Bike Fitting

Extreme Veteran

767

Rockville, MD

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

Were they supposed to give you a full fitting with the bike purchase? You might want to check.

I've noticed most of the shops try to get you out the door with a "yup, that looks about right" fiitting where they are supposed to be giving you the full fitting. get what you paid for!

If your bike didnt come with a full fitting there are plenty of places in the area that will do one for you, but theyre not cheap.

Where are you located? that might help people suggest a good place close to you.

eta: Nevermind, completely glossed over the little Sykesville part of your info.

Edited by nhunter344 2010-06-29 2:49 PM

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Extreme Veteran

1005

Sykesville

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

No, a full fitting wasn't included. I've gone back in a few times and they've helped me make some adjustments. However I'm starting to think the "that looks good" (aka "trial and error") method might not be the way to go.

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Pro

4054

yep,

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

cornfed - 2010-06-29 3:52 PM No, a full fitting wasn't included. I've gone back in a few times and they've helped me make some adjustments. However I'm starting to think the "that looks good" (aka "trial and error") method might not be the way to go.

How did they fit you for the bike? I'm a good member of the cycle sport store (I'm familiar with the owner) but I haven't bought a bike from them yet. My dad got a bike from them and they did a proper fit where they measured his shoulder height, arm length, hip length, etc. (I forget the fit systems name).

If your looking for a Retul fit system check out the bike doctor in Arnold, MD for that. But that usually runs you around $225-250. But they do a fitting for about 2-3 hours which I think it well worth it.

Good luck.

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Extreme Veteran

1005

Sykesville

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

Dlaxman31 - 2010-06-29 4:26 PM

cornfed - 2010-06-29 3:52 PM No, a full fitting wasn't included. I've gone back in a few times and they've helped me make some adjustments. However I'm starting to think the "that looks good" (aka "trial and error") method might not be the way to go.

How did they fit you for the bike? I'm a good member of the cycle sport store (I'm familiar with the owner) but I haven't bought a bike from them yet. My dad got a bike from them and they did a proper fit where they measured his shoulder height, arm length, hip length, etc. (I forget the fit systems name).

If your looking for a Retul fit system check out the bike doctor in Arnold, MD for that. But that usually runs you around $225-250. But they do a fitting for about 2-3 hours which I think it well worth it.

Good luck.

First, let me just say that I'm not trying to put the store down or anything. I wasn't expecting a detailed fitting and knew that when I got the bike.

That said, it definitely was a "that looks about right" fit. They didn't do any measurements other other then checking my knee/foot alignment with a plumb bob. When I first got the bike that seemed good enough. Now that I've been riding for awhile I'm starting to think a more detailed fit would be better. I don't really know much about Retul or the other methods but I've been having a few nagging problems that after doing some reading I think would benefit from a more thorough fitting.

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Extreme Veteran

536

Millersville, MD

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

Road bike or (I assume) a time trial/triathlon bike?
Bike Doctor in Arnold does FIST and a few other methods of fitting. Prince and time depend on the method you choose.

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Expert

1046

Fountain Hills, AZ

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

I got fit by Tom Rinker at The Bicycle Escape in Frederick . It was the best upgrade I've ever done on a bike ... takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours .... once he gets you close he'll settle you in for a longer duration trial .... this is important because you'll be pedaling stationary in aero position for long enough to really "feel" whether or not the fit works. Anything feels OK for three or four minutes .... but after ten minutes you'll be more sure that the fit maximizes power, aero, and comfort. Also you'll get to see your pedaling power change on the comp-dyno as he adjusts the fit to your body. He will even adjust the cant angle of your insoles and the cleat angle on your shoes to fit the natural alignment of your feet on the pedals. I trust Tom a lot, and highly recommend him. He fits several riders a week, and has a lot of experience.

