Paul Hewitt/Fitting

The good doctor · April 2007

I'd just like to share my experience of a day trip to Paul Hewitt Cycles after booking an appointment to have my set up reviewed.
I hadn't been able to attain a completely comfortable positon on my current frame (not a Hewitt) and so have been suffering from some discomfort whilst riding.
After researching the matter on this forum I booked the fitting session and made the round trip from the South coast to Lancashire.

A spell on the jig followed by some adjustments to saddle/handlebar height and postioning have made all the difference. I can now ride without the niggling aches and pains. Addiitonaly I feel that I'm now in a more energy efficient position and can get more from each stroke of the pedal.

Sizing and confort issues are the basis for numerous posts on this forum so I thought I'd share my experince and recommendations for spending the time and money on getting the right fit.

Well worth the 480 mile trip and œ25.00 fee to my mind.

John

walkingbootweather · April 2007

I popped into Hewitt's myself recently and was most impressed. They have evidently moved in the past year or so because the address and directions on the web site was wrong!!! Hewitt's bikes are clearly assembled with great care and will be on my short list when I next upgrade but is it worth just paying for a proper fitting anyway and then having the option to buy 'off-the peg' (mail order) or since geometries vary so much does the fitting only apply to a particular bike?

Gran E. Gear · April 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by davidrenn

... is it worth just paying for a proper fitting anyway and then having the option to buy 'off-the peg' (mail order) or since geometries vary so much does the fitting only apply to a particular bike?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Good to hear how well you got on, good doctor. I travelled up from Bristol for less than an hour's attention from the man himself, but it was worth all the trouble.

davidrenn, I bought a touring bike (Hewitt Cheviot) as well as a road bike (Monoc all-alu) from Paul Hewitt, both off the peg frames. I was measured up for both bikes at the same session. I was measured for the tourer first. Paul Hewitt took all the measurements down once he was happy with my spinning on the jig.

Then I was asked to step off the jig, and he rearranged a few major angles: the handlebars were lowered and the seat post moved up and forwards. I then sat back on the jig and the road bike position was fine tuned.

So, to have a stab at answering your question, I was custom measured for two off-the-peg frames, for two different purposes, and with two different sets of measurements. Each bike fit perfectly and comfortably.

GeeDeecp · April 2007

The fitting jig is only part of the Paul Hewitt experience, if you've ever had a bike built by Paul and his team the attention to detail is more than you'll ever get anywhere else.
His new shop is well worth a visit.

Wooliferkins · April 2007

Hear hear to the positive reviews above. I havent adjusted a thing on my Cheviot and it's so comfortable. Well worth the trip from Oxford up North. Thanks Paul & team

Neil
www.dotbike.com

Ashley_R · April 2007

Another glowing endoresement of Paul Hewitts fittings, never want to adjust a think on my Cheviott either, most comfortable bike ever, well worth the train journey up

You can lead an elephant to water but a pencil must be lead

kayoscp · April 2007

Okay so Paul Hewitt is as good as his word: the customer gets what he wants. But what if the customer doesn't know his cleat from his elbow, not to mention his mavic from his fizick? That was me last week in the great man's shop in Leyland: today I have just finished my third glorious ride on my spanking new Kuota Kom, fitted millimetre perfect by Paul after a couple of hours on his jig and a run-through of gentle advice on everything from gears to saddles and back again. The man's a genius.

Kayos

I have seen the bald eagle of Eze

MagBaz · April 2007

In 2000, Paul Hewitt built new wheels for our two ageing touring bikes before we made our first round-the-world cycle journey. Since then we have been round the world twice more, climbed many Alpine cols and explored back roads from southern Greece to northern Finland. All four wheels have remained absolutely true and we have not had a single spoke break, despite the challenges of the roads and the loads.

Today we returned to Leyland after a winter in Greece, to Paul's new shop, workshops and showrooms, to be measured and thoroughly questioned for two Hewitt Cheviot SE touring cycles. We agree with all the comments about the excellence and thoroughness of Paul's fitting techniques. We were also greatly impressed by the level of his concentration on the task in hand. He didn't miss a single thing, right down to the last spare chain link. He forgot nothing that we discussed and included everything we wanted in the final full specification.

