I must be built funny.

[Kathi]

Sky King, this was true when I started riding in the 90's but not true anymore. Bike fit used to be based on what the racers preferred. All my bikes then were set up so I was stretched out and low. No wonder I struggled for years to get a good fitting bike. I was amazed with the differences in the process in the last 5 yrs since my fitting for my custom frame.

My niece is a rank beginner, except for a poor fitting mt bike she bought just out of college because she liked the color. She had a full Serotta fit on the Serotta size cycle. It took 2.5 hrs. They went through everything, including what she plans to use the bike for. On the size cycle the fitter put her in a neutral position, not too high or low, and adjusted angles until she felt very comfortable. He was able to match the frame geometry to the results of the fitting. She didn't even test ride the bike (it was raining). The shop sells Specialized, which she had previously considered, but the Orbea geometry was a better match. The shop didn't have that model in stock but they ordered it for her, she just got it Sat. but so far she is raving about how much she loves it.

Most shops will reduce the cost of the bike fit if you buy from them. My shops guideline over a certain price free and under that price 50% off.

Owlie, Bio-Wheels in Maderia, Cyclesport in Loveland, Jim's in Deer Park and (I think) Campus Cycle's in Clifton all have a fit process similiar to Serotta's. Jim's have been around for year's and have fitted many riders in Cincinnati. I bought my 2nd mt bike from Bio-Wheels when they were in Clifton and have lots of experience with Campus. They are all good shops but my best fit, (refit) experience was with Kathy at Oakley.

You can make all kinds of changes in stems, seat tubes, etc. but if the frame geometry is not right for you the bike just will always be "almost" but "not quite right".

My bike shop saved my niece from an $800-$1,000 mistake. She did not know enough about frame geometry to chose one that gave her the best ride. She's starting off with a good fitting bike that will keep her happy for a long time.