General Cycling Discussion - Deliverable on a fitting

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Raedeke
06-03-03, 10:02 PM
What can I expect as the deliverable from a good fitting.
Do I walk away with a bunch of numbers that I can use to size up any bike that I'm interested in, or is it limited to a bike I bring in the shop.

And if I get numbers, can I simply adjust my bike to those numbers and be assured that that is the best fit for me, or is there still some give and take when it comes to individual bikes due to geometry and manufacturing...

Lastly, what should I expect to pay for a good fitting...
OK one more - how do I know it's a good fitting...

Lots of questions from a born again biker...

Can I get an amen??

Rev.Chuck
06-03-03, 10:12 PM
You will get a set of numbers giving toptube length+stem length, handle bar width, crank length, maybe standover altho toptube is more important, seat height, seat postion. You might not get all these, depends on the fitter.
There is give and take, the numbers are not carved in stone.
You will pay anywhere from $30 to $250
dexmax
06-03-03, 10:17 PM
fitting.... hmmm...

There are lots of guys who can fit you (they use lots of gadgets to do this) with years of experinece.

I have not tried using this devices yet, but here's what i learned..

Find a bike that really fits you well(the one that you are comfortable of riding at your own pace). Use that bike as a benchmark for your choices..

Measure the Toptube, Seattube, Stays, Wheelbase, stem, etc....

Also measure the "reach" (saddle - center of handlebar --- i think this should take care of the seattube and headtube angle issues) and standover height.

Just bring a steel tape when you shop for a new bike/frame and measure..
Please take note that 54cm size from one manufacturer might not be exactly the same on another. So let this be your guide(It is mine BTW).

:D

MichaelW
06-04-03, 04:07 AM
Bike frames are available in different angles, and angles are impossible to measure, so when comparing or measuring up bikes, I use offsets in [x,y] from the bottom bracket.
If your mark the BB position on the top tube, then measure back to the saddle, the exact seat-tube angle is not needed.

Sometimes experienced fitters may suggest a change to your riding position. Even top pro riders can have their positions modified. This is probably the most significant "deliverable"