Although his premises and business have increased and will continue to succeed, Paul still gives personal attention and enormous value for money. His first commitment is that the bicycle should fit well, maximising energy efficiency and minimising discomfort. We look forward to collecting the new bicycles and taking them to Australia, confident that they will take us from Perth to Darwin.

Barry and Margaret
www.magbaztravels.com

iancooke · April 2007

What a great experience owning a Hewitt Cheviot SE is.I was originally measured by Paul with every detail catered for,even down to the colour of the cables.The bike was built by a craftsman called Andy and he did a Beautiful job to.The best œ1200 I will ever spend and fantastic value for money.I have got to say that I am a very fussy customer.The bike will do about 2000 miles a year.It is always kept spotlessly clean and is a pleaure to own.I might have one built to sit in a glass case in my lounge

Many thanks to Gethin,Paul and Andy once again.
Yours in Cycling, Ian Cooke.

grayo59 · April 2007

I notice the last poster mentions œ1200 for his bike - is that typical?

If I wanted to get a bike (I'm not into the stuff some of the previous posters on this thread are into and I'm not at all fussy but I do like the idea of getting a bike that fits me - if that's not contradictory!) is Paul Hewitt a sensible option for me or would it be "pearls before swine" in my case?

__________________
......heading for the box, but not too soon I hope!

bugslop · April 2007

I bought a factory built de rosa off him last year, the first time i have bought from him even though i live local. Nothing was to much trouble, after choosing the bike i expected to pay and be shown the door.Not at all there was no pressure, i was sat on the jig and the bike set to my measurments and he still didn't expect me to buy it! Infact i was in there most of and afternoon, and did come away with the bike. It's good to see the shop getting the recognition it deserves. Well done Paul

Gran E. Gear · April 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by kayos

Okay so Paul Hewitt is as good as his word: the customer gets what he wants. But what if the customer doesn't know his cleat from his elbow, not to mention his mavic from his fizick? That was me last week in the great man's shop in Leyland: today I have just finished my third glorious ride on my spanking new Kuota Kom, fitted millimetre perfect by Paul after a couple of hours on his jig and a run-through of gentle advice on everything from gears to saddles and back again. The man's a genius.

Kayos

I have seen the bald eagle of Eze
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Kayos,

You just can't post something like this WITHOUT photos. Tch, some people ... [;)]

Gran E. Gear · April 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by grayo59

I notice the last poster mentions œ1200 for his bike - is that typical?

__________________
......heading for the box, but not too soon I hope!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I paid something like œ800 for a pretty standard Cheviot: 631 frame, Dura Ace bar-ends, triple Deore, DRC rims on XT hubs ... and the custom fit.

I use it absolutely every day for work and weekend rides, it gets worn to pieces, and I've just had a new set of wheels delivered, to replace the originals that were worn to bits.

It's a genuine 'bicycle', made to be ridden and enjoyed, and actually rides better loaded up with panniers for our cycle tours.

I used to be quite cynical when people would describe their bikes as 'armchairs', but when one is all measured up like this, with the right spec that works (and Paul Hewitt makes excellent, no nonsense suggestions: San Marco Rolls saddle, 3T Morphe bars ... sensible and work perfectly), then I can see what they mean.

giant_man · April 2007

Brilliant thread - nice to hear one of the best ambassadors in cycling today getting the praise and recognition he deserves!

SIZE IS EVERYTHING! or at least that's what my LBS tells me.

bugslop · April 2007

Originally posted by giant man

Brilliant thread - nice to hear one of the best ambassadors in cycling today getting the praise and recognition he deserves!

SIZE IS EVERYTHING! or at least that's what my LBS tells me.

Definitely, such a change form the arrogance of other preston based cycle stores!

vermootencp · April 2007

I bought my most recent bike from Paul. The quality of the service was amazing, but best of all was that the fit has been such an improvement! My saddle is higher than before, and further forward - now I can ride very long rides without any aches and pains, and more of my power goes into the pedal stroke rather than into upsetting my lower back, so I can go faster. I recommend anyone who's thinking about getting a new bike to go to Hewitt's, seriously. Fit is crucial.

