Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - 25 minutes until bike fit

I looking forward to having a professional fit for the first (and likely only) time. Should be interesting, the guy doing it is trained through Specialized. Not many of my fellow riders have done one so I don't know what to expect. Should be fun regardless.

I'll get to try the new fit out for a 1 hour ride afterward.

I'm starting that 10 week century ride training program from this months Bicycling issue. I figured that would be a good way to jump start things rie wise.

Getting a new bike or just getting fit so you know how to set up the bike you have?

Getting a new bike or just getting fit so you know how to set up the bike you have?

I built up a new bike about 6 weeks ago, this is the fit for that bike.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mcTwcdpez38/SdVjP_h7pyI/AAAAAAAAHhM/fJgIhK3fxaE/s800/P4020189.JPG

I switched out the seat to a white Alias 143. But other wise this is the bike

I suggest doing some stretches or going for a short ride before the fitting. Getting fitted while all tense doesn't help.

I had my wife fitted a couple of weeks ago from a guy that had been trained from Specialized (as well as 2 other types) . She complained that her neck would hurt after a hour of riding. Anyway, I though that the was down to low on her bike. She is riding my old bike, a Davidson Stiletto which is a steel bike. It had a -10 degree quill stem on it. Anyway, he replaced her stem and I got her new carbon bars. She had her cleats adjusted and put shims in her shoes. All in all he spend a few hours with her. I ended up spending $500 on the fitting, new stem, bars, cloths, new shoes, foot beds for the shoes with shims and some new cloths for her. It was the best money that I spent. A few day later we rode 40 miles for the Daffodil ride in Sumner, Washington and she had no pain what so ever, except for being tired.

He did a fit for me as well after hours because I had spend so much. I had my seat raised a little, moved forward a little and my cleats adjusted. I did not have any real complaints except that it was not that comfortable to be in the hoods or the drops. I thought that this was due to my big belly and that it has been a few years since I rode. Let me say that it felt good. I have even gone up a hill with a 12% grade for about a mile and my knees did not hurt. In the past, my knees would hurt.

I was fitted on my bike about 4 years ago when I was riding more and not much has changed since then except that I am way heavier than I was before. I was surprised that I had my seat moved up and forward. I did change seats this year but I measured the height to the floor and the length to the stem so it was the same.

For me, I think that I should get fitted to my bike every few years because I guess that my body changes as I go along.

Fit part 1 is done -

Adjustments so far:

moved seat post up a good 2 inches

moved seat back 1/2 inch

Raised stem from 0 degrees to 24 degrees (I will ultimately need a new fork with more steering tube on it)

Moved cleats back and out - I have to change the shims under the cleats tonight (speedplay)

new inserts in shoes with 2 shims in right foot and 1 shim in left foot

I'll pick up the bike tomorrow and ride it for a week and then come back for Part 2 of the fit - so far 3.25 hours involved and the difference in form is amazing on the bike.

We're going to work more on the cleat position, seat position and bars in part 2 of the fit.

Im the meantime, my home work is to do exercises to strengthen core ad try ad increas flexibility in my lower back and left side.

Sounds pretty thorough if they specify you have to do core exercises to strengthen your left side.

Sounds pretty thorough if they specify you have to do core exercises to strengthen your left side.

There was a 30 minute survey/exam of my flexibility, alignment, etc. even before we got on the bike. From that, we were able to determine that I was more flexible on the right side than the left. After getting the seat post and seat position dialed in (another 30-45 minutes), it became clear, that if I wanted to be able to get into a more stretched out position it would be key to strengthen my core so that less of my weight would be supported by my arms. I was having to lock out my arms to support myself on the arms.

Wow, both of those bike fit services sounds excellent!
I asked about how to check the fitting at my local bike store, the guy peered over the counter and said, "that looks about right, maybe you could use a smaller frame".

Do you know where to find information on what exercises to do to increase core strength?

I kept hearing folks recommending bike fittings, so I scheduled one myself with a highly recommended local shop. I paid $275 for the fitting and another $200 for a saddle, and went back for a follow up adjustment (free).

The end result? After 20 miles my **** still gets numb, my hands still ache and my back still hurts. The shop put me in a much more aggressive posture and recommended core strengthening exercises.

