Bike fittings?

[Brit]

So I got my bike fitted a while back, but in hindsight I feel like it might have been half assed. They only suggested a longer stem thingy (a technical term) for my handlebars. Is that normal? It seems really basic.

[katinthehat]

Either your bike was fitted perfect straight out of the box or they half assed it. If they adjusted the handlebars, they should have adjusted the saddle as well.

Did they actually change anything for you or just make suggestions?

[Brit]

I bought the stem that they recommended and they put that on. I had the bike for a while before the fitting, so it is possible that H had gotten the saddle adjusted correctly for me already. It is possible that it was just the perfect bike for me, but I never really feel 'one with the bike' it is just off somehow, but I can't really pinpoint it.

[katinthehat]

I'd take it in and get it fit again. Because either the saddle was off in the first place or it's off now after you've made the handlebar adjustments. For me at least, bar height and saddle position are sort of yin/yang. Can't adjust one without tweaking the other just a tiny bit.

[kams]

My fit cost $200, took 2+ hours, and I'm welcome to come back and adjust any time. He used a computer, measured all kinds of things (on me and my bike). He adjusted my pedals, cleat position, seat, handlebars, EVERYTHING that is adjustable. Does that sound like your experience? Or was it just the shop setting you up when you bought the bike with a quick saddle and handlebar adjustment?

[Brit]

kams - We brought our bikes in for repairs (H's) and tune ups and whatnot and I asked it they could fit mine. It was in BFE, Indiana, so there was no thought of using a machine of any kind. The guys in the shop seem adequately bike nerdy, but there wasn't a pay for it option, it was just a 'sit on the bike, pay for the parts' kind of thing.

I bet I can get it 'for real' fitted here.

[Deleted]

Jan 15, 2014 12:46:34 GMT -5 Brit said:

kams - We brought our bikes in for repairs (H's) and tune ups and whatnot and I asked it they could fit mine. It was in BFE, Indiana, so there was no thought of using a machine of any kind. The guys in the shop seem adequately bike nerdy, but there wasn't a pay for it option, it was just a 'sit on the bike, pay for the parts' kind of thing.

I bet I can get it 'for real' fitted here.

Yeah, that doesn't sound like a real fitting.

In my area, fittings range from $150 - $250.

[kams]

Jan 15, 2014 12:46:34 GMT -5 Brit said:

kams - We brought our bikes in for repairs (H's) and tune ups and whatnot and I asked it they could fit mine. It was in BFE, Indiana, so there was no thought of using a machine of any kind. The guys in the shop seem adequately bike nerdy, but there wasn't a pay for it option, it was just a 'sit on the bike, pay for the parts' kind of thing.

I bet I can get it 'for real' fitted here.

Yeah - I don't think it was half-assed for what it was necessarily, but it wasn't what would be considered a pro fit. 

[trigal]

Get a re fitting. In fact, you should get one every couple of years. Your flexibility changes, which affects your position on the bike.

The "thingy" that connects the handlebars to the frame is called the stem.

[sadlebred]

Sounds like it was an "eyeball" fitting and not a professional-you-pay-$200 for it fitting. They may have thought your stem was not the right length. I'd get a real fitting.

[joenali]

I has two last year. One by a pro fitter at a bike shop and the other by a physical therapist. Both lasted quite awhile and involved lots of measuring and adjustments.