Bike fit frustrations / advice

Jul 11, 18 11:12

Post #1 of 43 Views: 9189

Hi -- I'm really struggling to understand why it's so hard to get a proper bike fit, and am starting to wonder if there even is such a thing. I live in San Francisco. I've now had 3 bike fits on my TT and road bikes, and every fitter has contradictory suggestions. I just don't get it.

My personal saga is below, but perhaps Slowman himself can weight in and just tell him who is the best damn fitter in SF (preferably) or Bay Area for a pre-IM tune-up fit and a size-fit for a new TT bike as a reward if I PR at IM Canada.

My Saga.....

Fitter 1) Chicago based custom bike builder who built me a custom geo TT bike. Major knee injuries and 2 surgeries. Take years off.

Fitter 2) Pedro (in SF) -- Said TT fit was all wrong, and bike geo is potentially wrong and suggests I get a new bike. Moved me super far forward on TT bike, dropped front end so much started have major shoulder and neck issues and couldn't digest while biking.

Fitter 3) Cesar @ 3D Bike Fit. Decided to scrap TT bike altogether and got a Canyon Ultimate for versatility and hilly IM. Cesar fits me, feels pretty good except stock stem too short and he recommends a super long ass stem which makes bike handle like a school bus and getting lots of hand numbness and knee pain is starting to come back during longer rides over last couple weeks. IM in 2.5 weeks so start to panic.

Fitter 4) Weightweeines Forum peanut gallery -- Says Cesar at 3D Fit is incompetent and that I'm too far forward with too long a stem and should see some guy in Palo Alto (Curtis Cramblett) instead, but he's damn near impossible to see and would require me taking a whole day off work... which I'm willing to do, but can't do until mid-August.

Now I'm doubting my fit leading into Ironman Canada, kind of in a panic, and lament why is it so impossible to get 2 fitters to agree. I mean, if this is such a science, one should be able to go to two fitter and the second one make no changes right?

Last edited by: wintershade: Jul 12, 18 9:49

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 11:24

Post #2 of 43 Views: 9151

there is a list of "approved" fitters here

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [lemos] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 12:26

Post #3 of 43 Views: 9060

Thanks. All of the fitters I've gone to have actually been on this list, and they've all had different recommendations.

Adam Kaplan / Get a Grip (Chicago) is 4 stars. Put an insane 1cm spacer stack on one cleat due to a "leg length discrepancy" and I ended up getting 2 surgeries on that knee 3 and 18 months after the fit.

Pedro Dungo (SF) is 5 stars. But he had no alternative saddles for me to try, no alternative stems or seat-posts with different offsets. It was just him trying to make what I had with me work. Perhaps impossible, but I left more uncomfortable then when I arrive.

3D Bike Fit (SF) is 3 stars. They had TONS of stuff to sell me to the point where it almost felt disingenuous. Though, in the end, I do like the saddle they sold me.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 12:58

Post #4 of 43 Views: 9020

Very sorry to hear this for you

I don’t really talk much to other triathletes sonthoght bike fit was easy.

I’ve had 3 bike fits by 3 fitters on various bikes in various places in the US and all 3 came to almost the same position

Seems strange your guys are so different from each other. Seriously best of luck to you.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 13:03

Post #5 of 43 Views: 9010

have you considered putting a shorter stem on your bike?

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [ctflower] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 13:21

Post #6 of 43 Views: 8975

The Canyon Ultimate SLX 9 Pro size M comes with a 100mm stem integrated into handlebars and 3D Fit set me up with the stock stem but told me it was probably too short. I rode it that way for a couple months and it felt really cramped at the front end and gave me low back pain because I had to round back to fit on the bike.

Per the 3D Bike Fit's advice, I ordered new $400 integrated handlebars with 130mm stem. Felt way too extended, weight too far forward. Switched (my own decision) to a 120mm stem (requiring yet another $400 handlebar purchase) which felt better.

