the right fit

[inatree]

i am going to test ride roadies soon. i'm a first-time buyer of a road bike.
as i am understanding it, fit is the most important thing.
how can you tell when the bike fits you right?

[quint41]

Perfect timing! I am also shopping for my first road bike. I just went to a shop yesterday called Fit to Ride (in Somers, CT, for any locals). They fitted me on a Serrota fit bike. Everything was sized to me. I have test ridden about 8 bikes over the past few weeks and have found only one that was really comfortable (a Raleigh Cadent), but I have been having a hell of a time shifting up to the big sprocket in the front with those pesky STI shifters (I have tiny hands). Brian at FTR showed me how much of a difference placement of the shifters on the bar can make, as well as handlebar size, height, etc. He showed me how, because of the size of the bike, my weight could be thrown either forward onto the handlebars, or back onto the seat, and the consequences of both of those positions, and how evenly-placed weight makes a big difference in comfort and performance. Wow! I learned so much!

Next step is finding a bike. He knows my budget. He's going to compare my measurements to stock bikes and make a couple of recommendations for me. He'll probably suggest a stock bike that he will modify to fit me perfectly. I can't wait to hear back from him.

[KnottedYet]

One of the LBS's here (Ti Cycles) does a complete (1 to 1 1/2 hours) bike fit with EVERY bike they sell. They put you on the bike and have you "ride" in front of them on a trainer stand. Then they have you ride outside. They do all the tweaking and adjusting and swapping bars and stems and such before you even take the bike home, then you are supposed to come back to them if you have any fit issues.

Another of the shops (Sammamish Valley Cyclery) does a Serrota fit (like Quint's) for $200. They will put you on a fit-bike and make all the adjustments on the fit-bike, then transfer what they learned about your measurements and needs to the real bike you are buying. They then deduct the $200 from the cost of your new bike, so the 2 hour fit session is essentially free as long as you buy a bike from them.

I bought my commutermobile from a shop that had me stand over the bar for basic fit, scootched the seat a little, and sent me on my way. I was ok with that, because I knew how I wanted to fit on the bike and could tell the bike was good for me already. Over time I figured out what other things needed to be adjusted (bar width, etc.) and took care of it.

My next bike is a used steel frame. I'm taking it to a shop (R + E Cycles)that specializes in steel and Campagnolo for a complete fit ($200). They will also do the work needed to adjust the gearing to the way I ride. This bike will be my long-distance-mobile so I want the fit "dialed in". The fitter at R+E is very good at adjusting the standard ideal fit so that it works for a rider's unique characteristics. Like spinal issues or flexibility problems. (for example, I know I will need the bars higher than "normal." He will figure out how much higher works best for me.)

Probably the first step to fitting a new style of bike is letting someone who is very good at it do it for you. If you haven't ridden a roadie before, you will need some guidance as to fit. Ride for a while, then go back to your fitter and tell them how things are working. Expect to pay for a good fit, and expect them to keep taking care of you at no extra charge until the fit is perfect. Even if it takes months.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Someone posted this good article recently- worth a read:
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/

[inatree]

thanks for the replies!!

well i went out today to test drive....and ended up giving up before i got to the last two bike shops because:
-i have found that store employees have no tolerance for newbies, unless they themselves are newbies.
-when i told them my price range ($500) they practically laughed me out of the store.

BUT at this one place where the girl helping me was a newbie too, she was real nice and let me test drive a bike i could not possibly afford and told me i need a 51 to 52 inch. she also said any bike can be fitted to me, so just make sure i get the right frame, and i can have everything else adjusted. does this sound right? i'm considering buying online now ( ) just so i can afford it, and then spend the money to have it adjusted. i also need $ left over so i can get all the crap i need. (hence the low budget) ive got only 700 to blow on this little endeavor of mine. is this impossible? am i just being naive?

[Veronica]

Have you tried looking at Craig's list for used bikes?

V.

[madisongrrl]

she also said any bike can be fitted to me, so just make sure i get the right frame, and i can have everything else adjusted. does this sound right?

I would not agree that any bike can be fitted to you. For example, bikes that have long top tube lengths will never fit me (I'll never own a LeMond, for instance). While I'm sure many people can be fitted on a variety of different bikes, I don't think it is entirely accurate to say that any bike can necessarily be fitted to you (without compromising the way the bike handles and "should" handle on the road).

[mimitabby]

i am going to test ride roadies soon. i'm a first-time buyer of a road bike.
as i am understanding it, fit is the most important thing.
how can you tell when the bike fits you right?

you know it fits you right if there is
no pain.

having said that; if you are less than 25 you might still be flexible enough
that it doesn't matter as much.. but pay attention to the little hints your body
gives you because with time those little hints will be screams... from your knees, back, neck, hands, crotch.

[Veronica]

You could also try looking here.


http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/BOBishBikesFS/

V.

[KnottedYet]

there are bikes within your price range. It might just take some time to find them. Bike shops often carry just a few brands. If you can narrow down the brands that come in your price range you'll have better luck. (Find a shop that carries your brands)

Try looking online at Kona and Marin and Jamis. (ok, Jamis is up higher than your limit, but look anyway)

Also try looking at Trek - they had a road bike that was around $700 that was featured in Bicycling.... someone tell me which one it was, my Mac won't operate the Trek site.

Others here on TE will have more ideas. DON'T GIVE UP!!!



PS: REI is having a sale on their house brand, Novara. Something like 15-20% off. www.rei.com

[SandyLS]

My daughter bought a bike (the pink one) from Bikes Direct and has been very happy with it. http://www.bikesdirect.com/primalstuff1.htm

[inatree]

thanks!!

i am always looking on craiglist for stuff...but i havent found anything that i can afford or that will fit me. its hard finding something small enough for me. i havent seen anything on there in a while. also, im not driving right now, so i can only search for stuff in my city. i called the rest of the shops i was going to go to today and they either didnt have anything small emough, or not in my price range, etc. i was pretty intimidated by everyone's attitudes... i tried to get them to take it lightly that im a newbie and i tried joking around and everything but they wanted no part of it. not even on the phone i wish i knew someone around here who could help me, especially so i dont say dumb things, i can see their expressions change as soon as i start talking...lol!! i dont know all those cool bike words and phrases like you guys do. oh well...i'm not too sure what to do now, since if i bought online i would need to use my moms credit card because i dont have one. (no, im not a kid, im 27). i dont even want her to know about this. this is my special thing.

well, if anyone has any more ideas i am ALL ears!!

[inatree]

i saw bikedirect.com and the one bike i was interested in only comes in my size in pink. i know this is disgustingly vain, but i will not ride a pink bicycle.

[inatree]

this seems awefully cheap. is there something wrong with it? something i'm not seeing? whats the catch?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...5915?n=3375251

[ZinGurl]

i am going to test ride roadies soon. i'm a first-time buyer of a road bike.
as i am understanding it, fit is the most important thing.
how can you tell when the bike fits you right?

Whatever you do get fitted, it will make a riding so much move enjoyable.