Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum: Serotta bike fitting...or the like

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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Serotta bike fitting...or the like

shimbike18

Oct 7, 08 8:04

Post #1 of 13 (297 views)

Serotta bike fitting...or the like	Can't Post

Thinking of having a professional bike fit done. Anyone had this done and was it worth the money. Any reviews and/or before/after problems that were solved???
I think my bike setup is good, but I'm sure it can always be improved.

jyeager

Oct 7, 08 8:11

Post #2 of 13 (296 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I haven't yet had it done, but my current knowledge (or lack thereof) tells me that it's very important to have the fit nailed. So before I buy another frame, and perhaps even before then, I plan to have a professional fitting session to get my coordinates.

The caveat is that you need to find a fitter with TT or Triathlon specific skill, or your fitting session can be wasted money. There have been some individuals fitted by experienced cycle shop employees who were given a road-bike fit for their triathlon bike.

So I'd consider it mandatory, but you need to get a good fitter rather than just someone with a fit-bike.

shimbike18

Oct 7, 08 8:19

Post #3 of 13 (291 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [jyeager] [In reply to]	Can't Post

yeah, the tri-specific fitting is a must. And I do agree that someone who does just a "bike fitting" can be a waste.

mark709

Oct 7, 08 8:52

Post #4 of 13 (263 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Here is my recent experience. http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...rch_string=;#2017014

Unfortunately, I wasted $225. I'm waiting (not holding breath) for the rest of the numbers from my fitter. I assumed that FIST certified was taken seriously by fitters; however, my experience (dealing with 2 local bike shops) shows that bike shops want to move bikes and they will/can make most bikes fit nearly everyone. There are tons of posts on ST where people try to compare 2 bikes and the overwhelming response is get the one that fits you best. That's really hard to do if the 2 bikes are at 2 different shops and your fitter has no idea how your numbers work on a bike that they don't sell. I used the stack and reach info on ST to help compare basic geometry from bike to bike; but there's no way to match the numbers that I got from my fitter to the ST database.

The whole get fit before you buy sounds really good and makes a lot of sense. The only way it can work is if there are some standards in place and penalties like losing your FIST certification if you don't follow the standards.

Good luck!!

slow

Oct 7, 08 9:25

Post #5 of 13 (239 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

A Serotta bike fit can be the antithesis of the FIST/Cervelo prescribed fit methodology as the philosophy of the latter is more "tight", forward and aggressive while the former is more "loose", back and relaxed. Both work - it is just a matter of personal preference and/or what works best for you.
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Slow ... it is how I roll

NormansKid

Oct 7, 08 9:30

Post #6 of 13 (232 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

definitely worth the money! although after reading a few of the posts below, it looks like some are not happy. you need to find a fitter with a solid rep. Ask around - and look at how the fitter does his fit. you want someone who preferably does dynamic fits if you are looking to optimize your tri position. My guessing at the position based on performance/comfort feel ended up being way off. Anyway, the point is you might not know what a optimized position really is until a good fitter sets you straight and then you go out and ride with the new setup. In my experience, the fitter wanted to know my feedback on the bikefit and followed up with a simple email. All good.
FYI - the guy I usd was a Serotta trained fitter

brikins13

Oct 7, 08 9:31

Post #7 of 13 (230 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

go to your local tri shop. Schedule a fitting with them. Most shops charge around 100$ for the fitting- and just take that off the cost of a bike when you buy a new one. If you have a shop you like, or a brand you know you're gonna get (if it fits) then go there, have them fit you, and when you get your bike, the fitting was "free"
I got fit at the same place i bought my last bike. Worked out pretty well, its local, they have my numbers on file, and I can ask them to fine tune things for me, and update them as necessary... Its a pretty good idea- and it gets way more comfortable, esp if you're poorly fit. A cm here or there can make a huge difference.

get it done
_____________________________________
Six five, two hundred plus...
61 P2C
62 AllezComp

TomkR

Oct 7, 08 9:37

Post #8 of 13 (220 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [slow] [In reply to]	Can't Post

My experience is/was (I wasn't fit on the bike, I assembled the bike per spec of someone who was) that Serotta doesn't understand tri-bikes or tri-specific fitting. They're tri fits are done with the same coordinates as a road fit. To top it off they built the frame to the wrong geometry, using a 52 top-tube when it was supposed to be a 50. I couldn't get the right reach (which was measured from tip-of-saddle to mid-aero-bar pads) with the stem they put in the box and when I called they said they "do that with all their tri-bikes" and to just use the stem in the box... how does that freakin' work????

Bell Head

Oct 7, 08 9:40

Post #9 of 13 (217 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I went to a Fit Werx here in VT. They do a lot of Tri-specific fitting using the Serotta fitting bike. A tri-specific fitter is critical, if you ask me.

Do you know anybody in your area who has had a tri fitting who could recommend somebody to you?

Victor

Large

Oct 7, 08 9:51

Post #10 of 13 (204 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Where are you located? Someone here might have a good recommendation. As previous posts have mentioned, almost all shops say they do fittings, but there is a big difference between a real professional fitting and what many shops offer.

shimbike18

Oct 7, 08 10:06

Post #11 of 13 (194 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [Large] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm about an hour south of Tampa FL

deechee

Oct 7, 08 10:52

Post #12 of 13 (167 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

definitely worth every penny.

I met Paul Levine almost four years ago, when I was starting to really get into tri. I knew the top tube of my Guru was too long (even though I was "fitted" at the factory) and Paul agreed. After a few more months of misery, I relented and Paul designed a custom Serotta for me. I have never looked back.

This spring for my birthday my gf set up a meeting for me with Paul. We worked on my tri position on a cervelo and much to my surprise, he dropped the front end even lower and moved my seat just a cm or two. That made a world of difference in comfort I never would've guessed.

A good fitter will know the different theories/methods of fit and explain to you the pros and cons. They'll also work with you as an individual, your goals, your flexibility, your fitness to fit you as you should on the bike. If there are issues you know of, call a a number of fitters and ask them for their opinion. Take the one you feel the most at ease with and go!

I think people's fits always change; and Paul has never hesitated to answer any questions I've had over the years. I just wish I lived closer. But I still plan on visiting him later this year.

nval

Oct 7, 08 12:45

Post #13 of 13 (127 views)

Re: Serotta bike fitting...or the like [shimbike18] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I was recently fit by a Serotta dealer in Chicago for my Cervelo P2C. Being new to tri specific bikes I didn't know what to expect and was worried about being in the aero position. I've been doing triathlons on my road bike due to a bad back. While the fit took around 2 1/2 hours, I would have spent double. The fit is perfect; my pedal efficiency was maximized through the fit and I've had several veterans tell me my positioning is perfect. All this and with no back pain! And, $200 of the fit was credited back to me for the purchase of the bike! I can't wait to shave minutes off my bike split next year, it was well worth the time and money.