Conference noted::bicycle

    The fit kit takes all of the relevant body measurements into account
    before recommending a frame specification.  Thus, you get inseam
    and footsize to make frame size and crank length, then factor in
    the upper body measurement (crotch to base of neck) and arm length
    to get toptube length + hendlebar stem length.  Ratio of femur length
    to leg length to get max seat tube angle. hand size for handle bar drop.
    shoulder width for handlebar width.

    The fit kit also has a Rotational Adjustment Device (RAD) for properly
    aligning cleats.
    
    Ok, guys, did I miss anything?
    
    An anology would be that the fit kit is to conventional bike sales
    as a tailored suit is to buying something off the rack.  The more
    unconventional a body is the more likely it is that the fit kit
    will produce a difference.
                                                           
    Note that nothing in this cares about whether the bike is to be
    used for racing or touring or whatever.

    Wasn't the Fit Kit a result of measuring racing cyclists and coming
    up with tables that correlated the ratios of successful cyclists
    with the bicycles that they ride?  In other words is it a result
    of observation?  Or was some physiological modeling and ergometric
    study involved?

    Yes, the fit kit was derived from an empirical study of successful
    racers.

I also believe that the study of successful racers included only those that 
were free of injurees.

                                              *Keith

	After getting a new bike (I know, I should have done it before) I
decided to get Fit Kitted. I knew the handle bars were too far forward and I
wanted the seat moved back. I had the Fit Kit done Tuesday, by Paul, at
Category 1. He said the stem was about 4cm too long.  Also the seat tube angle
was a little steeper than I probably should have but this could be compensated
for by moving the seat back some. No surprise so far. He also suggested moving
the seat higher about an inch or so.  This really surprised me because I had
tried moving it up and got really sore inner thighs very quickly. Turns out I
had the seat tilted slightly and that may have been the cause. Anyway raising
the seat seems to me to increase my efficiency. The trick is it also uses
muscles I did not use to use and so I starting getting small cramps after a
couple hours. Not in major muscles but in side ones that are now being worked. 
Shortening the stem has also helped because now I can pull up on the handle
bars better. I think they use to be so far away that all I could do was pull
forward.  So far I am definitely an advocate of the Fit Kit. The trick will be
to wait a few weeks and see if it is a real difference or just the placebo
effect. 
    
    And last but certainly not least I think it feels better the new
    way!
Ed 

    I'd like to get Fit Kitted.  Paul at Category I has been recommended by
    a lot of people, but he's gone out of business.  Can anyone recommend
    someone in the same general area who is particularly good?  My
    particular problems include long legs in porportion to my torso, so 
    someone familiar with the so-called women's frames such as Terry
    would probably be a good bet for me.
    
    Thanks,
    Karen.

    Fred at Haggett's in Concord NH if you are from North of Nashua.
    
    ed

    Framingham, Ma may be a little to south for you but Frank at Franks 
    spoke and wheel does the Fit Kit and carries Terry Bikes.
    
    

    re: last few
    
    Thanks,
    
    I've also heard via mail that Paul still does some bike work out of
    his home.  I'll try him first, then if he can't do it I'll try
    Framingham and/or Concord.  It just so happens that I have to go to
    Natick this weekend anyway, so that may work out very well.
    
    Karen.

    Pedal Power in Acton also carries Terry's.  And they also fit kit.
    
    	-Nancy

    
    Is there anyone doing the Fit Kit in the Boston area?
    
    Wendy

    Anyone know where to get Fit Kitted in the Palo Alto area?

    Re: -1
    
    I think most of the big bike shops in Palo Alto have Fit Kit machines,
    including Wheelsmith, Garners, and (I think) Palo Alto Bikes.
    
    Ken