THE SCIENCE OF THE PERFECT BIKE FIT
Bike Fitting is the meticulous understanding of the intricate human interaction with a bicycle, with the specific aim of gaining efficiency, power and comfort for every rider. Because we are concerned with optimising human movement that is being applied to complex machinery, bike fitting readily draws upon from the disciplines of ergonomics, bio-mechanics and kinesiology. In the pursuit for performance and the competitive edge CycleFit will always place science, knowledge and discipline above notions of faith and tradition. This rigorous approach has made us largely exceptional in the European and UK Cycle Industry and an acknowledged world authority in the field of building optimum bike-to-human relationships.

WHY IS A BIKE FIT NECESSARY
Bike Fitting 101 –‘ In our experience setting your bike position using trial and error results in more of both.’ The very same human characteristic of ‘adaptiveness’ (the way a body reacts and changes as a result of cyclical stresses and pressures) that underpins training can also result in our body doing its best to ‘accommodate’ us in an extremely poor position. In fact our bodies would serve us rather better if they were not quite so ‘adaptive’ and alerted us to a poor set-up prior to riding thousands of miles inefficiently. Many people spend many years unwittingly riding in a poor position, possibly absorbing the low-level pain or discomfort as part of the general experience of cycling. Problems commonly associated with a poor position are listed below:
1. Power leakage
2. Biomechanical inefficiency
3. Discomfort
4. Injury
5. Chronic over-use injury caused over a long period of time

THE TREK BIKE FIT SESSION
A session takes about two hours and is a very personal and considered appraisal of an individual’s cycling physiology, technique and alignment. Everything about you as an individual is evaluated and perfected
 
Injury/Pain concerns We will be looking for underlying cause from your bike-position, set-up and history – we are not physios or osteos but will refer you recommended colleagues wherever necessary and mutually agreed
 
Asymmetry Cycling equipment is generally symmetrical and fixed – it is therefore the body that inevitably has to yield and change in respond in the interface process. Asymmetry in our own bodies exacerbates this process. A fit will take account of asymmetry and wherever possible recommend a professional
Ranges of motion particularly around hip/pelvis area and hamstrings – will affect fluidity of pedalling motion, posture and muscle-recruitment patterns

Posture can affect muscle recruitment, comfort and efficiency (see core condition)

Core-condition can affect ability to hold good cycling posture, power transmission and stability of the pelvis as well as protecting the lower back from pain and injury.

Muscle-recruitment Using spin-scan analysis we can build a picture of which muscles are being utilised in different sectors of the pedal-stroke

Cleat position/foot/arch-shape The most vital interface for power and comfort - In cycling the leg’s kinetic chain is closed by the pelvis/saddle contact at one end and by the shoe/pedal interface at the other. Your technician will devote a large part of the session aligning and balancing your foot/cleat position. An optional custom molded foot bed will be recommended for greater comfort, stability and power transfer.

Cycling/sporting history Your technician will want detailed information of how long, far and at what level you have cycled in the past, or if you are migrating from another sport altogether

Future cycling aspiration We need to know your targets and goals. It affects (in consultation with you) how far your technician will compromise comfort for performance – e.g. You will most likely use a different position for an IronMan triathlon than you would use for a Sprint or Olympic event. Your position should be right for every event and occasion.

Posted in: Cycle Fit