This topic has been touched upon more than once on the Team Running Free website. (If interested, search articles for “bike fit” in quotes to find them.) In fact, although I have always contemplated seeking out a professional bike fitter, reading about it here was the final push I needed.
When I started with triathlon, like a lot of people, I was a cycling newbie. After completing my first race on my sister’s old mountain bike, I knew I needed a new ride. To ease myself into the sport I chose a decent road bike at my local bike shop. I love my road bike and although I have always been comfortable on it, I knew that perhaps the frame was not ideally suited to me. It always felt a little big.
With a couple seasons now under my belt, but not yet ready to invest in a new triathlon specific bike, I decided that adding aero bars to my road bike would make sense. What better time then, to be professionally fitted. Cue Rick Choy. A triathlete and coach himself, Rick is also a FIST certified bike fitter.
After a few emails where I provided some basic information, Rick confirmed my suspicions. My current frame was just too big. No worries, he would try and work his magic with what I had. We met at the Running Free store in Markham where he spent about an hour and a half measuring, swapping out parts, repositioning existing ones and installing new aero bars. He was thorough and attentive. By the end of it, thanks to a new stem, some changes to my seat position as well as the aerobars, I had what felt like a new bike. A bike that I was now generating more power on than before. That in itself is worth the investment!
I have been using the new setup on the trainer for a few weeks now and I have no complaints. However, I know that if I did Rick would be quick to help solve any issues. I am keen to see how these changes translate to results on the road next spring.
If you are, like I was, considering professional bike fitting services, I would urge you to do it. Rick can be contacted through the Markham Running Free store or emailed at rrwwcc@aol.com. Otherwise, find a reputable specialist in your neighbourhood through your local bike shop, triathlon club or by word of mouth.
Kingston Triathlon , if you have never tried the Kingston Triathlon. This is great race and the oldest Triathlon in Ontario . This is always the long weekend in August. There is a Long Course and Short Course and Dulathlon and Relay .The race starts and finishes in downtown old Kingston.
ww.Ktowntri.com