Bike Fitting – Giant, Camden

Guapo smashing up the cobbles in Flanders

After riding to Brighton and dropping some of the boys on Ditchling, whilst on my flat-bar commute bike, I soon found myself cycling more often.  It’s then I realised that I was asking a bit more from my body than usual and it wasn’t liking it.  After looking around and talking with members, I soon discovered what could help me log the miles more effectively was to get a good bike fit.

This is a series of bike fit reviews from members of the club.  We hope it will give sound and independent insight so you can enjoy more time on the bike.  First up is Guapo’s experience of the Giant store in Camden, London.

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Giant Camden:

Why did you go?

I like the idea of the power assessment that Giant offers and never having been on a WattBike before; I thought this would be a good choice.  For me it was more about gaining maximum power return, than finding the ideal comfort position.  I was willing to sacrifice comfort for power.  However, the Giant consultant responded by saying I’d regret that in the long run.

My second reason for choosing Giant, is that it is cheaper than the Retul process.  And finally, Lowell recommended it.

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Who did you choose to go with and why did you choose them?

It was a friendly service with no pressure at Giant, Camden.  The process took as long as it took.  I’d say close to two hours.  He didn’t try to sell anything, even when we agreed the stem could be longer.

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How did the process begin?

He took the measurements off my bike and transferred them onto the WattBike.  I then did a quick warm up. Followed by 1 or 2 different power levels; a minute at different resistance levels.

He then set the WattBike up to a standard, almost Retul-like geometry, and did the same assessment.  At this point my power was the same.  Naturally, I was a bit disappointed.  I was expecting to have improved dramatically.

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What questions did they ask you?

He asked if I had any injuries and any discomfort.

A good bike fit should keep you going for miles with smiles

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What technology was used?

Wattbike and an analysis of my pedal stroke using their own Giant software.

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What impact did this have on the your bike fit?

Very little.  My bike is set up to how he suggested it.  Although, the WattBike had a normal saddle, so the fitter had to calculate to allow for my saddle – Adamo.  There are potential inacuracies in that.

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What was the most helfpful information you took away from it?

My pedal stroke analysis, I could see my dead-spot.  That gave me an opportunity to work on that.

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How has it affected your setup and riding?

Very little, but like I say, I’ve adjusted the bike.  It wasn’t miles off to begin with.

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If I were going for a fit, what advice would you give me?

The consultant commented that “At the end of the day it’s where you feel most comfortable.”  Not the most enlightening advice after all that investment of time and money.

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The Low Down:

In terms of the experience, the consultant was very friendly.  I think the way the power assessment was done was a bit inaccurate.  In terms of wanting the most powerful position, I don’t think he fully listened to what I was asking for.

:: The review is independent and the club does not have any involvement with Giant.  We’re simply looking for the best fit ::

 

Have you had an experience with Giant, or a bike fit?  Please share in the comments below.  Thank you.

:: The review is independent and the club does not have any involvement with Giant.  We simply like their idea.  You can find a range of reviews here ::