Need a bike fit? For both new (pre-buy) and experienced riders

Obviously bike fitting is very much sacred here on BT.  You make NO moves without that bike fit.   So very serious.  I have always struggled with this because I am offered "bike fits" from the bike shop when I am buying, etc, and I hate to pay extra for something that's free (it seems).   Well - I decided I finally needed an independent bike fit in prep for buying a custom bike online.   My husband did a lot of research and kept coming back to the same person: Chris Balser.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I went for my appointment yesterday.  He works in the basement of Penn Cycle near Hopkins Crossroads, but works independently of Penn and their brands.   You can see the details here: http://www.bicyclefitguru.com/

Chris is a very interesting, polite, professional and even funny guy.  I thoroughly enjoyed the entire appointment and I watched my husband's fit and Chris invited me to look at it from his angle so I could see what he was looking at.   He adjusted my own bike, made custom shoe inserts, and also designed a bike for me based on the measurements in a bikeCAD program.  He looked up the bike I wanted to order, told me if it would work, and wrote down everything I need to select or ask about.  For my money, I also can bring back the new bike and have that fit.  He has a total satisfaction guarantee. 

He also started my husband's bike fit but when he discovered a problem with his shoes/pedals, he told him to come back (with the new shoes and pedals) and to bring another bike, since he'd already adjusted the one there and could do a second bike.  Basically, two appointments for the price of one.

There might be some politics around bike fitters, certain shops, etc.   Chris admitted this and my husband had learned this too, in his research.   I won't bash other shops, but if you'd like an indepedent thorough fit from a guy who really takes it seriously and has a LOT of experience and education, Chris is your guy.   I think that spring is his busy season, so now's the time to start thinking about it. 

Good luck!