Bike buying advice · Public discussion

Opinions about professional bike fitting?

Started by Jedi1976 · · Last activity · 5 posts · 1,370 views

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Bike buying advice
Published
22 August 2010
Last activity
23 August 2010
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Jedi1976
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Bike fitProfessional bike fittingCycling shoesHydrationPower meters

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  1. Original post
    Jedi1976
    Archived post
    #1

    Hello everyone,

    I've been doing a lot of research on buying a new bike and one of the things that keeps coming up is bike fitting. I am looking to buy my first real road bike and I assume that any good bike shop will do a basic fit on the purchase of a new bike. So, after looking at the prospective shops in my area (North side of Chicago), I decided to go to one of the best-reviewed ones named Get A Grip Cycles. I went on a Saturday and it was kinda busy so I had to wait about 15 minutes before being helped. A rep named Rick asked me a bunch of questions about everything I was looking for and was very helpful. From previous reviews I knew that this shop caters to the high-end crowd, but I would rather deal with people who know what they're doing. I actually told this to Rick in front of the other staff and bike mechanics and they almost all nodded in affirmation, so as to say, "Right on!". Anyway, Rick stressed to me the importance of fit and said that a professional fitting would be in my best interest. He said that the pro fit is $325 or $125 if you buy a bike there. He explained that it is a lengthy process that may take 3 hours. I told him I have no problem with that, but also told him I didn't have bike shoes or the like for the fitting. He said that they would be able to outfit me with many different options ranging from the shoes to the helmet, etc and that they would work with me to fit me into a stock road bike. I stressed to Rick that my biggest concern was getting fitted and having them tell me that my best or only fit is on a bike that's way out of my price range (prob $2000). Rick told me to call back with any questions and said that the fit would probably change my whole perspective on just going out and grabbing any bike.

    I left the store with a very positive vibe and feel that I'll be setting up a fitting in the near future. I just wanted to see what the forum's opinion is on pro bike fitting. I've read many articles that say fitting for a road bike is not very difficult, especially because I don't have any injuries or problems that would impact bike selection. My main reason for buying a new road bike is to strengthen my bike portion of any triathlon I decide to enter. I just don't want to feel like I spent money on something I honestly didn't need. In the long run, I figure that developing a good rapport with a bike shop is an important step as well.

    Please let me know any of your opinions and if anyone here has used Get A Grip Cycles in Chicago, that would be a big plus. Thanx everyone.

    Rick G.

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  2. daveryanwyoming
    Archived post
    #2

    A professional bike fit from an experienced fitter is a very good investment, even more so if you're buying a triathlon bike with aero bars.

    It's amazing how many riders, even racers ride around with lousy fits, low or high saddles, stretched out, cramped up or in general not very efficient or comfortable on their bikes and don't even realize it.

    Get the fitting, it's worth the investment.

    -Dave

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  3. swampy1970
    Archived post
    #3

    ^ Yeah, what he said 😄

    Plus, you don't need a fancy bike to warrant a bike fit. You could have a 20 year old steel road bike made from 531 weighing in at 24lbs and you'd still get the same 'return on investment' from a fit.

    A great bike fit and lots of quality aerobic training - it really doesn't matter what weight or how fancy the bike bits are but without those two you're going nowhere fast. Get those two nailed and the rest of the stuff is just a credit card away.

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  4. tonyzackery
    Archived post
    #4

    Anyone can take your money and attempt to 'fit' you; that's all that necessary for a "professional bike fitting".

    Make certain the fit utilizes some objective feedback - at the very minimum a power meter of some sort (I've been fitted using Computrainers twice) so that your better fit can be quantified in a measurable way - not simply that you 'look' better on the bike. Everybody and anybody can share their opinion as to how someone looks on the bike, but that doesn't mean a thing. Some pros may not look 'perfect', but you better believe they've found an efficient fit for their anatomy that allows them to put down as much power as genetically possible - and don't think for a moment that there's an appreciable amount of power "left on the table" due to bike fit...

    IME, I've gone to two 'pro' fitters. Did I come away from both feeling and performing better. Yes. Did I still tweek the fits such that my proprioceptors could give 'two thumbs up' during hard efforts? Yes again. For me, the pro fitments put me in a bit better place after I fit myself using the information that's available 'out there' and trial and error (aka, if my butt hurts, there's something wrong with my saddle position). The fits occurred early on in my cycling journey and were necessary at the time until I've since learned more about the sensations I feel when riding easy, hard, and really really hard...

    Get a fit that feels (no undue pressure points causing pain) good and has you
    well-balanced on the bike. Your body will adapt to that position during your rides.

    This is a volatile subject as there are many theories on fitment and a bike fit is obviously individualistic in nature. Seek out some other cyclists in your community and get some references, or if you trust the guy you already spoke with, go that route. Trust is always important when heeding advice...

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  5. Jedi1976
    Archived post
    #5

    First off I have to say thank you to all who responded to my post. I feel that even the shortest response helps. I've been biking since I was a kid (33 yrs old now) and I never even imagined a thorough fitting would be so important. After looking at all of the research I've done, Get A Grip Cycles sounds like the Garden of Eden if you live in or near Chicago. Here's a really short summary of what they go through with a professional fitting: the bike fitting starts with an interview "to understand what the rider is bringing to the table in terms of cycling goals, aches and pains, and exactly what the rider wants to experience." The next step is "a physical assessment to record the range of motion in the rider’s hamstrings, hip flexors, back, neutral position of the foot, assess core strength, and more." The fit continues with adjustments on a Size Cycle and then a "pedal stroke analysis" is done to find the best fit with cycling shoes and pedals. They move onto seat and handlebar adjustment and then perform a video analysis and once all of the measurements are taken into account, they can adjust your current bike or help you select a new stock bike and/or help you to build a custom bike.

    I really can't wait to set up the fitting appointment. I hope it works out and I'll post my results either way. Again, thanx to all who responded. I appreciate the good words and can't wait to get my first road bike.

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