Originally Posted by
Kayce
Thats a really really common misnomer. There is no reason that a person that can fit a bike, and understand the relation between geometry and riding style automatically has the mitering, welding, and finishing skills required to build a frame. They are two seperate areas of expertise. Its like saying the worlds best butcher is also a michelin rated chef. They are in the same field, but totally different skill sets.
Good point.
I went to a certified bike fitter who has credentials and licenses as an Orthotist and Prosthetitists (shoe orthotics and artificial limbs).
He has autographed pictures on his walls from the US Ski Team and several of the world's most elite bicyclists.
After the bike fitter fit me to an existing bike and made recommendations for a new frame, I took that information and those numbers to a custom frame builder.
I find it interesting that different frame builders have different ideas about the how and why of bicycle fit.
If you want to know how to fit a bike to you, and if you have the money, go to a professional fitter who does not make or sell bicycles.
Otherwise, start out with an inexpensive stock frame and put your money into experimenting with stems, seat posts and saddles.
I predict that if you ride a track-style frame on the street (and if you really care about how the bike handles), you'll want a set back seat post, a shorter stem, and handlebars adjusted higher than on the track or for time trials (road racing height).
If you move back on a track geometry bike, it will lighten up the front wheel (for agility and potholes) and improve your acceleration and braking.