retriever7

As I've shopped around for a bicycle, a question about bicycle fits has arisen. There are different systems out there (e.g. Serotta, Fit Kit), done by the LBS, by custom builders, by coaches, and by individuals who work out of a bike studio. Some studios sell bikes. Other studios have connections with bike shops. Some are not connected with any LBS.

One major difference in fit levels seems to be video vs. 'static' measurements. The most expensive so far is from Elite Cycles in Philadelphia -- 6 hours for $489.00. For the price you get biomechanical positioning with Retul + other assessments. The least expensive is $150 from someone who does fits in a studio. No Retul or other video options (Dartfish). Your measurements are put into a computer, where you can see your ideal bike pop up on a screen. The fit takes about three hours or so.

I am a cyclist who does long distances and am interested in some definitive numbers to feel confident purchasing a bike from Internet vendors like Competitive Cyclist or Wrench Science.

Any advice on where price point meets effectiveness. Is any of it overkill?

DaveSSS 

Unless you have never owned a bike that fits at least fairly well, then most of these fitting session would be a waste of money, it all you're trying to do is select the right frame size to purchase over the internet.

To get the right frame size, all I need is an accurate saddle height, a cycling inseam (not pants inseam) and your overall height. Since you're riding now, it's good to have some idea of how much saddle to bar drop you can tolerate. Depending on how large the changes are between sizes, there can be at least two sizes and perhaps three than can all be made to fit the same, but only one would have the best stem setup for a given rider.


You might read some of the fit info at the Cervelo website. They explain the relatively new concepts of frame stack and reach that are being used to define a frame's critical dimensions. Not many brands publish stack and reach values yet, but it's not that hard to compare the fit of frames from any number of manufacturers, providing that each one at least publishes the head tube length, seat tube angle and TT length. Even the stack and reach concept has flaws. Reach comparisions are only valid at one stack height. When comparing frames with a different stack, corrections must be made to correct the reach to a single stack value.

https://www.cervelo.com/en_us/bikes/2010/R3/geometry/

emayex

I got a "fit" when I got my new bike. Honestly it was pretty frustrating -- 10 mins on a trainer -- and they said I was done. I don't buy that. Didn't adjust post, bars, pedals, or seat. They did make the post lower (which I have since raised). Now I think I'll have to go get a real fit which was an expense i thought was built into the cost of my new bike

aggarcia

emayex - that is the basic fit you get with any bike purchase. The other fits described in this thread are $100+ . As a beginner I had this basic fit and then went in again for an adjustment as I lost weight and became more flexible. These advanced fits are great to improve long distance comfort, power application, optimal cleat placement, stem length, and bar width or to make adjustment for pain, surgery, bad something. The term fit is pretty broad.

kleinboogie

I think the key is get the fit from the bikeshop that gets you out the door and riding. That is the primary goal after all. You will get fitter and/or may change riding styles after you've been riding on your new bike for awhile.

Once you have your goals for this bike clearly defined then start asking questions of the various fitters. Imo, video is a good substitute if the fitter doesn't have much experience or it can be a good marketing tool to get some sales.

My only experience with fitting beyond the LBS was 6 months after I got my last bike I got fit by John Howard. He recommended a longer stem and different saddle and adjusted just about everything on the bike. He includes some physio work and stretching all for $250. Specialized fit in my area cost $350. Bike fit at Hi-tech bikes is something like $100-150 last I checked so your numbers seem right on.

jrobe

I wouldn't spend a nickel anymore on a "bike fitter" unless I had lots of references from other cyclists that he had done a good job. I have wasted money on bike fits and then ended up changing the configuration on my own afterwards to get comfortable. Anyone can call themselves a bike fitter and start charging for the services. I think that there are some good ones but they are hard to find.

Your post seems a little in odd on that you are willing to spend money on a bike fit so that you can then save money by buying bikes online. Maybe it is better to find a good LBS that will then work with you for awhile so you will be satisfied long term.

ScrubJ

Bingo! My LBS will work with you by asking a lot of questions first. What do you want and where do you want to go. Buying a bike that fits "OK" now may end up being the wrong size in the long run should you purchase a frame at the wrong end of the couple of sizes that might work for you. I've seen my share of people literally throwing money at a bike to correct a fit issue that can't be corrected because they missed their correct frame size by "that much"

gsteinb

I just got repositioned at Serotta. It wasn't overkill. Worth the drive if you're within like 3000 miles.

aggarcia

All bike fitters are not created equal. The only high end fitter I have experience with is Tad Hughes https://www.tadhughescustom.com/index.html. He came to a Houston Cycle Centers hill clinic in March. I got to see him at work and talk to him one on one. He gave me some good basic fit pointers and this summer when I am ready i will pay for his 3D Dynamic fit. He has certifications from all the big companies. The bike club racers out there that weekend had all used Tad's services. I was impressed with his attention to detail. He picked up the finer points. He also started by asking about previous cycling, injuries/surgeries, and testing for flexibility. I was impressed enough to buy new cycling shoes and pedals after a five minute talk with him.