I have been shopping a new road bike as of late, in the range of a $3000 or so. Looking at a R3 Cervelo, Trek 5.2, or Specialized Roubaix. I am wondering what level of fitting is really needed. All of the shops claim some kind of fitting is available. Some give a free fitting to try to get things like stems and seat adjustment right. Others want to do a fitting system of some sort for extra cost. One shop I went to one shop that has a extended fitting that is a very extensive fit that uses laser alignment and extensive physical assessment. They want like $100 a hour it.

What is really needed to get a bike comfortable and to keep from causing injury from poor fit? Will a extensive fit yield that much better results than basic fitting? My riding is mostly for fun and fitness, but I like to go fast and push myself for endurance. I am also in my 30s and working on losing my extended belly and get foot numbness from Morton's neuroma. Damn wide feet and narrow shoes. Do you think a extra fit would be beneficial?

Thoughts?


In the DC area, so vast variety of bike shops...