Bike fitting

3 replies [Last post]
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

I'm considering having a professional bike fitting - I've been having some anterior knee pain that has been improved but not eliminated with some DIY adjustments. A few questions for those who have had such fittings:

Are there any fitters I should consider in addition to:
Performance Labs (Mike Sherry)
JackRabbit
Signature

They all seem to use slightly different methods and equipment, and I'm not sure that any one method is clearly superior to any other. Any thoughts on the various methods? I spoke with Signature and confirmed that they do not measure or adjust for leg length discrepancies without orders from a doctor.

I know some of you will say these services are overpriced, but so is medical care! If my knee pain gets to the point where I need to see a doctor, get tests, do physical therapy, etc., I'm out much more than $200 - $400, so please, no lectures.

Anonymous's picture
Steve (not verified)

I have an arthritic knee that, in addition to the pain, limits my range of motion so I was in a similar position as you when looking to find a fitter that would work with me and that had experience working with people with some physical issues. Ended up going with a fitting from Signature. I liked the fact that they paid a great deal of attention to flexibility and range of motion when doing the fit - but at the same time tailoring the fit to the type of riding I do (more race oriented then recreational). Making some changes really helped balance out my pedal stroke. This probably could be done without the computrainer and video analysis but it was nonetheless cool to see.

I haven't picked up my new bike yet so I ultimately won't know the full benefits of the fitting for a few weeks but I am hoping for the best.

Anonymous's picture
Hank Schiffman (not verified)

Mike Sherry is very good. But add Zoltan at Sid's to your list. I did very well last year with his fit on my R3.

Anonymous's picture
Marcia (not verified)

I, too, had chronic knee (and hamstring) pain. Doctor? Or Signature? Tempted, but ever the skeptic, I tagged along to Signature and watched while a friend got fitted. I was impressed enough to give it a go. Also, given that I was certain my pain was biking-related, I thought it would yield more injury-specific information than a trip to a doctor. Just a couple of adjustments (raised seat; moved cleats) gave my hamstrings immediate relief. Knee pain subsided, but since I discovered that I pronate, I followed through with a visit to a Dr.they recommended (John F. Connors; himself an athlete),and am now awaiting orthotics specially made for my biking shoes. Good luck to both of us!

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