Some Coach and Elite Athlete Testimonials

Note: We can't post all coach and athlete testimonials due to sponsor agreements and affiliations with other shops and fitters.

"What is a good bike fit worth to you? This is a question that I hear a lot and see more on discussion forums and I have had my opinions about them in the past but I am here to tell you that it is worth a lot. I spent last Wednesday up in Waitsfield Vermont at Fit Werx with Ian and Sarah getting the fit that I wish I had gotten a long time ago.... First, a little history on my experiences with bike fits. I started out with the first fit at..." Click here for a link to Jeff's comprehensive review and comparison to other fittings/shops on the 511 Endurance site.

"As we all know, a cyclist's performance is affected by a wide variety of variables, the biggest of which is obviously fitness.  The best bike in the world will do you little good if its engine (i.e. you) is weak.  However, if you’re willing to put the time in and do what must be done to prepare effectively for competition or whatever performance goals you set for yourself, you should take the time to ensure that the bike you’re riding, or plan to ride, in no way inhibits your ability to either train, or race to your utmost potential.

The concept behind the Fit Werx philosophy is simple:  Fit the bike to the rider, NOT the rider to the bike.  As athletes, we all possess a unique anatomical and physiological make up.  To put it simply, the position that you maintain on a bike will have direct bearing upon not only your biomechanical efficiency, but your comfort and overall performance as well.  Poor positioning not only leads to discomfort and the potential for injury, but to loss of wattage/power/velocity.  Optimize your position and you’ll find that you’re not only able to ride faster, but stay comfortable while doing so. 

I recently stopped by Fit Werx² and was immediately impressed with the shop and all that it had to offer.  Dean Phillips, Co-Owner, fit specialist and Pro Triathlete, walked me through the exhaustive fit process that he utilizes to ensure that each cyclist he works with attains optimal riding position and bike selection.

I grew more and more excited thinking about the application; most cyclists purchase an expensive bike and go about trying to fine-tune their position over a number of weeks, months or even years.  Doing so often times means swapping out stems to increase or shorten reach, replacing entire cranks to optimize pedal stroke/cadence, purchasing new aero bars in the quest to increase aerodynamic efficiency and/or comfort… the list goes on and on.

...The staff takes your unique anatomy, goals, injury/overuse history, etc. into account and takes the guesswork out of the bike fit equation.  Whether you’re looking to purchase a new ride or simply optimize your position on the one you currently own, you’re going to walk out the door with a bike that fits you like a glove.  The end result:  a more comfortable, powerful ride...

As a coach, I’m just happy to see these types of high-end services now available ...  The Fit Werx staff is friendly, laid back and extremely informative.  You’ll learn a lot just by stopping in and seeing what they’re all about."

Janda Ricci-Munn, CSCS , USA Cycling Expert Coach
Sport Specific Training Services

"I have worked with a half-dozen different bike-fitting people through the years, both personally and professionally (as a PT).  Fit Werx rented space from the PT clinic that I ran for 2 years (I have since moved on to another clinic), which gave me excellent viewpoints from which to watch them work with many athletes of varying abilities, including my fiancee. 

Watching how they worked with other people finally enticed me to work with them personally.  I went to see them up in VT, and got fit prior to ordering a new bike.  While on the size cycle, I found myself thinking that this was pretty close to how I felt on the bike I had been riding to that point... quite comfortable.  The following day I got back on my (old) bike and thought to myself, "Jeez, am I stretched out on this thing."  I have not been more happy with a bike since getting my new one from Fit Werx. 

Many of the bike fitters that I have seen and worked with look at various data points, mainly what the angles of your knee and hip are while sitting on your bike.  Ian and Sarah work a little differently, and from a PT standpoint, much better.  First they measure you and then they measure you on your bike.  They look at your flexibility, your reach, etc, prior to even putting you on the size cycle.  What it feels like is that they fit you to your bike as much as they fit your bike to you.  And they do a good job explaining why they recommend any changes that might be prudent.

