Bike Fitting Service

[944fan]

I had my first long ride today on a road bike. Did 24 miles at an average of 18 mph. Not sure how that fairs. I am loving the road bike, the speed and the acceleration is amazing (spent years on MTBs). They way you can accelerate up a hill in the outer ring is great. Try that on an MTB and all you will get is a lot of sweat and burning legs.

Anyway, I found my neck, shoulders and lower back were quite stiff/sore after.

The LBS I bought the bike from do a bike fitting service for £60. That doesn't include any new gear you need though. I only paid £550 for the bike and don't really want to go and come away with a couple of hundred quid worth of new gear.

Anyone done one? Is it worth it, or should I just MTFU?

[Jimbo.]

It's an option. However, if this is your first real go on a road bike, I'd give it some time to adapt: it's not the most natural of positions! IME, setting everything up "average" to start with helps (KOPS, saddle height/leg bend etc, ditto cleats etc) and then working from there, should be your first port of call before spashing out on a bike fit.

[Magic919]

I used The Bike Whisperer.

[Jimbo.]

Magic919 said:

I used The Bike Whisperer.

Tell me tell me tell me! I'm seriously considering giving him a call, as my knee problems are driving me mad!

[mchammer89]

Jimbo. said:

Tell me tell me tell me! I'm seriously considering giving him a call, as my knee problems are driving me mad!

He has a Capri, surely worth using on that basis alone.

[drgav2005]

Best money you can spend on a bike is the bike fit.

I had a RETUL fit done on my road bike a couple of years ago (and my TT bike today!). The bike was transformed from an instrument of torture to something I can happily spend 6+ hours on.

You wouldn't drive a car as it came out of the factory, you'd tinker with the seat position, steering wheel height, mirrors etc. until you're comfortable… why not the same with your bike? Money well spent, IMHO

[Magic919]

Jimbo. said:

Magic919 said:

I used The Bike Whisperer.

Tell me tell me tell me! I'm seriously considering giving him a call, as my knee problems are driving me mad!

I knew I had biomechanical problems and felt the trip was very worthwhile. He spent ages accessing me in terms of range of movement, flexibility, medical history and all kinds of things. He used best part of an hour on the foot/pedal interface, not just cleats, but also some shims. Took a generous half day overall.

I picked up some useful tips, felt more comfy on the bike and left with a new stem for a bit more reach. All that was on my hybrid and I plan to use him again for a new road bike in due course.

[DrMekon]

Just had a bike fitting. I do a lot of endurance rides, and thought I was pretty close. Well, I was about right with bars and stem, but out on saddle height and set-back. The main thing was cleats - they were sending my knees all over the place. Got my shoes adjusted and some inserts. It immediately felt more natural and stable.