Y'know what? Last year on my "upright" hybrid I could ride all day with minimal discomfort. I bought a road bike and now I can't do half a century without crippling pain.

There are a lot of individual exercises which will work that group, but given that you also need to work on your flexibility you might consider a pilates (yuck!) or yoga routine designed for it. I do Rodney Yee's Power Yoga routine: Yoga for the Core... it seriously kicks my butt, but I can definitely feel it and I get less tension and tightness the next day than when I just do exercises such as crunches and pushups.. it works more of the core muscles than a lot of other exercises will by themselves and I'm less likely to miss a specific group. I do yoga everyday and always a different routine so my exercise is pretty well balanced regardless.

I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions on here, but if you want more try googling "core building exercises"

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/abdominalcorestrength1/a/NewCore.htm

Last year on my "upright" hybrid I could ride all day with minimal discomfort. I bought a road bike and now I can't do half a century without crippling pain.

That's a very steep price for a fitting (in my opinion). But, on a hybrid will have you in an easier position to maintain if you aren't suitably fit. Might not be comfortable.

This isn't necessarily true in your case:

1) You may need more saddle time. Even a perfectly fitted bike will hurt after a while if you don't ride much. If you were ok on a hybrid, took the winter off, and are now suffering from your road bike it may be the bike, the fit, or just you taking the winter off.

2) In my experience, high end shops fit for racing. This position is aggressive, and too much for really long rides (look at the difference in position between a time trial/crit rider and a brevet rider for an extreme example). If you're going slow and far, you may need a more relaxed position than they fit you for.

3) An aggressive position requires more back and core strength. If you don't have enough, it's going to hurt. You should go for a more upright fit until you're stronger. Even something as simple as adding a few spacers below the stem can help (or hurt, talk to the fitters).

3) Maybe the shop isn't very good.

2" on the seat post? wow. best of luck with the rest of the fitting. yeah hope it goes well!

Oh fantastic looking bike btw:)

I am not sure that jackng your seat up 2 inches at once is a good idea. typically that would be two or three raises over a couple of weeks. that is a huge! change on the seat. hopefully you will survive it. :-)

yeah the backs of your knees might have a little soreness with a change that drastic.

I have a fitting recently, it was free done by my brother-in-law. It was for a bike that i used when I was there. The fit was fantastic and he didn't even have me on a bike. He took measurements and set up the bike. We went for a 4 mile ride and he said i should raise the seat a couple MM and the next day we did 75 miles with 4500 ft of climbing. The fit was superb and the fact that I wasn't even on a bike was amazing.

Do you know where to find information on what exercises to do to increase core strength?

Here is one article from Roadcycling.com (http://www.roadcycling.com/training/timetrialstrength.shtml) Its talking about time trialing but the basic exercises are mentioned.

There are several similar articles on Bicycling.com as well here is a quick search (http://search.bicycling.com/vignette/bic/search.jsp?q=core+strength&x=0&y=0)

That's a very steep price for a fitting (in my opinion). But, on a hybrid will have you in an easier position to maintain if you aren't suitably fit. Might not be comfortable.

This isn't necessarily true in your case:

1) You may need more saddle time. Even a perfectly fitted bike will hurt after a while if you don't ride much. If you were ok on a hybrid, took the winter off, and are now suffering from your road bike it may be the bike, the fit, or just you taking the winter off.

2) In my experience, high end shops fit for racing. This position is aggressive, and too much for really long rides (look at the difference in position between a time trial/crit rider and a brevet rider for an extreme example). If you're going slow and far, you may need a more relaxed position than they fit you for.

3) An aggressive position requires more back and core strength. If you don't have enough, it's going to hurt. You should go for a more upright fit until you're stronger. Even something as simple as adding a few spacers below the stem can help (or hurt, talk to the fitters).

3) Maybe the shop isn't very good.


Based on the price given for the fitting, I think it's the same folks who fit me for free last year. No doubt they are good at making racers of everyone, but that's all they do. I should have pedaled away after I was told it's impossible to fit a bike to a rider unless you use a clipless system.

Do you know where to find information on what exercises to do to increase core strength?

