I am going to pick up my new bike today (P2K! RAWK ON!). I just asked my LBS about fitting. They said that a “regular” fitting is free with the bike, but an “in depth tri” fitting is $50. Is this “in depth” fitting something I should demand for free or if I can’t get for free pay anyway?
Also, if I undergo the regular fitting and it feels and rides great, should I bother with “extra special” tri fitting?
Check back to my post several days ago on self fit process. From my limited experience, if you can/are willing to do this process then you are probably going to get a better fit than most LBS will give you regardless of the cost.
I can’t tell you how many LBS I’ve talked to that would sell me a “professional” tri fit that started with dropping a plumb from my knee.
Personally, if you are dropping a couple of grand on a new bike, the shop should be willing to do everything possible to ensure that you are getting set up as best as possible on the new bike, and it should be included in the cost of the new bike. I am starting to get a deeper look at how things work with having my new room-mate around. They charge $200 or $250 for a bike fit if you bring the bike in, but if you buy the bike from the shop it is included. The fact that your shop sells their in depth tri fit for $50 tells me that they probably don’t have a lot of in depth work behind it. Is that what they would charge someone who just walked in with their own bike, or is that a discounted rate since you are buying the bike from them?
It all depends on the shop. One shop’s in-depth fit may be worse than another shop’s basic fit. The fact that it costs $50 is meaningless, it could still be a very good shop that normally charges $200 for an in-depth fit but gives it to you for $50 because you bought the bike. Bottomline, nobody knows, it depends on the shop.
And I don’t agree that if you drop a few grand on a bike the shop should automatically include the best fit they have. When you really think about it, that favors the bad shops. As an example, in Toronto we have Endurosport which has a division called AthletesFirst. They offer fits all the way from basic to fits including powerscans, pedal force scans, physiotherapeutic advice, etc. etc. For them to throw in all of that, which could easily add up to $500 if you are really messed up physically and need a lot of help, is not fair compared to the guy throwing in an in-depth fit that is merely dropping a plumb line.
Hey guys. Thanx for the response. I picked up the P2K today (IT RAWKS!) and talked to the LBS re: the extra special fitting.
He explained that the $50 is for a certified fitter (FIST I presume) and that it includes substitutions of bike parts (stem, handlebars, etc…). The $50 was for the fitter to come in (once a month, as he goes around the area as a subcontractor) and substitute parts.
BTW, he did the regular fitting. Fits GREAAATT! The owner said if I was not happy with his fit, I could get $50 in credit in lieu of having to pay for the fitter.
I am very happy with this LBS and the “regular” fitting I got. Of course, time will tell as I ride longer whether it holds up. I can always come back as tune ups and cleanings are free for the life of the bike.
Few bike shops have the ability to do the job. I’ve had my fit done by PK Racing, and it’s amazing. I tweaked and tweaked until it “felt” perfect, and then Chris Kautz put me on his Computrainer, eyeballed my setup, lowered my seat, raised my stem, shortened my aeros, and I picked up 23 watts with a slight reduction in HR, which all translated to nearly 1 mph at my next triathlon, as well as fresher legs for the run.
I’m just finishing the buildup of a dedicated TT bike, and I’ll be at PK next Friday having it fit right. It’s a bit more than $50, but worth every penny. Were I in John’s neck o’ the woods, I’d go to him.