Who's Swapping Parts?

[GT Fanatic]

What kind of riding and miles do you do ? If you don't mind me asking.

The reason I ask is because if you're planning on doing some longer miles and/or a faster more intense pace, without the right fit you will be suffering. But let's say you do just some 'around the block' kind of rides just for a couple of minutes, nothing serious, then you wouldn't know or be able to tell if the bike fits.

For example, if someone goes on a vacation and rents out a simple bike just for riding some trails, they will be fine with it and feel 'comfortable' on it. But if you ever in the near future decide to get more into it, I would strongly recommend a pro fit. Trust me.

I've done a few 15 mile rides, as I don't have much time with work and what-not, but at the end of the ride I feel fine.

As for getting fitted for this bicycle, it's a bit too late as I've already made the purchase. In regards to getting pro-fitted anywhere, they're going to tell me "this is the right bike for you," no matter what I sit on, because they're going to want to make a sale. They're not going to tell me a Cannondale is the best fit if they sell Specialized. They're going to tell me the best fit is whichever brand they carry.

 

[gman0482]

I've done a few 15 mile rides, as I don't have much time with work and what-not, but at the end of the ride I feel fine.

As for getting fitted for this bicycle, it's a bit too late as I've already made the purchase. In regards to getting pro-fitted anywhere, they're going to tell me "this is the right bike for you," no matter what I sit on, because they're going to want to make a sale. They're not going to tell me a Cannondale is the best fit if they sell Specialized. They're going to tell me the best fit is whichever brand they carry.

First off, it is never too late to get a bike fit. I was talking as a general tip, it's good to get the fit specs of yourself before buying, but even after you have the bike, then you do the fit right on it. Never too late.

Secondly, all shops will try to sell you their bikes, of course, but there are plenty of respectable shops that will look out for your best interest 1st, and know that sales will come WITH their service, not service with their sales.

Like I said, you will know the difference of a bad or good fit when you start riding further and more often. It is very rare IMO, to buy a bike, not adjust a single thing on it, and be comfortable with it. Usually some adjustments are made (saddle,seat post,handlebars, etc.) to your body structure.

IMO, if the shop where you got your bike didn't do any quick measurements/adjustments with you on the bike, then they did not do their job.

 

[GT Fanatic]

First off, it is never too late to get a bike fit. I was talking as a general tip, it's good to get the fit specs of yourself before buying, but even after you have the bike, then you do the fit right on it. Never too late.

Secondly, all shops will try to sell you their bikes, of course, but there are plenty of respectable shops that will look out for your best interest 1st, and know that sales will come WITH their service, not service with their sales.

Like I said, you will know the difference of a bad or good fit when you start riding further and more often. It is very rare IMO, to buy a bike, not adjust a single thing on it, and be comfortable with it. Usually some adjustments are made (saddle,seat post,handlebars, etc.) to your body structure.

IMO, if the shop where you got your bike didn't do any quick measurements/adjustments with you on the bike, then they did not do their job.

I totally agree with you. The salesman did take the time to make sure the stand-over was correct, adjusted the saddle to the proper seating height, and messed a tad with the reach on the handlebars. While this method of fitment may not be optimal, it was close enough that I feel very comfortable on the bike.

FWIW though, I understand time is money, but the cost of $100 for a proper fitment is preposterous. IMO, this is no different than getting fitted for a suit. I can't imagine this process takes more than a few minutes to complete; somebody takes a few measurements and you're done, lickity-split.

 

[alienator]

Stand over is about the most meaningless fit "parameter". In fact, it's only a factor for people riding mountain bikes (as in, actually off road) and for people with comparatively short legs. In these days of compact frames, like the Paramount 7, stand over is even less meaningful.

 

[GT Fanatic]

Stand over is about the most meaningless fit "parameter". In fact, it's only a factor for people riding mountain bikes (as in, actually off road) and for people with comparatively short legs. In these days of compact frames, like the Paramount 7, stand over is even less meaningful.

Well it worked just fine for me with two bikes, so I'll stick with what I know, and continue to listen to those with knowledge on the issue.

