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05-20-2004, 08:34 PM

> How accurate is the fit kit system? What are the suggested
> measurements based on? What changes would there be for different types
> of riding like commuting, recreational, racing or touring?

The Fit Kit is a great starting point, and allows a skilled person to
shorten the amount of time it takes to properly size somebody by a
considerable amount. But it's just a starting point, and needs to be
confirmed by on-bike observation (preferable of somebody actually riding a
bike; I've never been a fan of putting a bike on a trainer, since I've found
people often "perform" for you, trying to adapt to what they think I want to
see, instead of relax... but that's just me).

What I'm really looking for is someone's ability to completely relax while
riding. I look for things like an arched back (especially the lower back),
which indicates possible problems either with the reach to the bars or
saddle discomfort. A bend in the arms, rather than rigidly straight, is
very important. The angle of the back? I could almost care less, in most
cases. I'm more interested in somebody being comfortable than aero; if
they're comfortable, they're going to ride more. If they're more aero,
perhaps they might be a bit faster in some situations, but if riding's a
pain, they might find other things more fun to do.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

"Chris Hansen" <chrishansen2003@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6902ac92.0405200942.6914756d@posting.google.c om...
> Hello,
>
> How accurate is the fit kit system? What are the suggested
> measurements based on? What changes would there be for different types
> of riding like commuting, recreational, racing or touring?
>
> I was told the reach from the seat to the handlebars on my new bike
> should be about 2 centimeters longer. It's already a longer bike than
> I am used to so it felt long at first but now it feels fine. My
> commuting bike is shorter and it feels fine most of the time except
> sometimes when I'm pedaling hard it might be nice to stretch out a
> little more.
>
> I'm just wondering what people's thoughts are.
>
> Thanks.

05-20-2004, 08:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mike Jacoubowsky Posts: n/a	Re: Accuracy of fit kit? > How accurate is the fit kit system? What are the suggested > measurements based on? What changes would there be for different types > of riding like commuting, recreational, racing or touring? The Fit Kit is a great starting point, and allows a skilled person to shorten the amount of time it takes to properly size somebody by a considerable amount. But it's just a starting point, and needs to be confirmed by on-bike observation (preferable of somebody actually riding a bike; I've never been a fan of putting a bike on a trainer, since I've found people often "perform" for you, trying to adapt to what they think I want to see, instead of relax... but that's just me). What I'm really looking for is someone's ability to completely relax while riding. I look for things like an arched back (especially the lower back), which indicates possible problems either with the reach to the bars or saddle discomfort. A bend in the arms, rather than rigidly straight, is very important. The angle of the back? I could almost care less, in most cases. I'm more interested in somebody being comfortable than aero; if they're comfortable, they're going to ride more. If they're more aero, perhaps they might be a bit faster in some situations, but if riding's a pain, they might find other things more fun to do. --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com "Chris Hansen" <chrishansen2003@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:6902ac92.0405200942.6914756d@posting.google.c om... > Hello, > > How accurate is the fit kit system? What are the suggested > measurements based on? What changes would there be for different types > of riding like commuting, recreational, racing or touring? > > I was told the reach from the seat to the handlebars on my new bike > should be about 2 centimeters longer. It's already a longer bike than > I am used to so it felt long at first but now it feels fine. My > commuting bike is shorter and it feels fine most of the time except > sometimes when I'm pedaling hard it might be nice to stretch out a > little more. > > I'm just wondering what people's thoughts are. > > Thanks.