What is a BFG Rider?

BFG Sponsorship Consists of  21-Cyclists/Triathletes  – Pro, Elite and & Armature.

Sponsorship Includes 1-Year Comprehensive Bike Support:

1. Monthly Fit Assessment/Refinement

2. 24-Hour Access to Emergency Fit Services

3. Monthly/Bi-Monthly EMG Biofeedback Training:

-Reduce Counterproductive Pedaling

-Improve Proprioception

- Alter Muscle Function (latency, amplitude, specificity)

4. Coordination of New Bike Purchases

5.  Website Exposure — Resumes and Race Results

Participation is Non-Exclusive.

ccb

2012 is Closed for Applications.

Look KEO FIT Technology

This is the new Look KEO FIT Technology system.  Included in all BFG services, for clients riding Look pedals.  It is the most accurate tool available for determining optimal cleat position and float/rotation.

Check the video – Very cool!

(Don’t look at his lips)

Look KEO FIT Technology

Retul Frame Finder Service!

Retul has designed the most advanced new bike buying software in the world.   It allows users to shop for new bikes and components based on the Retul Zin measurements established during Fitting.

Check it out:

BTS Bioengineering Technology @ Bicycle Fit Guru!

The Next Level in Bike Fitting is Here!!!

EMG analysis in Conjunction with Cycling Movement Patterns enables Optimal Firing Sequence Positioning.

Now we can see what muscle is firing during each phase of the pedal-stroke to determine optimal fit!

D2-Shoes – Custom Wheels for Your Feet!

D2 makes the best damn custom shoes you can buy.  Custom lasts, bodies, footbeds, materials & colors = LOVE for your feet!

Comprehensive New Bike Purchase/Fit Services!

I am expanding the BFG fit services to include a comprehensive New Bike Purchase Program.

Why?

To ensure that you receive honest, intellegent, unbiased assistance in purchasing the right bike for your body!

How?

1. Generate preliminary Fit-Data, using the Serotta Size Cycle or Biobike.

2. Identify Bike Manufacturer/Model, from Bike Cad, based on that data.

3. Identify the best Shop, based on manufacturer, preference, and location.

4. Contact Shop to ensure bike is available.

5. Travel, together, to specified Shop to make purchase.

6. Finalize New-Bike fitting, at Studio.

How Much?

$400.

I am fairly certain this is a go, but would love feedback from former/prospective clients before launching.

Thanks.

The following shops are part of the network:

Penn Cycle and Fitness (My Studio is in the Minnetonka location) — All Stores.

Now Bikes — Arden Hills: Paul Himmelman (651)490-7709; St. Paul: Bob Sumada (651)644-2354

Gear and Training  – Steven McCarthy (877) 647-5717

Gear West — Kevin (952)473-0093

Urban Tri — Todd Olson (612- 227-4903)

The Hub — Benjamin (contact fitters: fittings@thehubbikecoop.biz)

Hollywood Cycles — Jay Henderson (952-881-4707)

Grand Performance — Dan (651-699-2640)

Freewheel — Jake (612-339-2223)

Flanders Bros Cycling — Scott Flanders (612) 872-6994)

OptumHealth Performance — Jonny Jenson (612-964-8629)

Hoigaards — Bike Sales (952-929-1351)


EMG Biofeedback Improves Performance!

My clients trained with the BTS EMG experience gains of 20-60 watts, without significant impact on HR, cadence, or percieved effort, AFTER the improvements gained from proper positioning.

How?

EMG analysis and biofeedback.

It is possible to train muscles to be more efficient — firing with greater acceleration, amplitude, frequency and latency — within 5-10 minutes, using biofeedback and verbal coaching techniques.  These improvements are real — indicated by real-time muscle recording — and enduring.

I’ve decided to refine and expand the use of EMG for cyclists:

BTS Bioengineering


26 Jun 2011

Dear Professor Balser,

Further to our email exchange, I have pleasure in sending you a quotation for the BTS wireless EMG system the FreeEMG300 as follows.