Thanks for your input.

 

[alienator]

Well it worked just fine for me with two bikes, so I'll stick with what I know, and continue to listen to those with knowledge on the issue.

Thanks for your input.

That's a pretty lame attempt at a dig.

Performance Bike. If it's one thing their floor jockeys are known for, it's their "knowledge".

 

[gman0482]

FWIW though, I understand time is money, but the cost of $100 for a proper fitment is preposterous. IMO, this is no different than getting fitted for a suit. I can't imagine this process takes more than a few minutes to complete; somebody takes a few measurements and you're done, lickity-split.

Again, it all comes down to how serious you are about cycling. I paid $250 for my fit, and it was the best $250 I ever spent. I must agree with Alienator that taking a standover measurement is just for that sales guy to put on a show like he's giving you some service. Standover measurement is good for my 9 year old nephew to make sure that when he jumps off the bike, he won't smash his little family jewels .

Side note: If you get a professional bike fit, that data should be saved by your LBS (and by you), so that in the future you can use it again, on a new bike perhaps.

Seriously though, it all depends on your 'love for cycling'. My brother-in-law has a road bike, but he'll go around the block with his swim trunks and sneakers on for about 15 minutes, so he's perfectly comfortable and doesn't need a bike fit at all.

Another off-topic, did you end up getting some shoes and pedals ?

 

[GT Fanatic]

That's a pretty lame attempt at a dig.

Performance Bike. If it's one thing their floor jockeys are known for, it's their "knowledge".

Once again, you've found a way to become butt-hurt over a comment that was not aimed to attack you. If you don't like me or my posts, feel free to use your "ignore" feature. Nobody put a gun to your head and told you to participate in this thread.

I will not be nice to you, and I will not treat you with respect. Respect is earned, and you had it until you got your nose bent the first time I politely disagreed with you. Then, you decided to go on a flaming spree. As far as I am concerned, you are a troll. The next time you invade a thread that I'm posting in (and I'm sure you will), take note that you and your little buddy, Tony, are the only ones I don't treat with an ounce of respect.

Your word is dirt. Whether you are right or otherwise, to me, your word is worth less than a steaming bag of dog ****.

 

[alienator]

Once again, you've found a way to become butt-hurt over a comment that was not aimed to attack you. If you don't like me or my posts, feel free to use your "ignore" feature. Nobody put a gun to your head and told you to participate in this thread.

I will not be nice to you, and I will not treat you with respect. Respect is earned, and you had it until you got your nose bent the first time I politely disagreed with you. Then, you decided to go on a flaming spree. As far as I am concerned, you are a troll. The next time you invade a thread that I'm posting in (and I'm sure you will), take note that you and your little buddy, Tony, are the only ones I don't treat with an ounce of respect.

Your word is dirt. Whether you are right or otherwise, to me, your word is worth less than a steaming bag of dog ****.

Wow. Impressive. Follow you from thread to thread? I think you think too much of yourself and have an overinflated opinion of what people think of you.

Misinformation? Prove it. Point it out. You can't.

Your thread? It's not your thread. It's the forum's thread.

Now I can see why all the other boys in the trailer park say you're their favorite.

 

[steve]

Keep the personal insults out of this thread.

 

[GT Fanatic]

Wow. Impressive. Follow you from thread to thread? I think you think too much of yourself and have an overinflated opinion of what people think of you.

Misinformation? Prove it. Point it out. You can't.

Your thread? It's not your thread. It's the forum's thread.

Now I can see why all the other boys in the trailer park say you're their favorite.

You should see my 5100 sq ft trailer! Don't forget, you should see my $65,000 worth of cars, too, plus the one with the $7000 engine! Oh, damn, my wife's Audi wasn't in the garage! LOL! Wait...I have two more guitars at $3000 that weren't pictured there, either! LOL!

While we're at it, in the third picture down, see those paintings on the wall? Yeah, they were over $8000...each. Yep, those are Peter Max originals.

It must suck to be an "adult" and still live in your parents' basement. Tell me what it's like, because I wouldn't know. LOL!

