I know there are different companies that do fittings…and certifications…etc.
It seems though…that some sort of “test ride” on different frames would be most appropriate. So if I’m looking for a bike…most people…ok…let’s just say me…starts with a price “I can spend $x”…but now…how is the best way to start to narrow down the choices?
From what I’ve read…the material isn’t super important, since each frame material can be made is such a way to make it more or less stiff, or more or less forgiving…
So I can’t just say…I want steel…since an aluminum bike done “right” could be as comfortable too.
Of course I could say …I want ONLY brand X…and that will help limit my choices…but that doesn’t seem like the right way to go with getting the best fit.
So I’m curious what people here think is the best set of steps to get the best fitting bike. Brand bias aside (if we can
I would start with a quality fitting. You then take your fit coordinates (ie. stack and reach) and begin shopping for the bike that fits. Among those that fit, you will look for the best combination of price, components, and (come on, admit it!) bling.
If you have loyalty to a given shop, then you are limited by what they carry, or can order.
If you mail order, then you’ll want to go with your favored few brands…otherwise, buy the most bargain priced frame you can get and put more in to the parts you assemble to it.
The almost stereotypical remark applies well, - IMO.
“Get a fit first.”
My fit cost me $385 and took 6 hours. It was a revelation. The first 45 minutes was spent interviewing me, talking about what I wanted, and/or past injuries or physical “issues,” and how I like to ride. The next 40 minutes was testing my flexibility, the next hour and 1/2 was a foot examination. (Issues with the feet translate up to the knees). This was all before we looked at a bike fit machine. My fit person studied podiatry.
My first bike, that I took to the fit was a Bianchi Veloce. In some ways the standard 55 Veloce fit me OK, but that particular bike had a largish head tube. I mention it as there were plenty of manufacturers who made a similar steel frame bike for around the same weight, price, components. It would’ve been better for me to find one that fit me better, after I got the fit.
After my fit, I got a detailed, printed, sheet of all my measurements, and what was the perfect geometry for me. Now, if I’m checking out bikes, - I can just email my fit guy with the frame year and model and he can look up the geometry and tell me how I fit. Especially now, different manufacturers use different terminology, and it can get pretty confusing. What Colnago calls their 56 cm frame is definitely a different size frame than a Pinarello.
I’m a standard size, so it’s a bit easier, but if you’re going to get a custom frame built specifically for you, - I would definitely recommend getting a fit first. How you fit on your bike will determine much more than how much you like it. And a poorly fitted bike can cause an injury.
Find a good LBS with good fit experience and then go in there and see if you feel comfortable there.
If you don’t know of any shops from good word of mouth, then research your LBS credentials. Not to push a brand, but I can olny recommed from personal experience as I have been to both of these classes; if you find a Specialized dealer who has fitter who has been to the Specialized Advanced Fit class and FIST certified. That should be a pretty good individual. Please, don’t everyone else hammer me…I know that is not a for sure thing and yes there are other good fit methods.
Word of mouth at races is also good or post your location here on the forum and let people in that area recommend.
From there, try some bikes out, make a connection with one that your fitter feels you will fit well.
Or the ultimate, get a custom rig. Though you can never “test ride” your bike a good fitter and shop are able to deliver nothing but smiles from a custom rig…
I live in San Diego, and so there are no shortage of good bike shops (B&L, Hi-Tech, Moment…etc.) but I’m also short 5’4" and many times there are very few bikes to “test” in store. So even if I get a “good fit” it makes it tough to decide between frames when ANY might do.
To be able to take out different frames…see how one feels would be great…but obviously it won’t fit quite “right” since it’ll be off the shelf…no biggie either way, I was just curious what other people did to get the best possible bike for them.
moose you are thus far missing out the most important thing ( no, it is not fit ).
what are you looking to do with this bike ? what things in a bike matter to you ?? what things don’t ?? all bikes are in their essence in design a series of tradeoffs. better at X is going mean worse at Y, in numerous categories. you need to refine your search on what it is you want well before you worry about fit or anything else.
