Bike fit experiences

[Crandoggler]

Hi there,

I've never had a bike fit.

I do feel as though I'm fitted to my bike pretty well, it feels comfortabl. I'm sure that I'm not 'correctly' fitted though.

I'm a bit dubious about taking the plunge and getting a 'proper' fit done. I understand what's going to occur; they're going to measure whatever they can measure and move me about until they believe I'm in the perfect position.

That's great, but what if it isn't the perfect position for me? What if it's totally uncomfortable?

So I guess I just want some positive or negative experiences. Is it worth getting done? Or are they just likely to recommend me buying a load of new components to fit me to the bike?

Thanks in advance.

 

[vickster]

If it's not right, you can go back and get the fit tweaked or do it yourself. I wasn't comfortable with the seat height suggested from a feeling safe and confident in traffic perspective so lowered the saddle a bit

In my experience (of a retul fit), the fitter tweaks then you pedal away on the turbo while they watch you and ask how it feels

I didn't have to buy any new components myself, I personally had the first fit done as I suffer various aches and pains and injuries, especially to knees. This has subsequently been checked by a specialist physio after knee surgery

If it's comfortable and efficient it is probably fine for you, what makes you think it's not? It's certainly not an obligatory part of bike ownership

 

[slowmotion]

I've never had one. I went the free route and fiddled about by making minor adjustments myself.
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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAl_5e7bIHk
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[Milkfloat]

I had a pretty serious back injury, the bike fit got me into a position where I could ride for more than a couple of hours without pain. So for me it was a wonderful investment. Since my operation I have readjusted my position again, without a bike fit.

I would say if you are experiencing issues with pain or discomfort then get a proper bike fit booked. If you are wanting to maximise your performance then maybe have a play yourself first after reading up on the subject, if that fails book a bike fit. I can recommend bike dynamics.

 

[derrick]

I know lots of people who have had them, Some are happy some are not, Just seems a waste of money to me. i am really comfortable on my bike, i do quite a few long rides and do not have any problems. i would say if your comfortable and do not suffer any aches or pains leave it as it is.There are good vids on youtube to get you fitted nicely. If you have one they will change your stem, adjust your saddle. and fit shims in your cleats. What makes you think you are not fitted properly. One shop i know who do bike fits reckon it's a good little earner.

 

[Crandoggler]

The only discomfort I get is that my elbows lock out. Probably due to laziness on my part as when I am aware of it, I relax the joints.

I also get a sore arse above 2 hours. However, I'm quite comfortable on my saddle up to that point.

 

[vickster]

The only discomfort I get is that my elbows lock out. Probably due to laziness on my part as when I am aware of it, I relax the joints.

I also get a sore arse above 2 hours. However, I'm quite comfortable on my saddle up to that point.

You might find spending £100 on Assos shorts is better for your bum than £150 on a fit

A bike fit also won't stop you getting lazy and locking your elbows, assuming the reach isn't out which it doesn't sound like it is

 

[derrick]

The only discomfort I get is that my elbows lock out. Probably due to laziness on my part as when I am aware of it, I relax the joints.

I also get a sore arse above 2 hours. However, I'm quite comfortable on my saddle up to that point.

Worth spending money on a good saddle, Assos is a bit over the top, but if that's what it takes go for it. I prefere Castelli.
I like this one but it will not suit everyone.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/selle-italia/flite-team-edition-flow-saddle-ec118833

 

[Globalti]

If you feel comfortable then you're probably set up right. An experienced cyclist can tell a lot just by looking at another rider on their bike so whay don't you post a sideways-on photo of yourself seated normally on the bike on here? Lots of people will give you the benefit of their experience.

 

[cyberknight]

Another vote for if your comfy your probably about right anyway .
You can always experiment a bit , take your current fit measurements down so you can get back to where you are and a bike fit can be an ongoing process over time as your body changes.
When i first started on road bikes i had the saddle all the way forward and the bars high and as i got fitter/used to it the set up got longer and lower and now i have had to shorten reach to feel spot on.

 

[GravityFighter]

I had a bike fit done just over a week ago. Turns out my position was already fairly good, but with some minor tweaks I now feel much more in control fo the bike when descending and cornering quickly. The slight pain in my right hand that was present on longer rides has disappeared as well. So for me, definitely worth it.

By the way, I paid £60 for an hour with a qualified chap who did everything by eye, taking photos and videos along the way. He used to be a Retul fitter charging £120 - £150 a time, but his view was that any fancy machine / laser-guided fit assumes people are of similar proportions and that they all want to be in the same position- i.e. the best for speed / racing. £60 well spent I'd say.

 

[Doyleyburger]

I just can't bring myself to have one. A few people I know have had them and ended up changing back to how they were before. I took a few tips from various youtube videos, got on the turbo and then just tweaked until I felt comfortable

 

[cyberknight]

I had a bike fit done just over a week ago. Turns out my position was already fairly good, but with some minor tweaks I now feel much more in control fo the bike when descending and cornering quickly. The slight pain in my right hand that was present on longer rides has disappeared as well. So for me, definitely worth it.

By the way, I paid £60 for an hour with a qualified chap who did everything by eye, taking photos and videos along the way. He used to be a Retul fitter charging £120 - £150 a time, but his view was that any fancy machine / laser-guided fit assumes people are of similar proportions and that they all want to be in the same position- i.e. the best for speed / racing. £60 well spent I'd say.

Nice
Around here i can either get a "basic " fit £90
or retul fits for close to £200

 

[Globalti]

Ninety quid? I'll do it for you for fifty. And I'm no more than a reasonably experienced cyclist with an average cyclist's understanding of bike setup.

 

[Dave7]

You might find spending £100 on Assos shorts is better for your bum than £150 on a fit

A bike fit also won't stop you getting lazy and locking your elbows, assuming the reach isn't out which it doesn't sound like it is

Do you really rate Assos shorts......(serious question).
I do suffer from a saw a^*$e after distance. Tried various saddles (as you may have seen from my posts) and am thinking of trying better shorts.
Cant see a stockist (that actually does stock them) in Warrington and am worried about buying---untried--off the internet.