Your posts hold no credibility with me. You mean nothing to me. You're just some sorry little gimp on a forum who has nothing, does nothing, and is nothing.

Oh yeah, you wanted to see that trailer...

Now, let's see YOUR (parents') trailer! LOL!

<Sigh> Life is wonderful.

 

[alienator]

Wow. You really are impressed with yourself, and you keep pics handy with which you dream of impressing people. How illuminating. And you went for the old staple, the parent insult! As it happens, I don't live in my parents' trailer. My wife, daughter, and I live in a tent, behind my parents' trailer.

Again, back to the question you can't answer: where is the misinformation? Do you know what that word means?

mis⋄in⋄for⋄ma⋄tion
noun
false or inaccurate information, esp. that which is deliberately intended to deceive.

So, where is that alleged misinformation?

 

[GT Fanatic]

Wow. You really are impressed with yourself, and you keep pics handy with which you dream of impressing people. How illuminating. And you went for the old staple, the parent insult! As it happens, I don't live in my parents' trailer. My wife, daughter, and I live in a tent, behind my parents' trailer.

Again, back to the question you can't answer: where is the misinformation? Do you know what that word means?

mis⋄in⋄for⋄ma⋄tion
noun
false or inaccurate information, esp. that which is deliberately intended to deceive.

So, where is that alleged misinformation?

Not my fault you look like a tool because you made stupid comments.

Look, we've covered this already. Your word is worth less than dog ****. Your word holds no credibility with me. I wouldn't take your word for anything, regardless how accurate or inaccurate your information is. Like I said, I'll stick to taking advice from the knowledgeable members on this forum. You can go now. Really, it's okay.

You can argue and ask questions about where your misinformation is until you're blue in the face, and just like your lame attempt at an insult to insinuate I live in a trailer, you will just be failed again.

BTW, I hear Coleman's having a tent sale this weekend. Don't pass up a fantastic opportunity to add an addition on to your home.

As for the pics, we have a whole album online! You know, family and friends wanted to see the progress as it was being built. And once again, you FAILED, because at no point in my post to you did I insult your parents, I insulted their trailer.

 

[GT Fanatic]

Again, it all comes down to how serious you are about cycling. I paid $250 for my fit, and it was the best $250 I ever spent. I must agree with Alienator that taking a standover measurement is just for that sales guy to put on a show like he's giving you some service. Standover measurement is good for my 9 year old nephew to make sure that when he jumps off the bike, he won't smash his little family jewels .

Side note: If you get a professional bike fit, that data should be saved by your LBS (and by you), so that in the future you can use it again, on a new bike perhaps.

Seriously though, it all depends on your 'love for cycling'. My brother-in-law has a road bike, but he'll go around the block with his swim trunks and sneakers on for about 15 minutes, so he's perfectly comfortable and doesn't need a bike fit at all.

Another off-topic, did you end up getting some shoes and pedals ?

It's pointless to spend the money on a fit now that I have the bike. What purpose is it going to solve? I don't plan on purchasing another bike for years to come.

By getting a pro fit, how is that going to benefit me? They're going to tell me I don't fit on anything but their bikes, regardless whether I'm in the market for a bike.

I can't say I'm super-serious about biking, but I do enjoy being comfortable and getting a good ride in on every evening I can. How can a fit help me with a bicycle I've already purchased if the "fit" says the bike is all wrong. I'm not understanding the benefit; if the seat is the right height, and the reach is the correct distance, what's there to fit? Why would I want to pay someone $100 to adjust my handlebars and my seatpost? I'm not being a smartass, I'm just failing to see how this is going to help me.

To answer your question regarding shoes, I just use my Nikes. I don't trust anything that's going to lock me to my bicycle.

 

[alienator]

Not my fault you look like a tool because you made stupid comments.

Look, we've covered this already. Your word is worth less than dog ****. Your word holds no credibility with me. I wouldn't take your word for anything, regardless how accurate or inaccurate your information is. Like I said, I'll stick to taking advice from the knowledgeable members on this forum. You can go now. Really, it's okay.

