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Bike fitting experiences?

After a while of thinking about it i finally had a bike fitting last week at my LBS.

Well, i was quite surprised at how far off the mark i thought my 'comfortable' riding position was! (not).

After a short 20 mile blast this weekend on the new setup i can not believe the differance. It feels like i am on a sofa. I can not stress how much of a worth while think to do this is, especially if you are spending long times in the saddle. It may cost a few quid but i would recommend everyone to have it done.

Ithurts

Comments

  • hussler.hussler. Posts: 390
    I had a pro bike fit the other week at Bike Dynamics Near Leicester, I have had my saddle raised 12mm and put forward 8mm on the TT bike to open out my Knee angle.... To cut a long story short I am now more aero than before, more comfortable and my position is fairly aggressive now:)
    I did a 2 hr TT on Saturday and spent the whole 2 hours in the aero position:)

    Well worth doing I paid £112 (with discount) for bike fit and cleat analysis...
  • Not had a bike fitting service but in contrast I'm really not happy with my LBS. I bought my bike last year (convinced they sold me the wrong size frame, 60, but what do I know - it's my first ever bike!) had terrible trouble with my knees. Went back to ask if the set up was correct, they adjusted and now I feel really stretched out and can feel it on my lower back on longer rides! Doesn't instil confidence in 'professional bike services'
  • AtomicAtomic Posts: 126
    Does anyone have any experience of a bike fitting service at wheelbase near Kendal.

    Thinking about getting one done and this shop is only just over 1 hour away.

    They were mentioned in this months 220 but I was wondering if anyone had used them before and could reccomend them or not.
  • LexLex Posts: 65
    Hey,

    I had the BG Specialised bike fitting done at Sigma in Kingston last Friday and must say I think it was defo worth the money (120 notes). Being a complete numpty on stuff like this I found it very useful. They did a full flexibility assessment and looked at everything including cleat position and footbeds for the shoes. You tell them what you intend to do on the bike and they set it around you.

    More experienced cyclists may struggle to find the value in it but for someone like me it was defo worth it.
  • shadowone1shadowone1 Posts: 1,408
    When I bought my first bike from my LBS, the fitting consisted on me standing over the tob tube of the bike and the guy saying "hmm looks fine". I didn't know any better.

    Then when I started cycling/ tri's I kept wondering why I was getting ridicolous back pain. It was so bad I was buying heat patches to help with the pain when out a cycle ride.

    Then when i bought the argon from Btown I realised the issue was the bike. Sitting the argon next to the claud butler you could see the differences.

    I never rode the claud butler again after that, she's now been sold.

    So a good bike fit is important.
  • danny_sdanny_s Posts: 235
    I definetely would recommend paying for someone with bike fitting qualifications. I feel the same way Shadowone1 did. The shop I got my first road bike from (Tri and Run) had me on a bike that was just painful for more than an hour. New fit, paying attention to the proper angles and dimensions got me on a new bike that feels good after 5 hours. The cost was maybe 125 or 150 but the difference was worth it ten times over.

    The system they used for me was the Serotta measurement system. The Specialized BG Fit system seems like a good one. The FIST protocols seem like the gold standard to me though, and particularly for tri bikes.
  • shadowone1 wrote:
    When I bought my first bike from my LBS, the fitting consisted on me standing over the tob tube of the bike and the guy saying "hmm looks fine". I didn't know any better.

    Then when I started cycling/ tri's I kept wondering why I was getting ridicolous back pain. It was so bad I was buying heat patches to help with the pain when out a cycle ride.

    Then when i bought the argon from Btown I realised the issue was the bike. Sitting the argon next to the claud butler you could see the differences.

    I never rode the claud butler again after that, she's now been sold.

    So a good bike fit is important.
    I very much think that's where I am now! Thinking new bike, fitted properly (with better LBS!). Any suggested retailers?
  • Hi,
    I have recently been suffering with anterio-medial knee pain when on the bike. Have been doing 30 miles or on a Sat fairly swiftly with only niggles, but did 50-55 yesterday and got the pain back. Can ride on, but it's very sore and leaves me sore for a couple of days at least. I'm a little concerned that as I increase the miles the pain will get worse. I guess there' a good chance it is the bike setup, but I'm reluctant to pay out 150 quid if it's not!!? I get no pain in my knee when running or swimming.

    Have other had experiences of knee pain etc which have resolved with a proper bike fit or is it a case of physio etc to address my inherent imbalances (I'm sure there must be plenty!).

    Do these bike fits include fitting tri bars to a road bike? That would be most helpful!
    Cheers,
    Guy
  • bunongbunong Posts: 49
    I am like many of you - it feels good to not to be the only one out their that hurts. I can go out a push for about 30-35 miles after that its mind over matter as my lower back feels like someone is sticking a knife in and twisting it. I have been told by my Chiro that I need to strengthen my core muscles, which I am doing and it actually helps a little, nice to know she knows what she talking about .

    I am going to go for a fitting session as I am convinced that the set up is wrong. Hopefully it is as it should mean I will be able to longer and faster - if its not I think I may take up tiddle winks or something equally physical...

    Anyway Shadowone1: When you say Btown I take it you mean Bridgetown at Cannock? If so I pass that way on the way to the office so I am very tempted to go their. How do they test you - is there a 'professional' way or method the professionals use rather than 'hummm yeah that looks good'?

