Andrew Deane
Speeding Up
- Aug 17, 2007
- 121
- 0
I recently bought a new road bike (Specialized Roubaix), and ramped up my training roughly at the same time (intensity, brick training, etc.). This is obviously a rookie error, as I am now taking a forced rest with a sore left knee (possibly Chondramalacia or Patellar Tendonitis: see http://www.cptips.com/knee.htm). Web sources suggest the following possible mechanical causes for these conditions (in addition to overuse, stress or bio-mechanical): Pain might be the result of crank length (old: 170 mm; new: 172.5 mm), seat height, seat position (fore, aft), or cleat positions (new cleats on shoes, so maybe moved a bit from original position?).
Hence, the $64,000 question: Just how important is a professional bike fit?
Am I confusing terms? Is a "bike fit" and a "bike set-up" the same thing? For example, is a bike fit done prior to purchase (and therefore moot as far as I am concerned) and a bike set-up done later to optimize or customize fit?
Are there any shops in Tokyo that have the necessary expertise and equipment, and roughly what does it cost to have the bike "set up" by a professional (preferably English-speaking - oh, the demands never stop!)?
Thanks for any advice on this,
Andrew
Hence, the $64,000 question: Just how important is a professional bike fit?
Am I confusing terms? Is a "bike fit" and a "bike set-up" the same thing? For example, is a bike fit done prior to purchase (and therefore moot as far as I am concerned) and a bike set-up done later to optimize or customize fit?
Are there any shops in Tokyo that have the necessary expertise and equipment, and roughly what does it cost to have the bike "set up" by a professional (preferably English-speaking - oh, the demands never stop!)?
Thanks for any advice on this,
Andrew