Road bike recommendations

Okay, that makes good sense. Without going to a bike fitting, is there any way to work that out?

Can you do a bike fitting without a bike, or with an old bike, and then use the information to buy a bike of the right range geo?

skinny, it is more than just size, what kind of riding position is going to work for you, what are your intentions with the bike...

get the bike that fits you and your intended use

This, small changes to the geometry of a frame can make a huge difference to how a bike feels.

did i tell you about when i woke up from my 2nd operation last year, so off my nut on opiates that i was convinced i had a yellow and black aluminium Condor bike prosthetically attached to me. i can't remember which offended me more, the frame material or that it would clash with the rest of my cycling clothes

Well Yellow and black wouldn't colour match very well with glorious Rapha pink. Mind you, you were being a bit of a tart with regards to the choice of frame material.

Can you do a bike fitting without a bike, or with an old bike, and then use the information to buy a bike of the right range geo?

Yes. Sort out your fit triangle, then transpose these dimensions onto the bike you intend to buy and make sure it works, e.g. will the stem length and rise be within an acceptable range, does the saddle setback work etc.

this is based on having a bike that fits you already. many people don't actually know what a good fit is, so will transfer a poor position from bike to bike

My fit's not bad, I've played with it over the period of 30000 miles and a few years, and moved it to the track bike I ride. But it's from optimum I'd guess, just based on what feels good and rides good.

Where can you look to get a very good bike fitting, not just a tape measure and chart?

this is based on having a bike that fits you already.

No, I was assuming (from the question) that he would go to a fitter with a jig to get the dimensions.

Would people recommend the Bike Whisperer for this kind of service?
I've seen them mentioned on here before, had a look on their website and this seems the kind of thing they're good at?

http://www.lfgss.com/thread21125.html

Yes, but the last time I spoke to the Bike Whisperer there was a waiting list of a couple of months.

Sound about right, it's between a month or two.

Happy to wait. In no hurry. Thanks ed.

Other fittings are available, Specialized BG (available at Sigma Sport) has a good rep, and one of my clubmates got good results recently from BioBike. Both more expensive than Bike Whisperer, but you might get seen sooner.

Time isn't really a current issue. Just need all my dimensions and info to get the right size frame and geo to begin.

Then after finding the right frame a full fitting to get the most out of the new bike.

Would people recommend the Bike Whisperer for this kind of service?
I've seen them mentioned on here before, had a look on their website and this seems the kind of thing they're good at?

Absolutely recommended. Not only a great service, but also run by two of the nicest, keenest, most passionate people you could hope to meet. Also top-notch mechanic service - the only place I'll take my posh bike now - even if I have to wait for a slot, it's worth it.

I suffered from knee pain (caused by too much cricket as a teenager, and too much football as an adult) - but since getting my fitting it's disappeared. Worth every penny in my book.

Just got back from them, we've sorted out my bike position 100%., and all that left is the pedals and saddle.

Saddle so far comfortable (ugly smp), I am out of proportion in every part of my body and he managed to make the bike feel normal for me.

Beyond here and ebay, where is good to look for 2nd hand higher end road bikes?

gumtree occasionally, WW and bikeradar too probably.. and Cycling Weekly classifieds

BikeRadar classifieds for MAMILs who are bored of their latest upgrades: http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=40090

A Van Nicholas, an S-Works and a Super Six on the first page alone.

not to mention the Cervelo and Sabbath etc etc

Thanks very much, some nice bikes indeed.

Makes me wince when they clamp them in the work stand by the top-tube though : /

^ why not?

only danger there is overtightening the clamp. It's perfectly safe for it to be held by the tt

It's possibly OK when taking a photo of the bike for a sale photo (although it scares the crap out of me).

Not sensible if actually working on the bike, though.

Correct me if I'm wrong :)

My immediate thought is if they are happy to clamp it there for a photo, did they clamp it there when actually working on the bike? And if they did, what unnatural forces were applied to the top tube when, say, they removed the cranks for cleaning / servicing.