Lspade

I have owned three roadbikes since I started riding. Of those three bikes I never had a fitting done, all three varied in size from 58cm to 61cm, and all of the bikes seamed quite comfortable to me (so choosing a bike based on comfort seems pointless).

I am currently in the market for my first race worthy bike and want to have the perfect fit. Can you guys help me locate a tutorial that explains how to professionally check the fit of a bike because I do not want to rely on the salesman or the standard "If you are 6'2, you need a 60cm bike". I want to be 100% positive that the bike I purchase fits me and I need an in depth tutorial to achieve this.

Thanks!

rjones28 

https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

asgelle

Let me get this straight. You don't trust experts with knowledge and skill in the field which has value as proven by a steady stream of customers, but you will rely instead on strangers with unknown backgrounds willing to give it away for free? Good luck.

(In cast it's not clear, you'd be better served by asking around for the best local person to do bike fits.)

rjones28 

https://sheldonbrown.com/kops.html

LowCel 

Ask around for the best bike fitter in your area. I drove over seven hours round trip to see an awesome bike fitter for my time trial bike. He was well worth the trip.

Mike F

Ive noticed that some of the high end stores here that cater to racers and triathletes are pretty good about sizing compared to some of the chain stores. Where I got my last bike, a thorough fitting was included. I get the impression that they would rather pass on sale than sully their reputation.

coasting 

i hear you. especially real estate agents.

rjones28 

https://finance.yahoo.com/education/r..._Wont_Tell_You

coasting 

and now for something completely different..and on topic. i think the perfect fit comes from understanding what causes certain pains and that peter white cycles article is good for that. it takes little adjustments over time and in respose to how a ride feels. I took about 6 months on one bike before I felt totally comfortable and over time even that postion started to get uncomfortable because my body had changed from lifestyle changes like becoming less flexible.

th expert is you yourself because only you can feel the subtle changes.

Carbon Unit

Sales people are just like people in any other profession, there are good ones and bad ones. A bad real estate agent will have a short career as real estate sales is a relationship business.

Lspade

Thanks for both of the links!

And thanks for this no-brainer-answer. My LBS is not a professional bike fitter but rather a shop that sells mainly mtb's and some touring bikes; thus the reason for my original question.

MegaTom

There are bike fitters that are not salesmen. Some are employed by or otherwise work out of a bike shop, others do it in their garage/spare bedroom or even from a sports medicine/orthopedic practice. Google seems to indicate that there are several bike clubs in your neck of the woods.... I'd start by asking those involved with these clubs for your best local options.

FlatSix911

Try this ... the gold standard

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

patentcad

I was a car salesman for almost ten years.

Let that be your guide.

grwoolf

I think the "perfect fit" when it comes to frame selection is over-rated. Most people can get an identical setup on 2 adjacent frame sizes by adjusting stem, stack, and setback. At that point, you will get a little different handling on one frame size vs. the other, but it's the same cockpit. If you are a "tweener" and have a toss-up between 2 sizes, I'd recommend going small, especially if you think you might get more flexible over time.

I'd also recommend "owning" your fit so that you can make the right call. This doesn't mean you shouldn't use a professional fitter, just find one that will spend time educating you on general fitting and the trade-offs involved.

mpath

+1. Not to mention our whole economy is based on an exchange of goods still more often than not facilitated by sales people, and more or less in a fair manner.

fordmanvt

I am always suspect of their motivation. Personally I'd rather make a bad decision myself than know I got talked in to a bad choice.

Wait For Me

You need to find a better LBS!!!! If they don't insist on fitting you with at least 3 different frames don't buy a bike from them. Also, make sure they have a size larger and a size smaller then the one that they suggest just to make sure their not just trying to get the only size bike they have that's "close enough" to your size.

pdedes

i'm going to second the competitive cyclist fit calculator as a way to get you in the ballpark. peter white has some interesting ideas, and there is all kinds of research available to you. bikes are somewhat adjustable. bodies are somewhat adaptable.

duckbill

Sorry, even though this is an excellent recomendation, they are sales people and cannot be trusted.

FlatSix911

No worries, just use the size calculator and buy from someone else

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

duckbill

Who do you buy from if it can't be a salesperson?

ultraman6970

THe competitive cyclist calculator always get you close but is not accurate at all. IMO the thing will help but is not perfect at all.

For example the lemond saddle height work really close with me... but his formula for frame sizing is way out of range IMO, out of range like 3 cms, thats way too far.

Get a good fitter (never imagine saying this) or post pictures of your bikes to figure it out what are you talking about, manufacturers call bikes sizes whatever they want so a 60 can be a 58 with the other manufacturer...

olds cool

How is his answer a "No Brainer". I think its informative. If you want to set your bike up yourself then fine research it to death......or ask some questions to the locals who know and go there. No need to over think it.

halfspeed

No, it's a bad recommendation. Last time I checked, they're still making recommendations based on seat tube length and not head tube length. That means there's no serious accounting for modern compact geometry frames.