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=25624168

"There is no core. The body is one piece. Train it that way." -- Mark Twight of Gym Jones

Based on the price given for the fitting, I think it's the same folks who fit me for free last year. No doubt they are good at making racers of everyone, but that's all they do. I should have pedaled away after I was told it's impossible to fit a bike to a rider unless you use a clipless system.

I'm always saddened by stories of poor quality service... be it bike shop employees, contruction contractors, or doctors.

Granted it was years ago that I looked and asked around for a long time before choosing a shop a good hour+ drive away. Best $110 I've spent on cycling.

That's a very steep price for a fitting (in my opinion). But, on a hybrid will have you in an easier position to maintain if you aren't suitably fit. Might not be comfortable.

This isn't necessarily true in your case:

1) You may need more saddle time. Even a perfectly fitted bike will hurt after a while if you don't ride much. If you were ok on a hybrid, took the winter off, and are now suffering from your road bike it may be the bike, the fit, or just you taking the winter off.

2) In my experience, high end shops fit for racing. This position is aggressive, and too much for really long rides (look at the difference in position between a time trial/crit rider and a brevet rider for an extreme example). If you're going slow and far, you may need a more relaxed position than they fit you for.

3) An aggressive position requires more back and core strength. If you don't have enough, it's going to hurt. You should go for a more upright fit until you're stronger. Even something as simple as adding a few spacers below the stem can help (or hurt, talk to the fitters).

3) Maybe the shop isn't very good.

Why is it when someone on this forum mentions hybrid or comfort bike its automatic that poster doesn't know squat about biking and only rides a half a mile a day to the ice cream stand?

Why is it if the poster is a road racer, they are automativly the fittest person on the planet and the hybrid poster some pot belly slob who gets more exercise using the remote than their bike?

Jerry

I kept hearing folks recommending bike fittings, so I scheduled one myself with a highly recommended local shop. I paid $275 for the fitting and another $200 for a saddle, and went back for a follow up adjustment (free).

The end result? After 20 miles my **** still gets numb, my hands still ache and my back still hurts. The shop put me in a much more aggressive posture and recommended core strengthening exercises.

Y'know what? Last year on my "upright" hybrid I could ride all day with minimal discomfort. I bought a road bike and now I can't do half a century without crippling pain.

Come to the dark side (http://www.challenge-recumbents.com/publichtml/index.php?language=en&selection=superlights-fujinsl2-en)...:lol:

But seriously - you spend hundreds or thousands on a bike, and then you have to spend several more hundred on bike fits by people of dubious skill to be able to ride it in comfort? When did "pro" fitting become such a fad for recreational cycling? Surely somehow the masses managed for the 1st hundred years of the upright bicycle without laser guided seatpost adjustment. Which leads to the real question: where could one find guidelines to adjust one's own bike for comfort without spending $hundreds?

Good question, Jerry!

I'm 63 years old, and I ride my hybrid 30-40 miles almost every day, plus use it to run errands, which, occasionally, can add up to another 20 miles. Usually, close to 1,000 miles a month. A lot of those carrying loads of groceries, etc.

I'm willing to bet that many "roadies" don't come close to that mileage.

Could I be in better shape? Yep, probably. But I'm getting better, and, I'm in better shape than I was at 40, and, my bad knee and back thank me every day!

I got fit at a lbs and I think it was worth it. I won't be racing, but I will be riding at steady paces and watching cadence etc.
The guy that I worked with tested my flexibility and knew right off the bat that an aggressive position was no good for a guy with tight hamstrings. We moved the position up and spent about an hour together. The fitting was part of the price on the bike, not an extra service.
I bought a caad 95 for 1299, he could have knocked 20 percent off w/o the fitting and w/o 4 years of tune ups included in their service, but I thought it was a fair deal the way they did business.

Come to the dark side (http://www.challenge-recumbents.com/publichtml/index.php?language=en&selection=superlights-fujinsl2-en)...:lol:

But seriously - you spend hundreds or thousands on a bike, and then you have to spend several more hundred on bike fits by people of dubious skill to be able to ride it in comfort? When did "pro" fitting become such a fad for recreational cycling? Surely somehow the masses managed for the 1st hundred years of the upright bicycle without laser guided seatpost adjustment. Which leads to the real question: where could one find guidelines to adjust one's own bike for comfort without spending $hundreds?

