I cannot begin to think about how many discussions I have had with regards to road vs off-road cycling…Personally, and in the knowledge that road cycling had never appealed to me, I have always maintained a “healthy heart/healthy lungs” point of view and just appreciated the fitness benefits of both disciplines of riding .
Today though, I have as the mtb world would say “moved to the dark side”…its true! A gift from my husband today came in the form of a carbon forked road bike. However today the experience wasn’t just about receiving a bike with a bow on it, I was measured and fitted for the road bike – a Pro fitting service something that is rarely if ever done when purchasing a mountain bike. Hence the inspiration for my Saturday blog:-)
On arriving at the bike shop , Freddie (joint owner & very enthusiastic biker) took me under her wing and proceeded to “measure” me! Yep…the equipment they used looks not too dissimilar to a xray machine i.e a few bolts, sticks of metal and a measuring stick! And after a foot measurement, torso, inside leg, arm length, height and a few shimmies up and over a pole Freddie was able to profile my body and tap my statistics into the computer.I waited nervously for the results and the compter said…
GREAT! I have the specifications to give a bike designer for the perfect fitted bike:-) Mmmm now when I said my husband bought me a gift believe me it did not stretch to a custom made road bike (costing anywhere form a few thousand up) nope it was an off the peg Wilier Escape, a little out of price range but the best fit for me – an important factor in road racing especially given the less fluid posture you hold in comparison to a mountain bike.
A quick spin around the block saw a smile and a very brief preview into the speeds that I may reach :-0. I await now with great anticipation the arrival of my new road bike, due in mid week!
So it with a big thanks to Freddie at Red planet bikes in Old Town Swindon for the pro fitting today and as always great customer service! I can highly recommend anyone looking to be fitted for a road bike or indeed just after advice in the bike world to pop in and say hi to the guys in red planet you will not be disappointed. I’m off to map a few road routes Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
For more information on a fitting contact sales@redplanetmountainbikes.co.uk
