Dream bike fit. How much would you pay?

[Wahine]

I'll likely have to pay about $3000 for the fitting unit. So billing $250 per fit means I'd have to do 12 fits to recover my investment. Interesting, that's one fit per month.

Hmmmmm. Food for thought.

[Owlie]

I'd say something in the range given by everyone else, and possibly a little more if you throw in some unusual extras, like pedal suggestions (or at least what to look for).

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, I'm in agreement with everyone else on the price. As far as "unusual extras" I think handlebar guidance would be pretty valuable - once you get past width, reach and drop I have no idea how to choose a bend, and I think a lot of people do that by trial and error, or more likely, by "trial and living with whatever it is."

[Crankin]

I agree with the prices listed. The Guru fit I had was 300.00, but since I was doing it to buy the bike, I didn't get charged. My DH also had his other bike tweaked based on this fitting, which was included (minus the price of the parts). I like my other bike the way it is, so I didn't take that option.
A friend just had a fit at another shop for 150.00. He is very happy, but I wouldn't trust that shop.

[indysteel]

Yeah, I'm in agreement with everyone else on the price. As far as "unusual extras" I think handlebar guidance would be pretty valuable - once you get past width, reach and drop I have no idea how to choose a bend, and I think a lot of people do that by trial and error, or more likely, by "trial and living with whatever it is."

+1. I stopped in a bike shop in the Chicagoland area once (Turin in Evanston) and they had a variety of saddles to try as well as part of their fitting process, but I realize that they might have been in a better position to offer that as a retailer.

I also concur with the prices that have been suggested.

Good luck with it if you decide to go forward with it, Wahine. I would so love to find a PT that is also a trained bike fitter. What a resource!

[Sky King]

Knowing where you live, I think you have a broader reach than you are giving yourself credit for People from Portland will be driving out to see you when you make this investment. In Boise, we refer people to "on the bike" a professional fitter in town that is not affiliated with any given shop, his costs start at $85 and go to $350. However he is "after bike purchase" fitter. Additionally, I wonder if once you are ready you can put out messages asking for used handlebars. etc. I know, from experience, the expense of having a large variety of bars for people to try out . I would be happy to refer you to people who are looking for help to determine size, etc. prior to purchase. I also think there may be opportunity for affiliate marketing with different bike mfg. and if interested perhaps Portland Bike Clubs. Can't wait to hear what you decide

[TigerMom]

The price in California is around $250.

If you purchase the custom bike, the $250 includes the bike fit for the rider after the bike actually arrives also.

[ny biker]

This is what my LBS charges:

Professional Road/Mountain Fitting $150
F.I.S.T. Triathlon/TT Fitting $200
Retül Road/Mountain Bike Fitting $250
Retül Triathlon/TT Fitting $300


The fitter who handled my last bike purchase has moved to another shop. I've looked on their website but don't see anything about the fit services they offer or what they charge.

[Wahine]

Knowing where you live, I think you have a broader reach than you are giving yourself credit for People from Portland will be driving out to see you when you make this investment. In Boise, we refer people to "on the bike" a professional fitter in town that is not affiliated with any given shop, his costs start at $85 and go to $350. However he is "after bike purchase" fitter. Additionally, I wonder if once you are ready you can put out messages asking for used handlebars. etc. I know, from experience, the expense of having a large variety of bars for people to try out . I would be happy to refer you to people who are looking for help to determine size, etc. prior to purchase. I also think there may be opportunity for affiliate marketing with different bike mfg. and if interested perhaps Portland Bike Clubs. Can't wait to hear what you decide

Thank you for this very detailed and well thought out response.

And thanks to everyone for sending me numbers. I appreciate it.

[mzone]

I'm a big fan of one of our local fitters. She's featured in some of the Specialized BG Fit literature. She's fit my family and many friends with great results after the other LBSs sold them bikes that were "fit" but turned out not to be good fits.

There are five certified fitters at the three locations owned by the LBS where she works. Here's their menu:

TWO WHEEL TANGO PROFESSIONAL BIKE FITTING SERVICES:

FIT KIT SIZING
Includes body measurements using Fit Kit tools, basic Quick Fit adjustments to saddle height, saddle setback, and handlebar reach/drop. Includes Fit Kit measurement sheet with recommended saddle & handlebar position. Recommended for the cyclist looking for size recommendations and basic positional setup. Plan on spending up to 45 minutes with us.

Cost: $75


Specialized Body Geometry (BG) FIT
Includes a 23-step pre-fit assessment and a 15-step dynamic bike fitting. Developed by Dr. Andy Pruitt of the Boulder Center of Sports Medicine, the BG FIT protocol is arguably the most thorough and precise professional bicycle fitting methodology. The BG FIT is aimed at cyclists of all levels who want to ride faster, longer, and in greater comfort, while reducing the chance of injury. Plan on spending 2 hours with us.

Cost: $200


BG F.I.S.T. FIT
Includes the BG FIT pre-fit assessments, and implements the F.I.S.T. (Fit Institute Slow Twitch) protocol for dynamic triathlon positioning. The Fit Technician will assess critical hip and shoulder angles in several potential aero positions in order to optimize maximum performance, paying special attention to aero-bar width, armrest placement, and aerobar reach. Aimed at the triathlete or time trialist who requires an optimized efficient and comfortable aero position. Plan on spending up to 2.5 hours with us.

Cost: $250


A LA CARTE SERVICES
$100 Per Hour and/or pro-rated to actual time spent.

DYNAMIC CLEAT FIT
Did you the cleat has 5 axes of adjustment? This service addresses the cleat’s medial/lateral position, fore-aft, horizontal angle, varus/valgus tilt, and stack height. Making small changes at the foot/pedal interface has a major impact on the knee and pedaling efficiency. Proper cleat alignment in all 5 planes can significantly reduce torsional stress on the knees. Plan on spending 20-30 minutes with us.

Cost: $40


FIT TRANSFER
You may either bring in professional measurements from a previous fit or your existing bike. With the latter, we will include paperwork with the measurement data extracted from your existing bike fit. This is service is only applicable if there are no equipment changes to your new bike. (Such as pedals, saddles, or handlebars.)

Cost:$75


DYNAMIC SADDLE COMFORT CONSULT
In-trainer saddle testing while consulting with a Certified Fit Technician. Find the most perfect saddle with expert help! We recommend bringing your own bike for the Saddle Comfort Consult.

Cost: $15/15min pro-rated

[indysteel]

I would love a fitting like this! Especially before I (eventually) buy a custom bike. That would answer the nagging question of seat tube angle for me.

That makes me wonder, Wahine. When I got my Moots, I worked with the local Moots dealer. Their fitter used what I assume is a similar fitting device to what you are considering buying. Is there any chance that you could partner with any shops and/or builders who want to offer their customers this type of service as part of the custom-bike designing process? I realize a lot of builders work directly with their customers on designing a bike and that they may also already have local dealers with fitters who facilitiate this process, but for as many builders as there now are (it seems like the number is growing) and as popular as cycling is in your area, it seems like there could be a way to market yourself in this regard.

[Skippyak]

I think the real issue is how you market yourself, fits like this are a real niche market, who is going to refer you clients? You really want your LBS so are you going to arrange a referral fee?

[Skippyak]

Can you clarify what your background is? I think that being a qualified physio is a total draw for certain clients. I am otherwise bemused by paying a person in a bike shop to tweak a bike. If I had problems, I want someone who understand anatomy and physiology, not just mechanics and measurements. Can you work with insurance companies too, for fit costs? A PT here at the ortho center does that, but I am clueless as to if he uses any device, that is what I assume his knowledge is for.