Utah Tri Buzz: The Bike Whisperer: Interview with Jeff Sherrod

Check out Jordan Sandberg's rapid fire interview with local bike fitter Jeff Sherrod... thanks for the time guys!

Tell us what you do, where you are located and how long you have been doing this.

Jeff Sherrod, owner of Precision bike fit located in Sandy, Utah and I've been fitting for 16 years.

How did you get started in this business?

My wife! When we first met she had a lot of pain on the bike (I didn't even know that was a thing) so I started adjusting her bike. I made mistakes and learned a lot from her, it then turned into fitting friends and then fitting for a shop.

What brought you to become the “bike whisperer”?

I'm not exactly sure how to answer that? I had a client call me the bike whisperer and it kind of stuck.

How much do you ride every week?

These days it might be easier to answer how many times a month. My wife says I'm the fastest lazy person she knows. The answer a few years ago would have been every day and sometimes twice a day.

What is the best road bike on the market for beginners vs. experienced riders?

There is not an easy way to answer that. People get sold on the "race" or more aggressive bike because they are sexy and cool but most of us average cyclists should be on more of an "endurance bike" more relaxed geometry. And now most manufacturers build their endurance line to be as light as the more aggressive models.

What is the best tri bike on the market (Beginners vs experienced) in your opinion and why?

It's more about getting a bike that is better suited for triathlon then just Time Trial, most bikes are just Time Trial bikes that people use for triathlon and the geometry is different.

How many people do you fit each week?

Around 9

What is your most proud moment in this business?

It's hard to narrow it down. Figuring out how best to help my wife with her fit issues early on stands out, most recently helping Chris Hammer and Grace Norman with their unique challenges to bike fit and also working with them on bike handling skills leading up to and being at the Rio Paralympic Games is up there.

What do you think about clip on aero bars?

Most all of them clip on. Now if you're referring to clip on aero bars on the road bike there is a right way to set them up and a wrong way to set them up but for the most part they're a great idea for triathlon. Don't use them on a group ride with your roadie buddies, they won't be happy with you.

What do you eat while on a long ride?

I have really been happy with What F2C nutrition has to offer, but my favorite thing is a big sub sandwich and fries!

Best bike movie of all time?

Breaking away

What is your opinion on Lance Armstrong?

2nd best cyclist of all time

What advice do you have for riders just beginning and long in the sport?

Just enjoy the sport of cycling, don't take it so seriously!

Anything else you want to share?

Get measured before you purchase!!!!
Then get a bike fit!
Make sure to spay and neuter your pets.

Learn more at precisionbikefit.com