Reasonable cost for a proper bike fitting?
12-24-18, 12:58 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Reasonable cost for a proper bike fitting?
Hi all,
I'm newly returned to biking after a 25 year hiatus. I have my new bike set up on a trainer since it is cold out and have some issues (the symptom being primarily the saddle pressing where it ought not press - don't like that AT ALL! LOL). I've been told to take the bike to a good shop and get fitted on it. This seems reasonable as I don't have any experience to go by, but I just wonder what a reasonable cost for this service is? (I live outside Boston, MA USA if that matters).
I'm sure there might be parts costs beyond the fitting consult, but ignore that for the moment - or at least list that separately from the consult fee.
Thanks,
Matt
I'm newly returned to biking after a 25 year hiatus. I have my new bike set up on a trainer since it is cold out and have some issues (the symptom being primarily the saddle pressing where it ought not press - don't like that AT ALL! LOL). I've been told to take the bike to a good shop and get fitted on it. This seems reasonable as I don't have any experience to go by, but I just wonder what a reasonable cost for this service is? (I live outside Boston, MA USA if that matters).
I'm sure there might be parts costs beyond the fitting consult, but ignore that for the moment - or at least list that separately from the consult fee.
Thanks,
Matt
12-24-18, 02:13 PM
#2
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The prices I've seen "locally" (= hometown +/- 100 miles) seem to run between $150-$250.
12-25-18, 08:05 AM
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^ Those are the prices I generally see as well. You could also try and do some fit adjustments yourself, OP. There are many online guides. I've found that your body changes as your fitness level improves though, so adjustments are often necessary down the road. There's also personal preferences of course.
12-28-18, 05:58 PM
#5
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None of the shops I've worked in were catering to race performance types on premium bikes, so the Pro Fitting is quite foreign..
Most lt's put the bike on a trainer stand , and ask about your perceptions .. while you ride it , buying the bike there ? its just an extra benefit..
Most just get a bike ride it , change the stem maybe , nudge the saddle fore or back a-ways..
But I guess you have different expectations in the big cities.. ..
Most lt's put the bike on a trainer stand , and ask about your perceptions .. while you ride it , buying the bike there ? its just an extra benefit..
Most just get a bike ride it , change the stem maybe , nudge the saddle fore or back a-ways..
But I guess you have different expectations in the big cities.. ..
12-28-18, 07:13 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
None of the shops I've worked in were catering to race performance types on premium bikes, so the Pro Fitting is quite foreign..
Most lt's put the bike on a trainer stand , and ask about your perceptions .. while you ride it , buying the bike there ? its just an extra benefit..
Most just get a bike ride it , change the stem maybe , nudge the saddle fore or back a-ways..
But I guess you have different expectations in the big cities.. ..
Most lt's put the bike on a trainer stand , and ask about your perceptions .. while you ride it , buying the bike there ? its just an extra benefit..
Most just get a bike ride it , change the stem maybe , nudge the saddle fore or back a-ways..
But I guess you have different expectations in the big cities.. ..
12-29-18, 08:41 PM
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If your just returning, try a do-it-yourself fit. Start by getting yourself "knee-over-pedal" for saddle fore/aft, and "heel-on-pedal" for height. After a warm up, try pedaling with the saddle 5mm higher, then 5mm lower. If either is more comfortable, faster, and/or provides a "smoother" pedal stroke, go another 5mm in that direction. Once you find the best height, do the same procedure with the fore/aft (5mm fore and rear, etc.). Adjusting one affects the other, so you may have to go back and forth with height and fore/aft a few times. For now, keep the bar in a reasonable position, about a 45-degree back angle while on the hoods (i.e., forget about experimenting with a big drop or long reach until after you've nailed down the saddle position -- or get a pro fit).
12-31-18, 09:31 AM
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I totally agree. Unless you have a very unusual problem I am of the school that a little adjusting here and there and some time in the saddle should make one good. I had your same problem but after a saddle change, a slight seatpost height adjustment and adjusting the seat tilt to my new riding position... I'm as happy as a clam. What I'm trying to say is to try and make the most sensible adjustments yourself. If after a time they're not working, then see a fitter.
