[j_vora]

Hello !!

I have yet to undergo a Bike-Fit and am considering one even though I will not have access to the more advanced versions of it, ie computerized etc. ( Perhaps the advance version is not even required ? ) 

I remain hesitant for I don’t know how well informed/experienced Bike-Shop Staff are where I reside regarding “all things Bike-Fit”. ( State this based on my initial interactions with the staff from two Bike-Shops ). 

None-the-less, my question : 
How does one translate the findings of a Bike-Fit to a bike of ones choice ? This becomes a bit challenging as the Brand of the bike I plan on purchasing is not represented in India and will have to be imported.

To arrive at some understanding, I plan on test-riding bikes from a competing Brand/s and will then need to extrapolate from there on in. It is this translation I refer to as each Brand and each of their Models will maintain different geometries.

At this point, my aim is to make sure I order a bike with the correct Crank Length, Stem Length, Handlebar Width and of course the Frame Size.

I believe if I get the above right, the other main variables of positioning of the saddle ( fore-aft and height ), arriving at the correct number of Spacers under the Handlebar and Shoe-Cleat position will be easier achieved.

Any thoughts on how I can achieve this translation ?

Thanks in advance,

Jai

Topic

[Welsh boy]

I am cynical about bike fit

I am cynical about bike fit services, if there was one correct fit then every bike fitter would come out with the same position but that doesnt seem to be the case.  Before you part with your hard saved cash, ask yourself why you feel confident that the bike fitter you choose will be the one who comes up with the correct fir for you.  A quick look at some of the top riders will show that there isnt a perfect position on a bike, for example Thibaut Pinot alwas looks like he is riding someone (with shorter legs) elses bike and Sean Kelly (7 times winner of the Paris-Niece, Vuelta, multiple winner of classics) always looked like his stem was too short.

Do you ride with a club?  If so have a look at how the best riders in the club look on their bike and aim for something close to that, if not have a look at the pictures of good riders or get on the internet and look for look for bike fit info and go for something close to that as a starting point.  Remember, you can move your saddle up, down, forwards and backwards free of charge; you can change your stem length for about £8; you can change your handlebar height free of charge; you can alter the position of your foot on the pedal free of charge.  I would think long and hard about giving money to someone to tell you how to sit on your bike.

[mtbtomo]

The bike fit should give you
The bike fit should give you dimensions from fixed points on the bike. The one I had, I got a diagram which measured horizontal saddle position in relation to the rear wheel axle. BB/cranks also. Distance from saddle to bars. Saddle height to BB centre. Etc. You should be able to mark these up on the geometry drawing of the bike (and size) of your choice. What are you technical drawing skills like?

Do you really mean a proper bike fit or are you just trying to find the right size bike? Any decent bike shop should be able to advise on the correct size and you could compare the geometry tables between different brands. A few millimetres difference here can be compensated by saddle position or a slightly shorter/longer stem etc.

Having bought the bike, you could then have a bike fit to optimise your fit if something doesn’t feel just quite right. But it shouldn’t be so wildly out, because the shop should have helped with the right frame size to begin with.

[Author]

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