getting a proper bike fitting

smush

Im not brand new to cycling but im starting to take it alot more serious and really want to do some club time trials etc ,
Just looking at the planet x bike fitting service but it comes it at 89.99 for a basic one ,
The question is will a full set up of my bike exactly for me make me faster , also is there a cheaper option for a full set up 89.99 seems alot .

kingrollo

£90 is cheap for bike fitting these days - about £120 - £150 is the norm. Its a lot of cash - personally unless you getting aching knees\back or anything else. I would just do research on the web and experiment.

If you decide to go ahead - look at what your getting for the fit. Some just measure you - and then plonk your sizes on a graph. Others measure on a jig, - whilst some actually fit you on the bike

ride_whenever

whereabouts are you?

MickTup

http://www.cadencesport.co.uk/bikefit.php
I know it not cheaper but you do get custom fit insoles and he really does do a great job.
Don't know where you are but

I went to see Adrian at Cadence after recommendations on here worth every penny and yes in theory it will make you ride faster.

smush

Im in Bristol/ Bath area , the planet x one is all set up on a jig i think ,its about 180 for a full set up .
Can anyone recommend a good website or guide for setting the bike up at home ?

smush

Im in Bristol/ Bath area , the planet x one is all set up on a jig i think ,its about 180 for a full set up .
Can anyone recommend a good website or guide for setting the bike up at home ?

smush

Im in Bristol/ Bath area , the planet x one is all set up on a jig i think ,its about 180 for a full set up .
Can anyone recommend a good website or guide for setting the bike up at home ?

smush

Im in Bristol/ Bath area , the planet x one is all set up on a jig i think ,its about 180 for a full set up .
Can anyone recommend a good website or guide for setting the bike up at home ?

bobones

This is a start: Competitive Cyclist Fit Calculator.

Evil Laugh

Not sure you can substitute a good fitting with Internet advice etc and don't underestimate how much difference one can make.

It's not just measuring you and choosing a frame size, it setting up the cleats, saddle position, shoe shims, arch supports etc, things you can't really assess on your own without investing a huge amount of time and even then I doubt you can assess yourself as effectively as someone who fits people on bikes all day long can.

I paid £190 for my fit and it's some of the best money I've spent on my bike. The improvement was fantastic. I'm definitely faster as I'm pedalling in more comfort and with more power for sure. Long term fatigue is also reduced. I wasn't expecting the results to be so good.

I think who you go with is important too. Do some research and find out what you get for your money and what feedback the fitter is getting. Don't cast a fitting aside as an expensive gimmick, I'd say it's essential if you're riding a lot.

thegreatdivide

Bike fit calculators are not accurate. As per a previous discussion I tried out one site (can't remember the name) and it came to a 48cm frame and Comp Cyclist's calculator said I need a 54cm. I ride a 52.

Although I've not had any problems with my current bike I'm off for a fit on Tue. I want to make sure I've got the right stats before spanking cash on a cockpit and cutting the seat tube and steerer on my Cento Uno. I can also tweek the Izoard with the stats too.

godders1

Bike science in Bristol (Planet X / On One retailer) will do a basic sizing for free if you buy a bike from them.

http://www.bike-science.com/precision-b ... 5_300.html

smush

I tried to find planet x the other day ,il look again think a set up will be good .
I already have a bike and im not looking to buy another ,i just want to know im well fitted to my bike ,
I think il book a fit at planet x unless anyone else has recommendations in bristol

Berk Bonebonce

Join a decent cycling club. Ask more experuienced members to advise in respect of bike fit.

Brian1

Have to agree with Evil I have just had a Retul fit done and as the man says best money I ever spent.

kingrollo

MickTup wrote:

http://www.cadencesport.co.uk/bikefit.php
I know it not cheaper but you do get custom fit insoles and he really does do a great job.
Don't know where you are but

I went to see Adrian at Cadence after recommendations on here worth every penny and yes in theory it will make you ride faster.

Hmmmmmm - I wasn't so impressed.

A 3 hours consultation took under 2

No documentation

cumbersome booking process - many unanswered mails.
Living on reputation IMO

Kneesaway

Have a look here for a fitting guide and a good place to have one done.

http://bikedynamics.co.uk/guidelines.htm

Best money I have ever spent on my bike.

Roundandround

Any time I've bought a bike, the guys take a look at me on the bike and say 'Aye, it looks about right'. That's been my experience in several different LBSs. Is this fitting service mainly for pro and wannabe pro-riders?

Evil Laugh

No just for anyone who rides a reasonable amount or/and isn't confident or feels experienced in setting the bike up themselves in the first place. It's as much about your health as going faster. Making sure you're not straining yourself stretching your muscles, twisting your knees and back etc. Way more worthwhile if you ride with a pedal system. I'll maintain I'd never get my shoes set up as well as with my fitting. The relationship between saddle and pedals/shoes was the biggest part of it for me, i had my front end sorted already. Even if I had the knowledge I wouldn't have the viewing angles necessary to asses my pedalling action and adjust them. Stuff like evening out leg length discrepancies etc, makes a big difference. If you're commuting or riding every weekend I'd get one done but each to their own. All the Internet things I've done have been garbage.

I can only vouch for my fitter really but in cycling terms it was a life changer for me and moreso my missus who had back and knee issues exacerbated by a 25 mile commute cured on the spot. So comfort came first then loads more power and confidence on the bike through that "at one" feeling.

Assuming we're riding clipless, I'd recommend a proper fit as the first "upgrade" anyone should do on a roadbike without a doubt. Tyres, pads and wheels come after btw.

plowmar

On a slight tangent to the OP's enquiry, all the recommendations seem to be for firms in the south, can anyone recommend a quality 'bike fit' place in Scotland preferably in the Aberdeen area.

thegreatdivide

plowmar wrote:

On a slight tangent to the OP's enquiry, all the recommendations seem to be for firms in the south, can anyone recommend a quality 'bike fit' place in Scotland preferably in the Aberdeen area.

I couldn't find anyone north of the Firth of Forth, so I'm going to the Tri Centre in Edinburgh

http://www.thetricentre.com/index-2.html

It's not a super hi-tech fitting (I don't want a super hi-tech fitting) but it'll enusre I don't fuxk up cutting my ISP and steerer.

blackpoolkev

When I look at pro cyclists and see the various styles and positions used,it occurs to me that there is no perfect way to sit on a bike.
I have never felt the need to have a bike fit.I mix well known bike fitting rules with a pinch of personal preference, then add a top up of trial and error-works every time!
Though I do occaisionally wonder what wonderous information I am missing out on.The fact that we're talking £100+ somehow makes it even more intriguing

thegreatdivide

Bike fit done. Interesting results - turns out I need 44cm bars!

Karl2010

Lots of talk about bike fitting, but what service or compnay are people using?

unixnerd

can anyone recommend a quality 'bike fit' place in Scotland preferably in the Aberdeen area.

I'm told Tom at Aura Cycles does them in Aberdeen. See http://aura-cycles.com/ and try the Contact form. I've not tried them myself but have had them recommended.

plowmar

Thanks unixnerd, sounds ideal.