Here's some info:
http://www.thebicycleescape.com/professionalbicyclefitting.html

Also, I've used the online fitting calculator on CompetitiveCyclist ... I've compared my road fit and my tri fit to their online results and they are amazingly close. The online calculator uses about ten bio-measurements (height, arm length, sternum height, etc) to come up with a range of fits that will dial you in pretty close. I posted a comparison of my pro fit versus my online fit a while back ... it was remarkable how close the two were (does anyone know how I can pull up a record of my previous posts?)

My experience is that an online fit will get you on the right bike (for instance a long & low Cervelo versus a high & tight Cannondale like I ride) ... but a pro fitting can get the right bike perfect, especially if you are new on a tri bike or have some unusual biometrics or flexibility issues.

Edited by jsselle 2010-06-29 9:01 PM

Master

1584

Fulton, MD

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

jsselle - 2010-06-29 9:47 PM I got fit by Tom Rinker at The Bicycle Escape in Frederick . It was the best upgrade I've ever done on a bike ... takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours .... once he gets you close he'll settle you in for a longer duration trial .... this is important because you'll be pedaling stationary in aero position for long enough to really "feel" whether or not the fit works. Anything feels OK for three or four minutes .... but after ten minutes you'll be more sure that the fit maximizes power, aero, and comfort. Also you'll get to see your pedaling power change on the comp-dyno as he adjusts the fit to your body. He will even adjust the cant angle of your insoles and the cleat angle on your shoes to fit the natural alignment of your feet on the pedals. I trust Tom a lot, and highly recommend him. He fits several riders a week, and has a lot of experience.

Here's some info:
http://www.thebicycleescape.com/professionalbicyclefitting.html

Also, I've used the online fitting calculator on CompetitiveCyclist ... I've compared my road fit and my tri fit to their online results and they are amazingly close. The online calculator uses about ten bio-measurements (height, arm length, sternum height, etc) to come up with a range of fits that will dial you in pretty close. I posted a comparison of my pro fit versus my online fit a while back ... it was remarkable how close the two were (does anyone know how I can pull up a record of my previous posts?)

My experience is that an online fit will get you on the right bike (for instance a long & low Cervelo versus a high & tight Cannondale like I ride) ... but a pro fitting can get the right bike perfect, especially if you are new on a tri bike or have some unusual biometrics or flexibility issues.

I used Tom Rinker at TBE as well, and feel like I've got a good fit.

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Elite

3770

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

Go to All American in Damascus. Matt is the owner and is very good.

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Expert

808

Columbia, MD

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

I can highly recommend Mike Stone at Princeton Sports in Columbia. He's a certified bike fit specialist. I wish I could remember where he trained. Out in California I think. The first fit (for an Eagleman-specific tri bike fit) took about 3 hours and was extremely thorough. He starts by interviewing you about your physical history and goals, then takes a bunch of bike measurements, and then he takes your measurements. You'll then go through about 15 minutes of flexibility measurements after that. Then, based on your bike measurements and yours, he'll make adjustments and have you try it out. He takes numerous additional measurements when you are on your bike (mainly angles of your knees and hips). He watches you pedal from the front and side and makes lots of adjustments. It was very scientific, deliberate, not rushed. For my tri bike fit, we replaced my seatpost and added insoles to my shoes. That was the only equipment expense.

I then went back after Eagleman and was re-fit for a traditional road bike fit. This one took about 90 minutes. Similar to above, but without the initial interview and measurements. This time we put back my old seat post, took off the aerobars and put on a new stem. Of course, there were lots of other adjustments, but those were the equipment changes. He gives you copies of all of your measurements, and he also took pictures of markings on my seat rail and aerobars so that I can put them back on myself next year in the right place with the correct distances, etc. for a tri bike fit again.

You should definitely give him a call. (410) 995-1894

Duh, edited to add that I was extremely comfortable on the tri bike fit, so much so that during those long training rides for Eagleman, I found that aero was more comfortable than sitting up. I'm struggling a bit now with the road bike fit, but I think that has more to do with my complete lack of hill training, and missing the aerobars.

