Bicycle Fit
The Dynamic Fit Process– Our fit process has been refined through sixteen years of fitting experience by master fitter John R Huenink. The best description of the Dynamic Fit Process is a holistic approach to gathering information based on personal history, riding history, and goals. Information gathered coupled with years of fitting knowledge ensure a scientific approach to improving the overall cycling experience.
- Information gathering-Known information is compiled to understand the client’s posture, position, and performance. Identifying the client’s physical attributes, the fit technician has a systematic approach to making the proper adjustments to support the body.
o Initial interview and warm up-Evaluation of the client’s medical history, riding history, and goals.
- Physical assessment-Performed off the bike, the fit technician identifies client-specific biomechanical concerns that influence the bike fit. Performing several biomechanical evaluations based on principles of physical therapy, the fit technician refines the road map.
- Laser foot scan- to aid in foot typing and production of custom insoles
- Flexibility and functional range of motion- understanding physical parameters that will apply to the bicycle
- Gait analysis- better understand individualized functional movement
o Video analysis-Understanding the clients current riding position. By dissecting each element of the current riding position, the fit technician creates a road map to an end result; Comfort, power, and performance.
- Adjustment of the bike– Macro to micro. Having a road map based on information gathered, the fit technician performs position adjustments to areas of concern. Video data is analyzed after each position change to determine optimal range of motion and posture on the bike. Once “roughed in,” adjustments of millimeters and fractional degrees add up to major changes in comfort, power, and performance.
- Post Video analysis– A back-to-back comparison presenting adaptations and improvements, showing pre- and post-fit posturing changes.
- Fit measurement– A series of measurements capturing the exact dimensions of the bike allowing us to recreate the position at any point.
Bicycle Fit Grid
A fit system developed by John Huenink to aid in the preassessment portion of the bike fit. Nothing about a bicycle position is natural to us. Understanding flexibility and functional range off the bike allows us to apply certain asymmetries only found during the physical assessment and the copywritten system aids in translating available functional ranges to an individual’s optimum cycling position.
Fit First Method
Know what you are buying before you spend the cash.
We are inundated with information, propaganda, and opinions. Confusing! I don’t wear the same size pants as my neighbor nor does my anatomy/physiology match the person down the street. Purchasing off the shelf is still a shot in the dark and an entirely antiquated approach in the purchasing of a new or used road, tri, cross, and mountain bike.
Hamstring and lower back flexibility play a significant role in the optimized torso angle on the bike. This greatly affects the distance from greater trochanter (hip) to wrist and the effective angle central to the shoulder. This is an important measurement as it determines total reach and what becomes acceptable when looking at top tube length and head tube lengths.
Can flexibility be increased and posture change? Absolutely, knowing the parameters from which a bike is purchased a certain amount of anticipation for growth with the bike should be taken into consideration. If a job is well done a working athlete should have the freedom to grow with the bike and not grow out of it.
The use of a Size Cycle is very important for several reasons. Most importantly it focuses on the position and not the bike. This system also offers quick adjustments for immediate feedback saving everyone valuable time and effort. Once we have identified the three points of contact specific to the rider measurements are taken to ensure absolute replication. With this information as a template finding a bike manufacturer, bike category, frame size, and available adjustability a frame can be found.
Bike Options
Along with our retail partners we will find the optimum bike for you. Establishing a relationship with the local retailers we have been able to match bikes to people of all types reinforced by science. Biomechanics, body typing, trigonometry, power and efficiency taken into consideration what make, model and options I just want to ride my bike. It’s certainly a lot to think about. Building confidence in purchasing a bike the most efficient and educated way to make such purchase is the Fit First Method. In doing so we can work with your preferred retailer or as a non-biased partner representing your best interest. Whatever bike you may be interested in we have the experience. A professional nonbiased approach at Badger Velo is the best way to go about finding the right bike for the right purpose no matter the category.