first road bike -- fitting?



ethelred

New Member
Sep 10, 2007
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I'm buying my first road bike, and understand that getting "fitted" is very important. I've done a lot of research and narrowed it down to a 2007 model that fits my needs.

At one bike store, this bike costs US$999 and they have their fitting specialist spend 45 minutes to an hour with you. He's been at the store for 15 years and has all kinds of certifications in fitting.

At another bike store, the exact same bike is $1199, but they do a computerized Fit Kit fitting.

Service levels and service plans are identical at both shops.

Obviously, I'd rather buy the same bike for $200 cheaper, but does anyone know of a reason why it would be better to get the computerized fitting as opposed to the "manual" one? Are there pros and cons to each type of fitting?

Thanks for any input!
 
[QUOTE...
Are there pros and cons to each type of fitting?
Thanks for any input![/size][/QUOTE]

I can only tell you what my LBS told me: whether its "computer" or hand "fitted" the actual output or result is just a starting point. You then start "fine tuning" from there. For example the seat height suggested was way too high for me at that time, later as my body got more used to the bike i was able to get it to within 1/8" of the suggested optimum; and I am still "tweaking" it. I would ride the bikes from each store and "feel" which one rides better. I would wear the clothing and shoes you plan to wear when riding and take each bike for a good spin. One advantage of the computer fit is that I was able to look (at a diagram) very quickly for a couple of different frame sizes (I fell right in-between two standard sizes)
Price: Around here (Atlanta) most LBS's will price match a competitor (assuming it's the same bike)
 

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