Best bike fitter?

Gingerflash
Gingerflash Posts: 239
edited June 2011 in Amateur race
This might not really be the most appropriate part of the forum, but I reckon those reading this one probably have the most knowledge.

Where would people recommend for the best possible bike fitting?

I have a persistent left shoulder problem that causes unbearable burning pain in one of the muscles after 40/50/60 miles and is absolute agony by 80 so that sportives and big social rides are impossible. It doesn't bother me off the bike.

I've seen many physios over the years, none of whom have come up with a convincing or plausible diagnosis and their treatments and exercises haven't helped.

I've tried many small adjustments to my bike and I was fitted by the Specialised Body Geometry system when I bought it, but I realise that's not the best system at all.

I live in Leeds but am prepared to travel. My riding is usually 5-60 miles but obviously I want to be able to ride bigger distances. I'm 35 and have had no injury of any significance, but have had this problem for years. no problems on my mountain bike, even when riding for 12 hours and more.

I'd be very grateful for your thoughts.

Comments

  • Gingerflash
    Gingerflash Posts: 239
    :roll:

    usual rides are "50-60 miles" not "5-60".
  • Herbsman
    Herbsman Posts: 2,029
    cyclefit? This racerswears by them
    CAPTAIN BUCKFAST'S CYCLING TIPS - GUARANTEED TO WORK! 1 OUT OF 10 RACING CYCLISTS AGREE!
  • Sevenfold
    Sevenfold Posts: 86
    Adrian @ Cadence Sport http://www.cadencesport.co.uk

    Thoroughly recommended by many. Based @ Barton-under-Needwood near Burton-upon-Trent. Fit includes Sidas footbeds which are superb.
  • jonesy65
    jonesy65 Posts: 6
    Sevenfold wrote:
    Adrian @ Cadence Sport http://www.cadencesport.co.uk

    Thoroughly recommended by many. Based @ Barton-under-Needwood near Burton-upon-Trent. Fit includes Sidas footbeds which are superb.

    +1 Excellent service and a great chap as well.
  • Gingerflash
    Gingerflash Posts: 239
    Adrian Timmis? I know him from mountain bike racing in the 90s.

    Looks like a good service and a reasonable price too.
  • rozzer32
    rozzer32 Posts: 3,823
    Another +1 for Adrian at cadence sport.

    Doubt you will find better.
    ***** Pro Tour Pundit Champion 2020, 2018, 2017 & 2011 *****
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The fact that you only get the discomfort on a road bike and not MTB suggests that is could be something specific to the hand / arm position on road bars e.g. rotator cuff. I'm not sure that any bike fit is going to resolve that kind of issue.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • nickwill
    nickwill Posts: 2,735
    This is an off the wall suggestion but GrahamTheobald in Staveley near Kendal might be your man. He sorted out my persistent hamstring problem which blighted lat year's cycling He is a physio but also a keen cyclist and does dynamic bike fitting.
    He has a Watt Bike which he uses to assess pedalling style and is equipped to analyse your cycling position via video capture.
    http://www.thebodyrehab.co.uk/
    It might be worth giving him a ring.
  • P_Tucker
    P_Tucker Posts: 1,878
    How many people will have tried more than one bike fitter? Probably not many. Comparison will be difficult.
  • Noddys
    Noddys Posts: 5
    edited May 2011
    I got my new road bike built up for me by the legends at Colin Lewis Cycles in Paignton. Simon set me up using his well experienced 'Eye-crometer' and I was on my way. Right from the start it felt comfy and fast. Now for the comparison.

    Last year I needed to get some footbeds fitted for my shoes to help with a niggling knee issue so I went up to see the chaps at Pro-Feet in London and decided to get my whole setup looked at again:
    http://www.profeet.co.uk/cycling/

    Amazing bike setup on a whole new level. This is how it is done in the pro's. They measure everything down to the nearest mm using these new fandangled 'Lazer beams' and sensor patches. They check all your biomechanics take power read outs and tweak everything until its perfect. If you are serious about getting the right bike setup then this is where the science and art combine.

    A few minor tweaks to my original setup and I was getting more power out per stroke.
    Insane. A must for any keen cyclist.
  • stonehouse
    stonehouse Posts: 222
    I highly recommend "The Bike Whisperer", if interested I wrote up a little blog entry about my experience:

    http://www.ciclobyron.com/the-bike-whisperer
  • Chip \'oyler
    Chip \'oyler Posts: 2,323
    If you live in the North of England Dave Lloyd has been doing bike fitting for donkey's years

    http://www.davelloydcoaching.com/home.p ... g_Services

    Scroll down to see 'Position Analysis'
    Expertly coached by http://www.vitessecyclecoaching.co.uk/

    http://vineristi.wordpress.com - the blog for Viner owners and lovers!
  • RowCycle
    RowCycle Posts: 367
    How many people will have tried more than one bike fitter? Probably not many. Comparison will be difficult.

    Agree.

    I've been to bike shops that don't even really try to get you the right size frame but sell you whatever they have in stock.

    So when I bought my road bike I went to a shop that did do a fitting. Don't think I'd ever need another bike fitting unless I had some problems.

    So I reckon most would agree a good idea to get one if you haven't before rather than rely on judgement/luck, but doubt many would have more than one.
  • BikeScience - they use the Retul infra red LED system to film you whilst riding. If you are serious about bike comfort (which is important when racing after all) then its money well spent.