I am scheduled for my first every bike fitting on Saturday at Bikesport in MI. Since this is my first; is there anything I need to be aware of or ensure I ask during my fitting to ensure I am getting a quality fitting? Any advise is appreciated.
Ask if his name is Tom Demerly.
Thats about it.
Tri
Bike fitting is somewhat of an art. the answers you will get to your question will vary. Since you are new to being fitted you will not have a mental model of a proper fit for you. In other words, how could you tell if the bike was properly fitted or not. What you are left with is the person fitting you. Use all your people skills to determine whether this person is somewone that you should listen to or is this person selling you a bike or service.
You will do much better on your future fittings.
Almost everything about fit can be adjusted except a frame that is too large
I agree that it’s as much of an art as a science but IMHO tri bike fitting has become a bit of an industry racket. The best way to start to learn about bike fitting is to read about it. Dan’s articles are quite good and Zinn’s book “Zinn and the Art of Triathlon Bikes” is also very good. This will take a bit of time and effort but an educated consumer is the best consumer. That way you’re not at the mercy of somebody else who may or may not know what they are doing. Just because someody has taken a FIST or any other certification doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a good fit. There are good and bad doctors, plumbers, mechanics, etc and they all have the same diplomas hanging on the walls. Some people obsess too much over the “perfect fit”. Bike fitting is no more than trying to mate a machine that has a degree of adjustability with a human body that has a degree of adaptability.
I was told it would either be Tom or John.
Understand and I have been doing my own research (seems like you have to do that for anything now a days) online and different publications. I also had a good friend at work that turned me on “Zinn and the Art of Triathlon Bikes” and its been really helpful. Just wanted to make sure i didn’t miss something critical that I should have been looking out for and didn’t catch.
Thanks for the information.
Sounds like you’ve spent some time becoming an “educated consumer” Tom knows what he’s doing, but don’t hesitate to ask questions. I’m sure he won’t mind.
I am scheduled for my first every bike fitting on Saturday at Bikesport in MI. Since this is my first; is there anything I need to be aware of or ensure I ask during my fitting to ensure I am getting a quality fitting? Any advise is appreciated.
Is my seat too high?
Does my bum look big on this?
Do you do extras?
All you need right there…
Is this book for a mechanics guide or a fit guide. I assume it goes thru both. I should try to pick it up. Thanks