Should I get a bike fit? If so, is now a good time?

[jyyanks]

First one sounds like a winner! (Four hundred dollars? ).

I know! I almost fell out of my chair, most of the prices that I saw were exorbitant but everything in NYC is. I'm guessing that the people who spend that much are professional racers or are very serious cyclists. Even $200 seems like a lot but it's better than $400.

[Owlie]

Yeah, my full fit (where the guy spent an hour fiddling with my cleat position alone...), plus insoles and a new stem came to something like $275. Yeah.

Definitely get a fitting. It helps. Ask me how I know!

[Crankin]

You should have the fit now. Why wait until the spring?
I don't think that the prices you quoted are any different than what is normal in the Boston area, either. You are lucky that the one you are leaning toward is the cheapest. The first fit I had became free when I ended up buying a bike from them. I don't remember what the cost was, but I think it was around 150-200. That was 6 years ago.
My fitting for the Guru also was free, since I was buying the bike, but if you just come in to get a fitting, it's around 300.00, to use the simulator, etc.

[Rubylvr]

FWIW, I agree 100% with all who voted for getting a fitting. I also have a Ruby, and love it to pieces. My hands hurt a bit, when I first got her, and the saddle problem never really went away. (MANY sores). I met a fitter in my area, (Northwest), who has been the best find ever. Kind, smart, and made all the difference in my riding enjoyment. Got a second "rain bike", single speed, and he fit that also for $300.00 including new bars. Besides new rims and tires, I think a fitting is the best thing you can get once you have your bike. Very tough to justify the cost to a significant other who can make anything work, and never has pain issues, but stick to it, and you won't be sorry, as long as you ask around about the right person. Call and ask if he has people you can get in touch with to see how he works, then you will know first hand.

[jyyanks]

Thanks for the helpful advice. I'm glad that many people support the idea of a fit. I've read other message boards where the consensus a mixed.

Crankin - I was thinking of waiting because I figured I'd save the fit for when I would do the most riding. That way, I can get used to the new setup and how it feels and have a whole season ahead of me of riding. I feel like if I get fit towards the end, I'll only ride for a couple of months and then will have to put the bike away for the winter (or ride on rollers which isn't as much fun). Also need to see if I can save some money in case I need to buy new parts.

[Catrin]

I know! I almost fell out of my chair, most of the prices that I saw were exorbitant but everything in NYC is. I'm guessing that the people who spend that much are professional racers or are very serious cyclists. Even $200 seems like a lot but it's better than $400.

It depends what that amount is paying for. At my LBS, the "full" fitting is $300 BUT that is for the life of the bike. That means if there are further tweaks needed, you get new pedals or cleats and adjustments are needed, or if you change something on the bike that requires a refitting, etc. you don't need to pay another fitting fee. Ever, for the life of that bike. Of course you still pay for any parts/labor that are needed. They keep detailed notes on you and your bikes, which really helps if you wind up with pain at some point. If you purchase the bike at that shop then the full fitting is included in the purchase and you still get the life-time fit for free. Very nice and well worth it. It pays to ask what each level covers. I don't think there are may stores that offer a full fit quite like what I just described but it is worth finding out.