Bike Fitting - Is it worth it?

[GlasgowFinn]

Hi,

I have been cycling on my road bike since the turn of the year and am very much a newbie.

I'm 50 and, having had both my hips replaced, have to be a wee bit careful with what I do.

I do get back and shoulder pain when I go on longer runs but I appreciate that may be down to lack of miles!

I can get a Trek bike fit at my local Tiso store for £100 and thought it might be worth the investment before I head off for my trip to the Outer Hebrides in a month's time.

Money well spent do you think?

Thanks.

 

[cyberknight]

Given your circumstances i would probably say a bike fit would be a sound investment.
just found this if it is of any interest.
http://road.cc/content/news/30336-video-getting-trek-bike-fit

 

[kedab]

do it - get the fit - i'm going for one at my LBS next week - 60 english pounds plus the governments lunch money

 

[GlasgowFinn]

Booked for Monday afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[MrJamie]

Do bike fits offer any follow up for that price, if for example the fit gives you problems?

Hope all goes well with the fit and trip

 

[HLaB]

You can survive without it Finn so its not a neccesity but if you have the money there's no harm in getting it done. IIRC it was £40or£50 when I got it done 4 or 5 years ago. That just involved measuring in a jig and adjusting the bike to that; I believe some of the more expensive fits further examine your actual position on the bike once the changes are made. I dare say I could have returned if I had problems but the basic fit worked for me.

 

[jefmcg]

In london the going price seems to be more like £200, which seems a lot (around the cost of entering London-Edinburgh-London for instance). Anyone know a good bargain in the greater London (better still West/South West) area?

 

[kedab]

In london the going price seems to be more like £200, which seems a lot (around the cost of entering London-Edinburgh-London for instance). Anyone know a good bargain in the greater London (better still West/South West) area?

i'd have to advise just shopping about - 200 squids? that sounds like a concept store kind of price and should involve much of what HLaB suggests - i've no doubt my LBS will use some sort of complicated system of levers and pulleys to figure out where best i can be on the bike and make some basic but well informed adustments. at £60 plus vat, i'm not expecting a shiatsu and a dvd afterwards but i'm fairly sure it'll help.

 

[Finnjävel]

Anyone tried the fit calculator from Competetive Cyclist website? It worked for me pretty good. Might be worth a shot.

 

[Kevin Airey]

There are 2 kinds of bike fits, the measure you up and see how you look version and the computer aided fits that monitor you over a short time and make corrections based on numerous factors. A Retul fit like I had will cost you more and take 3-4 hours and for me was well worth it!

I had knee issues, plus despite setting saddle height the old school way found the height to be 2cm too low. Also the knee tracking was a bit adrift and improved with wedges on the cleats.

I am also knocking on the door of 50 and feel that a proper fit is important as our bodies don't adapt like a younger one so a perfect fit is the only way, especially if you are feeling discomfort.

My rides were up to 70km on the road bike then the issues would kick in and grind me down, the fit has helped me train better and ride further up to 130km now and comfortable....

...and I only started last October...

 

[vickster]

In london the going price seems to be more like £200, which seems a lot (around the cost of entering London-Edinburgh-London for instance). Anyone know a good bargain in the greater London (better still West/South West) area?

Not cheap really but I think Corridori in Epsom charged £160ish? http://www.corridori.co.uk/#!bg-bike-fits/c15f3

Does the Giant store in Twickenham not offer the service?

 

[GlasgowFinn]

There are 2 kinds of bike fits, the measure you up and see how you look version and the computer aided fits that monitor you over a short time and make corrections based on numerous factors. A Retul fit like I had will cost you more and take 3-4 hours and for me was well worth it!

I had knee issues, plus despite setting saddle height the old school way found the height to be 2cm too low. Also the knee tracking was a bit adrift and improved with wedges on the cleats.

I am also knocking on the door of 50 and feel that a proper fit is important as our bodies don't adapt like a younger one so a perfect fit is the only way, especially if you are feeling discomfort.

My rides were up to 70km on the road bike then the issues would kick in and grind me down, the fit has helped me train better and ride further up to 130km now and comfortable....

...and I only started last October...

That's interesting Kevin, thanks. Will see how it goes on Monday.

 

[Chris S]

Your spine compresses by about a 1cm during the day, making millimeter precise measurements meaningless!

 

[coffeejo]

I had a number-crunching bike fit on Thursday and couldn't believe the difference from the adjustments on today's 100k ride. Everything was easier, smoother, and much more comfortable.

 

[ianwoodi]

worth every penney