How is that possible you say...
As a professional bike fitter, I see a lot of cyclists of all levels of ability and discipline and one comment comes up more often than any other.
"I wish I had come to see you before I bought my bike, It would have saved me a lot of hassle and money"
Some were riding bikes that were not even close to the right size for them and had to purchase a new bike before I could fit them properly. If they had come to have a sizing cycle fitt done beforehand, they would have saved themselves the entire cost of the new bike.
Some clients have bikes that are the wrong geometry or size for their morphology or flexibility and strength and although I can usually get the bike to fit them, the handling is substantially negatively impacted and the visual appearance of the bike is not pleasing. We have a name in the Industry for these type of bikes " Frankenstein Bikes". You've all seen them, Weird high angled , short or long stems with lots of spacers underneath to compensate for a bike that had too low a head tube for the rider,
Having to put on reverse angled seat posts and slide the saddle all the way forward in order to get the riders knees in the correct position because the bike they were sold had either too long a top tube or too layed back a seat tube angle for them
Saddles that feel like you are sitting on a bed of nails, handlebars that are way too wide causing all sorts of comfort issues in the upper body.
All these issues cost hundreds of $$ to remedy, and you end up with a bike that handles badly and looks like H---.
Not a pleasant experience when bikes routinely run in the $3000.00 - $10,000 price range now
By getting a sizing cycle fitt done prior to your purchase you will know exactly what you need to know to purchase your bike with confidence and not have to change or upgrade any parts afterwards at big costs.
What is the best size and geometry for your specific build and riding style
Which makes of bikes best suit me
What is the best size and shape of saddle for you
What handlebar size and shape is best for you
What crank length is best
What stem length is ideal
Your negotiating power goes up because you will know exactly what you need and if the bike doesn't come with the size parts you need you may be able to get them exchanged as part of the deal and not have to pay extra to have them changed after the purchase. Bike shops will bend a little more and exchange parts for free in order to get the sale
You will also learn how to read bicycle geometry charts, so that you can be better informed on how to compare different Manufacturers bikes
One brands size 54 is not necessarily the same as another brands size 54 and how does a size XXS or XL fit in the overall picture.
So if a new bike is in the cards for you this coming year or you are thinking of buying one for a significant other, Have a sizing cycle fit done and spend your hard earned $$ wisely..
