Bike fitting...total costs

[jonny jeez]

I'm keen to get a bike fitting and have a few recommendations, all of which fit my budget.

but.

I assume the bike fit place will recommend a few changes to my set up, perhaps a new stem, maybe some of those headset spacer things...who knows even shorter crank arms.

So the question is...what If I don't like the kit they suggest and I want to shop around a bit for better stuff... and more importantly what If I don't like their prices?

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

All bike fits I have ever had will have a range of stems, bars, seats etc available when doing the fit, these are used as part of the fit process. At the end of the fit I am advised of what components I require and which ones they can provide me with.
I have never had an issue purchasing items after the fit itself.

 

[e-rider]

bike fitting might be useful for total newbies that don't have a clue but otherwise they are a complete waste of cash!
being told what position you should be riding in, and what position actually works are two completely different things, and the list of variables is almost infinite.
I agree that you see newbie types with their bikes set up really badly that could certainly use some advice, but otherwise save your money!

 

[Rob3rt]

bike fitting might be useful for total newbies that don't have a clue but otherwise they are a complete waste of cash!
being told what position you should be riding in, and what position actually works are two completely different things, and the list of variables is almost infinite.
I agree that you see newbie types with their bikes set up really badly that could certainly use some advice, but otherwise save your money!

Sometimes I despair!

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

bike fitting might be useful for total newbies that don't have a clue but otherwise they are a complete waste of cash!
being told what position you should be riding in, and what position actually works are two completely different things, and the list of variables is almost infinite.
I agree that you see newbie types with their bikes set up really badly that could certainly use some advice, but otherwise save your money!

Do you have evidence supporting your statement that bike fits are a complete waste of cash, or is this simply your opinion?

 

[screenman]

bike fitting might be useful for total newbies that don't have a clue but otherwise they are a complete waste of cash!
being told what position you should be riding in, and what position actually works are two completely different things, and the list of variables is almost infinite.
I agree that you see newbie types with their bikes set up really badly that could certainly use some advice, but otherwise save your money!

I take it you have not had one, or spoken to many of the people who have benefited from one.

 

[e-rider]

Do you have evidence supporting your statement that bike fits are a complete waste of cash, or is this simply your opinion?

I'm sure that there are plenty of people out there that could benefit from it. Either newbies or idiots

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Thanks for the info. That clears things up

 

[Rob3rt]

I'm sure that there are plenty of people out there that could benefit from it. Either newbies or idiots

Sounds like you would benefit then!

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I'm sure that there are plenty of people out there that could benefit from it. Either newbies or idiots

The highly experienced and rather successful Sky pro cycling team, have partnered with Retul bike and have dedicated a member of staff to working closely with the bike fit company.
https://www.retul.com/news/retul-team-sky-pro-cycling-partnership-announced/

I'm curious to know what a bike fit system offers that experienced and trained coaches, mechanics can not achieve with eyesight and a little guesswork.... Perhaps the sky staff are all newbies on a modern apprenticeship, who knows?

Bradly Wiggins believes that bike fits have helped improve the effectiveness of his TT position, but then again is an idiot who earnt GBP 1.500.000,00 last year
http://www.paywizard.co.uk/main/pay...letes-salary/vip_details?id=bradley-wiggins-1

Make of that what you will, personally if being an idiot gives me the same earning potential as Brad, I'm all for loosing a few brain cells and embracing a bike fit

 

[RWright]

I was reading Cav makes all his own bike fitting decisions, I think he gets paid pretty well too. Article also said he changes things almost daily. I agree for starters bike fitting could help a lot, but I am not paying someone to move my seat and handle bars.

 

[Ningishzidda]

If you work for a company who employs over 50 people ?? Must check this. Your employers should have a budget to allow employees to participate in 'outside leaning', at college etc.
My company gave me £150 to spend 'learning how to fit a bicycle' at a bike fitting supplier.

It was worth every penny.

 

[VamP]

I'm sure that there are plenty of people out there that could benefit from it. Either newbies or idiots

Wow, you obviously know what's what.

 

[jonny jeez]

I didn't really want to debate whether it was worth it or whether I'm an idiot.

I'm riding around 200 miles a week (and will soon be riding 100 miles a day) I'm pretty savy and have the bike set up in as near as perfect position as I can do, with my own skill and view. However, I am suffering from an aching neck, I know my shoulders are too hunched but don't know if my stem is too long, or my headset to high or perhaps my seat to... something or other. I also get the occasional ache in the back of one knee after a perhaps a hundred miles or so but this can usually be worked out by stretching.

I'm happy to pay to have someone else advise me, I just want opinions on whether these things actually end up costing much more than the agreed initial cost, or whether most fittings are achieved by just shifting things about.

 

[GrasB]

bike fitting might be useful for total newbies that don't have a clue but otherwise they are a complete waste of cash

Not really, to get a good fit your self takes several £1000 in equipment & training.

being told what position you should be riding in, and what position actually works are two completely different things, and the list of variables is almost infinite.

A good fit is the best blend of aerodynamics, power production & rider comfort. For a more flexible rider 'comfort' may well be a non-factor as they can simply get into positions which are well beyond the best compromise of aero & power production. For a powerful but not very flexible rider it may well be worth consecrating on aero & comfort. The art of a good bike fit is to work out what's the best set of compromises to me given the riders typical riding & riding style.

Take to an extreme you actually need frequent re-fits. This is because as you train your body into a set of positions it adapts & you find that tweaks can be found. For TTing & road racing mainly you're sorting out aerodynamics & extracting every last bit of power out of your riding position. Endurance/ultra cycling may concentrate on maintaining the same aero/power but dialling in a little more comfort which may take advantage of new found flexibility), etc.