Bike fit recommendations in South Wales

[Defblade]

... as the title, really. There are so many that advertise, but it's hard to tell from a company website just how they will actually be.

I'd like to get my current bike optimised... I'm not sure it fits me so well now I'm pushing 50 as it did 20-plus years ago when I bought it, and I'm thinking about maybe buying a new bike next year for the next ten or twenty years, so I'd like to get some pointers on exactly what to look for to be right for me.

I'm based between Crosshands and Carmarthen, but I'm willing to travel for a (probably) one-off thing like this. Having said that, Pilot House Cycles in Swansea looks promising, if anyone's been there?

Thanks in advance

(PS, I am cross-posting this across a few forums so apologies if you see it more than once)

[rafletcher]

How about an ex-pros business?

http://backstedtbikefit.com/bike-fitting/

[Defblade]

I've got them book-marked... have you been there?

[giropaul]

I’m guessing that you are thinking well ahead. Certainly in England bike fitting is not an allowed service under Covid rules.
Adrian Timmis , who is an exceptionally well regarded bike fitter, has just said that he’s looking at offering a Zoom service whilst he can’t meet the clients. If you need a got before the end of restrictions ( who knows how many weeks/ years), that might be an option.
If you’re interested Google Adrian Timmis or Cadence Sport.

[rafletcher]

I've got them book-marked... have you been there?

No, I was just looking, I was going to suggest a Retul fit, but then saw Big Maggies place.

[Defblade]

I’m guessing that you are thinking well ahead.

Kinda. Should be do-able sometime (with masks etc) over the next few months even under CV19 restrictions in Wales, as far as I can see.

Prompted by a dose of sciatica/lower back pain - not at all normal for me - cause unrelated to cycling and doesn't seem to affect me on the bike at particularly, but I've gone from pretty flexible to can't touch my toes... doing some exercises and it's getting better, but while I wouldn't want to do a fit now as it wouldn't be representative of me normally, it has focused my mind a bit on looking after myself going forwards - getting things right rather than just expecting my body to cope like it always has.

I've had a couple of nods towards County Cycles who are just down the road from me, so I guess I'll try them

[Defblade]

Just to update:

I went to County Cycles in Crosshands today, and had what they call a comfort fit (£75). They also offer a performance fit (£150); I'm not clear what the extra is, but for what I was after, apparently it was unnecessary.

Some chatting about what sort of riding I do (fun/fitness/freedom... more head up enjoying the view than head down watching Strava segments); my general health and injuries; my flexibility (high); measured me, measured my current bike.
Turns out I'm a bit lop-sided for no good reason, and my current bike is very much the right size/fit for me, which is nice. Adjustments limited to a tweak of cleat position and saddle height to take a little stretch off my left leg, otherwise I've got everything lined up pretty well already... which is also nice.

The process in general was calm and methodical and he made sure I was understanding why he was making the (small) changes.

Also included some general discussion on what bike I'll be looking for next year, followed by a sit on and gentle attempt to sell me the one bike in the shop that not only fits me but also the type of bike I'm after (relaxed road)... at around a third of what I said my price range was, so not really quite what I'm considering at all... he did show me the lead times if I wanted the same thing with a better groupset - September '21! So maybe not so pushy to suggest the one they actually have... however I'm not in a rush.

Oh, and the price of the fit is refundable against buying a bike from them.

Overall, it was useful. Although I didn't need a lot changing or anything, it has made me much more confident from knowing that where I am is a good place, and therefore understanding the sort of fit/geometry I should look for with my next bike.