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

[Jiffer]

Thanks for your reply! I'm leaning towards getting a bike fit because I think it will improve my position and performance and I can actually get more miles in the limited time I have. I'm leaning towards the guy in the first link because he is a member of my club (I don't know him but others so) and he is also a coach which means that he may be able to give me some pointers. As a total newb, I've learned everything from scouring the internet but have never had anyone actually see me ride or give me tips on how to improve. He is the cheapest of the 3. I guess I will be better off waiting until next Spring as I plan to ride in Sept and Oct but will most likely not ride much past then. Also, I think spending $400 on a real high tech bike fit when I'm only a recreational rider may be a waste.

Appreciate the advice.

My bike fit guy is a coach as well, which I think is one of the reasons why he does such a good job and might do "extra" stuff that others may not. I really have no idea what others do. If they're charging $200-$400 they BETTER be doing all that he does! He does have a couple of different price options for his fits, depending on how extensive he works with you. A friend of mine did a more basic fit for a cheaper price than I paid. Also, most bike shops will give you a "very basic" fit if you buy a bike from them. I'm sure the extent of the fit varies by LBS, but ours is very, very basic. All I know is what my bike fit guy did for me was well worth the money. I wanted a bike fit from the get go, but hubby made me put it off at first because of cost. Once I did my first 60-ish mile ride in prep for a century and was in so much pain, I decided I was done waiting. As I've said, it made such a big difference for me. I get why you are leaning toward waiting. I'm guessing either way would be fine. Once you get a fit, it's possible you may want to go back for an adjustment once, but I don't imagine you'd need more than that. If he's a good bike fit guy, you should be good to go. I do know that bike fit can change depending on your ability and style of riding. If you ever become a more aggressive rider, different adjustments to your bike might be helpful.

[Aromig]

I just bought a new bike -- and had an "intro" fitting. I've recently been injured and am recouperating from a broken leg so I'm not riding too much (and on an indoor trainer) but was miserable even on the trainer. The fitter changed the saddle and the stem and now its much better. He also adjusted the cleats slightly and now I'm having an easier time clipping out with my broken-but-almost-healed leg. The "intro" fitting was $75, which they comped since I purchased a new bike. I'd asked about having the more detailed fitting (which costs $200, but the purchase of the bike was worth a $75 discount), but the fitter said he thought it was a waste of time to do a detailed fitting now when I've been injured, have various weaknesses, and haven't been active and he says he practically guarantees he'll change more things in 6 months as my flexibility and strength improves. At least the saddle (i probably could have lived without a new stem and just been a bit crunched) was preventing me from spending any time on the bike so it was worth the time to get that fixed. Even the intro fitting included discussion about body position, etc. (although their website indicates this is part of the more detailed fitting). I think some of these guys just like biking/helping people so much they'll give you lots of information.

Perhaps you can call and ask if they'll do just an minor fitting now, and a more detailed fitting later? Perhaps you can talk them into giving you a discount on the more detailed fitting later if you pay for an intro fitting now.

[jyyanks]

I just bought a new bike -- and had an "intro" fitting. I've recently been injured and am recouperating from a broken leg so I'm not riding too much (and on an indoor trainer) but was miserable even on the trainer. The fitter changed the saddle and the stem and now its much better. He also adjusted the cleats slightly and now I'm having an easier time clipping out with my broken-but-almost-healed leg. The "intro" fitting was $75, which they comped since I purchased a new bike. I'd asked about having the more detailed fitting (which costs $200, but the purchase of the bike was worth a $75 discount), but the fitter said he thought it was a waste of time to do a detailed fitting now when I've been injured, have various weaknesses, and haven't been active and he says he practically guarantees he'll change more things in 6 months as my flexibility and strength improves. At least the saddle (i probably could have lived without a new stem and just been a bit crunched) was preventing me from spending any time on the bike so it was worth the time to get that fixed. Even the intro fitting included discussion about body position, etc. (although their website indicates this is part of the more detailed fitting). I think some of these guys just like biking/helping people so much they'll give you lots of information.

Perhaps you can call and ask if they'll do just an minor fitting now, and a more detailed fitting later? Perhaps you can talk them into giving you a discount on the more detailed fitting later if you pay for an intro fitting now.

Thanks Aromig! I never thought of asking him and probably should send him a quick email. The people who know him say he's great and he's helped them tremendously so it won't hurt to ask. Hope your leg heals quickly so you can go out and start enjoying your rides again!