Since I can’t race (no race reports!), I can write about my experience getting fitted…
About two weeks ago, I was down in Tampa. I decided to make an appointment at the new Florida Bicycle Sports for a fitting, knowing my set up was BIG TIME BAD.
First thing Brian Cowens does is watch me walk. He proceeds to tell me that my walking style is…unique, but does notice that I walk kind of weird. “We’re going to have to adjust your cleats, Mike.”
Next, on to this weird looking contraption. Two separate scales, one for the right foot, one for the left. While standing on this thing, he also measures my shoulders, hips and knees, to make sure they are level (or not level). This device was the most interesting thing. It had two small poles that went up about 6 feet. A leveler could slide up and down the length of the pole, making sure you are balanced out. Thankfully, I was. Right leg was a bit shorter than the left, but no big deal. “We’ll be able to fix that really easily.”
Then, we talked for a few minutes about general riding styles, my flexibility (or lack of), and I was able to ask questions. Turns out Brian and co-owner Matt were hit by a drunk driver, and both were lucky to be alive. Seems they both realize this as they were very patient and excited to help me, which I appreciated. Brian said I needed to get race wheels, because my times are so fast. Got to love getting compliments!
So, after we talked a bit, I hop on the trainer (a Cateye. Got to get me one of those!!!), and just start pedaling. Brian proceeded to laugh a bit at my set up, and then after 2 minutes, I stop, take off the shoes, and both Brian and Matt work on the cleat position. Five minutes later, my cleats are set up PROPERLY! What a huge difference!
Then, while watching myself on the TV screen, Brian draws the outline of my back, comments positively on my arm position, and then gets me off the bike, taps the seat forward, moves it up, lowers the front end, and voila! Position improved, more comfortable and faster.
Then, Brian drew another line on the screen. No more arching rainbow-like back, but a flat back. No more crowded upper body, but an open, and easy to breathe upper body.
The other thing I took out of this meeting was Brian and Matt’s opinions on certain things. They didn’t necessarily agree that Brand X (that we all think is good) was any good at all. I just couldn’t get over that for some reason. I thought (incorrectly) all experts agreed that this was good, that that was good. Not so, and this was a revelation. Couple that with the fact that I am “that guy” who seems to buy whatever is the hot item only to make a mistake. Yes, they let me have it over that.
But the real test came about a week later when out on my first ride. NICE! So comfortable. And felt much faster. And it was easier to go faster! Didn’t hurt as much, if that makes sense.
Finally, and this is personal, and some will have differing opinions on this, but I want people who help me to be: 1****) able to talk about things other than their main field of expertise and 2****) that I am able to create some kind of relationship with the person. I discovered that Brian and Matt were two guys that I could meet at a sports bar, watch football, talk about a lot of different things, and hang out.
I give two big thumbs up. If you are in the Tampa Bay area, it is so worth it to go for an afternoon. Outside of the fact that they follow SEC football, both Brian and Matt are great guys, know what they are doing, and will make sure you are properly and comfortably set up on your wheels to ride fast!
Go to: http://www.floridabicyclesports.com/ for information! It is well worth the relatively inexpensive cost.