The FREEEMG300 has been created for sport applications because has been specifically designed for dynamic acquisitions. BTS performed, before to release the device, detailed test  in one of the worst condition possible: athletes running 400 meters and bikers on the indoor bicycle ring

The results led us to improve particular features:

  • ·         extremely reduced weight: every probes weights less than 8gr. In this way they can be fixed directly on the skin through standard Ag/Cl electrodes without additional adhesive tape. For the same reason the inertial movement (even in the more challenging situation) are reduced and virtually not present: the final signal does not present in this way artifacts due to the relative movements between skin/probe

The other advantage of this design is that the probes can be placed on the subject WIHTOUT additional tape, making the preparation quick and easy.

  • ·         variable geometry: the electrodes can be adapted to all the muscles (which differ for size and shape)
  • ·         solid state buffer memory for the Virtual Wire Function: every probes can store up to 180 seconds of data. In this way even if there are problems in the wireless transmission the data is stored and re-send when the communication is re-established. The result is an always reliable signal even when the probes are out of the transmission range.

The transmission between probes and Patient Unit use a certified Wi-Fi protocol which means that both probes and patient unit double check if the packages sent by probes correspond to the one received. In case of discrepancies every package is re-sent. With this protocol the solid memory is fundamental because can store as I wrote you before even in the worst case (total transmission black out) up to 180 sec of data. The transmission raged reached with this technology is up to 50 meters from the patient unit to the probes.

  • ·         More than that every probe, which has a 16bit A/D converter, has a dedicated channel for transmission. The patient unit in fact is designed, according to the configuration, with up to 16 different channels to receive the most accurate data without compromises.

All the technological solutions used lead just to one practical goal: the MOST ACCURATE AND RELIABLE EMG signal.

The FREEEMG300 has also wireless footswitches (right side of the picture) to analyze the gait cycles and automatically detect heel strike, toe off etc etc.. And can be integrated with EGN (electrogoniometers) and accelerometers.

The FreeEMG300 is designed with a totally new hardware created to provide the best quality signal ever even in the most critical situations (multiple WiFi transmissions, analogue transmissions, long range, …). Also the FreeEMG300 is capable to collect data with an acquisition frequency up to 4Khz, making the system suitable for fine wire electrodes.

Concerning the video analysis the BTS FREEEMG300 can be integrated with our BTS VIXTA system providing video data fully synchronized with EMG to create an analysis that can correlate the EMG activity with specific movements observed by the video cameras. The video controller can use up to 4 TVCs simultaneously. The TVCs are portable and mounted on mobile tripods. Typically the standard configuration is with 2 TVCs placed respectively in the sagittal and in the frontal plan to obtain a 3D (two bi-dimensional planes) subject evaluation. Every lab can however customize the TVCs configuration to obtain different views (e.g. TVCs in the same plane but with different zoom to evaluate the general movement AND a detail).

Finally BTS Bioengineering can acquire Force Platform signal controlling everything (EMG, Video and kinetic) from one software and workstation integrating EVERYTHING in one single file providing an accurate athlete’s evaluation.

Those are several reasons why BTS Bioengineering has been chosen by the top European soccer teams, the Italian Olympic committee and the most important the street bike teams such as MAPEI. In collaboration with them we designed a specific lab to evaluate athletes performances and to optimize their posture on the bicycle seat.

http://www.mapeisport.it/Servizi.asp

and

http://www.btsbioengineering.com/Media/files/category-january-2010.html

and

http://www.btsbioengineering.com/Media/files/category-february-2010.html

Labs that work in sport the Performance Suite is also available. This package includes protocols designed to evaluate several sports gesture such as cycling, running, squatting, jumping, golf, tennis, and ski with the aim of improving performance, optimizing coaching, averting injuries and structuring rehabilitation programs.

With BTS software, L@bnet, your Lab can be 24/7 connected with our headquarters in Italy and US and can be remotely checked up for diagnostic purposes. Software upgrade and protocol sharing have never been easier and faster.

Further than that through L@bnet your lab will have access to a network composed by universities and hospitals that work together for the realization of new protocols and to share experiences and suggestions.


Specialzed BG “3D”???

Specialized is a big, big comapny, with many exceptional product designs.  BG shoes and saddles are some of the best products available, anywhere, at any price.

I initially wrote this entry in response to inquiries about what makes my services different/better than the Specialized system, but pulled it to avoid political friction with local dealers.