I'm increasingly of the opinion that Grant Peterson of Rivendell Bicycle Works is right about everything. Well, almost everything - Lycra and multiple gears seem decided improvements. But so much of his retro-grouchery rings true - that clipless is oversold, that most bike fitting is done incorrectly, that most bike designs are impractical, and that America's fascination with bike racing is the culprit.

Based on the price given for the fitting, I think it's the same folks who fit me for free last year. No doubt they are good at making racers of everyone, but that's all they do. I should have pedaled away after I was told it's impossible to fit a bike to a rider unless you use a clipless system.

Yes, it's a very race oriented shop, and they insisted that I would be more comfortable in a more aggressive riding position.


Why is it when someone on this forum mentions hybrid or comfort bike its automatic that poster doesn't know squat about biking and only rides a half a mile a day to the ice cream stand?

Why is it if the poster is a road racer, they are automativly the fittest person on the planet and the hybrid poster some pot belly slob who gets more exercise using the remote than their bike?

Jerry

Perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post. I paid for a fitting for a road bike that I had purchased last fall. The reference to hybrid was that before buying the road bike I rode a hybrid that was moderately comfortable all day long. The road bike, which I bought with the specific intent of using for long rides has never been as comfortable as the hybrid; which is why I wanted the fitting in the first place.

BTW - I cop to being a pot belly slob, but the closest Dairy Queen is about 4 miles away. ;)



But seriously - you spend hundreds or thousands on a bike, and then you have to spend several more hundred on bike fits by people of dubious skill to be able to ride it in comfort? When did "pro" fitting become such a fad for recreational cycling? Surely somehow the masses managed for the 1st hundred years of the upright bicycle without laser guided seatpost adjustment.

I think this is the point I was trying to make in my original post. I feel that I wasted a third of the price of a new bike and I'm no more comfortable now than I was after a twenty minute fitting by the salesman when I bought the bike.

Not to denigrate or belittle anyone for getting a pro-fitting, it just hasn't worked for me.



Which leads to the real question: where could one find guidelines to adjust one's own bike for comfort without spending $hundreds?

I'm going to start with the Peter White (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm) method and take it from there. I have purchased a Ritchie adjustable stem and I'm going to start by raising the handlebars to the level of my saddle...after a few weeks, if I want them higher than that, I'll raise them and the hell with what the pro fitters say. If I'm not comfortable on the bike, I'm not going to ride it.

I'm increasingly of the opinion that Grant Peterson of Rivendell Bicycle Works is right about everything. Well, almost everything - Lycra and multiple gears seem decided improvements. But so much of his retro-grouchery rings true - that clipless is oversold, that most bike fitting is done incorrectly, that most bike designs are impractical, and that America's fascination with bike racing is the culprit.

There's no doubt that a large portion of the bicycling industry is driven by fads and fashion, and not by practicality or usefulness. I think it's because the majority opinion of the bicycle is that they're toys, or sporting goods, and nothing more. There's nothing wrong with that (and when I get around to buying a unicycle it will be just for fun) but I've seen a lot of bike shops whose young, road-racing employees don't seem to appreciate that their customers might have different interests from theirs. My two favorite LBS's (the famous Harris Cyclery in Newton, MA and Spoke N Wheel in Waltham, MA) have very dedicated employees who can actually sell people bikes that fit the customer's needs...

Perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post. I paid for a fitting for a road bike that I had purchased last fall. The reference to hybrid was that before buying the road bike I rode a hybrid that was moderately comfortable all day long. The road bike, which I bought with the specific intent of using for long rides has never been as comfortable as the hybrid; which is why I wanted the fitting in the first place.

BTW - I cop to being a pot belly slob, but the closest Dairy Queen is about 4 miles away. ;)

I thought you was right on in your OP. I was responding to the poster who replied in a way that folks with regular bikes are mere.....well not really smart enough to either get it or fix it.

