Another thread on bike fit, please help

[Sky King]

As most women, once I find something that works, I have learned to buy it as the end result is what matters. Big expense but four hours in a variety of terrain and no back pain is huge I have to share this video about Gary Fisher those guys were crazy.

[TrekTheKaty]

I just switched from an aluminum frame to a madone. I've also had back problems in the past. One thing I noticed is, the carbon seems to transfer less road vibration to my body. I just rode 43 miles without any back ache. Try one of the cheaper madones, if you're on a budget. The 4.7 is consideraby cheaper, but has lower end components. There is also a $200 end of season sale, if you can find your frame size.

Don't focus on the pain while riding. Try doing a few stretches while pedalling, or stop on the side of the road.

[Mama Coosa]

The head tube height on the Madone is taller as well, which probably also contributes significantly to the increased comfort. You might be able to make the Ion more comfortable, but the salesperson is right. You'll never make it a Madone.

[lisathew8lifter]

I haven't had a prof fitting but I agree w the earlier response that talked about comfort of carbon over aluminum. Hills were easier, I hit two bumps and hardly noticed. I rode 1.5 hrs today and not one pain. I was def able to notice the differences between the bikes while riding today. The madone 5.2 shifted and breaked like butter. I want that bike. We didn't bother measuring after the ride. I will still have an ION when the more comfortable bike is what I need. Now to convince my hubby that I need a more expensive bike than him AND another bike when I just bought this one year ago

[nscrbug]

I haven't had a prof fitting but I agree w the earlier response that talked about comfort of carbon over aluminum. Hills were easier, I hit two bumps and hardly noticed. I rode 1.5 hrs today and not one pain. I was def able to notice the differences between the bikes while riding today. The madone 5.2 shifted and breaked like butter. I want that bike. We didn't bother measuring after the ride. I will still have an ION when the more comfortable bike is what I need. Now to convince my hubby that I need a more expensive bike than him AND another bike when I just bought this one year ago

I can SO relate to this statement. I am on my 3rd bike in as many years, and I am, once again, contemplating a new one. I've had 3 professional fittings (including a very expensive RETUL fit) and still can't seem to get comfortable enough on longer (50+) rides. It's been very frustrating, to say the least. I'm starting to wonder if the 51cm bike I am currently on, is a bit too small for me. I'm tired of sinking money into pro fits, saddles, and stems in order to make this bike work for me. I too, am looking into a Madone 5.2...as well as a Cervelo RS, an Orbea Onix/Dama TLT, a Felt Z series, and a Specialized Ruby. I've been riding a road bike for 3 years, yet I feel as though I'm starting back at square one again.

Linda

[lisathew8lifter]

Linda I am chuckling, and your response made me feel better. The rental in Cali is what got this all going. I highly recommend a long test ride or a rental to determine your best fit. Pay a days rental and take it out for the 50+ and if you don't have pain you will know! Hubby has a 4.5 madone with lesser components than the wsd 5.2 and it has been a tough sell. a step in the right direction was getting him there today. I even offered to sell my gary f mountain bike too and he said no we take trips a few times per year and he wants me to keep it. Did I say I want that bike

[lisathew8lifter]

Oh yes a 4.5 IS nice but it's also nicer than his
Sky- just watched that video what a riot! My back hurts just watching that!!! Wonder if there was any marijuana smoked whilst clunking!?

[bellissima]

I can SO relate to this statement. I am on my 3rd bike in as many years, and I am, once again, contemplating a new one. I've had 3 professional fittings (including a very expensive RETUL fit) and still can't seem to get comfortable enough on longer (50+) rides. It's been very frustrating, to say the least. I'm starting to wonder if the 51cm bike I am currently on, is a bit too small for me. I'm tired of sinking money into pro fits, saddles, and stems in order to make this bike work for me. I too, am looking into a Madone 5.2...as well as a Cervelo RS, an Orbea Onix/Dama TLT, a Felt Z series, and a Specialized Ruby. I've been riding a road bike for 3 years, yet I feel as though I'm starting back at square one again.

Linda

Not all bike fits are equal. Bike fitting is just like an art, it does not matter what is used to do it, the ultimate decision is made by the fitter itself so even if they use the highest technology at the end the fit is only as good as the fitter. Women and men are different and women's fit are more complicated and require a different approach due to women's anatomy and only a fitter with extensive experience working with women can really resolve the issues we may have as females. I work in the bicycle industry and is a bit bothersome to see that now days you can find a so call "pro bike fit" in almost any bike shop, but many may not be qualified or have the expertise to perform a fit. Just My 2 Cents Worth

[nscrbug]

What did the fitter who did the RETUL say? Did he advise you to get a larger size?

Have you considered custom?

Actually, just the opposite...he told me that if it were up to him, he would have put me on an even SMALLER bike. I moved my saddle a smidge further back from where the RETUL fitter had it positioned, and it does feel a slight bit better. I'm not getting the searing sit bone pain that I was before on longer rides, and my soft tissue seems happier too. I just hope I didn't screw up my knee angle too much by moving the saddle back. I've only put on about 100 miles with the new seat position and so far, my knees feel fine.

As for going custom...it has crossed my mind, but I'm hesitant because I am such a difficult fit, that I'd be afraid to commit to a custom bike only to end up not having it feel absolutely perfect and be back to square one again.

[lisathew8lifter]

Sheila it was me that rented the madone and noe I need one. Hubby has not brought it up since I tested it on Sunday...but it is terrible timing since we just found out his mom has advanced ovarian cancer. The madone is on the back burner!