Southern California - Step 3: Pro Fit?

Hi BikeForums folks,

I'm new to the forums, and to southern California, but not to cycling. I've been riding road bikes since I was 18, and I'm nearly 27 now. I just got a Look 585 before moving out here, and it's a lot nicer than the bikes I've had before, but I've been having knee pain my LBS back east wasn't able to take care of in the two fittings I've had on it.

I've been looking into Retul and the BG motion capture fit technologies, and those look interesting. Has anyone here had a fitting where the bike fitter used one of those, or some other motion capture system I don't know about? If so, is anyone doing those fits around here, and how did you like the results? I'm willing to drive up to an hour and a half on my day off to do a fitting, and I live in downtown LA.

Before you go spending money on fittings that may or may not resolve your knee problem, I would try experimenting with it yourself. Pay attention when you ride to how you pedal and what your tendencies are. Some people find using pedals with more float helps, others don't.

Personally, I find I have knee pain I'm not pedaling cleanly (knee moving side to side, foot rotating). I take a little time to practice the pedaling form, and the pain goes away.

I haven't tried the retul system although there is a shop down in here San Diego that 'specializes' in the process (Cadence I believe). I too had knee issues - ITB to be specific - and went to several fitters who couldn't figure out what to do. Eventually I solved it by reading alot of the advice that's presented on the cyclingnews.com website under the fitness area - look for Steve Hogg. The problem with the fitters I've used in the past is that they all of them have a 'system' so to speak (ie knee over the spindle, maximum drop between the saddle and handlebar, top of the handlebar covering the front hub) all crap. Go thru the cyclingnews archives first and if that doesn't work, make sure you ask alot of questions of the fitter as to their methodology. A fitter should not be rigid and should fit the bike to the cyclist for their intended purpose.

FYI, I've heard of some horror stories with fitters with the retul system - a bad fitter is just that BAD despite technology.

Ian in SD

king's in seal beach has one of those serotta fit bikes that they can change to mimic any geometry of any bike. i hear it's pretty sweet.

king's in seal beach has one of those serotta fit bikes that they can change to mimic any geometry of any bike. i hear it's pretty sweet.

King's did my fitting (on my own bike, not using their Serotta bike) and it was easily the best $100 I've spent on cycling yet. It ended up costing me a bit more due to changing out a saddle and stem, but again it was well worth it.

http://www.kingsbikestore.com/fitting.html

how about a doctor first ?

king's in seal beach has one of those serotta fit bikes that they can change to mimic any geometry of any bike. i hear it's pretty sweet.

I wonder why they didn't use it when they fitted me? They sold me a new seat post, handlebars, stem and tape, then I undid most of their adjustments after giving it a couple of weeks trial. I don't mean to trash them, it's just that it's a gamble when you pay your money and sometimes you don't get the hoped-for results. Also, my bike was a little big for me when I came to them. No miracles were worked. Gary

how about a doctor first ?

If the OP is experiencing pain off the bike then I agree that he should see a doctor. If the pain only occurs on the bike the 99.9% of doctors won't have any idea what to do.


king's in seal beach has one of those serotta fit bikes that they can change to mimic any geometry of any bike. i hear it's pretty sweet.


I wonder why they didn't use it when they fitted me? They sold me a new seat post, handlebars, stem and tape, then I undid most of their adjustments after giving it a couple of weeks trial. I don't mean to trash them, it's just that it's a gamble when you pay your money and sometimes you don't get the hoped-for results. Also, my bike was a little big for me when I came to them. No miracles were worked. Gary

The Serrota Fit Cycle is primarily for determining the geometry for a custom frame. The best way to do a fitting if you own a bike is on that bike. As you noted, if the bike is too big or too small, a fitting won't help a lot.

I bought a custom Serotta from Kings and it fits very well. :)

If the OP is experiencing pain off the bike then I agree that he should see a doctor. If the pain only occurs on the bike the 99.9% of doctors won't have any idea what to do.

My 2 cents...

I'd still suggest seeing a doctor first (disclaimer - I'm a sports doc), regardless if the pain is just related to biking or occurs at other times because its important to know what is the cause of the knee pain. It may be completely unrelated to the bike fit or positioning. I see plenty of cyclists and triathletes that have knee pain mainly due to iliotibial band issues that improve quickly with focused physical therapy and strengthening of the glutes.

-Doc John in San Diego, CA

If the OP is experiencing pain off the bike then I agree that he should see a doctor. If the pain only occurs on the bike the 99.9% of doctors won't have any idea what to do.

True that. When I reported knee pain to my hardcore cyclist doctor, he referred me to a bike fitter. :lol:

Another satisfied King's customer here. Whey I purchased my bike last year, it was explained to me by Derek that I would be fitted.... almost as though I did not have a choice. It was no additional cost and included with my Bike purchase. I appreciated the service I received when laying down the $$$ for my first "Nice" bike.

The fitting wasn't perfect, but the hour spent with me to have the bike fit "Closely" was appreciated and beyond expectations.