BTW-I'm only 3/4 of a mile from the DQ! And I find I can eat my Blizzard and ride my hybrid better in an upright position! I'm limited to malts or sodas on the OCR! :roflmao2:

Jerry

Why is it when someone on this forum mentions hybrid or comfort bike its automatic that poster doesn't know squat about biking and only rides a half a mile a day to the ice cream stand?

Why is it if the poster is a road racer, they are automativly the fittest person on the planet and the hybrid poster some pot belly slob who gets more exercise using the remote than their bike?

Jerry

I think you are over-reacting a little bit.

There's no doubt that a large portion of the bicycling industry is driven by fads and fashion, and not by practicality or usefulness. I think it's because the majority opinion of the bicycle is that they're toys, or sporting goods, and nothing more. There's nothing wrong with that (and when I get around to buying a unicycle it will be just for fun) but I've seen a lot of bike shops whose young, road-racing employees don't seem to appreciate that their customers might have different interests from theirs. My two favorite LBS's (the famous Harris Cyclery in Newton, MA and Spoke N Wheel in Waltham, MA) have very dedicated employees who can actually sell people bikes that fit the customer's needs...

I have the same problem, and solution, here. I have two bike shops nearby who cater to roadies, and one multi-purpose shop further away. Guess which one gets my dollars?

I think you are over-reacting a little bit.

That is the point Neil.

It seems that the advancement to the holy grail in biking is the drop bar road bike. You start off on a hybrid and you either advance or forced into the Rec and Fam board.

I drank that Kool-Aid. My OCR2 is a hell of a machine. Its fast and sexy. But it hurts to ride it. So much that I had to go to the doctor. Is three hours of fitting and a few hundred dollars going to fix it? I don't think I'm going to find out. I'm taking my cow to town to sell it, screw the magic beans!

I like the upright riding position. Its a personal thing, and it doen't take a few hundred dollars to fix a bike to me!

Jerry

That is the point Neil.

It seems that the advancement to the holy grail in biking is the drop bar road bike. You start off on a hybrid and you either advance or forced into the Rec and Fam board.

I drank that Kool-Aid. My OCR2 is a hell of a machine. Its fast and sexy. But it hurts to ride it. So much that I had to go to the doctor. Is three hours of fitting and a few hundred dollars going to fix it? I don't think I'm going to find out. I'm taking my cow to town to sell it, screw the magic beans!

I like the upright riding position. Its a personal thing, and it doen't take a few hundred dollars to fix a bike to me!

Jerry

Jerry, I don't find ANY bike comfortable. So I guess I'm used to having to make all sorts of changes to get the bike where I need it to be. Don't get rid of a good bike before considering raising the stem, getting pedal extenders, replacing the saddle, etc.

BTW, I ride a hybrid long distances, and I've put in over 5000 miles in two years. Anyone who thinks less of my riding because I don't have drop bars or clipless is the fellow with the problem, not me. You might want to consider adopting the same attitude. :thumb:

Jerry, I don't find ANY bike comfortable.Sorry to here that. I know its b/c of medical reasons. But for me, I've been on some very comfortable bikes. So I guess I'm used to having to make all sorts of changes to get the bike where I need it to be. Don't get rid of a good bike before considering raising the stem, getting pedal extenders, replacing the saddle, etc. I've check into it. Its 30% of the price of the bike. That's a money pit in my book.

BTW, I ride a hybrid long distances, and I've put in over 5000 miles in two years. Anyone who thinks less of my riding because I don't have drop bars or clipless is the fellow with the problem, not me. You might want to consider adopting the same attitude. :thumb:I won't. If have a different view on things, I can respect others as well. But if they are stupid enough to quote me or ask me a question, then I'm stupid enough to respond. Sorry Neil, but I don't want to be saved.

Jerry

Yes, it's a very race oriented shop, and they insisted that I would be more comfortable in a more aggressive riding position.



Perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post. I paid for a fitting for a road bike that I had purchased last fall. The reference to hybrid was that before buying the road bike I rode a hybrid that was moderately comfortable all day long. The road bike, which I bought with the specific intent of using for long rides has never been as comfortable as the hybrid; which is why I wanted the fitting in the first place.

