rog

When you go to the LBS and go through a "fitting", is that generally done for a specific bike that you're ordering, or is it giving you a set of measurements that you can then take and apply to any bike? Say, for instance, you pay the $150, or whatever, at your LBS, get your bike, and three months later, see a bike on ebay that you want to buy - assuming, of course, you know the relevant sizes of the bike you're looking at, top tube, etc - can you then apply the measurements you got from the fitting to that bike, and be reasonably assured of a decent fit?

I've never gone through the "fit" process; I bought my current bike based solely on how it felt when I tested it, but I'm looking to spend considerably more on my next bike, and so I'm probably going to hammer away with questions that might seem real obvious to the rest of youse. Consider yourselves forewarned.

bdcheung

Initially, you'll be measured to figure out roughly the frame geometry you should be looking at.

Then, once you pick/buy a frame, you'll have a more comprehensive fitting for you on that specific bike.

ri_us

Be VERY careful about who's doing the fit. "To fit" is not an agreed on process - differnt fitters have different approaches. And, every LBS in the universe says they can do a fit. Do a little research by asking questions like, "Where did you learn to fit? Did you take the Serotta or other class..."

MichaelW

A fitter may adjust a particular frame so the points of contact (pedals, saddle, bars) fit you.
You can measure the relative position or coordinates of these points in (I use the BB as the origin, [0,0]) to transfer them to any other bike. Although the bike should be roughly the same size it doesnt have to be eactly the same geometry.

jfmckenna

Yeah you can use those measurements for other bikes. Be carefull that the crank size is the same if you are going to reference the BB.

IMHO you don't need a pro fit if you are not having problems on your bike. A good book or internet research will show you how you and a bunch of your friends can get together and have a bike fit party.

SaabFan

I think we, as cyclists, need to adopt two separate terms for obviously separate processes that often get confused under the name "fitting." Are we talking about determining which frame size someone should be ordering out of a catalog, or are we talking about adjusting a particular bike to allow someone to achieve a desired position?

1) Sizing: The process of measuring one's body and determining, in general terms, what size frame they should be on for a certain type of riding

2) Fitting: The process of adjusting and/or replacing the components (seat tube, stem, bars, etc) on a given bike to allow an individual to achieve the best position on that bike for a specific type of riding.

dsb137

Rog,
I had this discussion at the recent SICI symposium, and there were wide and varying opinions as to what worked with what business model. Bottom line, a LBS has a vested interest in 'fitting' you to one of their bikes. Most use the 'fit' as a sales tool...

When I do a fit, the person leaves with all of the vitals... Seat height, range of ST angles (varying seatpost setback will allow you ST angle flexability...), Reach measurements (which can be applied to various top tube/ stem combinations), handle bar drop... Yada, yada, yada, you get the point. I usually end up discussing the pros and cons of various frames with relation to the 'fit' we have established for the client. The client is free to apply his/her measurements to any bike they wish. In my world, this is what they have paid for. I would suggest that you find a fitter that will give you all the info, hopefully someone who knows how and why you're in the position you're in, as well as what needs to be done to improve your position to better achieve _your_ cycling goals. I would recomend that you talk to a coach or other cyclists to get recomendations in your area, and then call them and ask them all of your questions so that you can make an informed decision...

HTH,
Dave

slowandsteady

It is like a shoe size. I wear a size 8. That is what the shoe size thingy says. It is true regardless.

But some shoes run big. Some run small. Some are wide. Some are narrow.

Every bike has a slightly difference geometry. You arm length is what it is. Your inseam is what it is. It is up to the LBS to figure out what bike matches your dimensions and what adjustments to make to the bike for the fine tuning.