As for working with other shops, there are some good ones.  However, with regards to bike fitting, I don't think that they have nearly the depth of experience that Ian and Sarah have.  My fiancee came away from her fit at another shop having her bike fit... but not fitting her bike.  A subtle difference, but also the difference between being thrilled with her ride, and not liking her ride.  Taking the same bike to Fit Werx, she came away liking her ride, though not thrilled with it (the bike's geometry isn't quite right for the geometry of her body... something most shops, again, don't take into account).…I don't think you will find anyone with more knowledge and more experience than Ian.  If you're looking to get fit for your bike, go anywhere.  If you're looking for your bike to fit you, go see Fit Werx."

Chris Ramsey , MA

"There are two things that I noticed right away about my new position on both my road racing bike and my TT bike – more power, and a much more comfortable position. I leave my TT bike on my CompuTrainer all winter, and prior to the bike fit, I was very uncomfortable in the aero position after about 15 or 20 minutes. All that changed after my bike fit with Fitwerx, as I was able to *comfortably* stay in the aero position for 2-3 hours. That alone would make me a very satisfied customer, but I also notice that my power output also went up, and my legs just felt better when riding. For those familiar with the CompuTrainer, my SpinScan also went up by about 10 points in the aero position, which is a huge improvement. I also used to regularly get pain in my lower back from riding…that is gone too! I wish that Fit Werx was around years ago when I first started riding!

Based on the extremely positive benefits that I experienced, I started sending my athletes up to Fit Werx for their fitting and equipment needs. I check in with each athlete to see what changes were made, and how they feel in their new position. Every single athlete that I have sent up to see Fit Werx has been extremely pleased with the results. As a coach, this has helped me help my athletes – proper positioning and fit on a bike is crucial to improving performance and minimizing biomechanical stress. I typically ask a new athlete who did their bike fit when we first start working together, and attending a fitting session is one of the first things that I will suggest that an athlete do to improve their performance and comfort on the bike."

Seth Hosmer, CSCS
USCF and USAT Certified Coach

The Real Deal - "If you are a serious triathlete or cyclist and you are looking for the best combination of product and professional bike fit available, FitWerx is the place! Not only are they by far the best in the New England area, but quite possibly the best in the country...no BS! I have been competing in tri for about 10 years now and recently went through the search for the combination of best available product and fit analysis available for a new tri bike. After months of disappointing visits to local bike shops in the Boston area, meeting "professionals" claiming to be "fit experts", I was ready to fly to San Diego with the goal of returning with a new bike. Just before I was to leave, I learned of Ian and Sarah, and although I was skeptical of them being yet another bike shop using "professional fitting" as a marketing scheme, they seemed to be the real deal from the initial phone and email contact I had with them. THEY ARE THE REAL DEAL!!. I spent the day with them in Vermont with Ian working his measuring instruments on me like a mathematician, his size cycle with me on it like he has a PhD in physics, and his computer analyzing my pedal stroke and heart rate like a doctor. The result? I have truly the best combination of material and product for my specific triathlon needs along with the very best fit available in the marketplace, anywhere! San Diegans could benefit from a flight to Vermont...." Rick, MA. Degree Ironman Triathlon Team Member

IMUSA Champion and Olympian Writes - “The footbeds have been working great...they have been super. I'll let you know how they are working when I start putting in the big miles! Thanks again for working with me..."
Ryan Bolton, 2002 Ironman USA winner and Olympian

IMUK Champion Writes - “I rode tonight. And WOW! Is love too strong an emotion.....I mean TRUE LOVE.....OK, OK. I know it's just a bike, but MY GOD! WOW. I JUST LOVE IT!!!!! Being a swimmer by nature, I've always been jammed up about the bike. My least favorite of the 3 for sure, but I think that is all about to change. I really love it!” Dede Griesbauer, MA (Note, Dede has since gone pro and won IMUK in 2006).

TT - I just finished up the Tour of Shenandoah on Sunday.  On Saturday was a 15 mile TT (this followed 3 100+ mile days of climbing), which was the first real test of the fit you set me up on last Aug...and it passed with flying colors.  I averaged near 29 mph (on a rolling/hilly course), and I have done 0 (that’s zero) workouts on it so far this year.  A little training should have me moving pretty well, but I'm definitely starting out with an advantage from the gun. THANK YOU!   Josh, Cat 1, VT.

Kona Age Group Win - I set up the Hilo as you recommended and it worked great. Thanks for your help. Donna , VT   (Note:  Donna set an age group record at Kona and was named Amateur Athlete of the Year.  Congatulations Donna!)

More Testimonials...