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Discussion: Bike Fitting
Subject: Bike Fitting By: Mike S. Written on: 2006-04-25 17:36:02 Message: Ok I've heard so much about getting a bike fitted to you and every bike shop I go to here in the St. Louis area just basically asks me how tall I am and say ok this is the size you would need is that all there is two it? or what does a good bike shop do to fit you? Also Anyone from St. Louis/Southern Illinois area where is a good place to get a bike?
Subject: RE: Bike Fitting By: Curtis H. Written on: 2006-04-25 17:43:34 Message: Run away from that shop and find a real one.
Subject: RE: Bike Fitting By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-04-26 00:34:41 Message: A good shop will first find out what kind of bike you are looking for and ask how you intend to use it. Then present some options and,just like what you experienced, pick a bike that has the potential for being fitted to you. They should be able to set it up sufficiently well enough for you to test it on a trainer or outside. If you are going to buy it then they will spend a lot of time with you on the trainer adjusting the seat and handle bar heights and forward and back adjustments. They will measure the angle of your leg at your knee and watch you spin the pedals in the various positions. Some shops will have more advanced methods of fitting such as Bill D. mentioned under the heading F.I.S.T. If they did not explain their fitting procedure then they most likely don't know what they are doing. You definately need to find a shop that works with Triathletes or at least Time trial racers. I am sure that I missed some steps in there but at least it gives you the basic idea, Ron
Subject: RE: Bike Fitting By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-04-26 09:42:00 Message: MIke, if you were close to Orlando I would highly suggest you going to the NTC. For about $150 they will fit you for a bike, i.e. determine the best frame, seat tube, handlebar, crank arm length, etc... It is very nice as they determine your best bike position for generating power and then adjust from there and you end up with a set of dimensions for a bike. Outside of that I would follow Ron's suggestion and find a shop that can fit you. However, do your homework ahead of going to the shop. Go to a good website to get a target size frame ahead of time, like http://www.wrenchscience.com/WS1/Secure/Fitting/Height.asp. This will give you a general feeling of where you should be as far as frame, reach, etc...... Then with info in hand I would find which bike shop either Triathlete's or Road Cyclists go for fitting. If you have a brand of bike you are already interested then check with the manufacturer as to who the recommend in the area. A TRI bike fit is a little different than a road fit so make sure they can fit both. You want power and comfort on the new ride. Good luck
Subject: RE: Bike Fitting By: Jeffrey H. Written on: 2006-04-26 11:24:32 Message: I bought a new tri bike a couple of months ago but didn't have a chance to get it properly fitted. (Even posted a message here about my seat being very very sore after even moderately short rides.) I bought a new seat and adjusted the position until I felt ok, but never really felt comfortable. I went to Richardson Bike Mart last week and paid for a fitting ($75). They made some other adjustments such as replacing the stem ($30) to lift and shorten the bar distance. OMG! The difference it has made!! I know feel completely at home on the bike. Although I only have a few short rides in since the adjustments, I believe I'm also at least an average of 1 to 1.5 mph faster. My first long ride (at least long for me) will be this weekend, so it will be interesting to see how I feel afterwards. Given the time I hope to be spending on the bike, this was a well spent $105. BOTTOM LINE: GET YOUR BIKE PROPERLY FITTED for both comfort and injury prevention.
Subject: RE: Bike Fitting By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-04-26 16:50:29 Message: Glad you figured out the seat problem Jeffery
Subject: RE: Bike Fitting By: Glen N. Written on: 2006-04-26 17:56:26 Message: What kind of shop was that, crazy talk. I've been looking at a lot of bike and every brand i'm a different size on all of them. I wish it was as simple as I'm 6'6" tall and you walk out with the perfect size bike. I'm learning to look around a lot before I make the big purchase.
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