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Anyone ever have a professional bike fit?

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Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Anyone ever have a professional bike fit?

Old 03-17-18, 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Hunterdog
I had a fitting a few years ago when I was having pain in right hip area. He recommended shorter crank arms. I have been very happy with the results as my hip pain has totally gone away! So, for me, a positive experience.
Interesting. Is that similar to raising the seat a little? Just curious if shorter cranks mean a seat adjustment too.
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Old 03-17-18, 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Bomb Komodo
Interesting. Is that similar to raising the seat a little? Just curious if shorter cranks mean a seat adjustment too.
What I think was happening for me was that my leg, on the up stroke, was flaring out, and causing discomfort (i have a short inseam) in my right hip. I don't remember raising or lowering the seat though.
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Old 03-18-18, 08:52 AM
  #28  
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Had my fit and so far so good. Took about two hours and he really gave my the once over.

First I was interviewed to learn what type of rider I was and then a flexibility test. He then took measurements of my legs and so forth. He also placed marks on my knees and legs. Next I was on the bike peddling where he had several cameras pointed at me. There was a big screen in front of me where I could see myself peddling at different angles. The software he used enabled him to project the angles of my legs and hips on the screen.

Next he place a cover with a bunch of wires over my saddle and then had me pedal again. I could then see the pressure points of my derriere as I peddled. I had more pressure on the left side due to my left leg slightly shorter than my right. Because of this I’ve always had some saddle soreness on that side after a long ride. He tweaked my handle bars, brake hoods, seat height and fore and aft position.

Next he took my shoes and readjusted the cleats. He placed spacers under the cleats to take up the shorter reach of my left leg. He then ask me to hop off the bike where we went into another room and had me stand barefooted on a machine with a spongy foot bed for custom orthotics. Once they were fabricated and inserted into my shoes it was back on the bike again. A couple of more minor tweaks and I was finished.

I took my new ride for its first 50 mile ride yesterday. The orthotics are worth the money alone. Like others have said it felt different at first. I had more power on the flats but the climbs felt like I was using different muscles. I know this will return after I ride a little more. Did 51.76 miles with a 19.65 average. Not too bad considering I haven’t ridden much this year. Finished out the day with a nice ribeye and glass of wine. After that I was toast.

All in all I’m satisfied and can’t wait to start logging more miles.

Harumph

Last edited by Harumph; 03-18-18 at 08:55 AM.
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Old 03-18-18, 02:04 PM
  #29  
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My health insurance doesn't cover one (ALL health insurances should, IMO).

Until they do, I'm fine saving the money; my current bike seems to fit just fine.
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Old 03-18-18, 07:14 PM
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I don't think I can find a bike fitter that knows what I do for me - so no for me.
Sure for the kid. More cause dad's can't tell kids nothin.
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Old 03-19-18, 02:52 AM
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Very comprehensive. A question

That sounds like a very comprehensive fit.

I've always wondered how much of what you learnt from this fit can be transfered to another bike? Does the fitter give you any information you can take away with your or do you have to come back to them if you use another bike, get another pair of shoes, change your saddle etc.

Originally Posted by Harumph
Had my fit and so far so good. Took about two hours and he really gave my the once over.

First I was interviewed to learn what type of rider I was and then a flexibility test. He then took measurements of my legs and so forth. He also placed marks on my knees and legs. Next I was on the bike peddling where he had several cameras pointed at me. There was a big screen in front of me where I could see myself peddling at different angles. The software he used enabled him to project the angles of my legs and hips on the screen.

Next he place a cover with a bunch of wires over my saddle and then had me pedal again. I could then see the pressure points of my derriere as I peddled. I had more pressure on the left side due to my left leg slightly shorter than my right. Because of this I’ve always had some saddle soreness on that side after a long ride. He tweaked my handle bars, brake hoods, seat height and fore and aft position.

Next he took my shoes and readjusted the cleats. He placed spacers under the cleats to take up the shorter reach of my left leg. He then ask me to hop off the bike where we went into another room and had me stand barefooted on a machine with a spongy foot bed for custom orthotics. Once they were fabricated and inserted into my shoes it was back on the bike again. A couple of more minor tweaks and I was finished.

I took my new ride for its first 50 mile ride yesterday. The orthotics are worth the money alone. Like others have said it felt different at first. I had more power on the flats but the climbs felt like I was using different muscles. I know this will return after I ride a little more. Did 51.76 miles with a 19.65 average. Not too bad considering I haven’t ridden much this year. Finished out the day with a nice ribeye and glass of wine. After that I was toast.

All in all I’m satisfied and can’t wait to start logging more miles.

Harumph
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Old 03-19-18, 04:14 AM
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Originally Posted by raria
That sounds like a very comprehensive fit.

I've always wondered how much of what you learnt from this fit can be transfered to another bike? Does the fitter give you any information you can take away with your or do you have to come back to them if you use another bike, get another pair of shoes, change your saddle etc.
Yes, he gave me a sheet with all the measurements and stats so I can transfer those to my other bike. I can also take my bike back within 30 days if I need additional adjustments.
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Old 03-19-18, 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by memebag
Several people on my bike team use Tad Hughes. They all speak highly of him.

I had professional fittings on both my road bikes, but nothing as extensive (or expensive) as Tad Hughes. Maybe someday.
Yes he is very highly regarded in the area. Glad it worked out for the OP.

I'm in the same boat as you though. The fitting I had at the shop I frequent has been perfect for me. If I were to have issues, I could go back to him for up to a year. Interesting that Tad only has 30 days. But I guess with the thoroughness of the fit, you shouldn't really need to go back after that time.
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Old 03-19-18, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by wgscott
Butt seriously,

Pretty sure no one is going to take your fanny seriously
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Old 03-19-18, 07:00 PM
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A comprehensive fit / big fit may work. But so many things change with time. The idea of tuning incrementally more often rather than an all-in fit - fits my wallet and thinking better. Think of fitting as a process, not an event.
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Old 03-19-18, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by jitteringjr
Pretty sure no one is going to take your fanny seriously
Brooks does.
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Old 03-19-18, 10:18 PM
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Originally Posted by wgscott
Brooks does.
Well then I stand corrected.
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Old 03-19-18, 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by jitteringjr
Well then I stand corrected.
That's what happens if you don't have a comfortable saddle. (I'll forgo making a comment about "corrected.")
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Old 03-20-18, 07:52 AM
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The fitter I've been talking to (getting ready to make an appointment) says to plan on 3-4 hours for the initial appointment. He includes a sheet of all the measurements of me and the bike when it's done. The big thing is that he will do any additional adjustments as long as you own the bike. The down side is that it's $350.....
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