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Bike Fit System vs Fitter
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First off I'll admit there are 1000s of bike fit threads here on ST but many of them have the same solution which may not work for most of us. I'm entering my first competitive season after taking 3 years to get ready (Fat to Fit style) and the one nagging question I have is "Am I properly fitted for my bike?" and more importantly is "When I buy a new bike in the fall how do I know I'm getting the best one for me?". The second is more important to me because it's going to involve $4-5500 of my hard earned money and the bike will be used for 2-3 seasons (unless technology comes along that will compel me to purchase sooner).

I live in Toronto and I love the guys at my local shop but I'm not confident they are the best fitters out there. I've spent countless hours reading about fits and fitters and their variety of philosophies and it's left me wanting the absolute best fit possible for myself. The question I keep returning to is to go into a shop I know has a GURU Fit System and try out every possible combination of crank length, stack, reach saddles dynamically OR find the best fitter in the city and have him work with me. The issue with that is the obvious cost factor. Doing this with a fitter would take hours and hours and ultimately I doubt I'd find somebody willing to spend the time with me. The cons with the GURU system is it's only as good as the fitter and I'm not sure the manager of the local shop is an advanced fitter. Perhaps like most of us A-Type analytical STers I'm just over thinking but I really want to make sure I am getting the best machine for my money and the best fit for my money.

Does anybody have any insight? Anybody else been in the same situation? I'd really love to hear from you guys if not at least for piece of mind.


P.S. - My LBS sells Felt, Argon18, Scott and Willier TT bikes and I'd love to give them my support with a big purchase in the fall.

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"Train so you have no regrets @ the finish line"
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Re: Bike Fit System vs Fitter [cshowe80] [ In reply to ]
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I had this same question with my bike fit. I ended up getting a RETUL fit (computer system) with the best fitter around, so sorta killed 2 birds with 1 stone. To me computers will be exact while a competent fitter will help you be the most comfortable while still being in that "range" of acceptability.
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Re: Bike Fit System vs Fitter [cshowe80] [ In reply to ]
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Unfortunately, since no current bike fitting system (including retul) is evidence-based, I would go with whichever system (maybe one that is close to you?) has a highly experienced fitter on staff and available, one with a highly effective and known track record. Because even a "good" or computer-based fit system applied by an inexperienced fitter will result in a poor bike fit.

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Last edited by: DarkSpeedWorks: Apr 16, 14 13:53
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Re: Bike Fit System vs Fitter [cshowe80] [ In reply to ]
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Go see Ian at IMFit.ca in Milton. He'll help find your fit co-ordinates and fit the bike you buy.


Rodney
TrainingPeaks | Altra Running | RAD Roller
http://www.goinglong.ca
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Re: Bike Fit System vs Fitter [rbuike] [ In reply to ]
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I should also mention I'm doing short course competition.

Thanks for the insight rbuike!! I'm going to check Ian out.

------
"Train so you have no regrets @ the finish line"
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Re: Bike Fit System vs Fitter [cshowe80] [ In reply to ]
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Ian uses the Retul system but will give you honest guidance on bikes that will fit. He doesn't sell anything but fit and coaching services. And he does a great job fitting, I've had him fit all my bikes!


Rodney
TrainingPeaks | Altra Running | RAD Roller
http://www.goinglong.ca
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Re: Bike Fit System vs Fitter [cshowe80] [ In reply to ]
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Check out my latest podcast about bike fitting http://www.htownendurance.com/007/ it might help.

Robby
FAITH athletics - Where fitness and performance is about YOU!
http://www.faith-athletics.com
http://www.htownendurance.com
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