Bike Fit - is it worth it?
Discussion
You'll get differing views on this.
I'm not sure I'd pay for a really expensive fit as I doubt that millimetric precision is necessary, but even a fairly basic £60 fitting helped me a lot, even though I'd been riding for 15 years at that point.
For various reasons, really going back to the first road bike I ever bought that had incredibly long reach bars fitted, I had ended up sitting too far forward with too much bar drop and too much weight on my arms. The revised position, sitting further back and with less drop, turned out to be more comfortable, and in fact more efficient for me.
I'm not sure I'd pay for a really expensive fit as I doubt that millimetric precision is necessary, but even a fairly basic £60 fitting helped me a lot, even though I'd been riding for 15 years at that point.
For various reasons, really going back to the first road bike I ever bought that had incredibly long reach bars fitted, I had ended up sitting too far forward with too much bar drop and too much weight on my arms. The revised position, sitting further back and with less drop, turned out to be more comfortable, and in fact more efficient for me.
Go to Boardman's new facility and have a Fit with Bianca.
She is a fully qualified Physio and it is this knowledge which makes her worth her weigh in gold.
She also holds clinics showing other fitters from around the UK how to do it properly.
Many of those "experts" usually mentioned in threads like these on here have had input from her into their fitting techniques.
She is a fully qualified Physio and it is this knowledge which makes her worth her weigh in gold.
She also holds clinics showing other fitters from around the UK how to do it properly.
Many of those "experts" usually mentioned in threads like these on here have had input from her into their fitting techniques.
SoliD said:
Best money I've ever spent on something bike related in my opinion. Being comfortable on the bike and ensuring you're not going to cause yourself any issues long term and can then be moved from bike to bike at no extra cost!
PS mine was with Garth and Vankru.
Thanks SoliD. Good advice. I have only heard good things about Garth. Which fit did you go for the classic or the full Precision bike fit?PS mine was with Garth and Vankru.
SoliD said:
Best money I've ever spent on something bike related in my opinion. Being comfortable on the bike and ensuring you're not going to cause yourself any issues long term and can then be moved from bike to bike at no extra cost!
PS mine was with Garth and Vankru.
Agree - depends on what your aims are but even a leisure cyclist doing no more than an hour or 2 at weekends will benefit from comfort and reduced risk of injury.PS mine was with Garth and Vankru.
When you see the standard of fit for most people (saddle too low legs akimbo being the most common howler I see) it's shocking. It's actually quite rare to see someone who looks 'right' on a bike.
If you are doing time trialling or triathlon it's essential as the balance between comfort, aero and power output is a complex matrix.
I used Adam at https://www.sports-lab.co.uk not expensive and know his onions
Lovey1 said:
SoliD said:
Best money I've ever spent on something bike related in my opinion. Being comfortable on the bike and ensuring you're not going to cause yourself any issues long term and can then be moved from bike to bike at no extra cost!
PS mine was with Garth and Vankru.
Thanks SoliD. Good advice. I have only heard good things about Garth. Which fit did you go for the classic or the full Precision bike fit?PS mine was with Garth and Vankru.
It depends on how much you ride. I would say more than 6 hours a week and go for retul, anything less than 4, try the basic....anything in between....take your pick.
I could never get comfortable on my bike. Tried adjusting it loads but couldn't get the saddle position right without feeling like I was massively leaning over which lead to back pain.
£50 on a bike fit and it was an instant transformation. Needed a new stem as the previous one was far too long and angled wrong which was leading to problems elsewhere as I was trying to compensate for it in sadlle position etc...
Most cost effective 'upgrade' going I found.
Obviously this depends on your current fitting. If your comfortable and not getting any injuries or pains then it's a different question.
£50 on a bike fit and it was an instant transformation. Needed a new stem as the previous one was far too long and angled wrong which was leading to problems elsewhere as I was trying to compensate for it in sadlle position etc...
Most cost effective 'upgrade' going I found.
Obviously this depends on your current fitting. If your comfortable and not getting any injuries or pains then it's a different question.
JSquaredJim said:
Go to Boardman's new facility and have a Fit with Bianca.
She is a fully qualified Physio and it is this knowledge which makes her worth her weigh in gold.
She also holds clinics showing other fitters from around the UK how to do it properly.
Many of those "experts" usually mentioned in threads like these on here have had input from her into their fitting techniques.
I had a fit with Bianca in 2016 and thought it money well spent. There's a good chunk of time spent off the bike, looking at posture, alignment, stability / strength etc. I had felt I couldn't get comfortable on my bike plus suffering from numb feet on longer rides.She is a fully qualified Physio and it is this knowledge which makes her worth her weigh in gold.
She also holds clinics showing other fitters from around the UK how to do it properly.
Many of those "experts" usually mentioned in threads like these on here have had input from her into their fitting techniques.
I think the fit lasted about 3 to 4 hours and she adjusted / tweaked a few bits which made a huge difference for me. Haven't changed things since - finished my longest ride ever a couple of weeks ago (185km) still feeling pretty good.
Harpoon said:
I had a fit with Bianca in 2016 and thought it money well spent. There's a good chunk of time spent off the bike, looking at posture, alignment, stability / strength etc. I had felt I couldn't get comfortable on my bike plus suffering from numb feet on longer rides.
I think the fit lasted about 3 to 4 hours and she adjusted / tweaked a few bits which made a huge difference for me. Haven't changed things since - finished my longest ride ever a couple of weeks ago (185km) still feeling pretty good.
She did me as well a few months ago too. I think the fit lasted about 3 to 4 hours and she adjusted / tweaked a few bits which made a huge difference for me. Haven't changed things since - finished my longest ride ever a couple of weeks ago (185km) still feeling pretty good.
I thought I'd dialed the bike in pretty well when I built it. Although nothing massive I had my saddle too low, my cleats too far forward, shifters too high, handlebars on the cusp of too wide and my left hamstring that had been over compensating causing knee trouble. All small stuff but little changes have made a big improvement to my comfort and race efficiency. I'd been in two minds about getting a retul fit but it has saved me injury, made me more comfortable and more importantly faster.
Fluffsri said:
Where are these £50 bike fits carried out? All I ever see is £200 plus, now I can see why as most are 3 to 4 hour sessions but all I want is fit check. I,m comfy for an hour or so but anything longer and start to aggravate my shoulders and neck.
Trusted LBS also. Mine was a black Friday offer, regular price £65 I think. Peterborough area if that's any use...SoliD said:
Best money I've ever spent on something bike related in my opinion. Being comfortable on the bike and ensuring you're not going to cause yourself any issues long term and can then be moved from bike to bike at no extra cost!
PS mine was with Garth and Vankru.
All of my bikes have been fitted by Garth and Mark at Vankru cycling. They deserve 11 stars out of 5 for their knowledge and attitude. PS mine was with Garth and Vankru.
Best regards,
Matt
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