BTW - I cop to being a pot belly slob, but the closest Dairy Queen is about 4 miles away. ;)



I think this is the point I was trying to make in my original post. I feel that I wasted a third of the price of a new bike and I'm no more comfortable now than I was after a twenty minute fitting by the salesman when I bought the bike.

Not to denigrate or belittle anyone for getting a pro-fitting, it just hasn't worked for me.



I'm going to start with the Peter White (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm) method and take it from there. I have purchased a Ritchie adjustable stem and I'm going to start by raising the handlebars to the level of my saddle...after a few weeks, if I want them higher than that, I'll raise them and the hell with what the pro fitters say. If I'm not comfortable on the bike, I'm not going to ride it.

You may have been fitted by the wrong shop, or the fitter didn't understand how to fit a touring bike. This isn't that uncommon.

Racing fit and touring fit are vastly different, this is something the fitter must be knowledgeable about. If the fitter only ever sees racers, they may not know how to fit a touring rider, the key being a racer doesn't mind discomfort if it means a faster time, a touring rider doesn't mean a slower time if the ride is comfortable. This makes the two types of riders mutually exclusive to some degree.

I agree with you, Wog. And part of it is my own fault: I told the fitter that I wanted to ride distance, but when he lowered the stem and said "try this", it was actually more comfortable...for the time that I was on the trainer in the shop. It's really only after an hour or so that I get the real pain.

It was the same when I bought the bike. the salesman said "You don't want to sit any more upright than that" and being a novice I shrugged and said "OK - you're the pro."

BTW - I don't think that my discomfort is totally a lack of conditioning...I spent three or four nights a week on the trainer with Coach Troy this winter. If anything, I'm a stronger rider than I was at this time last year (although I admit that I haven't done any of my core exercises or yoga since late October).

The problem with a lot of newbies on new, pro-fitted road bikes, is that they try to be instant pro cyclists. Give yourself a chance. Start easy and build up gradually. Don't start out going too far, too hard, and with tough hills to climb. This way, you can probably still be riding that bike in the same riding position when you're 75 years old.

If you read about all the superhuman exploits on here, take them with a grain of salt.

The problem with a lot of newbies on new, pro-fitted road bikes, is that they try to be instant pro cyclists. Give yourself a chance. Start easy and build up gradually. Don't start out going too far, too hard, and with tough hills to climb. This way, you can probably still be riding that bike in the same riding position when you're 75 years old.

If you read about all the superhuman exploits on here, take them with a grain of salt.

Good advice, except that:
1) As a 53 year old clyde I have no delusions of emulating a pro cyclist, instantly or otherwise - hence my desire to ride allure libre;
2) I could (and did) ride several centuries last summer on my hybrid, so I know what kind of training, effort, hydration and nutrition are required to ride all day long;
3) I spent all winter with the thing on the trainer, both before and after the fitting;
4) As the weather has improved (an excrutiatingly slow process this spring around here) I have slowly worked my way from a 12 mile loop around my neighborhood to a 20 mile "out and back" on a virtually flat rail/trail. I then increased my mileage to 30, 35 then 40 miles on the trail, but I've reached a point where I simply have to stop because I have pain (not numbness, pain) in my groin, in my hands, and in my low back.

I actually am trying to give this drop bar bike every chance to work, and I'm not ready to give up on it entirely but jeeez, man...I can't stand it...and I've got a pretty good pain threshold.

I agree with you, Wog. And part of it is my own fault: I told the fitter that I wanted to ride distance, but when he lowered the stem and said "try this", it was actually more comfortable...for the time that I was on the trainer in the shop. It's really only after an hour or so that I get the real pain.

It was the same when I bought the bike. the salesman said "You don't want to sit any more upright than that" and being a novice I shrugged and said "OK - you're the pro."

BTW - I don't think that my discomfort is totally a lack of conditioning...I spent three or four nights a week on the trainer with Coach Troy this winter. If anything, I'm a stronger rider than I was at this time last year (although I admit that I haven't done any of my core exercises or yoga since late October).

I find it funny, that fitters and bike salesmen, will immediately cut the stem as short as possible, as we all know, only racers ride bikes. I think it's part of that ideology that the bicycle is a toy, and drop bars mean racing toy. It''s the only real problem in bike design, the saddle has about 30cm of adjustment, the bars have none, yet when you raise the saddle (for better leg reach) you often need to raise the bars as well.

