Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Bike Fitting in the Philadelphia Area

Notices
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

Bike Fitting in the Philadelphia Area

Old 09-02-10, 12:29 PM
  #1  
Descends Like Avalanche
Thread Starter
 
HigherGround's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Somewhere between Funkytown and Margaritaville, PA
Posts: 5,769

Bikes: Lynskey R240, Sportive, and a Helix Sport disc model in the works; Eddy Merckx MX Leader; Specialized Rock Hopper Comp (1988!)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Bike Fitting in the Philadelphia Area

Does anyone have a bike fitter they would recommend in Philadelphia or the nearby suburbs (Bucks, Montgomery, Chester Counties, etc)?

For what it's worth, I already searched the forum for "Philadelphia" and "Philly" without finding any relevant results, so my apologies if this has been discussed previously. I also figured posting this in the Road forum would get more traffic and views than in the Northeast forum.

Thanks for any suggestions or feedback!
__________________
The rider in my avatar is David Etxebarria, not me.
HigherGround is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 01:24 PM
  #2  
Should Be More Popular
 
datlas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 42,919

Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22473 Post(s)
Liked 8,794 Times in 4,092 Posts
OK, reputation-wise the best fitter in the area is Kyle at "CyclesbyKyle" in Bryn Mawr.

However I know someone who got fitted by Kyle and was only lukewarm on the experience.
datlas is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 02:47 PM
  #3  
*
 
adriano's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Baltimore
Posts: 6,876

Bikes: https://velospace.org/node/18951

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
check out cadence for the works.
__________________

α
adriano is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 03:14 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
blacksquid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 2,174

Bikes: 2007 Pergoretti Marcelo

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by datlas
OK, reputation-wise the best fitter in the area is Kyle at "CyclesbyKyle" in Bryn Mawr.

However I know someone who got fitted by Kyle and was only lukewarm on the experience.
I'll give Kyle a . He did the fit when I ordered my Pegoretti frameset through them. I got fine tuned down here in D.C. after acquiring all of the components.
__________________
Visit my blog -->MyOrangeBike
"There is love and there is work, and we only have one heart." Edgar Degas
blacksquid is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 04:14 PM
  #5  
Should Be More Popular
 
datlas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 42,919

Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22473 Post(s)
Liked 8,794 Times in 4,092 Posts
OP, where do you live?? The guys at Shirk's also seem to really know their stuff....Shirk's is about 50 miles west of philly, way out in the boondocks. I went out there once and practically got lost finding the place! I ended up needing a custom frame, but when I was shopping around the guys there seemed to know their fitting well and even have an old fit-kit cycle in one of the barns they have back there.
datlas is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 05:37 PM
  #6  
Descends Like Avalanche
Thread Starter
 
HigherGround's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Somewhere between Funkytown and Margaritaville, PA
Posts: 5,769

Bikes: Lynskey R240, Sportive, and a Helix Sport disc model in the works; Eddy Merckx MX Leader; Specialized Rock Hopper Comp (1988!)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm still open to more suggestions.

I thought that I read on Kyle's web site that they don't do retrofittings for bikes purchased elsewhere.

I live in Schwenksville, Montgomery County. I actually used to go to Shirk's when I was living in Ephrata, Lancaster County. I agree, it's hard to find, but worth the effort! They did excellent mechanical work when I had my bike in there for tune ups.
__________________
The rider in my avatar is David Etxebarria, not me.
HigherGround is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 05:39 PM
  #7  
Descends Like Avalanche
Thread Starter
 
HigherGround's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Somewhere between Funkytown and Margaritaville, PA
Posts: 5,769

Bikes: Lynskey R240, Sportive, and a Helix Sport disc model in the works; Eddy Merckx MX Leader; Specialized Rock Hopper Comp (1988!)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by adriano
check out cadence for the works.
Cadence seems to charge substantially more than many other local shops. Have you been fit there? If so, do you feel that the extra money was well spent, or are they just trying to cultivate a high-brow, boutique image?
__________________
The rider in my avatar is David Etxebarria, not me.
HigherGround is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 07:15 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
rc51crazy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Oakfield, TN
Posts: 248

Bikes: Dreesens, Colnago clx 3.0, Trek X-Caliber

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
another option..my best bud, Ed, at Indian Valley Bikeworks in Harleysville.. he has been doing fittings for 20 yrs now. Give him a call
rc51crazy is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 07:43 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 2,146
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
As I have been searching for the same thing I will mention that if you are into fit systems Breakaway offers the retul fit though I have no experience with them.