My services are a combination of many systems, yoga, OCD, and an extremely “anal”-personality, and it is uncscientific for me to say that my outcomes are better or worse than BG, because there are too many variables to consider.

And while it is true that I trained with Andy Pruitt at the 1st Specialized BG-Fit Training, and I have the equipment for BG-3D type fittings at my studio,  I do NOT endorse/use this protocal primarily, if ever, in my fittings.

If you are interested in the BG-Fit, Erik’s is the place to go.  I think Chris Rogers @ St.Louis Park (952-931-9322) is the man to call for scheduling.

Do I have an issue with the BG-3D fit?

Well…

The Specialized system is not, truly,  3-D.   The Specialized video cameras do NOT digitize in 3D.  And two (three, four, five…) 2-dimensional camera’s, do not make one  ”3-D”, either.

False marketing?

Or is Specialized big enough that they can determine what is true and false?

The BG system is fantastic for converting bike-shop employees into bike-fit “professionals,” with little expense and time away from work.   The system is standardized for easy assimilation, and in less than 2-weeks training — for both basic and advanced classes, combined — you are officially a “Pro”, ready to call-out tulips like “leg-length discrepancy”.

The truth is that it is really not all bad.  It just pisses me off that they market the system like the ultimite fit-soultion, and provide no financial guarantee to support the claim.  My least happy phone calls are from people with failed-fittings. Specialized is great with warranty support on products — why not fitting?

If it really was the “best”, Andy Pruitt and Ben Serotta (the primary designers) would have BG-3D fitting at their Studio-Locations. Pruitt uses Viacon 3D digitization, and Serotta likes Dartfish and the SICI Size-Cycle.

Peace

CCB

Bjorn Selander Takes White Jersey in Grand Tour Debut!!!

TORINO, Italy (VN) – It wasn’t a bad start to the Giro d’Italia for Bjorn Selander, who earned kisses from the podium girls on the first day of his grand tour debut.

With RadioShack swarming to second place in the team time trial, Selander claimed the white jersey awarded to the best young rider.

The 23-year-old was right in the thick of the action as RadioShack nearly pulled of a surprise win. Seven RadioShack riders crossed the line just 10 seconds slower than HTC-Highroad led by veteran sprinter Robbie McEwen.

“We had a good ride today. The team was really focused on having a good performance in the team time trial,” Selander told VeloNews at the finish line in Torino. “It was a difficult course with a lot of potholes, rail lines, some tight corners. We kept the team together.”

It initially appeared that Eros Capecchi from Liquigas-Cannondale was going to claim the best young rider’s jersey after Liquigas-Cannondale was the second-best team behind HTC at 22 seconds off the pace. RadioShack started second-from-last and blazed to the line to deliver Selander a trip to the podium.

“This is my first grand tour, so I will help the team out when I can,” Selander said. “I hope to make it to Milan. I know it’s going to be a very hard Giro.”

New Participating Bike Shop — Gear & Training

About Gear and Training

In 2001, entrepreneur Stephen McCarthy of Rogers, MN knew that athletes wanted to succeed and were willing to pay the price for success, but they had one problem. Most of the so called information was marketing hype and it confused the real truth on “how to” succeed. After attempting these myself, we decided to start a company that would help athletes uncover the real truths. With this backdrop, our company started with the mission to train and assist athletes around the world to unleash their unique gifts to succeed in life and sport.

    Our first product was training on a one-to-one basis. Areas covered were nutrition, mental preparation, and strength training. These personal sessions became the springboard for our team training. Our athletes have gained college scholarships, won national and state championships, and became elite athletes on their respective teams.

In 2004, the next logical step was the opening of our retail store and training center for endurance athletes, which is a division of Gear and Training.  Runners, triathletes and cyclists can access professional fit services, as well as, strengh training programs. Our athletes and clients now have a one-stop shop for gear, components, training, and nutritional needs.

In 2008, Gear and Training made three changes. We moved to our current location, re-designed our website, and added outdoor gear to our selection. The focus was to feed the “adrenaline junkie” in the winter, as well as, the summer. Our clients now had access to apparel and gear for all seasons.
For 2009, we have launched Extreme Performance Gear and Training, our cycling and triathlon specific website. The web address is epgtonline.com

Gear and Training

21025 Commerce Blvd Suite 800

Rogers, MN 55374

Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Customer Service Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm Central Time

Evening and Weekend appointments available

Toll Free: 877-647-5717

Phone: 763-428-1177

email: customerservice@gearandtraining.com

Trek Speed Concept CAD

I’ve been working with Brent Curry, at Bicycle Forest, to design a fit-system for the Trek Speed Concept Bicycles.