So now I'm 2 fit sessions, 3 sets of handlebars, over $1000 deep.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [lemos] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 13:24

Post #7 of 43 Views: 8965

What does "approved" mean (or approximate)? Many in my area don't have any reviews.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 13:27

Post #8 of 43 Views: 8958

Money being no object go see Matt S. in CO or Jim M. in La
You can also start messing with it yourself like I do, leads to a deep understanding of your personal fit and a lot of self criticism along the way.

2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 13:42

Post #9 of 43 Views: 8936

do you have any pics?

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 13:51

Post #10 of 43 Views: 8906

I never splurged for a real fit - but posted videos here, measured angles myself and got myself into a pretty aero position that worked for me

Could you try to do the same?

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [BBLOEHR] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 13:57

Post #11 of 43 Views: 8892

BBLOEHR wrote:

Money being no object go see Matt S. in CO or Jim M. in La
You can also start messing with it yourself like I do, leads to a deep understanding of your personal fit and a lot of self criticism along the way.

Thanks for suggestions. While money isn't an object, time is very scarce and I can't justify taking 2 days off (as an MOP AGer) for a bike fit, especially when I live in San Francisco and there a theoretically some "pro" fitter here. Traveling with bike is such a hassle. Heck, I'm having a hard enough time taking a half-day to visit this Curtis Cramblett some pro on weight weenies was raving about. I'd also prefer to work with someone local.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 14:03

Post #12 of 43 Views: 8875

This seeming need to pay "big names" big money for bike fits is just over the top. If you take good video and some pics and post them on here you can get a real consensus on good changes (if any) to make. Set up your phone/camera on some sort of stable platform (tripod is best) at roughly handlebar/hip height directly perpendicular to you and such that you are framed neatly in video. Pedal at ~70.3 effort for 60s or so and then post it to youtube and link it here. Easy.

Last edited by: jkhayc: Jul 11, 18 14:04

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 14:05

Post #13 of 43 Views: 8871

I also have very little free time, if I dont work its not good for the company. I went to see Jim on a one day trip to cali and combined it with some aero testing. Yes its a day off but all your questioned are answered and you wont be left asking what if.....If you had done that to start you would have already saved time. Yes you may be middle of the pack but that does not mean you deserve a middle of the pack fit, if your posting here and seeing multiple fitters your already taking a lot of time with your fit.

Your other option is get "bike fit fast" app start measuring your angles and messing with it yourself thats going to be the cheapest and you will learn the most. It will also take the most time and will be lots of second guessing, but possibly worth it in end. No matter what bike fit you get you should still consider tweaking stuff on your own.

2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [BBLOEHR] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 14:14

Post #14 of 43 Views: 8846

1) I will post bike video here tonight. I'll look forward to advice of this group and am excited to see if/what consensus emerges.

2) @BBLOEHR - Regarding Pro fit in LA -- I meant no disrespect. We're all busy. Maybe after I get my next TT bike, I'll make the trip to LA for the Pro fit and combine it with wind-tunnel aero testing, which I've always wanted to do. I'm actually in LA quite often as I have investments there. I initially assumed you mean Louisiana. That said, it would be nice to have someone local who could measure me, help with next bike selection, etc.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [BBLOEHR] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 14:16

Post #15 of 43 Views: 8842

BBLOEHR wrote:

If you had done that to start you would have already saved time.

That's not really fair. ST has deemed Jim Manton to be a "good fitter." Maybe .1% of triathletes read ST. Most don't necessarily know where to look. OP looked in a lot of places, and is unsatisfied.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [jkhayc] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 17:42

Post #16 of 43 Views: 8689

jkhayc wrote:

BBLOEHR wrote:

If you had done that to start you would have already saved time.

That's not really fair. ST has deemed Jim Manton to be a "good fitter." Maybe .1% of triathletes read ST. Most don't necessarily know where to look. OP looked in a lot of places, and is unsatisfied.

Well he said time was important. But if your going around getting fit by different people and having issues with your fit what if that continues? That’s loss of time right? Have you seen a bad fit by Jim or Matt??? He came on ST looking for answers, that’s what I am providing. I finally got my fit dialed on my own and with input from friends, but man it took months I could have prob saved a lot of time if I had seen: Trent Nix, Jim, or Matt.

