I’m getting ready to finally buy a tri specific bike and want to make sure I get the right bike that fits me. Problem is, how can I tell if the person fitting me knows what the hell they’re doing? All the LBS sell certain brands, so I don’t doubt they’ll each tell me that one of their brands fits rather than tell me “Here’s the geometry you need to look for, whatever the brand.”
I’m new to this, but it seems like fitting should me much more science than art, i.e. these are your leg measurments, these are your arm measurements, this is your torso length…tada, here’s your frame specs and crank lengths.
I don’t suppose there’s a program out there that can do this?
I think the Slowtwitch dealer profiles are a good place to start your search.
And you’re right, fitting is not an art, it is a skilled trade, and just like no computer can put a roof on your house, neither can a computer fit your bicycle.
Yes, he does. I’ve been to several places in town and he is the most consistent. Nelo’s carries a couple of different tri bike lines. Just make sure to steer him in the direction you want to go instead of the other way around.
Yes, there are programs out there that will spit out numbers to you, check out colorado cyclist or even just google and you’ll hit some freeware. But my experience told me some of these “formulas” don’t work.
When I got my first “road” bike, I was fitted at guru, with certain contraptions and by looking at some chart, they determined which size was good for me. I went with it not knowing much and for three years I was satisfied but uncomfortable on rides over 3 hrs. I finally got fed up and recently met up with Paul Levine in NY who adjusted my Guru. We both knew that the Guru was at its limits in terms of fit and so after a while I caved in got a custom Serotta. Its amazing. I really can’t tell you what a difference fit makes. My point is this; yes, measurements should work but when was the last time you were 100% satisfied buying clothes solely based on measurements? We’re all unique, your measurements can be .5cm off but trust me, that difference makes a huge impact on comfort.
Other than that you can hit the serotta main page, and look for a dealer near you. They have certain “levels” on their page so maybe that can also help you decide on a fitter. As you objected earlier these guys are possibly biased towards a custom Serotta.
Last but not least, a lot of people here seem quite satisifed with custom Yaqui bikes. I don’t know the webpage off the top of my head but its easy to find. As far as I remember this guy does make custom bikes with your measurements (as a base) so I’m sure he’s got some kind of fitting system by numbers… (as opposed to by “eye”)…
Austin.
Nelo’s is great, but I think Jack & Adams Bicycle Sports is the best. Located next to Chuy’s on Barton Springs road, #472-5646. They spent hours with me prior to buying my Guru and spent even more time fitting & re-fitting.
there’s actually a shop in SLC that’s gone tri. i met these people at american bicycle group’s dealer conference. i’ll find out who they are and get back to you.