The Power of Bike Fitting …..

[DJPetrolHead]

So when I took up riding 3 years ago I just walked in to my local Evans, listened to the spotty 17 year old and walked out with a Wilier Izoard XP XL which is a 58cm frame. I did thousands of miles on it not thinking about geometry and seat tubes and top tubes and crank length etc…… but always had niggles in my lower back and always felt inefficient ……… I decided that I would take the bike and myself in for a fitting (about 9 months ago) and get all my measurements nailed down. Turns out that being 6ft 6in with long body and legs doesn't suit a 58cm frame --> yes should of been obvious to me and to all of you but my point is this…..

I was a complete novice then (some still say I am) and it shows that all Evans (read Halfords, Cycle Surgery etc) wanted to do was sell me a bike they had in store at that time. They said what I needed (maybe wanted) to hear and i took their advice as gospel …… my error yes but again the majority of people buying bikes are not educated and depend on these mainstream stores for solid advice.

I had my fitting at my local independent bike shop and they were superb. Yes I was looking to spend money on a new bike but what I have now is perfect fit and will be with me for a long time. It also means that anytime I want to buy or build another bike I have the sizings and they can be adopted to a mountain bike etc.

So why the sunday morning post ….. 1) i am up feeding my 4mth old, 2) i think its important people new to this or looking to buy a new bike get a proper fitting, 3) spending £60-70 on a fitting WILL save you money in the long run…….

Get a fitting from a local trusted bike shop ---> Rant / comment over. Bottle finished :-)

[Matt_N]

What did they recommend then and how far off is the Wilier?

[Deerfoot]

DJPetrolHead said:

I was a complete novice then (some still say I am) and it shows that all Evans (read Halfords, Cycle Surgery etc) wanted to do was sell me a bike they had in store at that time. They said what I needed (maybe wanted) to hear and i took their advice as gospel …… my error yes but again the majority of people buying bikes are not educated and depend on these mainstream stores for solid advice.

To be honest this paragraph could be altered to include a wide variety of retail fields.

I'm pretty sure my bike is a bit small for me....

[Joey Ramone]

There's a difference between a bike shop doing their job properly and fitting up the bike for you, and a proper bike fit by someone like Adrian Timmis or a recognised retul fitter. They will spend hours getting it just right for you.

But you're bang on. Bike shops just don't help novices. When I bought my first road bike the guy just made me stand next to a 56 Allez and told me that was fine. I spent 18 months 'stretched out' trying to reach the handlebars and for ages had no proper idea of what my saddle height should be.

Now I'm on a 54 Wilier GT and it fits like a glove. But even the guys in that shop, a specialist bike store, didn't even try to make sure I knew what I was doing.

Edited by Joey Ramone on Sunday 12th January 09:23

[DJPetrolHead]

Matt_N said:

What did they recommend then and how far off is the Wilier?

Ended up with a Trek Madone 62cm frame with a 130mm stem, 44cm handlebars, 177.5cm cranks and a wider saddle.

Each component changed free of charge to fit me by the bike shop. Like a suit of the rack then having it fitted to you! Next best is to have a frame custom made to you but I'm not planning on selling a kidney!!

[DrMekon]

Have you had any follow-up sessions? I found going back after I done a good few rides and describing the experience, and whether there was any more I wanted from the bike helped the fitter make the bike feel even more part of me. If you had a Trek fit, they'll do it for nothing.

[DJPetrolHead]

DrMekon said:

Have you had any follow-up sessions? I found going back after I done a good few rides and describing the experience, and whether there was any more I wanted from the bike helped the fitter make the bike feel even more part of me. If you had a Trek fit, they'll do it for nothing.

Been in a couple of times and had a few tweaks and a full 6 week service on the bike where they make sure nothing moved and re run the config as per the bike fitting. Great service and they are now putting the measurements to my mountain bike & helping me apply them to a cheap winter bike build…. won't be as good a fit but will ensure stem, cranks etc all right length.