Why?

Because Trek designates frame size based on variables that include no methodology.

I’m currently swamped with prospective customers and frustrated sales-people, trying to determine:

1. Saddle Height

2. Arm Pad Stack

3 Arm Pad Reach

4. Base Bar Stack

5. Base Bar Reach

It is easy to find these dimensions on the Serotta Fit Bike, but most bike-shop staff are without the means and/or time to do the same.

Hopefully this will help:

The Speed Concept CAD generates approximate saddle, arm-pad, and base-bar coordinates to place orders with Trek. It will also provide an exacting model, which can be manipulated for personal preference.

Thanks, Brent. You are the master of Bike CAD.

Peace,
Chris

Scott Penticoff – “Admission Possible Charity” – Support his Team!!

Scott Penticoff is a local coach, elite athlete, and great person.  I encourage you to support his team “AD4AP” in this event.

Peace,

Chris

Dear Friend,

This June, a team of runners and I are taking on a challenge that will be both physically exhausting but simultaneously one of the most fulfilling experiences of our lives.  I am asking for you to support us in this endeavor and to help us generate awareness and raise critical funds to help change the lives of low-income students in the Twin Cities.

It officially starts as you all may know or heard I am running the Black Hills 100 for Admission Possible, I did this for them in 2008 with the Himalayan 100.  Although the Himalayan race was the toughest physical challenge of my life, the Black Hills is surely going to be an even greater challenge now that I will have to run the 100 miles all at the same time.  I realize that you all get asked to give to many great causes throughout the year, but I am asking for your support for this worthy organization.  I know that education is such an important part of your lives, and these kids not only change their own future but will impact their own family for generations to come that a college education is something that we all can achieve with the right support.  The other aspect I love about Admission Possible is the work ethic and perseverance these kids display for 2 years to complete the program.  The results are astounding with 99% getting accepted and attending college after graduating high school, simply amazing!  Lastly, we have a challenge grant program where every dollar you give is equally matched.  I hope you consider supporting me trying to make a difference.

Team AD4AP (All Day for Admission Possible) consists of a group of civic minded individuals and three Admission Possible board members,  who hope to run 100 miles of mountainous terrain together to achieve one of the  most challenging goals any of us has set for ourselves.  As we look ahead at this seemingly arduous challenge, we take inspiration from the 1,400 low income high school students currently participating in a program called Admission Possible, an intensive college preparatory program for low-income students who want to fulfill their dream of going to college, changing their life forever.

This 100 mile race through the Black Hills of South Dakota will likely challenge my spirit and endurance like no other race I have run.  Just like the prospect of college for these students, taking on such a daunting challenge offers the most fulfilling rewards when accomplished.  For them, they will have conquered a seemingly impossible obstacle and changed the direction of their lives forever.  For me, the reward of putting myself up against such a physical and mentally challenging endeavor will be the emotional reward that comes with giving back to an organization that I know is making a difference.

Team AD4AP’s goal is to raise $60,000 for Admission Possible’s mission and to help them provide their programming to even more low-income students right here in the Twin Cities this fall.  First time contributions will be matched 1:1 by a generous grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation. Donate now by visiting us online at

To support AD4AP efforts make a donation by visiting this website:

https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXDONATE/AddDonor.asp?cguid=7864B02D-9BB4-4CDA-9B7E-FF95B6C0BCA0&sTarget=https%3A%2F%2Fdnbweb1%2Eblackba

If you would like to read more about the runners and our efforts visit our website: http://www.admissionpossible.org/black_hills_ultra_marathon.html or become a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Day-for-Admission-Possible-AD4AP/102485976493099

http://www.admissionpossible.org/black_hills_ultra_marathon.html

Along with Admission Possible, I envision a day when students’ futures are determined solely by their talent, motivation and effort, but this will only happen with your support. Please join me in making this vision a reality.  Give what you can – together we can truly make a difference!

