Advice on picking a "fitter".
 

First post and I have yes I have done several searches so please excuse me if this question has been asked and/or answered.

I've been riding for about 18 months (started to so I could do a local tri with my brother in law) and now I'm hooked. Initially I was riding a borrowed bike but about 9 months ago I bought a Trek 5000. When I purchased the bike the only fitting I got was a 30 second "looks about right to me" adjustment. Since then I have put about 1400 miles on the bike and I've never really had any issues but it has never been professionally fit for me.

I started looking around and talking to friends and bike shops. I have several choices but don't know which way to go. One guy use lasers and a bunch of high tech equipment. Another shop is very personable and has tons of experience...but may be more low tech. Another fits, does VO2 max testing and coaching.

Any advice or recommendations (I live in SLC, UT for local recommendations) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
/HOOK

Seriously, proper fit between people varies enough that lasers are probably somewhat unecessary. Fitting while measuring power output, however, is probably more useful. I don't really think an experienced coach always needs all the gizmos. Most people seem to come through with a store-bought bike that is too big. Swapping for a shorter stem made an immediate and immense improvemnt in my bike (and thus run) splits.

My coach simply uses his eye and a plumb line and the results have been amazing. I think he does do some fitting with power output testing. Many people talk about "getting used to a new position", but I have found that the right position is immediately comfortable. For myself, my cadence is very sensitive to proper fit and I know my fit is slightly off when I have trouble maintaining a high cadence (~100rmp).

Contract some local clubs. Tri club if you have one near you. Tri fits are different and would be your best bet.

Try: http://www.desert-sharks.com/index.html