PiLigand

So this was my JRA thought as I was cruising and my mind was wondering.

It seems like here at BF, we perpetuate (among others) two common bits of advice.

1) Buying a bike? Test ride and buy the bike that fits.

2) Riding a bike without a pro fit? Heresy. Get to a shop and get a fitting.

Now I assume no one expects the shop to do a pro fit to every rando test-riding a bike. I also assume that no rando buying a first bike used is going to get much chance to adjust everything to fit (or even know how to). But I wonder if we're just relying on luck that any new buyer is going to happen to land on a bike that's already set up for that rider, and if we ultimately make people miss out on good deals/bikes.

Disclaimer: I have bought/built bikes online without having seen and fit myself just fine after the fact. No complaints.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?

fietsbob

Wealth of the community matters .. if the customer base has no qualms dropping $2K + on a Bike , then the $200 fitting session

makes them feel Optimized ..

mercator

I think some people are easier to fit than others. I'm in the easy to fit group, due to fairly average body proportions and good flexibility. I have no problem buying a bike based on a quick scan of the geometry and I accept that I will need to adjust/replace the saddle, bars and stem. For others, test rides and professional fits might be necessary.