    Cheers
  • shadowone1shadowone1 Posts: 1,408
    I did mean Bridgetown in Cannock.

    Mike took my measurements, then spent about 3hrs getting fitted. Moving saddles. adjusting tri-bars etc.

    Genuinely didn't realise there was as much tobike fitting but it was worth it as I get no back pain at all.

    Speak to Mike, he'll be able to sort you out.
  • What do you get for your money apart from a nicely fitting bike and resulting comfort/optimised position?

    I got quoted 120 notes for Chester Specialised Concept store to do the works with my bike but will I get anything else that'll be useful in future thrown in? Photos, measurements, etc?
  • simondo3333 wrote:
    What do you get for your money apart from a nicely fitting bike and resulting comfort/optimised position?

    I got quoted 120 notes for Chester Specialised Concept store to do the works with my bike but will I get anything else that'll be useful in future thrown in? Photos, measurements, etc?

    Simondo.

    I was fitted at my local specialised concept store, even though i only opted for the £60 half fit session it was great. The guy who did it certainly knew his stuff and took the time to do an evaluation of my body mechanics as well. He asked lots of questions about my bike, what conditions and environments i race in (hilly, flat fast courses etc) mostly hilly down here in cornwall!!!!! All my bikes measurements were taken and noted before any adjustments were made and when i was happy with the tweeks another set of adjusted measurements were made and noted. I was given a copy of this to keep for my records and was told to go ride.

    He also said that if i had any issues after my ride that he would be happy to spend a few minutes to make some corrections FOC.

    I must admit that i thought, do i want to spend the cash on this or not, but i am so glad i did.

    ithurts.
  • BexHBexH Posts: 226
    I have never had a proper bike fitting but also got sold a dud by a rubbish LBS. The bike itself is lovely and I will be sad to see him go (also a Claud Butler so he had to be called Claud!) but just massively too big to the point there is virtually no clearance. I have just bought a bike from another forum user who is the same size as me so hopefully this one will be with me for the duration. I haven't done a bike fitting as they are darned expensive but would love to- maybe later in the year. It's interesting to see that most of you are saying that you rate it as a worthwhile cost / experience but i guess it depends where you go.
  • I'm thinking of buying a new bike and making a trip to get it- as well as a bike fit at the same time. I live in cornwall but was thinking of going to bournemouth to Primera bike shop? think they do a free fit if you buy a bike from them? Any1 no anything or had experience with them?
  • hussler.hussler. Posts: 390
    One of my mates bought an S-works Transition from Primera and they took all the measurements blah blah then told he needed a Medium frame......This actually was incorrect and he would have been more suited to a X-Large..... He is 6'5 and legs longer than than anything youve seen before it looked like he was riding a kids bike.....

    He paid over £5000 for that bike......

    With regards the post above about photos, films etc.....

    It all depends what the company offer? I got photos and a DVD with a film of me actually cycling etc and all the angles of dangles etc overlaying everything with Bike Dynamics.....

    Well worth it. Get a pro fit done.....do not just rely on your LBS.....90% of them just want a sale......
  • Where did u get that done husstler?
    I was looking at getting a cannondale slice or somethin in the £1200-2000 price bracket.
    cheers
  • hussler.hussler. Posts: 390
    I got mine done at bike dynamics (google it) costs about £120 ...


    Check this vid out for what I got.....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9HbVmEVMSA

    compare this to how I was riding at a race last year in the pic below:
  • thanks for that, its a bit far to go really. i no its probably worth it- but i'm so busy working and training.
    any1 no of anywhere in the south west?
  • Fox5Fox5 Posts: 21
    it hurts,

    Where did you get your fitting done, was it the specialized store in Plymouth???
  • Fox5 wrote:
    it hurts,

    Where did you get your fitting done, was it the specialized store in Plymouth???
    hi Fox5.

    Yep, it is the concept store in saltash. Just around the corner from me luckily.
  • +1 for Bikedynamics.co.uk. I went recently after a glowing recommendation on the Timetrialling forum. It took about 3 hours but seemed to fly by. Absolutely fascinating and although he only altered my bike by what seemed like a few mm, the difference is amazing. I'd recommend a bike fitting for anybody, but It sounds like you need to find somebody who knows what they are doing.
  • bunongbunong Posts: 49
    So the really big question is DO YOU GO ANY FASTER???

    I don't mind spend £120 to remove the pain, but I also want to go faster. Do your bike splits improve and does your run split improve as well as you should be more rested - why do people say rested I'm bloody knackered coming out of T2...
  • After only two rides i must say that i ave noticed quite a difference. I rode a very hilly 60K yesterday and i am normally out of the saddle quite a bit on this route, only got out of it once!!!! I have noticed this morning that i now have a aches where i did not have them before. I assume this is because i am working muscles slightly differently now.

    Just got to get my flexibility sorted then i might get me some aero bars..

    ithurts.
  • I visited Primera last week and had great service, a new bike and a great bike fit with Paul (cyclefit trained) - They even fitted my old bike to match. It has been one of the best shopping experience I have had, I would recommend them to anyone. When I get the TT bike next march I am going to visit their partners bikefit UK for a full Retul bike fit!! Roll on the spring!!!
  • shadowone1shadowone1 Posts: 1,408
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