I am not trying to be mean or hurt anyone’s feelings just trying to provided some meaningful answers that will get him with a better fit in less time.

2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [jkhayc] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 21:02

Post #17 of 43 Views: 8566

jkhayc wrote:

This seeming need to pay "big names" big money for bike fits is just over the top. If you take good video and some pics and post them on here you can get a real consensus on good changes (if any) to make. Set up your phone/camera on some sort of stable platform (tripod is best) at roughly handlebar/hip height directly perpendicular to you and such that you are framed neatly in video. Pedal at ~70.3 effort for 60s or so and then post it to youtube and link it here. Easy.

Hi jkhayc -- I have posted a video of myself riding on trainer here. Thanks for the tips. I am on hood first 30 sec, drops after that. I'd be curious what people's thoughts are. Is my position at least in the right zipcode?

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 21:27

Post #18 of 43 Views: 8539

no - why are you so far forward - have a Retül fit - there are kinematic ranges. along with rider specific notes that need to be considered. if you truly have a leg length discrepancy. need both sides video captured to give "accurate" feed back.

Retul Certified Fitter. gebioMized Pressure Mapping http://www.PedPowerPerformLab.com.
Retailer of Wahoo Fitness, Sable Water Optics, Enve Composit, Giro and more.
Zone3 USA Ambassador - use code DEAN25 for 25% off
http://www.OasisOne-Twelve.com - The ultimate hands free hydration system.
https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/19354499 - results.

Last edited by: hideano: Jul 11, 18 21:37

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [hideano] [ In reply to ]

Jul 11, 18 22:27

Post #19 of 43 Views: 8509

This is exactly what I was afraid of.... my fit being way off.

1) Is it too late to make a major adjustment, considering I’ve been training like this for last 6 months and have an IM in 2.5 week?

2) No idea why I’m so far forward? Maybe because I have a history of petellarfemoral pain and patellar tendeon surgery? Maybe fitter thought it would be better to be forward on road bike for Triathlon? I don’t know but it explains why 3D Fit suggested a goofy long stem (advice which ignored and sent me looking for 2nd opinions). This was also my fear, I was staring down recently and wondering why my knees were so far out past my BB.

3) I don’t actually have a leg length descripancy. That fitter was wrong. I’ve since had that looked at by a PT and two knee surgeons who said riding with a 1cm shim stack is probably what caused me to need knee surgery in the first place. Shims are gone.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 2:34

Post #20 of 43 Views: 8404

wintershade wrote:

2) No idea why I’m so far forward? Maybe because I have a history of petellarfemoral pain and patellar tendeon surgery? Maybe fitter thought it would be better to be forward on road bike for Triathlon? .

Classic problem - 'fitters' think that a triathlete should be forward on a road bike because that's what you do for tri positions. Except that principle is based on then resting on aerobars. I have seen a lot of tri-roadies with knee problems because of this idea.

I've made major adjustments to positions this far out from an IM. I don't like doing it but when someone is in a horrible position - going to a good one doesn't take much adaptation and makes IM that little bit more enjoyable.

For future reference, I see no reason that you shouldn't be able to get comfortable on a tri bike, which makes IM much more fun. Just that you need to see one of the small handful of good tri fitters on your continent.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 4:50

Post #21 of 43 Views: 8340

Nothing looks out of the ordinary, other than that you look quite "tense." But your posture is actually quite good. You are using your trunk/core muscles to support your upper body and aren't solely relying on your arms or lower back. You do appear to ride a slightly steeper than normal road position, but so do I and it's a matter of personal preference to an extent.

I had been assuming this whole time that you were on a tri bike (although now I see in a post that I didn't read completely that you mention your road bike model), so that's kind of funny to see video of you on a roadie. All that is to say that it's hard to really F up a road position, but a good way to do that is to put giant shims under cleats.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 7:03

Post #22 of 43 Views: 8244

when we do an "Aero Road" fit on a bike the road bike has clip-on aero bars to take advantage of the "forward" position
otherwise it does not make sense to be that far forward.

your hands are gonna go numb as is I predict.

