"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Requesting Racing Forum Opinions

There is a local facility that specializes in cycling/multi sport fitness development, fitness testing, coaching and off season training. The owner is a fantastic coach but a novice business owner. He has asked my opinion on his services and pricing but I do not have the knowledge that most of the posters in this forum do. That is why I forward the request into this forum.

His overall aspiration is to develop a sustainable business that provides services to a broad range of athletes not just elite athletes. He is self sustainable from a semi/pro consulting level but would like to attract more Cat 3,4,5 cyclist and fitness enthusiast. He truly enjoys the fitness culture and would like to attract a more broad based group.

You can get a look at his business here Incline Training (http://www.incline-training.com).

What I am looking for is opinions on his product offerings and pricing. Is he doing the right things or is he missing key elements. This forum, (in my opinion), is the target demographic. Any opinions/assistance you could offer would be appreciated.

If my request is inappropriate for this forum I apologize.

Well, to be honest, using the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine as comparison, being the only facility that I'm familiar with, Incline charges a lot more for the same services but their equpiment and personnel aren't as good.

BCSM charges $150 for a VO2max test compared to $300 at Incline. BCSM does its tests on an ergometer (I hope Incline doesn't use Computrainers for its testing--they're too inaccurate and don't have enough flywheel mass) and with a better metabolic cart.

BCSM charges $100 for a DEXA scan vs. $75 for Incline's skin fold test.

Etc.

My coach charges $250 for the Vo2 max test but if you are a client it's only $100.00. His pricing is tiered depending on level of service. The top tier includes workouts with him in the gym and the road. Unlike a place like CTS, he puts no limits on emails or phone calls at any level. His pricing has gone up since I started with him, when we started he was mostly a regional coach with a predominately Austin clientele. Now he has clients from across the country and throughout the state of Texas. Basically I think you have to look at what the competition is offering and at what price level then set your rates accordingly.

Did I read this correctly? 750$ a month for coaching (http://www.incline-training.com/plans_coaching.html)? :eek:

EDR, is that similar to what you're paying your coach?

Well, to be honest, using the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine as comparison, being the only facility that I'm familiar with, Incline charges a lot more for the same services but their equpiment and personnel aren't as good.

BCSM charges $150 for a VO2max test compared to $300 at Incline. BCSM does its tests on an ergometer (I hope Incline doesn't use Computrainers for its testing--they're too inaccurate and don't have enough flywheel mass) and with a better metabolic cart.

BCSM charges $100 for a DEXA scan vs. $75 for Incline's skin fold test.

Etc.

Additionally, BCSM is directed by a world renowned and respected professional (Andy Pruitt). Furthermore, if you are seeking their services (like a bike fit) as a result of a medical problem, your insurance will probably cover the cost (mine did when I got a bike fit/physical therapy to remedy knee pain).

Here's a guy local to me doing probably similar. He is a one man shop, but his prices are very reasonable IMO. I'm not even a racer and I am considering using him just to get my fitness up (to where maybe I may try racing)

In my opinion, $750/mo is not going to attract many, if any recreational racers.

http://www.midmarylandcoaching.com/

-D

Did I read this correctly? 750$ a month for coaching (http://www.incline-training.com/plans_coaching.html)? :eek:

EDR, is that similar to what you're paying your coach?

Not even close! I won't say publicly how much he charges because I get a deal based upon the fact that I was an early client. Even his top tier coaching is well under 250 per month and includes gym and road workouts with him. At 750 bucks per this guy better guarantee my Pro1/2 status in the first year!

Not even close! I won't say publicly how much he charges because I get a deal based upon the fact that I was an early client. Even his top tier coaching is well under 250 per month and includes gym and road workouts with him. At 750 bucks per this guy better guarantee my Pro1/2 status in the first year!

at 750 bucks a month i'd want a daily massage by Liz Hatch.

I will coach any of you for $599 per month.

I will coach any of you for $59.99 per month.

Here's a guy local to me doing probably similar. He is a one man shop, but his prices are very reasonable IMO. I'm not even a racer and I am considering using him just to get my fitness up (to where maybe I may try racing)

In my opinion, $750/mo is not going to attract many, if any recreational racers.

http://www.midmarylandcoaching.com/

-D

Mike at Mid MD coaching has been a team mate of mine since I started racing, I highly recommend him.

Incline training pricing seems to be skewed very high.

e.g. cycling profile - my coach (in WDC area, so a high cost of living area) does same thing for $100 - $150

coaching - I pay mine $150/mo. with no restrictions whatsoever on communication

This is the feedback I am looking for...Keep it coming. My first impression was that his price points were on the high side but I am not aware of the market rate.

at 750 bucks a month i'd want a daily massage by Liz Hatch.
http://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/images/smiles/Smiley_adoring.gifLiz Hatchhttp://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/images/smiles/Smiley_adoring.gif

Botto, have you been sneeking off to Nor-Cal?

at 750 bucks a month i'd want a daily massage by Liz Hatch.

Is that an option? If so, sign me up ;)

--Steve

Incline seems to have two coaching tiers including one that is $700/4 months. That pricing is more competitive but I still find the setup fee for both tiers a bit high.

Also, the "service plans" for powermeters and Computrainers are also somewhat baffling. It doesn't seem like tacking more expense onto those items is really that appealing.

You can find the prices and services that the UF Sports Institute offers here:

http://www.ufsportsperformance.com/cycling.shtml

They also do coaching for $120 a month which includes 4 computrainer sessions each month.

Thanks all! I will have to google Liz Hatch but other than that you have all been a great help!

I have a meeting with them tomorrow to hopefully assist them with a business plan. I will DEFINITELY bring up the price point concerns.

This is the feedback I am looking for...Keep it coming. My first impression was that his price points were on the high side but I am not aware of the market rate.
His business model seems to be directed at those who can afford a personal trainer/coach. He will probably find clients but they will be fewer in number. This will allow him to spend more time with each client and he can avoid working with the riff-raff that populates this forum:D (note the smiley, please).

If, however, he wants a broader client base he needs to adjust his pricing. It doesn't need to be in line with something in another part of the country but it needs to be in line with similar services in his region.

I'd say some market research is in order.

Liz Hatch - Nor-cal cat 2(I think) racer for vanderkitten
http://vanderkitten.com/definitive_kitten.jpg

Liz Hatch - Nor-cal cat 2(I think) racer for vanderkitten
http://vanderkitten.com/definitive_kitten.jpg

She looks like my oldest daughter!:eek: I pass on the back rub!

So, uh... Greg...

Wait a second, didn't you say somewhere you're ~43 YO?

Please tell me you had children young... like at 18.

So, uh... Greg...

http://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/images/smiles/Smiley_devilLoL.gif

Wait a second, didn't you say somewhere you're ~43 YO?

Please tell me you had children young... like at 18.


Actually I'm 46 and my oldest is 24.

Woo Hoo!

... I can't believe you invited Cypress to your state, though.