You can argue and ask questions about where your misinformation is until you're blue in the face, and just like your lame attempt at an insult to insinuate I live in a trailer, you will just be failed again.

BTW, I hear Coleman's having a tent sale this weekend. Don't pass up a fantastic opportunity to add an addition on to your home.

As for the pics, we have a whole album online! You know, family and friends wanted to see the progress as it was being built. And once again, you FAILED, because at no point in my post to you did I insult your parents, I insulted their trailer.

Oh, that's precious.

1. The trailer park comment was a joke, stolen from a comedian. It always ends with a variation of "...that's why you're the favorite boy in the trailer park."

2. Misinformation. See, you can't address a direct question, because there's no misinformation that you've read. That's why you prevaricate. That's why you change the topic and argue some skew point.

 

[alienator]

It's pointless to spend the money on a fit now that I have the bike. What purpose is it going to solve? I don't plan on purchasing another bike for years to come.

By getting a pro fit, how is that going to benefit me? They're going to tell me I don't fit on anything but their bikes, regardless whether I'm in the market for a bike.

I can't say I'm super-serious about biking, but I do enjoy being comfortable and getting a good ride in on every evening I can. How can a fit help me with a bicycle I've already purchased if the "fit" says the bike is all wrong. I'm not understanding the benefit; if the seat is the right height, and the reach is the correct distance, what's there to fit? Why would I want to pay someone $100 to adjust my handlebars and my seatpost? I'm not being a smartass, I'm just failing to see how this is going to help me.

To answer your question regarding shoes, I just use my Nikes. I don't trust anything that's going to lock me to my bicycle.

Uhm, clipless pedals don't "lock" you to your bike. They release. Simple.

 

[gman0482]

It's pointless to spend the money on a fit now that I have the bike. What purpose is it going to solve? I don't plan on purchasing another bike for years to come.

You can get fitted FOR A BIKE (before the purchase on a special measuring bike), or you can get your bike fitted FOR YOU (after the purchase, measurements and angles of your body.

By getting a pro fit, how is that going to benefit me? They're going to tell me I don't fit on anything but their bikes, regardless whether I'm in the market for a bike.

How is it going to benefit you ? A persons body geometry is very unique and different in every way. Let's say we are the same height, but my legs might be longer, or your arms might be shorter. Whats right for me could be wrong for you. A pro fitter, that is certified and has all the tools needed to measure your body, your movements, etc. will melt all of that data together and adjust and re-adjust every single moving part on your bike so that not only will it be comfortable, but also will give you the best performance (so you can produce more power with better positions).

I can't say I'm super-serious about biking, but I do enjoy being comfortable and getting a good ride in on every evening I can. How can a fit help me with a bicycle I've already purchased if the "fit" says the bike is all wrong. I'm not understanding the benefit; if the seat is the right height, and the reach is the correct distance, what's there to fit? Why would I want to pay someone $100 to adjust my handlebars and my seatpost? I'm not being a smartass, I'm just failing to see how this is going to help me.

Again, scroll up to my previous statement. Ohh, it is soo much more than adjusting seat and bars. And think about this. Why is it that all pro riders constantly pay thousands and thousands of $$$, specifically just on improving/changing their position ??? If they already have a bike, why do it ??

Check this link out, click around and read/view everything. Maybe this will help you understand.
Fitting | Fit Werx: Road Bike and Triathlon Bike Fitting Specialists
Professional Fitting Video | Fit Werx: Road Bike and Triathlon Bike Fitting Specialists

To answer your question regarding shoes, I just use my Nikes. I don't trust anything that's going to lock me to my bicycle.

Ok, that kind of gives me a baseline of your 'love for cycling'.
BTW, they lock you in to give you more power and easier pedaling. You don't have to constantly ONLY push down.

What do you do with your foot that's already all the way down and has to come up ?? Nothing, because you can't pull it up, dead weight.

If you like cycling,or want to like it, you need to be more open minded to the whole thing, and don't be so skeptical. Review, research, and learn. Trust me I did.