2.5 weeks away, I would recommend a true road bike fitting if you do not have aero bars.

comparison images

aero road w/clip ons

Road fit

Retul Certified Fitter. gebioMized Pressure Mapping http://www.PedPowerPerformLab.com.
Retailer of Wahoo Fitness, Sable Water Optics, Enve Composit, Giro and more.
Zone3 USA Ambassador - use code DEAN25 for 25% off
http://www.OasisOne-Twelve.com - The ultimate hands free hydration system.
https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/19354499 - results.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 7:34

Post #23 of 43 Views: 8205

1) they are fitting you to a position and making you adapt which is wrong, it takes a lot of time over several days to properly adjust a bike to fit etc.
2) even with a good fit the athlete can still cause issues with improper muscle timing and load baring.
3) your seat is to high.
4) your arms have more pressure on them then your legs. You bike on your legs not your arms.
5) see you at ironman whistler.

Technique will always last longer then energy production. Improve biomechanics, improve performance.
http://Www.anthonytoth.ca, triathletetoth@twitter

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [hideano] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 8:05

Post #24 of 43 Views: 8171

Out of curiosity, why have you chose those angles to show?

Brandon Marsh - Website | @BrandonMarshTX | RokaSports | 1stEndurance | ATC Bikeshop |

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [-JBMarshTX] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 9:39

Post #25 of 43 Views: 8085

just stills for our videos we we make -
we do visual angles for the important ones
closed hip angle, knee at flexion, shoulder angle...etc

these are just visual. use use Retül protocol/kinematic ranges based on rider information.

Retul Certified Fitter. gebioMized Pressure Mapping http://www.PedPowerPerformLab.com.
Retailer of Wahoo Fitness, Sable Water Optics, Enve Composit, Giro and more.
Zone3 USA Ambassador - use code DEAN25 for 25% off
http://www.OasisOne-Twelve.com - The ultimate hands free hydration system.
https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/19354499 - results.

Last edited by: hideano: Jul 12, 18 9:41

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [hideano] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 12:38

Post #26 of 43 Views: 3227

If I were you, considering your history of injuries, I would look for a physical therapist who also has the qualifications to fit you to a bike. In other words, don't just go to any old PT and say "Hey, fit me!" but there are PT's who have the knowledge and specialization to do this.

My last two bike fits have been done by my PT, who is also a cyclist/former competitive rider. He's not only looking at my position on the bike, but also assessing my fit to the injuries/issues I may have.

In San Fran, I imagine there has to be someone like this out there.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 14:02

Post #27 of 43 Views: 3184

3) I don’t actually have a leg length descripancy. That fitter was wrong. I’ve since had that looked at by a PT and two knee surgeons who said riding with a 1cm shim stack is probably what caused me to need knee surgery in the first place. Shims are gone.[/quote]
I wonder when i read this, with the shims placed and riding with them and thinking they developed or contributed to 2 surgeries on that knee didn’ t you have an amount of knee pain that made you question those spacers. Surely there must have been pain in that knee would it have resulted in 2 surgeries?? Why did you let it come so far that you needed 1 surgery let alone 2, as you think, were a result of those spacers. I just can wrap my head around that you ride with 1 cm of cleat spacers, don’t feel a thing a then suddenly you need a knee surgery and the another.

Jeroen

Owner at TRIPRO, The Netherlands

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [TRIPRO] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 14:14

Post #28 of 43 Views: 3168

I'm not some kind of moron who made no changes despite a worsening injury. I sought out expertise of multiple FIST certified fitters who kept making changes and was doing a truckload of PT, but the straw that brought the camels back was the FIST certified fitter (Get A Grip in Chicago) who thought he could "solve" my knee issue with a world record shim stack installed about a 1.5 months before my first IM. I persevered through the pain hell bent on doing my IM with a lot of kinesio tape and managed to finished with a respectable time (and pace a marathon for my brother's first marathon a few weeks later) and got my knee surgery a few weeks after that.

