Accuracy of fit kit?

[Chris Hansen]

Hello,

How accurate is the fit kit system? What are the suggested
measurements based on? What changes would there be for
different types of riding like commuting, recreational,
racing or touring?

I was told the reach from the seat to the handlebars on my
new bike should be about 2 centimeters longer. It's already
a longer bike than I am used to so it felt long at first but
now it feels fine. My commuting bike is shorter and it feels
fine most of the time except sometimes when I'm pedaling
hard it might be nice to stretch out a little more.

I'm just wondering what people's thoughts are.

Thanks.

 

[Mike Jacoubowsk]

> How accurate is the fit kit system? What are the suggested
> measurements based on? What changes would there be for
> different types of riding like commuting, recreational,
> racing or touring?

The Fit Kit is a great starting point, and allows a skilled
person to shorten the amount of time it takes to properly
size somebody by a considerable amount. But it's just a
starting point, and needs to be confirmed by on-bike
observation (preferable of somebody actually riding a bike;
I've never been a fan of putting a bike on a trainer, since
I've found people often "perform" for you, trying to adapt
to what they think I want to see, instead of relax... but
that's just me).

What I'm really looking for is someone's ability to
completely relax while riding. I look for things like an
arched back (especially the lower back), which indicates
possible problems either with the reach to the bars or
saddle discomfort. A bend in the arms, rather than rigidly
straight, is very important. The angle of the back? I could
almost care less, in most cases. I'm more interested in
somebody being comfortable than aero; if they're
comfortable, they're going to ride more. If they're more
aero, perhaps they might be a bit faster in some situations,
but if riding's a pain, they might find other things more
fun to do.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

"Chris Hansen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello,
>
> How accurate is the fit kit system? What are the suggested
> measurements based on? What changes would there be for
> different types of riding like commuting, recreational,
> racing or touring?
>
> I was told the reach from the seat to the handlebars on
> my new bike should be about 2 centimeters longer. It's
> already a longer bike than I am used to so it felt long
> at first but now it feels fine. My commuting bike is
> shorter and it feels fine most of the time except
> sometimes when I'm pedaling hard it might be nice to
> stretch out a little more.
>
> I'm just wondering what people's thoughts are.
>
> Thanks.