I wasted $150 at a local bike store yesterday having a super duper Waterford trained specialist do a "frame fit".
I did not learn anything that I didnt allready know from doing the frame fit
calculators on the internet.
My favorite is
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
But there are many of them out there
http://zinncycles.com/fitsystems/default_ie.aspx
http://www.tiemeyercycles.com/fit.htm
http://www.cyclemetrics.com/Pages/Fi..._fit_links.htm
I have been out of cycling for awhile. I adjusted my old bike (pre 700c) until it was comfortable and within the recommended geometries for legs/arms etc.
My wife and I did the measuring for the calculators, I ran the numbers and interpreted the results.
I feel comfortable enough now to buy that Ti frame and Campy Gruppo/wheels and build it up.
(BTW I also rode my old bike and lost 15lbs while I was doing my research. Im now 204lbs, @ 6'2")
Do your home work, have confidence ! have fun ! and save yourself some money.
If this was beneficial....please feel free to help offset my loss ;)
rodrigaj
07-29-07, 09:53 AM
Bike fitting is usually something that is done if you are having problems, such as knees, neck and shoulder pain and so on... Or, if you are having a custom bike made for you (i.e...Waterford).
If you were riding for a month and you had no problems, you did not need a fitting.
OTH, you now have the confidence that your set up was correct. Worth $150? I have paid for two fittings - one was $90 and the other was $190. I would say $150 is reasonable.
Congratulations on your cycling success and weight loss!
zonatandem
07-29-07, 10:21 AM
For a $150 you got a second opinion . . .
George
07-29-07, 10:38 AM
I did just about what you did, but when I rode my bike, I felt worse than when I went for the fit. I thought at the time, maybe it will feel better after I ride it that way for a while. That's what I read anyhow, what I read was wrong. I kept playing with the saddle and my shoe clips I finally got it myself.
oilman_15106
07-29-07, 10:48 AM
For a $150 you got a second opinion . . .
and if you already knew all this stuff, why did you spend $150. What secret to fitting a bike were you going to discover?
RichinPeoria
07-29-07, 01:21 PM
When I went there, w/ measurements and geometries in hand, I was only interested in
a "sanity check". They offer a free "Quick Fit" and the they even went so far as to use the body measurements I had taken. I was very suprised when they asked for $150. With a shop full of people in a small town I wasnt going to risk them calling the cops if I didnt want to pay. Ill be calling them tomorrow and the CC company as well if I need to.
Yen
07-29-07, 01:25 PM
(BTW I also rode my old bike and lost 15lbs while I was doing my research. Im now 204lbs, @ 6'2")
That's great news!
I've been considering getting a fit, but I think I'm within the range tho' it's not perfect. I will just continue to get out there and move. My the time I am ready for the next bike, I should be lighter still.
Old School
07-29-07, 05:27 PM
When I went there, w/ measurements and geometries in hand, I was only interested in
a "sanity check". They offer a free "Quick Fit" and the they even went so far as to use the body measurements I had taken. I was very suprised when they asked for $150. With a shop full of people in a small town I wasnt going to risk them calling the cops if I didnt want to pay. Ill be calling them tomorrow and the CC company as well if I need to.
Sounds like a lot of money for the effort to use measurements you provided. I would have asked if there was a charge for this service first. Still, I think it is worth a call to the shop owner to see if some "adjustment" could be made.
rodrigaj
07-30-07, 07:28 AM
When I went there, w/ measurements and geometries in hand, I was only interested in
a "sanity check". They offer a free "Quick Fit" and the they even went so far as to use the body measurements I had taken. I was very suprised when they asked for $150. With a shop full of people in a small town I wasnt going to risk them calling the cops if I didnt want to pay. Ill be calling them tomorrow and the CC company as well if I need to.
Hmm...Did you get on your bike? Did they observe the dynamics of your pedaling technique? Did they observe you pedaling in different positions of the handlebars? Did they have you warm up first? Did they ask you your bicycling preferences? This process takes at least 90 minutes.
Fittings are far more than just checking measurements. As you have already stated there are online references for that for free.
Sounds like the store owner owes you a true fitting, some money back or at least a credit on future purchases.