But the bottom line, is that's all ancient history in my mind. The issue at hand is: My current fit is sub optimal despite seeking help of many fitters. I have an IM in just over 2 weeks. What do I do?

I think the answer is: stop worrying. Trust my training. Finish my race. And then get sorted on my roadie by Jim Manton in LA or Curtis Cramblett, and get them to set me up on a TT bike as well. Then hopefully I'll be done for good.

Last edited by: wintershade: Jul 12, 18 14:17

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [hideano] [ In reply to ]

Jul 12, 18 14:39

Post #29 of 43 Views: 3154

that's a "good" road fit? that person has horrible posture.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

FindinFreestyle

Jul 13, 18 10:40

Post #30 of 43 Views: 2703

Bear with my anger (prednisone withdrawal is very real).

1. There is no barrier of entry to be a bike fitter. There are no standards. Anyone can hang a shingle and they are in business.
2. There are no minimum tooling requirements. It should be pretty obvious that to be a bike fitter, you need at least a freikin fit bike, but even that point will be met with opposition and outright ridicule by uneducated consumers and crappy bike fitters.
3. There are plentiful consumers who have purchased an absolutely lousy bike fit, and will swear up and down their fitter is awesome. There is no frame of reference.

So basically, buyer beware. What can you do? Well, you could read the two articles written on this site 1. "Reasonable bike fit expectations" and 2. "Orthodoxy" and as a bonus 3. "It's the fitter and the tools". Then you could insist on a fitter who has both the necessary tools and a portfolio of completed work.

Honestly, 90% of bike fitters completely suck. This forum or one of the 10% who don't suck could absolutely give you a better static fit with only their eyeballs over the internet, compared to the sucky 90% with unlimited equipment budgets and time in a live studio setting.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [jkhayc] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 19 15:25

Post #31 of 43 Views: 1829

Update: I finally got my road bike position sorted by Curtis Cramblet, former fitter and PT for Garmin pro team. I really liked him and was very happy with how I feel on the road bike. My reward for finishing IM Canada was a new TT bike, which I had fitted by one of his associates. I'm curious to get the opinions of this group. As I've been shifting more of my riding from the road bike to the TT bike, I'm starting to have some knee (patellofemoral pain) and Achilles tightness (when running, not riding). I'm hoping to see Curtis next Friday but am debating the schlep to LA to see Jim M who I view as more of a triathlon/aero specialist.

Is my seat too high? Anything else to discuss with Curtis?

Last edited by: wintershade: Apr 9, 19 15:25

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 19 15:31

Post #32 of 43 Views: 1823

Do you have a video?

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [jimatbeyond] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 19 16:12

Post #33 of 43 Views: 1800

I don't have one handy, but I'll ask wife if she'll take one. She's not super thrilled after the hairy mess of my first ever leg-shaving last night. But we'll see.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 2:09

Post #34 of 43 Views: 1683

That position looks terrible to me.

In Reply To:

In Reply To:

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

FindinFreestyle

Apr 10, 19 2:35

Post #35 of 43 Views: 1670

The truth is there are thousands of alleged fitters the US, and there are probably less than 100 competent enough to give you a world class time trial fit. Good chance that number is less than 50. So you should first understand what a world class time trial fit looks like, and then choose a fitter based on their portfolio of completed work.

I've been doing this for 15 years, and my list of fitters to recommend has 12 people on it.

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 6:01

Post #36 of 43 Views: 1605

wintershade wrote:

but am debating the schlep to LA to see Jim M

Don't debate it.

Last edited by: MattyK: Apr 10, 19 6:01

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [bentus] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 7:53

Post #37 of 43 Views: 1551

bentus wrote:

That position looks terrible to me.

In Reply To:

In Reply To:

Care to elaborate? What’s wrong with my position?

Sounds like I just need to suck it up and drive 7 hours each way to LA to see Jim. Settle this once and for all....

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 8:07

Post #38 of 43 Views: 1537

For a bike fit? That sounds pretty extreme.

Have you thought about doing a remote bike fitting, posting a video here and taking suggestions, or trying to make changes yourself?

wintershade wrote:

Sounds like I just need to suck it up and drive 7 hours each way to LA to see Jim. Settle this once and for all....

