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Are full fits really worth $250?

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Old 06-04-11, 04:26 PM
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Are full fits really worth $250?

I'm having some issues where about 25-30 miles into a ride my left toes will start going to sleep, and I have experienced some pain in my left leg a few times. I know something is set up incorrectly, but do I really need to have a $250 fit to rectify the issue? I don't really know anything about these sessions so hopefully someone can coach me.

BG 3D Data Fit System – Performed by a xxxxxxxxxxxx BG fit certified technician. We combine standard 2D and 3D fit with the DATA video capture system and Computrainer technologies to gain the most accurate picture and precision adjustments possible.

Fit session includes:
Advanced flexibility assessments
Advanced structural assessments of foot structure, knee position, spinal curves, pelvic orientation, leg length or lateral discrepancies
Dynamic seat height and fore/aft adjustments
Dynamic handlebar adjustments
Cleat adjustment
Hip/knee/foot alignment
Footbed fitting
One follow-up session if needed
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Old 06-04-11, 04:30 PM
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I just spent that much for one. Can't really answer yes or no to the question, but it did come with 1 year of re-fits if needed, which may make the steep price worth it.
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Old 06-04-11, 04:34 PM
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do you need a fit to fix your issue? Maybe not. You can tweak this or that to see if you find the right mix for you. That said, I have found a fit worth it in many ways. I would have never put myself in the position they put me in, and I am very comfortable and get good power from the new position. All in all, $ well spent.
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Old 06-04-11, 04:36 PM
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IDK, do you like pain?

My knee pain was completely cured with a properly fit bike. It has made me faster though the ability to train harder. For me yes it was worth it.
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Old 06-04-11, 04:37 PM
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I've had it done. I can't tell you at what price point your issues will be rectified, or that the fit will be absolutely perfect, but you will come out much more comfortable and knowledgeable. They email you the fit measurements after a few days and you can go back to them anytime to set up your bike if something happens. The keo pedal system they use to test the correct bleat angle is fantastic, I think for a poor(ish) student it was well worth it.
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Old 06-04-11, 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by I_Like_Bike
IDK, do you like pain?
My inquiry is more so based on the thought that I could be alleviating the pain without spending $250. Oh, and they say the cost will go up if I need any other replacement parts, shims on my cleats, new stems, etc.
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Old 06-04-11, 04:40 PM
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Properly fitting a bike on your own is a slow and painful process. One pro fit and I have not had pain since. Still your choice.
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Old 06-04-11, 04:43 PM
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I had a BG Pro Fit done this past winter. I think it was worth every penny. I'm smoother and more comfortable, and I'm using more muscles than I was (my saddle was too low and forward before). I was able to transfer the critical measurements to my other bikes, and also set up my cross/commuting shoes with the same comfy insoles and wedges.

I didn't need any bike parts, just the insoles and shims for my shoes.
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Old 06-04-11, 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by I_Like_Bike
Properly fitting a bike on your own is a slow and painful process. One pro fit and I have not had pain since. Still your choice.
That's what I was hoping to hear. I didn't realize the BG fit is a Specialized product. Figures.
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Old 06-04-11, 05:03 PM
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I don't know what she paid but a friend of mine just did a full fit...it took 4 hours and she said they made a lot of adjustments. Her problems were with her knees...she's bowlegged and her knees just weren't traveling the right path on her pedal stroke. She's done several rides on the bike since the adjustement, including her first crit and so far so good. I'll ask her more about it when I see her Thursday night for her second crit.
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Old 06-04-11, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Vicelord
That's what I was hoping to hear. I didn't realize the BG fit is a Specialized product. Figures.
If it helps, I was fit by a BG fit certified fitter.
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Old 06-04-11, 05:04 PM
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When I first started riding, I experienced soreness in my upper arms. I read a trouble shooting chart by Sheldon Brown. His chart recommended tilting my seat just a little bit. His suggestion worked for me. You might want to consult the guru before spending big bucks. Yet, I have a want list for cycling and a good bike fit is on that list. Every disciplin has sound advice and trendy advice. It is not always easy to determine which is which. I have read that after a wheel upgrade, a good bike fit is the best thing you can do to improve your ride. Sound advice? Trendy advice?
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Old 06-04-11, 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ilike3bikes
When I first started riding, I experienced soreness in my upper arms. I read a trouble shooting chart by Sheldon Brown. His chart recommended tilting my seat just a little bit. His suggestion worked for me. You might want to consult the guru before spending big bucks. Yet, I have a want list for cycling and a good bike fit is on that list. Every disciplin has sound advice and trendy advice. It is not always easy to determine which is which. I have read that after a wheel upgrade, a good bike fit is the best thing you can do to improve your ride. Sound advice? Trendy advice?
Thanks for that. I wish I could have used the phrase "is a BG fit sound or trendy?" in my original post.
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Old 06-04-11, 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Velo Gator
I just spent that much for one. Can't really answer yes or no to the question, but it did come with 1 year of re-fits if needed, which may make the steep price worth it.
A year? That's pretty good!