(I was thinking about going to cadence since they impressed me when I went there 2 years ago with all their fancy bikes)

breakaway and cadence are both $300 for the top tier fit
heckler is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 08:35 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
kwakster928's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Blue Bell, PA
Posts: 114

Bikes: Cervelo R3

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I was at the Cadence this Tuesday and it was very positive experience. I have been having these weird knee pains on my left leg and unable to diagnose it. In addition, I felt like my strokes were not efficient when I faded way too quickly. I never had someone who professionally fit me. I knew the size of bike stem length etc, and someone looked at my pedal stokes, but not to the detail that I would like. So I took a chance.

Cadence offers two tier fitting system. Silver and Platinum I believe. I went with the cheaper version ($179.00). I was introduced by the fitter Brady. Very nice guy Cat 1 racer himself and a bike fitter. I felt very comfortable with him since he knows what his talking about since he is as good as a pro. He asked me what kind of riding I want to do, and what are my goals are and looked at my pedaling stokes. He immediately recognized a lot of problems. He took various measurements through out the fit, and we went from there.

Here were the findings.

1. My saddle height was way too low - raised almost 3 cms.
2. My saddle forward/apt position was way too forward moved back about 2 cm.
3. My right legs are shorter than the left. - added some spacers on cleats.
4. I have 14 degree varus on both legs. - added spacers on cleats.
5. My seat post will not accept the oval shape saddle (selle italia gel flow) - ended up with the new saddle fizik antares

I felt the difference immediately. My pedal stokes seems to be more smooth with less fatigue. Although, I felt very stretched, and weird at first, I felt adapt to it relatively quickly (i still need some more time to get adjust to things), since I have been riding with low saddle height for so long.

After the fit, I had a chance to really test out the fit during my group rides. It was a wonderful experience. Not only I was able to keep up with the group better, I feel more refreshed and came home with the fastest average of the season with the a lot more left in tank.

I truly believe this was money well spent. Only qualms I have is that they charged me $38.00 for spacers they put on my cleats. I thought that was excessive but the fit comes with the follow up fit (as long as you get it done within 6 months). I wish I could have recorded my pedal stokes before and after. I recommend it. If you are serious rider, go for the whole shebang. But if you are an enthusiast like me who just want to get better, I think the fit below will be more than plenty.
kwakster928 is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 08:36 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
kwakster928's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Blue Bell, PA
Posts: 114

Bikes: Cervelo R3

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I thought about the retul fit. But do i really really need it? Well, i guess it will be the next line if this fit doesn't work out for me.
kwakster928 is offline  
Old 09-02-10, 08:44 PM
  #12  
Cool Beans
 
MangoPumpkin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Lancaster County, PA
Posts: 165

Bikes: Raleigh Cadent

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by datlas
OP, where do you live?? The guys at Shirk's also seem to really know their stuff....Shirk's is about 50 miles west of philly, way out in the boondocks. I went out there once and practically got lost finding the place! I ended up needing a custom frame, but when I was shopping around the guys there seemed to know their fitting well and even have an old fit-kit cycle in one of the barns they have back there.
+2 for Shirks. They are right by my house. Excellent group of guys. Sorry I don't know any closer to Philly.
__________________
I've got your restraining order right here. [grabs crotch] Restrain this!
MangoPumpkin is offline  
Old 09-03-10, 06:29 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
blacksquid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 2,174

Bikes: 2007 Pergoretti Marcelo

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by HigherGround
Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm still open to more suggestions.

I thought that I read on Kyle's web site that they don't do retrofittings for bikes purchased elsewhere.

<SNIP>
Read closely and you'll see that Kyle won't do a retro-fit on bikes recently purchased bikes. If you're looking to fit an older bike, he'll probably do it and it'll only cost you $150.

