Need a bike fit that I can’t afford

[mnaqvi1]

I recently was given a road bike that was handed down to me by a distant relative who can no longer ride due to health reasons. Based on the sizing charts the bike is one size too big for me and I tried to adjust the bike so there is a bend in my knee and elbow while riding but I am still feeling some discomfort and pain. Unfortunately at the moment I cannot afford a proper bike fit at this time from a LBS. Are there any resources for a basic bike fit or will I have to wait to ride the bike until I have enough for the fit?

Topic

[Dickie]

Tough one. Most bike fitters will assess whether the bike is the proper size or not before they progress any further. If the bike is too small or large for you many fitters will not want to help simply because no matter what they do you will still not be comfortable, or even worse you could be damaging yourself.. there are limits to adjustments. Sizing charts are not guaranteed to be correct. If you want to be a little more thorough with measurements try using Competitive Cyclist’s online fit calculator to narrow down your body dimensions and ideal bicycle size. From there you can read the many different fitting suggestions on all the web sites out there. I tend to trust and use Steve Hogg’s ideas, plus his online forum and resources are pretty robust…this will get you started at the very least. If you are still not comfortable you could consider selling the bike and putting the profit towards a new bike. If you buy from a local bike shop you should get a free fitting with the purchase. Considering you would be saving on the fitting cost as well as getting cash from the sale you might not have to add in too much additional cash to get a bike that fits you properly and makes riding far more enjoyable.

[skins_brew]

Good luck, man. I bought a used bike a few years ago that was a size too big (It was a 56cm, I need a 54). Before I even bought it, I knew it was too big after a short test ride, but I thought, “I can guy another stem and lower the seat.” Man, was I wrong. I tried so many damn adjustments but never got it right. Ended up selling it for less than I paid due to the fact that I took it to the beach and the drive train had enough sand in it to warrant a total tear down.

[Sarah Dots]

Proteus posted a great hour-long video on bike fit about two months ago. Check their website.

@mnaqvi1 89214 wrote:

I recently was given a road bike that was handed down to me by a distant relative who can no longer ride due to health reasons. Based on the sizing charts the bike is one size too big for me and I tried to adjust the bike so there is a bend in my knee and elbow while riding but I am still feeling some discomfort and pain. Unfortunately at the moment I cannot afford a proper bike fit at this time from a LBS. Are there any resources for a basic bike fit or will I have to wait to ride the bike until I have enough for the fit?

[Author]

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