The only fix now, with a threadless stem is a stem extender (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175545_-1_23500_10000_23502), you want the extender and spacers, so that you put the bars as high as possible, then gradually lower them as you get more used to the position.

You may have been fitted by the wrong shop, or the fitter didn't understand how to fit a touring bike. This isn't that uncommon.

Racing fit and touring fit are vastly different, this is something the fitter must be knowledgeable about. If the fitter only ever sees racers, they may not know how to fit a touring rider, the key being a racer doesn't mind discomfort if it means a faster time, a touring rider doesn't mean a slower time if the ride is comfortable. This makes the two types of riders mutually exclusive to some degree.

The way I new I wasn't wasting my money was in the first minute of the fit -

Fitter: "What is it you want to get out of this fit?"

Me:"I want to be comfortable riding long distances and still be able to hammer with Eric and the guys. Plus I don't want to lose any of the fun I get from high speed desending. Oh yeah, I do a bit of climbing and love it."

Fitter: " SO we're going to get you into a position that takes the pressure of your hands and makes you comfortable regardless of how hard your riding ok?"

Fitter: You do realize its going to be more upright than you started right?

At that point I relaxed and new I wasn't goign to be disappointed.

BTW, Historian - the fitter is Hutch from Trail Connections

Wogster, is there a reason that you recommend a stem extender instead of a stem with a taller angle? I just purchased a Ritchey Adjustable. (http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=108209&cat=46&brand=206) I also have a 115* 100mm Salsa S.U.L. (http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=44106&cat=46&brand=216)

I figured to start with the Ritchie, putting the handlebars an inch or so above the saddle, then adjust it downward until I hit a good spot.

The way I new I wasn't wasting my money was in the first minute of the fit -

Fitter: "What is it you want to get out of this fit?"

Me:"I want to be comfortable riding long distances and still be able to hammer with Eric and the guys. Plus I don't want to lose any of the fun I get from high speed desending. Oh yeah, I do a bit of climbing and love it."

Fitter: " SO we're going to get you into a position that takes the pressure of your hands and makes you comfortable regardless of how hard your riding ok?"

Fitter: You do realize its going to be more upright than you started right?

At that point I relaxed and new I wasn't goign to be disappointed.

BTW, Historian - the fitter is Hutch from Trail Connections

You are in good hands.

Wogster, is there a reason that you recommend a stem extender instead of a stem with a taller angle? I just purchased a Ritchey Adjustable. (http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=108209&cat=46&brand=206) I also have a 115* 100mm Salsa S.U.L. (http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=44106&cat=46&brand=216)

I figured to start with the Ritchie, putting the handlebars an inch or so above the saddle, then adjust it downward until I hit a good spot.

An adjustable stem set to a taller angle can also work, as can a fixed stem at a taller angle, however this doesn't just affect the height, but the depth of the cockpit as well. If one is right and one is wrong, then changing both may not be what you want to do.

I went for an hour ride today after picking up the bike. It felt very good. My elbows and hands felt good. My knees took about 25 minutes to get comfortable, but all felt really good. The speed was typical for the lack of miles in my legs - 13.8 mph, but the climbing felt less trying then normal, and I recovered quicker in my legs after climbing.

In total I did ~1400 feet of climing including one long but steady .75 mile climb.

Its clear that I am very out of shape, but I like the way I felt riding.

So the changes are as follows:


Saddle height went up 35 mm
Saddle moved back 29 mm
Length of cockpit was extended 12 mm
Drop from saddle to handlebars reduced 13 mm
Stem rise went from 0 to 24 degrees
Cleats were moved back 1 cm


Now for the pics:

Before:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mcTwcdpez38/SdVjP_h7pyI/AAAAAAAAHhM/fJgIhK3fxaE/s800/P4020189.JPG

After: I switched saddles before the fit

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mcTwcdpez38/SgY4yUsAMoI/AAAAAAAAHwA/IYUfTLEyVmU/s800/P5090043.JPG

So I'll be doing my commute starting on Monday. Its 30 miles total with 2000 feet of climbing at the end of the work day so we'll see how this works with a real hard climb involved.