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 8:26

Post #39 of 43 Views: 1513

wintershade wrote:

bentus wrote:

That position looks terrible to me.

In Reply To:

In Reply To:

Care to elaborate? What’s wrong with my position?

Sounds like I just need to suck it up and drive 7 hours each way to LA to see Jim. Settle this once and for all....

Saddle is a touch too high. You need to be more stretched out.

Trent Nix
Owned and operated Tri Shop
F.I.S.T. Advanced Certified Fitter | Retul Master Certified Fitter (back when those were things)

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [FindinFreestyle] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 9:05

Post #40 of 43 Views: 1467

FindinFreestyle wrote:

The truth is there are thousands of alleged fitters the US, and there are probably less than 100 competent enough to give you a world class time trial fit. Good chance that number is less than 50. So you should first understand what a world class time trial fit looks like, and then choose a fitter based on their portfolio of completed work.

I've been doing this for 15 years, and my list of fitters to recommend has 12 people on it.

What I don't understand, is why there are only 50 people in the world who can do a proper TT fit. I mean, there are more than 3.5K neurosurgeons in the US alone, of which I'd consider well more than 50 to be truly world class. With all do respect (noting that you're a well regarded fitter here), how is it that there are more world class neurosurgeons than bike fitters?!

I do wonder if part of the problem is most fit appointments are just 2-3 hours. Making adjustments on superbikes can be very fiddly, and it seems like just making a few minor adjustments can consume the better part of an hour. Perhaps my fitter just ran out of time? I mean, the guy was the bike fitter and head physical therapist for the Garmin cycling team, so like, if that's not world class, I don't know what is? Yet I agree with other here, my fit isn't great. Saddle feels too high and I'm not getting enough ankle flexion (which is causing Achilles problems) and I don't feel "stretched out" enough. I almost wonder if my frame is too small, as I already have A LOT of weight over the front wheel and my aerobars fully extended (probably overly extended). Canyon makes a longer stem for this bike I could try.

I think I'm going to make some adjustments myself, and post a video here. Hopefully one of those 50 world class experts will take a look! It really does seem INSANE to drive to LA for this, and equally insane to pay this Garmin guy $400/hr (his rate, nuts, I know).

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 9:53

Post #41 of 43 Views: 1450

Saddle is too far forward, IMO. "Front of the knee" issues are usually alleviated by raising the saddle or moving it back. I wouldn't lower your saddle yet. Has someone looked at your knee tracking? And yes you need more reach. Always get a bike that allows for easy front end adjustments, or buy a new front end.

Hundreds of thousands of people have competently fit themselves. No one else lives in your body. Yes, a lot of fitters suck at their jobs, but even the good ones will usually just have a range of "orthodoxy" that seems to work most of the time (or gets the fewest complaints), and from there, they rely on feedback from the customer. That should include long term feedback. If you aren't in touch with your body or otherwise give poor feedback, your fit isn't going to be very good.

But if you are doing the fit yourself, at least you didn't blow too many $$$, and you get the wrench out and fix it...

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [wintershade] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 11:15

Post #42 of 43 Views: 1414

the original road video...…..can you bend your elbows at all? elbows generally are bent and when you are in the drops, it doesn't look like that is even a possibility

Re: Bike fit frustrations / advice [trentnix] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 19 15:22

Post #43 of 43 Views: 1351

trentnix wrote:

wintershade wrote:

bentus wrote:

That position looks terrible to me.

In Reply To:

In Reply To:

Care to elaborate? What’s wrong with my position?

Sounds like I just need to suck it up and drive 7 hours each way to LA to see Jim. Settle this once and for all....

Saddle is a touch too high. You need to be more stretched out.

wrong size bike or wrong bike if you can't add a few cm to your armpad reach.

Our Partners

transition-DOT-area-AT-slowtwitch-DOT-com

Advertise with us

©1999-2024 Slowtwitch, Inc., and Slowtwitch.com
Reproduction of material from any Slowtwitch.com page
without written permission is strictly prohibited.