Bike fit recommendations in South Wales
Discussion
... as the title, really. There are so many that advertise, but it's hard to tell from a company website just how they will actually be.
I'd like to get my current bike optimised... I'm not sure it fits me so well now I'm pushing 50 as it did 20-plus years ago when I bought it, and I'm thinking about maybe buying a new bike next year for the next ten or twenty years, so I'd like to get some pointers on exactly what to look for to be right for me.
I'm based between Crosshands and Carmarthen, but I'm willing to travel for a (probably) one-off thing like this. Having said that, Pilot House Cycles in Swansea looks promising, if anyone's been there?
Thanks in advance
(PS, I am cross-posting this across a few forums so apologies if you see it more than once)
I'd like to get my current bike optimised... I'm not sure it fits me so well now I'm pushing 50 as it did 20-plus years ago when I bought it, and I'm thinking about maybe buying a new bike next year for the next ten or twenty years, so I'd like to get some pointers on exactly what to look for to be right for me.
I'm based between Crosshands and Carmarthen, but I'm willing to travel for a (probably) one-off thing like this. Having said that, Pilot House Cycles in Swansea looks promising, if anyone's been there?
Thanks in advance
(PS, I am cross-posting this across a few forums so apologies if you see it more than once)
http://backstedtbikefit.com
Magnus Backstedt former Paris Roubaix winner might be someone you could try. Based in Newport so only a quick drive down the M4. Not personally had a bike fit done by him but heard good things from others.
Magnus Backstedt former Paris Roubaix winner might be someone you could try. Based in Newport so only a quick drive down the M4. Not personally had a bike fit done by him but heard good things from others.
Following a couple of nods on another forum, and to update this for anyone else asking the same thing:
I went to County Cycles in Crosshands today, and had what they call a comfort fit (£75). They also offer a performance fit (£150); I'm not clear what the extra is, but for what I was after, apparently it was unnecessary.
Some chatting about what sort of riding I do (fun/fitness/freedom... more head up enjoying the view than head down watching Strava segments); my general health and injuries; my flexibility (high); measured me, measured my current bike.
Turns out I'm a bit lop-sided for no good reason, and my current bike is very much the right size/fit for me, which is nice. Adjustments limited to a tweak of cleat position and saddle height to take a little stretch off my left leg, otherwise I've got everything lined up pretty well already... which is also nice.
The process in general was calm and methodical and he made sure I was understanding why he was making the (small) changes.
Also included some general discussion on what bike I'll be looking for next year, followed by a sit on and gentle attempt to sell me the one bike in the shop that not only fits me but also the type of bike I'm after (relaxed road)... at around a third of what I said my price range was, so not really quite what I'm considering at all... he did show me the lead times if I wanted the same thing with a better groupset - September '21! So maybe not so pushy to suggest the one they actually have... however I'm not in a rush.
Oh, and the price of the fit is refundable against buying a bike from them.
Overall, it was useful. Although I didn't need a lot changing or anything, it has made me much more confident from knowing that where I am is a good place, and therefore understanding the sort of fit/geometry I should look for with my next bike.
I went to County Cycles in Crosshands today, and had what they call a comfort fit (£75). They also offer a performance fit (£150); I'm not clear what the extra is, but for what I was after, apparently it was unnecessary.
Some chatting about what sort of riding I do (fun/fitness/freedom... more head up enjoying the view than head down watching Strava segments); my general health and injuries; my flexibility (high); measured me, measured my current bike.
Turns out I'm a bit lop-sided for no good reason, and my current bike is very much the right size/fit for me, which is nice. Adjustments limited to a tweak of cleat position and saddle height to take a little stretch off my left leg, otherwise I've got everything lined up pretty well already... which is also nice.
The process in general was calm and methodical and he made sure I was understanding why he was making the (small) changes.
Also included some general discussion on what bike I'll be looking for next year, followed by a sit on and gentle attempt to sell me the one bike in the shop that not only fits me but also the type of bike I'm after (relaxed road)... at around a third of what I said my price range was, so not really quite what I'm considering at all... he did show me the lead times if I wanted the same thing with a better groupset - September '21! So maybe not so pushy to suggest the one they actually have... however I'm not in a rush.
Oh, and the price of the fit is refundable against buying a bike from them.
Overall, it was useful. Although I didn't need a lot changing or anything, it has made me much more confident from knowing that where I am is a good place, and therefore understanding the sort of fit/geometry I should look for with my next bike.
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