Quote Originally Posted by Rubylvr View Post
Hi All-
I have wanted a custom bike for awhile, but I was wondering if you gals could answer some questions for me, particularly if you
have a custom bike, whether you were happy with the purchase or not.

1. I have back pain, ITB strain, leg strength discrepancy and medial knee pain. This is after three fittings, and I do ALL the work
I can do with strength, stretching, and massage to help. Can/Will a custom fit help?
Potentially. If I were the fitter involved I would want to see you on your current best bike and make sure that there isn't something else that could be done with that bike. I know you've had a bunch of fittings already, and with all due respect to the many good fitters out there, you can't top a fit done by someone with extensive training in biomechanics and ergonomics, like a PT.

If after a fit session on your other bike, it seems like you would benefit from a custom bike I would strongly recommend a sizer cycle fitting. I don't have one right now but I'm hoping to have one in the next 6 months. There is a fitter in Seattle (Erik Moen at Bike PT) who does an amazing job and could set you up.



2. I have a Jamis Bosa Nova for rainy, and a carbon Ruby. Will a custom make THAT MUCH of a difference in my riding? Mostly cost.
That depends on how well your ongoing issues can be addressed with fitting. Can't tell that until you've been looked at. If it can be helped, steel is a great way to go. Finding a good fitter that works in steel can be a challenge. Lots of the fitters are sticking to Carbon nowadays, it costs less to build with and they can charge more for the end product due to market drive. Having said that, Sweatpea does steel and they are focused on women. It would be very worthwhile to contact them and ask about cost ranges. I spent a day with a mathematician and materials engineer turned bike frame builder in SEA who does nothing but steel, really knows his stuff and works together with Erik Moen at bike PT frequently. His quoted average price was $3000 to $4000.

So I guess my answer is, maybe. I am in Hood River and I'd be happy to at least look at you on your current set up to give you my opinion on if a custom bike would help. You can PM me if you would like more information.