ElliotPiano

I recently experienced calf strain and this made me realize how important bike fit is. I'm a college student and don't have much money, therefore I'm looking to buy a newer used road bike. Assuming I buy the correct frame size for my body type, are LBS usually nice about fitting you for the correct stem, saddle, and cleat position? Or is there a stigma because you didn't buy the bike from them?

jimincalif

I had a fit done on a bike I bought used, I was welcome in the shop. Of course I paid a fee for the fit, that's to be expected.

Stick69

A good LBS will fit the bike to you for an hourly fee. They may try to sell you some parts that will make the bike fit better such as stem, saddle or bars. So budget some funds for these parts that will improve the fit.

I purchased a bike used from an LBS and they fit the bike for free. This included seat height and fore and aft position, adjusting the cleats on my shoes, and installing a new stem, bar and tape. The bar was a take-off from another bike so they only charged me 10 USD for the bar. When I pointed out the shifting was off they adjusted it and swapped out the rear derailleur for free. Total cost was 100 USD for parts and I now have a bike that fits me well and runs great. I am passing this along because it may be worth it to buy a used bike from an LBS if they will stand behind it like a new bike the way my LBS did.

I scheduled a fit for my commuter bike a few weeks later with the goal of getting a much better saddle regardless of the cost. When they found out I had purchased the bike from them 7 years ago they said the first fitting was free, even after seven years! After trying a few saddles we decided to try the Terry which has a 60 day no ask return policy. He could have sold me the most expensive saddle in the place but sold me a mid-price saddle that seemed like it was going to work.

There are excellent LBS out there and I hope you find one in your area.

Leisesturm

I'm reading the o.p. as that he has not bought a bike yet. Why not buy the used bike from the LBS? In any case they don't care where you bought the bike. If you want them to fit you to it they will do so. For a fee. I don't know... I bought one of my bikes from a co-op for $150. I'm not sure its worth it paying $75 more to also have them fit it to my body beyond what they did for free. It has an adjustable stem and it has a quick release seat-post clamp. I'm good with that!!

Leisesturm

Lower your saddle 1" if the left calf, and 1.5" if the right calf, and PM me for my Paypal ID so I can be properly compensated for my time and expertise. Please, and thank you.

ElliotPiano

lol, not sure if I want to be doing high knee kicks whilst riding haha