Alberto's or Get a Grip in CHICAGO - SEROTTA

Triathlon Forum
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I’m looking at getting a Serotta Ottrott in a Tri-geogmetry but with a less aggressive drop to compensate for my bad neck (c6 - c7 disc problem).

Many of my friends rely completely on Alberto’s in Highland Park…However, this site and Chicago Tri Club rely on Adam at Get A Grip on Irving Park…

Any thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks much!

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Both shops are held in pretty high regard. I’m a devotee of Get A Grip myself - - I can’t say enough good things about them and know many friends who have gotten Serotta bikes there. Stop into both shops and chat with whomever may do your fitting and go with the one you are most comfortable with.

I was fitted by Adam at Get A Grip and practically out of the box as a new cyclist I was doing pain-free century rides. After the initial fitting I did an 80 miler with minor discomfort in my neck primarily as a result of being weak but Adam tweaked everything and voila…the only think I have to worry about now is my fitness level. The bike fits like a glove.

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Thanks for the feedback.

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The guys at Get a Grip are awesome. They do an amazing job supporting the triathlon community in Chicago. I’ve had 2 bike fittings there and brought several people in to have fittings there. Adam really takes his time with the fitting. One of the people I brought there had some significant back issues and he must’ve spent 3 hours with her video taping her position, analyzing the power, trying different bars and angles. Really patient and professional.

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Thanks. I know many people swear by GaG, but have also heard they “nickel and dime” some people…

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Thanks. I know many people swear by GaG, but have also heard they “nickel and dime” some people…

I wouldn’t say that about GAG. PM me on both and I can provide some feedback. But I think both shops are pretty well respected.

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I like Alberto’s for their sales on tri clothing and such, but I can’t speak to their bike services as I haven’t used them for that.

I did get a bike fit at GAG, and can’t say enough good things about them. The adjustments Adam made were relatively small, but made a HUGE difference in my riding comfort. The shoulder pain I had on every ride disappeared, as did other odd aches and pains. And they’ve been great with service in other respects - I managed to bend my rear derailleur into my spokes (don’t ask) a couple of days before a race, during a busy time of year, and they were able to fix it for me very quickly. Love those guys. I think they’re great at figuring out what works for each individual rather than going for a cookie-cutter approach. So, I think they would do well by you given your neck issues.