Edited by MelissaE 2010-06-30 10:12 AM

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Pro

4054

yep,

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

MelissaE - 2010-06-30 11:10 AM

I can highly recommend Mike Stone at Princeton Sports in Columbia. He's a certified bike fit specialist. I wish I could remember where he trained. Out in California I think. The first fit (for an Eagleman-specific tri bike fit) took about 3 hours and was extremely thorough. He starts by interviewing you about your physical history and goals, then takes a bunch of bike measurements, and then he takes your measurements. You'll then go through about 15 minutes of flexibility measurements after that. Then, based on your bike measurements and yours, he'll make adjustments and have you try it out. He takes numerous additional measurements when you are on your bike (mainly angles of your knees and hips). He watches you pedal from the front and side and makes lots of adjustments. It was very scientific, deliberate, not rushed. For my tri bike fit, we replaced my seatpost and added insoles to my shoes. That was the only equipment expense.

I then went back after Eagleman and was re-fit for a traditional road bike fit. This one took about 90 minutes. Similar to above, but without the initial interview and measurements. This time we put back my old seat post, took off the aerobars and put on a new stem. Of course, there were lots of other adjustments, but those were the equipment changes. He gives you copies of all of your measurements, and he also took pictures of markings on my seat rail and aerobars so that I can put them back on myself next year in the right place with the correct distances, etc. for a tri bike fit again.

You should definitely give him a call. (410) 995-1894

Duh, edited to add that I was extremely comfortable on the tri bike fit, so much so that during those long training rides for Eagleman, I found that aero was more comfortable than sitting up. I'm struggling a bit now with the road bike fit, but I think that has more to do with my complete lack of hill training, and missing the aerobars.

How much did this all run you if you don't mind me asking?

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Expert

808

Columbia, MD

Subject: RE: Bike Fitting

Dlaxman31 - 2010-06-30 11:24 AM

MelissaE - 2010-06-30 11:10 AM

I can highly recommend Mike Stone at Princeton Sports in Columbia. He's a certified bike fit specialist. I wish I could remember where he trained. Out in California I think. The first fit (for an Eagleman-specific tri bike fit) took about 3 hours and was extremely thorough. He starts by interviewing you about your physical history and goals, then takes a bunch of bike measurements, and then he takes your measurements. You'll then go through about 15 minutes of flexibility measurements after that. Then, based on your bike measurements and yours, he'll make adjustments and have you try it out. He takes numerous additional measurements when you are on your bike (mainly angles of your knees and hips). He watches you pedal from the front and side and makes lots of adjustments. It was very scientific, deliberate, not rushed. For my tri bike fit, we replaced my seatpost and added insoles to my shoes. That was the only equipment expense.

I then went back after Eagleman and was re-fit for a traditional road bike fit. This one took about 90 minutes. Similar to above, but without the initial interview and measurements. This time we put back my old seat post, took off the aerobars and put on a new stem. Of course, there were lots of other adjustments, but those were the equipment changes. He gives you copies of all of your measurements, and he also took pictures of markings on my seat rail and aerobars so that I can put them back on myself next year in the right place with the correct distances, etc. for a tri bike fit again.

You should definitely give him a call. (410) 995-1894

Duh, edited to add that I was extremely comfortable on the tri bike fit, so much so that during those long training rides for Eagleman, I found that aero was more comfortable than sitting up. I'm struggling a bit now with the road bike fit, but I think that has more to do with my complete lack of hill training, and missing the aerobars.

How much did this all run you if you don't mind me asking?

I think the retail price is $300, but I got a discount as a member of the Mid Maryland Tri Club and only paid $250. It was well worth the money. Despite the fact that I DNF'd at Eagleman, I felt really ready for that bike ride. This perfectly dialed in bike fit allowed me to complete all of my training rides.

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Bike Fitting

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