Dream bike fit. How much would you pay?

[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

[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.

[Penny4]

Would you offer any follow up? If I paid $200-300 for a fitting, i'd want to be sure i could come back wihtout paying more if things didn't feel right afterwards.

I'd also want some sort of documentation to take away (not really sure what...but measurements? Info that I could use on my own in the future.)

[thekarens]

FWIW, my fitter offers a follow up for 4 weeks after the fitting. He also gives you a sheet with all your measurements.

[Wahine]

Thanks for the input ladies.

I do a lot of fitting already with people that already have their bikes and it's different process than fitting someone from scratch so they can find the bike that works best for them or have one built as opposed to retrofitting a bike they already own.

With retro-fitting, I do this both through the PT clinic where I work, in which case we can often get it paid for through insurance. I'm not sure that I could do that with the fit from scratch, but it might be possible.

I also have my own coaching company and I do fitting privately as well. I'm seeing the fit from scratch situation as being something I do more privately and not so much in the clinic.

I am planning on meeting with the local LBSs and I also plan to market to some of the custom frame builders in Oregon. I'm pretty excited about that.

I do plan on marketing myself. I'm going to make an effort to help people understand what it means to have a fit done by an experienced PT verses a bike shop fit. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of great bike shop fitters out there. And I also plan to make a big deal out of my rather extensive and diverse background in cycling.

The from scratch fits would include numbers to take away as well as a fitting session once the bike is purchased and built. Then maybe a follow-up, I'll decide about that when I decide on price.

Thanks again for all the feedback.