My main gripe about pro fits, is that what works for the rider when they start out, (or if they have been off the bike for a while/are increasing their mileage), doesn't work for the rider when they get stronger/peak. So, if you aren't already in great physical form, you will be needing another fit, or series of fits for when you start riding stronger, longer and more smoothly.
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Old 06-04-11, 05:32 PM
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Some folks can actually walk into a bike shop, pick a frame size based on height, and be fine with their "fit" forever. If you're putting on serious miles and having any issues at all, it's money extremely well spent.
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Old 06-04-11, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Vicelord
My inquiry is more so based on the thought that I could be alleviating the pain without spending $250. Oh, and they say the cost will go up if I need any other replacement parts, shims on my cleats, new stems, etc.
See if you can find a coach from a local cycling team who can help you on the side. He or she may be able to to a less comprehensive fitting for a lower price.
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Old 06-04-11, 05:46 PM
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First off, I know nothing about any specific fit systems, but where did you get your bike? If you got it from a good shop, they should be knowledgeable and willing to help with specific complaints. I'm sure if I went to my LBS, the owner would make sure to help out with any fit issues, and they gave me a pro fit when I bought the bike. It was a computer aided thing, but I don't remember which system. Could have been Specialized, they carried Specialized back then.
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Old 06-04-11, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Indyv8a
First off, I know nothing about any specific fit systems, but where did you get your bike? If you got it from a good shop, they should be knowledgeable and willing to help with specific complaints. I'm sure if I went to my LBS, the owner would make sure to help out with any fit issues, and they gave me a pro fit when I bought the bike. It was a computer aided thing, but I don't remember which system. Could have been Specialized, they carried Specialized back then.
They have been good as far as moving the seat around for me when I got the bike, setting up cleats, and making minor adjustments here and there. I'm sure I'd agree
if I owned a shop that I wouldn't want my employees repeatedly doing adjustments on someones bike every couple of days for months at a time until they got it right, for free. The BG fit, as I understand, is about a three hour process. I think I'm going to do it as I really don't like being uncomfortable. That said, if I get the fit and I'm still uncomfortable, I'm going to be seriously pissed.
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Old 06-04-11, 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Vicelord
That said, if I get the fit and I'm still uncomfortable, I'm going to be seriously pissed.
Just make sure you give it time to break in. I'm adjusting to mine, and there's definitely a curve.
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Old 06-04-11, 06:19 PM
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I'm just curious. Has anyone had a BAD experience from a fit?
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Old 06-04-11, 06:49 PM
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I had a SICI fit done by a LBS, it took two hours and cost $100.

I was happy with the results.
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Old 06-04-11, 07:13 PM
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I have been pondering this myself. Basically, with my current set-up, I could do a 600k with no issues at all, but then had some issues on a 1200k. So is a fit going to fix that? I don't know. There's a good chance the fitter won't know, either.

I've read a recommendation that for long-distance riding, the fit should be done by somebody experienced in fitting long-distance riders. Then on the other hand, the most experienced local long-distance riders seem unimpressed by any of the local fitters, in which case, I can only assume that there is no local fitter experienced with long-distance riders. So what then?
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Old 06-04-11, 07:37 PM
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You could do it for free by just adjusting things every time you feel pain... took me about 2 years YMMV
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Old 06-04-11, 07:52 PM
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I also wonder if this BG Fit thing is just a marketing tool Specialized invented to sell more of their BG products like gloves, shoes, saddles, etc.
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Old 06-04-11, 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Vicelord
I also wonder if this BG Fit thing is just a marketing tool Specialized invented to sell more of their BG products like gloves, shoes, saddles, etc.
I was not pushed into purchasing anything, but your experiences may vary. Again, my fit was great.

Also, I agree with Velo Gator, give it time to adjust it will not always be immediate.
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