juneho

I'm looking to get a comprehensive fitting for a custom bike frame (west coast builder that I won't be able to meet in person). I've heard that both Cyclesport and Signature Cycles are good. However, the fitting fee at Signature is $125 more. Is it worth the price difference? Does anyone have experience with either shop for fitting? Thanks!

dendawg

Both use the Serrota fit cycle, and Paul Levine at Signature is supposed to be one of the best fitters in the country if you shcedule with him. Another fitter I've seen recommended is Mike Sherry of Performance Labs. Any reason why you want that particular frame vs one of the custom builds available from the shop thats doing the fitting? The cost of the fitting is included in the price of whatever you decide to have built for you by the local shop.

aixaix 

As a 54 year old former bike mechanic who has been fortunate to find several off-the-shelf bikes that fit beautifully, I have no experience with getting fitted for a custom frame. As dendawg points out, a frame builder will measure you as a matter of course before building a frame, and factor the cost of the time it takes into the price of the frame. That one fitter charges $125 MORE than the other makes me wonder how much you are expecting to pay for the fitting. How long does it take? What do they do? Also, have you talked to your frame builder about what he/she really needs to know before making your frame? Obviously, I'm surprised at how much fitting is likely to cost you, but I am sincerely interested in what this is all about, i.e. not just being snarky and curmudgeonly. Thanks!

dendawg

The fitting for my bike took around 2 hours at Signature. First they measured my flexibility, as well as my body geometry (inseam, torso, arm length etc). Then they started measuring me on the fit cycle, trying different size components. The fit cycle is connected to a computer and also uses video analysis to see what works most efficiently for you. Once the fitting was done I spent another 45 minutes with the fitter discussing options if I bought a bike from them, as well as what would fit me if I went elsewhere and bought a stock bike. I decided on a Seven Alaris with an Ultegra triple, which was delivered about 7 weeks later. I have been extremely happy with the bike. Was it perfect from the get go, not entirely. There were some minor adjustments needed as well as 2 seat changes until I found one I was comfortable with. FWIW this was also my first road bike in 35 years, having abandoned my old one in the early 80's for mountain bikes and hybrids. Also FWIW I find the service at Signature first class, which I guess only matters if your buying a bike from them.

aixaix 

Thanks, Dendawg! It sounds like you were happy with the process and results.

juneho

Hi Aixaix,

Actually, the fitting won't cost me much because the builder said he'd credit me for a portion of it. Of course, he would prefer me to go to him in person, but I just can't make a cross country flight anytime soon.

Nooch

I'll tell you this first, I'm biased as I work at Cyclesport part time. What i can tell you is that both Mike Grotz (the owner) and Dean DuBois, our two SICI certified fitters, will take the time and go through everything with you. I've seen fits take up to the two hour point, if necessary. We utilize our Serotta SizeCycle in our fits, and are starting to use the Specialized BG Fit computer software.

I'd suggest giving both shops a call, go over what you expect to get out of the fit session and what specifics the builder is looking for, and go from there. Mike or Dean can be reached at 201-391-5269.

RandyWyatt59

Yeah, right.