Originally Posted by Kyle
Retrofits are intended to optimize your ride on your existing bike; they do not include a design or recommendations for a new bike. We do not do retrofits on bikes recently purchased elsewhere - new or used; Kyle's time is very limited plus that would create bad feelings between shops or friends and we don't wish to do that. Thank you for your understanding.
__________________
Visit my blog -->MyOrangeBike
"There is love and there is work, and we only have one heart." Edgar Degas
blacksquid is offline  
Old 09-03-10, 07:42 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
NickDavid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 994
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Check out Knapps Cyclery in Lawrenceville, NJ. They use Retul.
NickDavid is offline  
Old 09-03-10, 07:51 AM
  #15  
Member
 
ewhitten's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wynnewood, PA
Posts: 38

Bikes: 2008 Specialized Roubaix Elite, 90's Trek 1000

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Has anyone had a fitting at Human Zoom? Their Ardmore location is the closest bike shop to me.
ewhitten is offline  
Old 09-03-10, 08:00 AM
  #16  
Philly Fanatic
 
Sylv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 168

Bikes: 2010 Tarmac Expert

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by kwakster928
I was at the Cadence this Tuesday and it was very positive experience. I have been having these weird knee pains on my left leg and unable to diagnose it. In addition, I felt like my strokes were not efficient when I faded way too quickly. I never had someone who professionally fit me. I knew the size of bike stem length etc, and someone looked at my pedal stokes, but not to the detail that I would like. So I took a chance.

Cadence offers two tier fitting system. Silver and Platinum I believe. I went with the cheaper version ($179.00). I was introduced by the fitter Brady. Very nice guy Cat 1 racer himself and a bike fitter. I felt very comfortable with him since he knows what his talking about since he is as good as a pro. He asked me what kind of riding I want to do, and what are my goals are and looked at my pedaling stokes. He immediately recognized a lot of problems. He took various measurements through out the fit, and we went from there.

Here were the findings.

1. My saddle height was way too low - raised almost 3 cms.
2. My saddle forward/apt position was way too forward moved back about 2 cm.
3. My right legs are shorter than the left. - added some spacers on cleats.
4. I have 14 degree varus on both legs. - added spacers on cleats.
5. My seat post will not accept the oval shape saddle (selle italia gel flow) - ended up with the new saddle fizik antares

I felt the difference immediately. My pedal stokes seems to be more smooth with less fatigue. Although, I felt very stretched, and weird at first, I felt adapt to it relatively quickly (i still need some more time to get adjust to things), since I have been riding with low saddle height for so long.

After the fit, I had a chance to really test out the fit during my group rides. It was a wonderful experience. Not only I was able to keep up with the group better, I feel more refreshed and came home with the fastest average of the season with the a lot more left in tank.

I truly believe this was money well spent. Only qualms I have is that they charged me $38.00 for spacers they put on my cleats. I thought that was excessive but the fit comes with the follow up fit (as long as you get it done within 6 months). I wish I could have recorded my pedal stokes before and after. I recommend it. If you are serious rider, go for the whole shebang. But if you are an enthusiast like me who just want to get better, I think the fit below will be more than plenty.
Nice review, that sounds like a pretty comprehensive experience. Most shops I've dealt with in the area only seem to think that seat height and frame size are all that matters. I've made minor tweaks to my bike with spacers, etc. since I purchased it based on "listening" to my body. Haven't changed anything for a few months and I've been riding great. I'm almost tempted though to try a comprehensive professional fit based on how much it helped you.
Sylv is offline  
Old 09-03-10, 09:56 AM
  #17  
Descends Like Avalanche
Thread Starter
 
HigherGround's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Somewhere between Funkytown and Margaritaville, PA
Posts: 5,769

Bikes: Lynskey R240, Sportive, and a Helix Sport disc model in the works; Eddy Merckx MX Leader; Specialized Rock Hopper Comp (1988!)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by blacksquid
Read closely and you'll see that Kyle won't do a retro-fit on bikes recently purchased bikes. If you're looking to fit an older bike, he'll probably do it and it'll only cost you $150.
Good catch blacksquid, thanks for pointing that out.
__________________
The rider in my avatar is David Etxebarria, not me.
HigherGround is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Taiko
Fitting Your Bike
1
02-19-16 11:03 PM
army14
Southern California
8
06-27-15 07:39 PM
1265 Lombardi
Road Cycling
4
06-12-12 05:11 PM
cycledude555
Road Cycling
0
10-12-10 07:36 PM
ccrrar
Road Cycling
2
08-28-10 08:14 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.