Bike fitting question...

[Scoe141]

Was just curious if an "on-line" fitting would be as accurate as an "in person" fitting. The reason I ask is because the LBS isn't so "L". It's about an 1hr 30min drive.

Im going there because of the price (cheaper than my LBS) and a couple of other reasons.

My current bike setup has been fine (AFAIK) and I've had no issues with fit or discomfort since I've owned it (about 3 years) even though I was never fitted for it.

Thanks for any feedback.

[cxwrench]

no, it won't be. probably. too many variables to take into account. but, not all 'in person' fittings are the same...some guys just don't have a clue what they're doing, some are very good at it. you could get 5 'in person' fittings and 5 'online' fittings and end up w/ 10 different set-ups.

[Scoe141]

Originally Posted by cxwrench

no, it won't be. probably. too many variables to take into account. but, not all 'in person' fittings are the same...some guys just don't have a clue what they're doing, some are very good at it. you could get 5 'in person' fittings and 5 'online' fittings and end up w/ 10 different set-ups.

Thanks for the info. The LbS said to bring my bike, shoes shorts and jersey to the fitting. He said it could take 90min. Just wondering what to expect...

(sorry have never been fitted before. I know that he will be taking measurements- but other than that don't really know.)

[MerlinAma]

Originally Posted by Scoe141

Thanks for the info. The LbS said to bring my bike, shoes shorts and jersey to the fitting. He said it could take 90min. Just wondering what to expect...

(sorry have never been fitted before. I know that he will be taking measurements- but other than that don't really know.)

Online fit is 100% based on measurements and interpretation of those measurements. I'm not totally convinced that you could measure twice several days apart and get the same exact number.

A live fitting is just that. While measurements may be taken, an experienced fitted will watch you ride and go from there.

I had a Retul fit a few years ago which I thought was very good. The computer analyzed me while I was just riding along (on a trainer, of course) and also while I was really pedaling hard. And the guy running the system also looked at my form and added that input.

So a good fitter should be better than an online measure/fit method.

[Scoe141]

Originally Posted by MerlinAma

Online fit is 100% based on measurements and interpretation of those measurements. I'm not totally convinced that you could measure twice several days apart and get the same exact number.

A live fitting is just that. While measurements may be taken, an experienced fitted will watch you ride and go from there.

I had a Retul fit a few years ago which I thought was very good. The computer analyzed me while I was just riding along (on a trainer, of course) and also while I was really pedaling hard. And the guy running the system also looked at my form and added that input.

So a good fitter should be better than an online measure/fit method.

I believe the LBS uses Racermate. I hope there will be an improvement, even if it's a slight one, especially since I've never been fitted before.

Thanks for the information Merlin.

[CABGPatchKid]

Here is a link that shows one example of a bike fit
Bicycle Fitting - Specialized BG System at PV Bicycle Center - Part 1 of 4 - YouTube
It is in 4 parts, each about 10 minutes, it will give you an idea of one fitting process.

[Scoe141]

Originally Posted by CABGPatchKid

Here is a link that shows one example of a bike fit
Bicycle Fitting - Specialized BG System at PV Bicycle Center - Part 1 of 4 - YouTube
It is in 4 parts, each about 10 minutes, it will give you an idea of one fitting process.

I watched the first one and it looks pretty cool (will watch more after work.) Thank you so much for providing the link.

This may be a really naive question and doesn't necessarily have to be answered with a long response... but will a fitting make a significant difference?

[browsielove]

If you have never had discomfort issues and you indicate that your current setup is "fine", then what are you looking to improve on?
Are you getting into competitive cycling and require more performance or aero advantage? "Significant difference" depends entirely on current scenario and percieved benefit of getting fit.

[Scoe141]

Originally Posted by browsielove

If you have never had discomfort issues and you indicate that your current setup is "fine", then what are you looking to improve on?
Are you getting into competitive cycling and require more performance or aero advantage? "Significant difference" depends entirely on current scenario and percieved benefit of getting fit.

My setup is fine... have had it for three years and there have been no issues (knock on wood.)

I race, but for fun (although Im competitive but more with myself.) I don't really need to be aero and any performance gains will more than likely be obtained from improving "engine" skills... Im just racking my brain, thinking if driving 90min for a fitting (will prob. eventually buy a bike from him) is worth the time. (3 hr round trip plus 90min for the fitting...)

Thanks for your input.

[Scoe141]

Originally Posted by SRinSA

Ditto, I had the same type of fit done. Retul is good, but Frank at my LBS understands the numbers and how to put it all together.

What are your overall thoughts on a fitting?

Thanks for the post.

[SRinSA]

Originally Posted by MerlinAma

Online fit is 100% based on measurements and interpretation of those measurements. I'm not totally convinced that you could measure twice several days apart and get the same exact number.

A live fitting is just that. While measurements may be taken, an experienced fitted will watch you ride and go from there.

I had a Retul fit a few years ago which I thought was very good. The computer analyzed me while I was just riding along (on a trainer, of course) and also while I was really pedaling hard. And the guy running the system also looked at my form and added that input.

So a good fitter should be better than an online measure/fit method.

Ditto, I had the same type of fit done. Retul is good, but Frank at my LBS understands the numbers and how to put it all together.

[browsielove]

OK - Here is the bottom line. You're 3hr round trip from your LOCAL bike shop (sorry about that, by the way) and looking to see if the time to get fit is justified, though you're comfortable on your current setup.
I would say maybe. If you plan on purchasing a new bike soon, you can use the time getting fit as sort of an "interview" to determine if this is the shop you want to do business with when the time is right to get the new ride. In addition, if your fit is good and professional, take notes and you will be able to use what you've learned as you log miles and tweak things to improve your fit / performance.
If it is more about simply the current setup and improving that which is "fine", save your $ and day's time invested and go for a nice long ride. Much better dividends.

[Scoe141]

Originally Posted by browsielove

OK - Here is the bottom line. You're 3hr round trip from your LOCAL bike shop (sorry about that, by the way) and looking to see if the time to get fit is justified, though you're comfortable on your current setup.
I would say maybe. If you plan on purchasing a new bike soon, you can use the time getting fit as sort of an "interview" to determine if this is the shop you want to do business with when the time is right to get the new ride. In addition, if your fit is good and professional, take notes and you will be able to use what you've learned as you log miles and tweak things to improve your fit / performance.
If it is more about simply the current setup and improving that which is "fine", save your $ and day's time invested and go for a nice long ride. Much better dividends.

See my LBS is technically 5 minutes away...

Im looking to get a new bike. I've priced the new bike out with this "3hr LBS", which will be about 500 dollars cheaper then my "LBS". Thats including the fitting etc.

So this would be a fitting, talking about the bike and potential pulling the trigger. He already knows the parts I want, but this fitting process very well could be tweaking any parts. I apologize and probably should have clarified this as I could see it potentially altering anyones opinion on the subject.

Thanks again.