Bike fit recommendations in South Wales

Defblade
Defblade Posts: 142
in Road general
... as the title, really. There are so many that advertise, but it's hard to tell from a company website just how they will actually be.

I'd like to get my current bike optimised... I'm not sure it fits me so well now I'm pushing 50 as it did 20-plus years ago when I bought it, and I'm thinking about maybe buying a new bike next year for the next ten or twenty years, so I'd like to get some pointers on exactly what to look for to be right for me.

I'm based between Crosshands and Carmarthen, but I'm willing to travel for a (probably) one-off thing like this. Having said that, Pilot House Cycles in Swansea looks promising, if anyone's been there?

Thanks in advance :)

(PS, I am cross-posting this across a few forums so apologies if you see it more than once)

Comments

  • Nemo20000
    Nemo20000 Posts: 3
    If I lived where you do, I would be nipping down to County Cycles in Cross Hands. Several of our club have bought there and speak highly of the fitting service. I’m not connected to County Cycles in any way.
  • Defblade
    Defblade Posts: 142
    Hmmm. I've not had great experience there - very off-hand in the old shop, then offering me what they've got on the shelf, which featured exactly the things I'd just said I didn't want, in the new one... but I guess I'll consider them if they pay proper attention to a fit.
  • gethinceri
    gethinceri Posts: 1,677
    Phone County Cycles, ask to speak to Mark.
  • daviescgwen
    daviescgwen Posts: 44
    Haven’t tried them but looks the part.
    https://m.facebook.com/backstedtbikeP/?locale2=en_GB

    If you do try them or find another fitter please pass on your thoughts
  • Defblade
    Defblade Posts: 142
    I went to County Cycles in Crosshands today, and had what they call a comfort fit (£75). They also offer a performance fit (£150); I'm not clear what the extra is, but for what I was after, apparently it was unnecessary.

    Some chatting about what sort of riding I do (fun/fitness/freedom... more head up enjoying the view than head down watching Strava segments); my general health and injuries; my flexibility (high); measured me, measured my current bike.
    Turns out I'm a bit lop-sided for no good reason, and my current bike is very much the right size/fit for me, which is nice. Adjustments limited to a tweak of cleat position and saddle height to take a little stretch off my left leg, otherwise I've got everything lined up pretty well already... which is also nice.

    Th process in general was calm and methodical and he made sure I was understanding why he was making the (small) changes.

    Also included some general discussion on what bike I'll be looking for next year, followed by a sit on and gentle attempt to sell me the one bike in the shop that not only fits me but also the type of bike I'm after (relaxed road)... at around a third of what I said my price range was, so not really quite what I'm considering at all... he did show me the lead times if I wanted the same thing with a better groupset - September '21! So maybe not so pushy to suggest the one they actually have... however I'm not in a rush.

    Oh, and the price of the fit is refundable against buying a bike from them.

    Overall, it was useful. Although I didn't need a lot changing or anything, it has made me much more confident from knowing that where I am is a good place, and therefore understanding the sort of fit/geometry I should look for with my next bike.

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