Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Live Grit on February 22, 2015 at 11:21am

Any good fitter can and should tell you before you pay for your fitting whether your frame size will work for you.

As fitters, we can see when you stand over the frame if its going to be drastically too big or too small, and when we put you on a trainer we can look at your whole body and see the other aspects of your fit.  

In general, most people can "fit" on more than one frame size, but we try to get you on the one that will make you comfortable with the least amount of moving you around on the bike. (Ex: Ideally a rider won't need a super long stem or a seat post raised all the way up).  

There are a lot of different things that can be changed to make you more comfortable.  We offer fitting services starting at $50 and prices go up from there. We are experienced in several schools of fitting and we use the Retul 3D motion capture machine for our most comprehensive fitting (regularly $350 but we are running a special discount bringing the price down to $200 through March).  Contact Jacob@livegrit.com for more details.  You don't have to be uncomfortable on your bike

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on February 22, 2015 at 5:14pm

You buy a new bike

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott Chillson on February 26, 2015 at 6:30am

I'd say take the plunge and go to a professional fitter. A good fit is something that will not only make your ride more comfortable now, but you can use it to make an informed decision whenever you buy a new or used bike down the line. Think of a fit as an investment; if you can walk into a store and say with confidence, "I want that bike in this size" you'll find yourself in a better position to negotiate the price, since the shop employee doesn't have to spend as much time doing test rides and whatnot. 

There're lots of good fitters in Chicago, but there are some hacks too. Make sure to check credentials and do your homework!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on February 27, 2015 at 4:31am

You would be surprised how different a "54" is from manufacturer to manufacturer.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Adam Kaplan - Get a Grip Cycles on February 26, 2015 at 9:54am

I agree with Jacob. You certainly do not need to be uncomfortable on your bike.

Some other helpful details would be what type of bike are you on? A bike ridden with platform pedals and commuting will have different considerations than a bike ridden for triathlon or the trails.

We offer services below the $200 mark that may benefit you a lot.

Feel free to contact Adam@getagripcycles.com and I would be happy to answer anymore questions that you may have.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Duppie on February 26, 2015 at 12:40pm

Adam fitted me over a year back. This was for my road bike. I am quite happy with the results and would recommend his services.
Disclaimer: I paid signficantly more than the amount stated, so I assume there are different levels of fitting

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on February 27, 2015 at 4:12am

Fitted for what purpose? What kind of riding? For athletic styles, a performance fitter is probably worth it and it can be really pricey even to the point of getting a completely different bike. If you are just trying to fit for short distance riding and comfort then the bike would have to be really undersized to to warrant changing it completely. If the bike is too big then the only real choice is to get a new one. Ask a fellow enthusiast's opinion, self educate and make your own decision.

Remember, even a professional fitter's opinion is just an opinion. Even if they put you on a dyno, if there is something that irritates you about that position you won't sustain that output in the long term. Also things change like muscles grow, or maybe you want a new saddle, etc. so it's a constant process.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on February 27, 2015 at 4:21am

Doug brought up a good point - my fit was part of the process of getting a new bike. We saved my measurements and apply them to my other bikes. I've found just riding 20 miles can be pretty miserable on a bike when it doesn't fit well. If I wasn't in the market for a new bike, I would be very willing to pay for a bike fit. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Heather on February 27, 2015 at 5:50am

I got fitted at Iron Cycles a few years ago. Can't remember how much but it was definitely less than $200. I found out I have long femurs. Good to know!

• ▶ Reply