I was in San Antonio on spring break and decided to hit up some of the bike shops in the area and maybe snag some test rides as I am looking into purchasing a new bike soon. I was impressed as to how helpfil each shop that I went to was. I was particularily impressed by Britton's Bike Shop. When I was in there, I discussed my wants on a new bike and the owner suggested that instead of shopping around at different shops trying to get test rides on bikes, that I first invest in a fit test from a shop that knows what they are doing and can give me a readout of all my measurements and how this ties into what frame size I would want. He then told me that at his shop for higher end bikes, he prefers to have customers buy a frameset and build from there or to swap out parts on boxed bikes so that every customer comes away with exactly what they need. He had probably 3-4 fit machines all hooked up to a computer and everything looked high-tech. His shop was super clean and it looked like he and all the techs knew what they were talking about/doing. I wanted to get a fit test right then and there but I had to leave to come back to KC withing 2 hours and didnt have time. Talking to him changed my outlook on buying a new bike. After going back to riding my current bike, I can already notice areas that could use improvement as far as fit go. When I bought that bike, I bought it because I liked how it fit. Don't get me wrong, it still serves its purpose well but I think I can always find better. This brings me to my question: Is a fit test necesarry to get the right bike? Maybe a better way to put that is: Is a fit test a good idea or just a waste of money? I am newb when it comes to bike knowledge but I do ride a lot. I have called all of my shops in the area and they are all asking anywhere from 35-100$ for a fit test and most of them require that it be done during the week, which doesnt work for me since I go to college about 150 miles away. I don't want to purchase a bike/frame and then find out that there are a few things that I could have found to fit me better, especially when Im going to be spending close to 2500$. Any opinions would be helpful. My other option would be to just go with my gut feeling after test riding lots of bikes...that option has me narrowed down to building off an Orbea Mitis frame or a Bianchi frame. I am also considering buying an 05 tarmac or six13pro2. Thanks guys!
~Nick
P.S. I wish we had as good of LBS's in my area as they did in SA!!! It makes me wonder if I shouldnt just go buy from out of town...good idea?