Retul
 

The new super engineered computerized 3-D fitting system out there called Retul is making a splash. The dedicated riders I know all swear by it. The hobbyists think it's probably a good system, but that dropping $250 for a fitting is bs.

Personally, I'm tempted to get a fitting because I'm reasonably sure my fit is out of whack. If I had to guess, I'd say my seat is too high making my handle bars too low in relation. I've been toying with optimizing via trial and error. Retul will solve my issue, but do I really want to drop $250 just to quickly fix what I may be able to tweak into place over time?

It's not like I race. I pretty much just commute. Granted it's a 60 mile R/T commute that I like to do as fast as I can. So, in a way it is a race. lol. The effects of poor bike position for me is therefor not insignificant. But, is fixing it worth that much cash.

Anyone out there have experience riding after Retul?

http://m.bikeradar.com/gear/category...-system-42715/

No, I don't have experience. For what it's worth, though, I did read an interview with the guy who developed it, and he said that the important thing was to pick the right person to do the fitting. He said he thought his system was the best around, but that simply putting the numbers into it would not automatically give the right answer. It would get the vast majority of people very close to the correct fit, but somebody knowledgeable still had to check it out with the individual customer and, probably, make the final tweaks to get it just right.

The absolute key to a good fit is the human being doing the fitting; the machine that can correctly evaluate and correct for human inequalities is still in the 24th Century.

Do NOT adjust the seat to make your handlebars right. Your seat seat must be correct for proper leg extension to the pedals first, and handlebars next.

Don in Austin

+100, and this can be done without Retul equipment.

thanks

I tend to agree. The "Retul" sounds like an expensive gimmick.

I can see the advantage of retul for individuals who have various body difficulties.
For example cyclists whose legs are different lengths (we all have different length legs but those who go out of the comfort zone)
Or those whose feet are out of whack and twist the knee to either side in the pedaling motion.

Then again, many fitting problems are not fitting problems at all but rather a lack in cycling fitness (flexibility and core strength)
Also not sure about road pedals but spd's allow for enough float to reduce knee problems. So the cleat doesn't have to be half a degree accurately in the correct direction

Retul may seem new but it is not really that new. It has been around as Crucial Innovations and Retul is just the bike fitting aspect and use of the technology.
It all comes down to the fitter. Review the fitter’s credentials. Credentials outweigh the tools used. A good fitter will not brag about his or her tools but be able to confidently review their credentials with you.
Retul can be useful in the right hands. A good fitter does not need Retul but a good bike fit using Retul still needs a good fitter.
But keep in mind a good bike fit will cost you some money. Rarely will you find a GOOD fit under $200. However you can find plenty of good fits between $200 and $350.

Agreed... But would I pay 30.00, or 45.00... I am fairly sure the cost will be dictated by popularity and use...

Unfortunately my pocket book will require the Walmart version...

I had a Retul fit back in February or thereabouts. It's been said before and I'll say it again, only as good as the person using it. Make sure they know what they're doing. Proper bike fit is definitely not just for racers, in fact it's probably the decent mileage, active rider that benefits the most since they won't generally have the same degree of flexibility as a racer (In my case I'm about as inflexible as they come, ramrod straight).

At any rate, I got a lot of good info from my fitting but it did not work out well for me, part of it was that the bike itself wasn't a good fit. I personally feel that in the wrong hands the tendency is to focus too much on the data and less the client. I recently replaced the frame with a better fitting one and had a fitting done by a certified "BikeFit" (Like the ads on your screen). He did a fantastic job (slightly less expensive than Retul as well). Spent over 3 hours getting me right and comfortable. Even though I knew from the retul my basic dimensions and had done a decent job self-fitting the new bike, I was amazed at how many small changes we made, especially to cleats (and I do have float). Don't sweat the cash part, it's well worth it, but make sure you research feedback on the fitter who you're going to spend the money with.