Nice ride! Let us know how the fitting worked for you. 2000 feet in 30 miles is a lot of climbing. Yesterday I went on an organized ride with 2100' over 45 miles. I thought I was going to die. At one rest stop I could barely bend my knees for the cramping in my quads.

I definitely need more work on climbing...

I also didn't change the stem before the ride. I was so busy with the climbs that I didn't notice any pain in my back or wrists...maybe there is an element of truth in what Longfemur said ;)

I went for an hour ride today after picking up the bike. It felt very good. My elbows and hands felt good. My knees took about 25 minutes to get comfortable, but all felt really good. The speed was typical for the lack of miles in my legs - 13.8 mph, but the climbing felt less trying then normal, and I recovered quicker in my legs after climbing.

In total I did ~1400 feet of climing including one long but steady .75 mile climb.

Its clear that I am very out of shape, but I like the way I felt riding.

So the changes are as follows:


Saddle height went up 35 mm
Saddle moved back 29 mm
Length of cockpit was extended 12 mm
Drop from saddle to handlebars reduced 13 mm
Stem rise went from 0 to 24 degrees
Cleats were moved back 1 cm


Now for the pics:

Before:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mcTwcdpez38/SdVjP_h7pyI/AAAAAAAAHhM/fJgIhK3fxaE/s800/P4020189.JPG

After: I switched saddles before the fit

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mcTwcdpez38/SgY4yUsAMoI/AAAAAAAAHwA/IYUfTLEyVmU/s800/P5090043.JPG

So I'll be doing my commute starting on Monday. Its 30 miles total with 2000 feet of climbing at the end of the work day so we'll see how this works with a real hard climb involved.


Bike looks great, seems like more of an appropriate drop from saddle to bars and I like the white saddle as well. Great job with the build and good luck with the riding. I think you will probalby make changes to your fit over the long run if this is your first road bike. However that will come with you building strength and flexibility.

A fitting may change your position, but if you already have the bike, it's not going to change a darned thing about it, except the slight variations provided by the somewhat limited adjustment range of the stem and saddle.

In my opinion, the time to get a fitting is before you buy the bike, and preferably at a place that can do custom if you need it.

Nice ride! Let us know how the fitting worked for you. 2000 feet in 30 miles is a lot of climbing. Yesterday I went on an organized ride with 2100' over 45 miles. I thought I was going to die. At one rest stop I could barely bend my knees for the cramping in my quads.

I definitely need more work on climbing...

I also didn't change the stem before the ride. I was so busy with the climbs that I didn't notice any pain in my back or wrists...maybe there is an element of truth in what Longfemur said ;)

Climbing is just part of any ride here in Mountain Maryland. Yesterday's ride was pretty flat for around here and it had 1400 in 13 miles. The 200 feet in my commute is all in the 16.5 mile return trip with most over it in the last 5 miles of the ride.

Bike looks great, seems like more of an appropriate drop from saddle to bars and I like the white saddle as well. Great job with the build and good luck with the riding. I think you will probalby make changes to your fit over the long run if this is your first road bike. However that will come with you building strength and flexibility.

I figure there are going to be some more subtle changes to come. But as this is my 4th road bike in the last 8 years (but the first fit) I don't think I'll be making whole sale changes again

If you know you are or were comfortable on the hybrid, what you want to do if you can is set up the road bike similarly. You don't have to ditch the drop bar for that, but probably the stem. Get the bars level with the saddle and at the right length away from you. This way, riding on the tops and corners will be very much like on the hybrid's mountain bike bars, riding on the hoods will be a little more aggressive but still very comfortable unless you set them too low (roughly comparable to using long bar ends on a hybrid), and you will also have those drops there for fast descents (you need drops for good control on fast descents, no matter what anyone says), and also for heavy braking, etc. The only difference is that they will now be higher and so they will be more comfortable to use.

I get racier now and then, but this is how I have always ridden my road bikes, and I always come back to it. This is how most people should probably be riding road bikes if they aren't racing or trying to keep up with people who care only about speed.

Thanks for sharing this.


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