That was a long session, but much shorter than the years it took me to finally get comfortable on my bike. For me actually that part also included a custom made bike that fit me. I have always had a problem with pain or numbness and hotspots from the off the shelf brands geometries. This video was interesting to watch and your mate there seems like he knows what he's doing pretty well. If I needed a fitting I would go to him.
At times, rather than actually asking questions of where LGC is feeling certain things, Steve is suggesting to her where she is feeling it, so naturally she is going to agree. Surely this means he can't make proper judgements/adjustments?
I understand your message, but I believe LGC was able to convey all of her concerns / comfort issues. Because this was a three hour fitting, there were some pieces I undoubtedly did not record. Since the fitting, LGC has made a minor adjustment. The saddle position was dropped by about 4 to 5mm. It may raise back again, but only time will tell. Her saddle pain issues have completely disappeared, which we are very happy about.
I have a road bike and mt. Bike. I prefer my gravel bike to be set up more like my road bike. I can’t get comfortable setting up my gravel bike any other way and I think this is due primarily to the difference in hand positions in comparing a drop bar to a mtn bar. I’ve tried to go a little higher on the bars on a gravel bike, but with meh kinda results.
I should correct my statement. Extremely subtle flare, like your Zipp bar, that I did ride once during a media camp, are the exception to the flared norm. That bar I did like. The rest of this crazy stuff with the extreme hand angles, way wider frontal area, makes no sense at all. Even for bike packing, which isn't really my thing (credit card packing is), I'd much prefer a wider traditional compact drop bar if push came to shove.
Personal relationship, I have known Steve for many years. I am well connected to many parts of the cycling community, word of mouth is something else I rely on.