I just did my FIST fitting in Peawaukee Wi - Transition Cycle - this past Saturday. It was great. :D :D
Had a thorough interview process. I was taped riding for a while. He then used this to demonstrate some of the things that needed to be corrected. Then it was a couple of hours of adjusting and riding and adjusting etc. Then taped again. Compared the two videos and it was very impressive to see the difference. I questioned him on every adjustment as we went. He welcomed the questions, and he was quick to offer up why he was making changes even before I could ask. He clarified some misconceptions that I had. He could back it up with some scientific findings. It was good that he was very experienced. At the end he took every measurement possible on the bike, so he could reconstruct the bike if ever needed. And as a reference for future fittings. He gave me everything on a DVD, so I could review it as well as reference my new position on the saddle. The session was 2h 45min - $125. I highly recommed getting a FIST certified fitting - It was so much better than my previous bike fit at another LBS.

Will do RJ. Nobody else out there is familiar with these guys? Would love some insight before going in.

Just don't try to buy a bike from them. I went in to Cronometro last June looking for a tri bike. They had the exact Cervelo in the window that I was looking for and it was in my size. But they wouldn't even discuss bike prices with me until I got a fitting. They wouldn't even order a stock Cervelo for me without a fitting. And to make it worse there was a several month backlog for fittings. So if I would have went with CM I would have missed much of the summer riding season.

So instead, I went to all3sports.com. (they are wonderful to work with by the way) I had the bike in 2 days. It took 30 minutes to put it together and begin riding. After about 100 miles I had it adjusted. I still don't understand how someone can fit you to a bike that you've never even been on? Especially if you're currently on a road bike and have never even been on a tri bike.

I'm perfectly happy with the stock Cervelo. I think CM just wanted to sell me a bunch of unnecessary, expensive aftermarket parts disguised as a fitting. I may still get a fitting someday but not with CM.

Here's the relevant portion of the response I got from Paco at Cronometro:

"Our pricing policy is to go with MSRPs, and there really isn't a lot to discuss about. We are still happy to talk about the potential bike that someone might end up buying and we do make it clear right away that the first step in buying a bike from us is coming in for a Biodynamic Fitting session. This ensures that the bike you're considering buying actually fits you and furthermore, it will allow us to set up the new bike to spec even before the rider sits on it for the first time. While we can be backed up for appointments for a couple of weeks in the summer, it is never more than that, let alone several months.
We believe bike fit is the most important part of the equation for any rider. It not only guarantees comfort and efficiency, but it will also deal with and prevent any potential injuries. Unfortunately, bike fit is not something as simple as trying on a pair of jeans and deciding whether they fit or not. That is where professional bike fitters come into play. We have being doing this for many years and have developed our own methodology to obtain results which have yielded into being considered one of the top places in the world to get fitted. We charge for fittings because it is a professional service and it does entail a good amount of time.
We do fittings on both road and tri setups, whether it is an existing bike or a potential new one, we will come up with the ideal position for a rider. These numbers can also be translated to another bike, as long as that given bike is within the range of the ideal geometry."
http://www.cronometro.com/crono.html

Wowwww. Interesting stuff all around. I appreciated Paco's response a lot. When I called, I talked to Colin, the owner. We had a nice chat, and he did ask if I was interested in a new bike, or looking for a fitting on an existing bike. I told him that I have a bike - a Specialized Transition Elite - and that was that. I didn't get or sense any kind of pressure about that from him, it was just a useful point of information for his analysis in how he could provide the most appropriate services. He asked if there were any particular issues I experienced on the bike, and when I told him about the few physical tweaks I sometimes feel after a long ride, he expressed confidence that they could assist with that. So bottom line for my experience so far hasn't in any way included pressure to buy anything, or disdain for my existing setup (I went a a shop here in Minneapolis once that didn't sell Specialized, and turned their nose up at me and gave me all kind of grief about it. Like that was relevant or useful. Turned me off and I don't do business with them anymore.)

Anyway, the fitting is Saturday, and I'll let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to it.

Hitman, did you just request some clarifications from Paco about what you've been reading here, or did you get setup for a fitting as well?

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Crono has an excellent reputation in town- especially for bike fitting. They protect that by NOT selling parts you don't need or bikes that don't fit. I was already pretty dialed in with my bike but had a won a free fitting certificate so had it done. They seemed very thorough (it takes a while!). Craig only needed to make minor adjustments to my cleat and handlebar positions. No push for sales, even with the free fitting. I think you'll have a great experience.

Let's not turn this into a flame. Everyone made good points and I think xt4 and anyone else reading the thread will come away with good information about the shop and their fitting. Let's keep the thread on point. thanks.

Hi all - I had a GREAT experience at Cronometro. The fitting was thorough and complete, with significant changes to my (admittedly poor) existing fit. The staff was incredibly helpful, Colin (the owner and my fitter) was great, and I felt like I found a real diamond of a bike shop. I can't recommend them enough - I'll see if I can't post an actual "review" of the store/my experience in that section here shortly. Meanwhile, I have a much more thorough review of my experience at my blog:

http://becomingironman.blogspot.com/2006/02/fit-for-king.html

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