They'll try and save you money too, rather than trying to sell you the most expensive bike they can. This is important for me, because I'm pretty inexperienced. They've got loads of stock and work quickly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'll do what I can to help y'all. But the game's out there, and it's play or get played. That simple."

andy h 1 · April 2007

Just reinforcing the consensus that Paul Hewitt cycles is the "business" have not being an easy customer for Paul,awkward and very indecisive and yet he has always retained his composure and had time for me! which i appreciate,regarding the bike fitting and workmanship,absolutely first class,Highly Recommended.

Unknown · April 2007

Can you take your existing bike there to have it adjusted to fit properly? I know some places can be a bit funny if you don't buy them from there but I'd really like to give it a go and get my posture right.

I have heard extremely good things about Paul and his shop so I'd like to go if they are happy to do this.

Cheers

Paul

vermootencp · April 2007

Yes PaulQ you certainly can although I think there is a small charge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'll do what I can to help y'all. But the game's out there, and it's play or get played. That simple."

giant_man · April 2007

But surely worth it to improve the quality of your riding. Which is the most important thing here.

SIZE IS EVERYTHING! or at least that's what my LBS tells me.

sparrowlegs · April 2007

I recently had a bike fitted and built by Paul and all I can say is the guy is a professional through and through. I didn't buy the frame from him but I wish I had. He stayed open until 7.30 building my bike. He didn't rush and built the bike as if it was his own. My average is up and I feel like I could ride all day. I can't praise him or recommend him enough.

Not only that but he builds the best wheels I've ever seen.

Just been in again today and he always has time for people, no matter how stupid the (my) questions are. His customer service is second to none.

I can see me spending a lot more time (money) in Paul's shop.

Unknown · May 2007

Well, I am going to take my bike there on Saturday morning to (hopefully) get Paul to adjust it to fit me properly. I guess I can't lose - either my bike will fit me afterwards or I'll have to get him to make me one that does [:D][:D][:D].

Cheers

Paul

giant_man · May 2007

Please report back PaulQ on your experience at Paul Hewitts.

SIZE IS EVERYTHING! or at least that's what my LBS tells me.

Unknown · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by giant man

Please report back PaulQ on your experience at Paul Hewitts.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Excellent experience and made total sense to do it. I was there well over an hour and got measured up for a proper fit on the jig and then Paul adjusted my own bike to account for the problems I was having. In a nutshell I was too stretched out and too high up - saddle was way too high.

I can't recommend the guy's service too highly and I am really glad I went - even after a short ride this afternoon I can feel a massive difference.

Cheers

Paul

giant_man · May 2007

That's good enough for me! Nice one!

SIZE IS EVERYTHING! or at least that's what my LBS tells me.

grahamcp · May 2007

OK after reading this thread I think I will pay a visit too when I'm up that way in a couple of weeks (with my own bike)

Just wondering though, does Paul specialise in touring type bikes or would he be happy to set me up on more of a racing bike?

Or am I being unreasonable in trying to get a comfortable position AND try to ride quickly!? Actually I'm not that quick but I do get a stiff neck/shoulders if I ride more than 30-odd miles, which ends feeling worse than my legs.

Fearny · May 2007

Look at his website and he has a range of different bikes so a tourer would be no problem.

grahamcp · May 2007

Doh! yeah of course fearny...

have now done so.

Fearny · May 2007

I get the impression that he provides one of the best bike set ups in the UK. I just wish it was nearer to me, good range isnt it!

richwoodham · May 2007

This has been a really useful thread, and like Graham it's convinced me to contact Paul Hewitt re getting measured up. However, it looks like the website hasn't been updated for a couple of years, and he's also moved premises recently - I haven't had a reply to the email I sent a few days ago and wondered if the address I sent it to was no longer in use. Does anyone have his current contact details?
Thanks,
Rich

Positron · May 2007

Current phone is correct 01772 424773. The shop has expanded but is in the same place (map is correct) although I was slightly thrown as they were changing the sign the first day I visited for fitting. The clue was that it was the shop with lots of bikes inside!

I'll add my own vote to recommend the fitting/quality of service too (right down to the choice of handlebar tape). The only downside to having my lovely new incredibly comfortable VN-Euros-Veloce is that my old road bike now positively feels uncomfortable!?!

Anyway, I'm so glad I went to a "real" bike shop and lucky it was Paul Hewitt's. I might have got things slightly cheaper over the net but would have set things up to my old position.

Positron.

Paul Hewitt/Fitting

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