for different needs.

[PamNY]

Okay, thanks. I definitely will research this more when I get ready to buy a real bike.

[owlice]

It's what I have when there are cookies, but none of them have chocolate in them.

[PamNY]

It's what I have when there are cookies, but none of them have chocolate in them.

What? You don't go ahead and throw a real fit in that situation?