Bike Fitting - What A Difference

Well, since I have this new bike I figured it would be appropriate to get it fitted. I sent a note out to my club, Forward Motion Racing asking for a recommendation and the feedback was almost unanimous to call PK Cycling in Fairfax and talk to Christopher. So, I packed up my bike and made the 1+ hour drive across the bay.

All I can say is that I found a guy who is the biggest bike geek in the world and who actually knows his stuff. I personally don't get all caught up in the hype over wheels, etc. because after reviewing the hard quantitative data (not hype) the upgrades most people make to their bike get almost no return on investment. I quizzed Chris and we agreed on every point. Very cool.

Anyhoo, Chris sat down and we chatted about my goals, previous experiences, etc. He then set-up my bike on the trainer and started taking serious measurements. Then he put me on the bike and took more measurements. As I expected, my assumptions about how I should be on my bike were totally wrong. I was too far back from the handlebars, legs were extending too far, etc. I guess trying to fit yourself on a bike is like try to self-diagnose an injury. It is always best to go see an expert as I am usually wrong. :-)

Chris explained the mechanics of body position and made how it all fit together make sense and that the seat was the center of my world. I actually thought it was too low, but it was actually too high. Once we got that all dialed in we tinkered with the handle/aerobar set-up and really fine tuned things. I was amazed at how much further I was forward on the bike. A 2" move forward made all the difference in the world.

I then went for a test ride and it was amazing. I was comfortable everywhere.

All I can say is that people should spend their money on this type of service before they spend money trying to shave grams off the bike. All the Forward Motion folks told me it would be a change in my biking and I have seen the light! I have drank the Kool-Aid.

Just for fun, here is a pic of an $8,000+ dollar prototype bike by Guru being tweaked by Chris. It is so light I could lift it with my pinkie. Literally. Amazing.