Good Morning,
I live in Falls Church, VA just outside DC and I recently bought a new tri bike (Specialized Transition). I was hoping to get some recommendations for a good tri bike fit near the area. I want to get the fit done soon so that I can be used to the adjustments before the tri season starts. Thanks for your help!!!
I got my bike and was fitted at Conte’s in Arlington. Seth, the fitter I worked with, knows his stuff. They’re not listed on the ST database, but he assures me he’s FIST certified and has worked with several experts to learn the craft. I’d definitely recommend him.
There is this fancy place.
Eric sorensen who used to/still does (not sure) use bonzai to do his fits is here now, he is FIST certified and they use Retul in their fitting process. I believe I saw in another forum that for the whole deal it is $375.00 which is pretty damn steep.
Though you can probably get a latte here while you wait : )
If you are able to travel further than the DC area, go see David Greenfield and the team at Elite Cycles in Philly.
Eric Sorensen at CycleLife USA (http://www.cyclelifeusa.com/shop_cafe/fitting.htm ) in Washington, DC (specifically in Georgetown) is FIST and Specialized BG Fit certified – Andrew Pruitt designed the curriculum for this course.
Eric is a very experienced triathlete, coach, and fitter. He is also the founder of Principle Fitness. You can see his resume at http://www.principlefitness.com/coaches/eric He is now also the head triathlon coach at CycleLife USA.
I had a fit session there w/Eric in late December. My cost for the session was $375. I think there are different level/cost fits available.
The session includes a 30-45 minute interview, physical assessment, measurement of your existing bike, 3D capture (using Retul http://www.retul.com/ ) of your current position, 3D adjustments and feedback-- meaning side angles as well as frontal corrections for knee tracking – and 3D capture of your new position.
Conte’s in Arlington (http://contebikes.com/page.cfm?pageID=397 ) is another good place to consider. All of Conte’s fitters are Specialized BG Fit certified. They may also have other certifications/experience in addition but which ones I don’t know for sure - it can vary. Seth is now at Conte’s new store in Bethesda, MD (I think), but still goes back and forth between the two stores. I use to work part-time in the Arlington store and the feedback from customers was good.
A friend of mine had recently had a bike fit at Bonzai Sport (http://tribonzai.com/page.cfm?pageID=70 ) in Falls Church and is really happy w/the improvements/adjustments that were made. Bonzai’s manager Andy Cicero recently became a certified bike fitter after completing an extensive course with expert Dave Greenfield of Elite Bikes.
Hope this helps a bit. A bike fit is the best first investment you can make for your ride.
I had mine done at CycleLife by Josh. Seriously awesome and way more than just a fit. Did flexibility test, measurements, Retul and setting up. Worth the money. I wouldnt go anywhere else. Josh knows his stuff and is seriously impressive.
I had mine about two weeks ago at CycleLife. By the time I got out of the shop it had been six hours, but the last 45 minutes was just talk and fun.
They used FIST, Retul,and Specialized Body Geometry principles - and sent me home with a Retul and Body Geometry report. Josh did the fitting, and was very comprehensive.
He added inserts and wedges to my shoes, got my new peddles set up (new Speedplay), and we worked on what helmet would be best aero wise.
Otherwise it was the typical Retul process.
I do have to say that they are the premier fitters in DC now. They brought on Eric, and sent him off to several clinics and seminars to learn the different theories and processes for fitting.
Josh believes in getting his fitters certified in all the various fitting theories so they can be better fitters.
Overall it was very in depth and a great time as we tried out all the fun bars, seats, and went over what bikes would be best for me.