Bike Fitting Recommendations

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jon on June 1, 2009 at 2:15pm

Julie,

IRON CYCLES which just opened a few months ago on Montrose and Motzart, just a block west of California has bike fitting services. Matt used to work at Get-a-Grip and has the experience. I'm not sure of their pricing, although the times I've been in there for service they've been nothing but extremely friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and willing to help on every level. I'd definitely go there for my fitting.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by E A on June 1, 2009 at 2:39pm

I, too, am interested in the fitting process. I think it would be worth while. Johnny Sprockets and On the Route (at Lincoln near Belmont) both do fittings. I've heard great things about G-A-G, but I think it's as much about the relationship with the fitter and his/her understanding of your issues.

Keep us posted!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jon on June 2, 2009 at 7:07am

You win this round, oy.

h3 said:

Jon said:

Julie,

IRON CYCLES which just opened a few months ago on Montrose and Motzart,

Is this what happens to Mozart during passover?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by ad on June 2, 2009 at 2:41pm

Going in for a professional fitting definitely helps address some issues and is generally worth the money. As others have noted, however, a person's form on the bike and overall core strength in general can be the cause of many issues on the bike. I had horrible knee pain last summer any time I tried to ride over 50 miles (I had a decent amount of base miles and this should not have been an issue). A professional fitting helped reduce the pain, but it would still be noticeable at the 50 mile mark. What finally stopped the pain was going in for physical therapy and working on my core muscles. Even though I was riding over 100 miles a week and was an overall "fit" person, sitting in an office all day and not doing any type of core work had caused my knee to start tracking wrong. No amount of tweeking the fit of my bike would have corrected that problem. Just something for people to keep in mind if a fit session doesn't help.

For what it's worth, I went to Turin in Evanston for my fitting. It was around $100 without a cleat adjustment. The fitter I worked with did a good job in my opinion. They also let you bring the bike back in at any time for adjustments, which I luckily didn't have to do. They got it pretty spot on the first time.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by DavID on June 2, 2009 at 8:28pm

I'm thinking of getting fitted soon too, and I'm also looking toward Iron Cycles....

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on June 2, 2009 at 10:22pm

Thanks everyone....sounds like fittings range from 100-350. Do you think you get what you pay for?

I'll probably call each and every one of these places and see exactly what I get.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jon on June 3, 2009 at 8:44am

I hate to be the cheerleader, but I can't say enough how friendly and helpful Matt and the guys were there. Patient, cheerful, took the time to understand everything. Although it appears a higher end shop, I've seen them take the time to assist a lady with an old illkept schwinn like it was a high priced road bike.

DavID said:

I'm thinking of getting fitted soon too, and I'm also looking toward Iron Cycles....

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dana on June 5, 2009 at 11:42am

I think I'm going to try this shop out as my everything shop. I haven't found a bike shop that I'm willing to marry yet.

Jon said:

I hate to be the cheerleader, but I can't say enough how friendly and helpful Matt and the guys were there. Patient, cheerful, took the time to understand everything. Although it appears a higher end shop, I've seen them take the time to assist a lady with an old illkept schwinn like it was a high priced road bike.

DavID said:

I'm thinking of getting fitted soon too, and I'm also looking toward Iron Cycles....

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brian Bird on June 6, 2009 at 9:55am

You will get what you pay for . . . and much more over the life of owning your bike. Just do your research, make a decision and stick to it. As others have said, your comfort level with those who will be doing the fitting is very important. Work with who you trust and feel comfortable with and I'm sure all will turn out fine for you.

Good Luck!

Julie Hochstadter said:

Thanks everyone....sounds like fittings range from 100-350. Do you think you get what you pay for?

I'll probably call each and every one of these places and see exactly what I get.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 7, 2009 at 4:58pm

Several years back, I worked with Alanna at Turin. I really loved my bike, but needed some adjustment. I ended up changing my stem and handlebars and slightly adjusting my seat position. Got a much better ride for way less than the cost of a new bike.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on June 11, 2009 at 2:03pm

Apparently Athletico can bill the bike fitting through your insurance if you have a referral from your doctor. Ask for Vic at the Irving Park office ((773) 528-7502). I'll keep you all updated, appointment is tomorrow!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jim Adgate on June 15, 2009 at 11:06pm

Julie-

Here's what I can say about this:
Get a Grip fitted me out on my Jamis last year, and made some issues I was having with my hands getting numb after long rides go away. While Turin does do fittings (they are listed by an organization that has certified bike fitters), when I contacted them by phone and email, they never returned either attempt to contact them. Get a Grip answered all my questions, returned my emails, and setup an appointment for me to get fitted at their downtown store at a time that worked for me. Like Brian said, they will answer your questions and not try to steer you towards buying a bike from them (although they will be happy to sell one to you if you ask).

Jim

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page