Is a bike fitting worth the $$$? (Page 2)

Me being a poor college student I went on over to slowtwitch and pritned out their bikefit article, set my trainer up, videotaped and took pics of myself for about 1.5 hrs until it worked out and I was comfortable. Until I have enough money to afford a disk or a nice wheelset and an aero helmet, I don't think that it will benefit me more than what I performed on myself.

runpudrun- I'm certain that you set up the bike close to what is recommended, but the benefit of a professional fitter is that they can also evaluate your physical limitations, such as flexability, leg length differences, angle of the foot, cleat position in relationship to you hip, knee and ankle... so lots more than setting up the bike perfect according to what is common accepted as the ideal position.

Don't get me wrong, what you did was really good and many more should follow your example. Way too many people on $2000 bikes with a $1 fit... I'm just saying that it might be even more to get out of the fit. But if money is tight, I would've done exactly what you did (and that's how I started understanding how important fit was... but I was really amazed how much of a difference a professional fitter can make. I though that I was close to perfected when I got there...)

I know that fit is very important, it's just that when the wife gives me my "allowance" for the year, I would much rather have a wet suit, decent set of wheels, etc (something to show for the money) than an intangible service. When I can afford to plop down $150 for a pro fitting then I will run out and do so, but until then, it's a no go.

I know (and see) what you mean though. too many people have 4 k bikes and look horrible riding them, getting injuries, etc. . .

I'm completely with you on this one! I would've done the same choices. But it's kind of nice to know that there's something that will make everything even better in the future, isn't it? That extra little speed from those wheels... that extra little power from the frame... that extra little energy left at the very end.