Setting up a new bike

[Clinton1]

What is your opinion/advice on the above topic?

 

Now bear in mind that a lot of you might be fairly clued up on these things but I have only ever had experience with v-brakes and rigid front forks but am now going to be dealing with hydraulic brakes, air forks etc etc.

 

So is it advisable to presumably pay, as I bought the bike in Jhb but live in KZN, a shop to assist with the correct set up or do you reckon I'd get away with doing a little online research and setting it up myself.

 

Related to this, are most of these bikes able to be used as is once bought? Will the brakes need seeing to? I understand the air fork will need adjusting according to my weight etc? Are these all easy things?

 

As I am typing this I can imagine most of the answers will be to do it yourself but perhaps you can point out something I may overlook with a new bike.

 

Thanks

Edited November 14, 2011 by Clint_ZA

[Chubba]

My 2 cents.

 

Went for a set-up today.

 

My view is you cannot set yourself up on a bike, even if you do know what you are doing.

Leg/Hip angles, Shoulder/Arm angles, seat fore/aft and height, cleat positioning - all need a 2nd person to look at your poisoning, and to then make the adjustments.

 

Go for a BG fit (specialized body geometry). I had to use another LBS today to do my new bike set-up and it was pathetic to say the least. BG fit is far more involved and detailed.

Edited November 14, 2011 by Chubba

[Clinton1]

Thanks. So the next obvious question is how much that cost you?

 

More opinions welcome. I do have a friend who is a mountain biking nut and knows his stuff. If it's too expensive to get it "professionally" done I'm sure he'd be happy to assist.

 

Also is it necessary considering I am not planning on doing the Epic but will in all likelihood do some social riding and maybe the odd shortish race.

[Chubba]

Thanks. So the next obvious question is how much that cost you?

 

More opinions welcome. I do have a friend who is a mountain biking nut and knows his stuff. If it's too expensive to get it "professionally" done I'm sure he'd be happy to assist.

 

Also is it necessary considering I am not planning on doing the Epic but will in all likelihood do some social riding and maybe the odd shortish race.

A BG fit cost me R350 and takes an hour.

 

Is it worth it - Yes!

If your setup is wrong you could end up with injuries and/or various aches and pains. Rather be setup and comfortable, considering you will spend a lot of time in that saddle

 

Specialized Dealers KZN Link

Edited November 14, 2011 by Chubba

[Dubber88]

My 2 cents.

 

Went for a set-up today.

 

My view is you cannot set yourself up on a bike, even if you do know what you are doing.

Leg/Hip angles, Shoulder/Arm angles, seat fore/aft and height, cleat positioning - all need a 2nd person to look at your poisoning, and to then make the adjustments.

 

Go for a BG fit (specialized body geometry). I had to use another LBS today to do my new bike set-up and it was pathetic to say the least. BG fit is far more involved and detailed.

 

 

 

+1 On someone helping to measure yourself and fitment on the bike.

 

WIth regards to the setup of an air fork/suspension. It can be very handy especially on a full suspension bike if you can sit comfortably with the correct weight distribution and some else monitors the sag and pressurizes accordingly.

 

A proper fitment is probably the best money you can invest with regards to the long term and ride comfort.

[Clinton1]

A BG fit cost me R350 and takes an hour.

 

Specialized Dealers KZN Link

 

Thanks. Am I correct in assuming from the link provided that it is Specialized dealers that do these BG fitments? If so I'll probably head to Burry's shop up in Waterfall.

[eheather]

I must agree with Chubba!

 

I've been for a couple of set-up's since I have started cycling. From Cyclelab to CycleFit (Arran Brown). None of them bad, however technology & geometry of bikes keep on changing & one need to keep up with it.

 

I recently went for a BG Fit set-up at Specialized Melrose in JHB. The Master Bike Fitter was Mark Williams. He did the set-up on both my road bike & mtb.

 

It was a 4 hour set-up with all I need to know & more. From seat to cleats to shoe inserts to the correct pressure in the front & rear shock of the mtb. It cost me R900.00 but worth every cent. After 6 weeks you go for a follow-up session to dicuss, recheck & alter any settings you still have a concern after your trial.

 

I have done a couple of races since then & all my previous aches & pains have gone... Furthermore I personally feel my output power on the bikes improved looking at some past & current results.

 

This I only decided to do after testament of a cycling partner of mine & was very sceptical about the setup, however I am now convinced it is the way to go!!!

 

I am sure that Concept Cyclery - Powered by Burry Stander in Waterfall does the same.

 

Good luck & believe me you will make the correct choice !!!