I had two experiences over the past week that underscored the critical nature of proper bike fit.
At the U.S. Olympic Trials in Honolulu, Hawaii two elite competitors with crhonically bad bike position and fit experienced serious orthopedic problems most likely a result of, or contributed to significantly, by obvious (to me) problems with their bike positions. Photos I shot of these athletes reveal rudimentary problems with their positioning and equipment selection- despite the fact they they are literally world class. One failed to finsh the race altogther. The other had a lackluster performance.
USAT physical Therapist Amie told me that poor bike fit is the "Most common" source of running injuries or rather, injuries that manifest themselves on the run.
And finally, a woman who was sized for a bike by us and fit on a "Brand A" bike decided she wanted a "Brand B" bike because she liked the appearance better (her words). She found the Brand B bike at another dealer and bought it. The bike had a handlebar configuration that was too long and too wide for her. I carefully explained this to her on three seperate occasions and in one phone conversation with her husband. She either failed to understand or choose to ignore our insights and warnings.
She bought the bike we advised her would be a "compromise fit" at best and, about two weeks ago, had a serious crash on a descent resulting in a head injury that rendered her unconcious.
I don't mean to be elitist, a snob, or say "I told you so". But people, if we warn you about something- please take our warning seriously. We (I)warned her the bike would not be optimal or even safe for her level of handling skills based on the information she gave us about her current riding experience. She chose to ignore it- her prerogative as a customer- who we acknowledge is always king. There was a reason we warned her. It wasn't about selling one bike versus another. Incidentally, we sell both bikes she was considering- the one she liked the looks of and the one we recommended.
I do maintain that, had she taken our recommendation, the likelyhood of her crashing as it was related to me may have been very significantly reduced.
Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com
At the U.S. Olympic Trials in Honolulu, Hawaii two elite competitors with crhonically bad bike position and fit experienced serious orthopedic problems most likely a result of, or contributed to significantly, by obvious (to me) problems with their bike positions. Photos I shot of these athletes reveal rudimentary problems with their positioning and equipment selection- despite the fact they they are literally world class. One failed to finsh the race altogther. The other had a lackluster performance.
USAT physical Therapist Amie told me that poor bike fit is the "Most common" source of running injuries or rather, injuries that manifest themselves on the run.
And finally, a woman who was sized for a bike by us and fit on a "Brand A" bike decided she wanted a "Brand B" bike because she liked the appearance better (her words). She found the Brand B bike at another dealer and bought it. The bike had a handlebar configuration that was too long and too wide for her. I carefully explained this to her on three seperate occasions and in one phone conversation with her husband. She either failed to understand or choose to ignore our insights and warnings.
She bought the bike we advised her would be a "compromise fit" at best and, about two weeks ago, had a serious crash on a descent resulting in a head injury that rendered her unconcious.
I don't mean to be elitist, a snob, or say "I told you so". But people, if we warn you about something- please take our warning seriously. We (I)warned her the bike would not be optimal or even safe for her level of handling skills based on the information she gave us about her current riding experience. She chose to ignore it- her prerogative as a customer- who we acknowledge is always king. There was a reason we warned her. It wasn't about selling one bike versus another. Incidentally, we sell both bikes she was considering- the one she liked the looks of and the one we recommended.
I do maintain that, had she taken our recommendation, the likelyhood of her crashing as it was related to me may have been very significantly reduced.
Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com
Last edited by:
Tom Demerly: Apr 23, 04 2:35