But if you want to pep around the ol' block in your nikes and swim trunks, that's cool too, no worries. Maybe a Hybrid bike would be better for you.

 

[GT Fanatic]

You can get fitted FOR A BIKE (before the purchase on a special measuring bike), or you can get your bike fitted FOR YOU (after the purchase, measurements and angles of your body.


How is it going to benefit you ? A persons body geometry is very unique and different in every way. Let's say we are the same height, but my legs might be longer, or your arms might be shorter. Whats right for me could be wrong for you. A pro fitter, that is certified and has all the tools needed to measure your body, your movements, etc. will melt all of that data together and adjust and re-adjust every single moving part on your bike so that not only will it be comfortable, but also will give you the best performance (so you can produce more power with better positions).



Again, scroll up to my previous statement. Ohh, it is soo much more than adjusting seat and bars. And think about this. Why is it that all pro riders constantly pay thousands and thousands of $$$, specifically just on improving/changing their position ??? If they already have a bike, why do it ??

Check this link out, click around and read/view everything. Maybe this will help you understand.
Fitting | Fit Werx: Road Bike and Triathlon Bike Fitting Specialists
Professional Fitting Video | Fit Werx: Road Bike and Triathlon Bike Fitting Specialists


Ok, that kind of gives me a baseline of your 'love for cycling'.
BTW, they lock you in to give you more power and easier pedaling. You don't have to constantly ONLY push down.

What do you do with your foot that's already all the way down and has to come up ?? Nothing, because you can't pull it up, dead weight.

If you like cycling,or want to like it, you need to be more open minded to the whole thing, and don't be so skeptical. Review, research, and learn. Trust me I did.

But if you want to pep around the ol' block in your nikes and swim trunks, that's cool too, no worries. Maybe a Hybrid bike would be better for you.

I don't ever plan on going pro, and biking is just a pastime. I don't care about Garmin results, what my top speed down a hill is, what my average speed is, etc. I do it for the enjoyment of doing it, not to get the best results. I'm not in a competition with myself or anyone else.. Sure, I'm losing weight along the way, but that's just an added benefit to it.

I am aware that when using clipless pedals, I not only get a downstroke, but an upstroke as well, but I simply don't want to be "glued" to my bicycle. There are too many risks involved; either dumbass motorists who want to run you into the weeds, or challenges on a mountain bike course. I trust what you're saying about efficiency, but I don't trust being stuck to my bike.

If I ever run into issues with either of my bicycles, maybe I'll consider a pro fit, but for the time being, it's just not worth my money. Why would I waste the money if I'm comfortable on both of my bikes? If I'm comfortable, that tells me that the fit is just fine. How is that going to change with a pro fit? I'm already in an optimal position for comfort.

 

[GT Fanatic]

Oh, that's precious.

1. The trailer park comment was a joke, stolen from a comedian. It always ends with a variation of "...that's why you're the favorite boy in the trailer park."

2. Misinformation. See, you can't address a direct question, because there's no misinformation that you've read. That's why you prevaricate. That's why you change the topic and argue some skew point.

Ah, so now it's a joke. Yeah, it's a joke now because you simply FAILED. Now, you wanna play it off. That's cool, though. I completely understand.

Uhm, clipless pedals don't "lock" you to your bike. They release. Simple.

"They release." Yeah, so does a Master lock.

They don't "lock" you to your bike? Prove it. How many times do people have issues unclipping? Yeah, anything that would require you to have to detach yourself from is "locked" as far as I'm concerned.

Misinformation. You've been misinformed under some pretense that I actually care what you have to say. That's the only misinformation going on here.

FWIW, the only reason I change the subject is to distract you so you'll stfu and concentrate on something else while the knowledgeable parties reply to the information I'm really looking for.

 

[baker3]

"They release." Yeah, so does a Master lock.

They don't "lock" you to your bike? Prove it. How many times do people have issues unclipping? Yeah, anything that would require you to have to detach yourself from is "locked" as far as I'm concerned.

This is the exact reason I believe clip in pedals should be banned, being locked into ones pedals doesn't make one feel very safe.