Attached to this email is a flyer that provides information how your money works.  If you wish to speak to someone about your gift or would like more information on Admission Possible, please email Jill Edsen at Jill@AdmissionPossible.org.

Thanks for your support!

Scott Penticoff

P.S. Don’t forget that your first time contribution will be generously matched by the Otto Bremer Foundation!

EMG Assisted Fitting

Using Surface Electromyography  in the studio has been extremely successful.

Surface EMG (electromyography) evaluates and records the electrical activity of skeletal muscles.  Important to note is that there are two types of EMG — “Surface” and “Needle” — the latter of which, hurts.

Professional Bike Fitters promise:

1. More Comfort

2. More Efficiency

3. More Power

4. More Speed

5. More Aerodynamic

6. More, more, more.

We have wind-tunnels, video profiles, and yawl diagnostics to document aerodynamic gains, but weak measures for determining when aerodynamics impede muscle function, or what the optimal ration is for a specific distance and/or terrain.

The computrainer Spin-Scan indicates efficiency and power improvements, but these are not entirely accurate when altering fit, due to alterations in muscle recruitment.

Power meters for fitting are limited by training-effect, “fresh” muscle recruitment, positioning.

2D, 3D, Video fitting is limited by the fact that the prescribed “optimal” angles are, in fact, based on averages. The accuracy of these  measurement devices is great, but who cares?  The output data is subject to human interpretation, average values, and recorded from external events.

But what about muscle function?  Firing sequence?  Optimal Patellar Tracking?

Muscle Function is easy.  There are 2-channels on the portable unit, and 8-channels on the monster-unit.

The EMG software records the base-line, amplitude and frequency of each muscle-group being tested.  I use positioning adjustments, verbal and physical cues, and biofeedback to help the rider increase amplitude, sharpen frequency and maintain baseline, for each objective.

Firing Sequence is indicated by the number of “peaks” and their relation to sensor-placement.

Patellar Tracking is based on quadriceps data in leu of patellar tracking.  Vertical tracking is anatomically poor, due to the larger, medial, femoral condyle — so toss your lasers and fancy video line/angle tools.

What I find most significant is the plasticity of our nervous system: Latency-testing, during follow-up appointments, suggests the ability to retain/store these patterns in post-fit conditions.

This is an example of the EMG data.  Notice the low amplitude (start), poor base-line, and quality of the firing patterns.  We are looking for single, sharp, peaks and valleys, of equal height and duration.  Here I am using a physical (resistance) cue to shape increase firing.

This is the same customer after five-minutes.  Amplitude suffers training effect, but the muscle function is far more effective/healthy.

Calling all Triathletes — New and Seasoned!

It has taken me close to 20-years to become proficient at fitting triathletes, so I am a bit skeptical about newbies who claim they are “the best” or that they have “the best system”.   Unfortunately, as consumers, it is easy to believe that what a fit-”professional” says about your position, because they are “professionals”, regardless if the outcome is optimal.

The tri-market has recently attracted a number of  bike shops/bike-chains, trying to wrench some business from new, uninformed Triathletes, based on the notion that location and product is sufficient to provide good service.

Sooooo

I want to take a moment and emphasize how important it is to seek experienced, reputable professionals, when shopping for Triathlete equipment, bikes, and coaching.

Gear West is the foremost authority on Triathlon equipment — everything from running shoes, to wetsuits, to bikes!  The Gear West Tri-Team is known internationally, with members finishing on podiums all over the world.

Some of the members are also World-Class coaches, working at OptumHealth Performance.  What makes Optum unique, is that they support Triathletes of all levels, equally, throughout the year, as a community.  I am not surprised to find a coach accompanying a client to our fitting, so that he/she can learn more to help them succeed, or helping a client buy a new bike.

If you are interested in finding more joy and companionship in the tri-community, look them up!

I also endorse Coaches and Shops located on the “Links” & “Participating Dealers” part of my website.

Saddle Too Low?

Don’t know if you are riding low, but if you are it may be SLOWING-YOU-DOWN!

What does this GIF demonstrate about proper saddle height?

The Hyaline Cartilage of the Lateral Femoral Condyle provides smooth function within a limited Range of Motion.

Riding a saddle that is too low increases friction (at the condyle),  patellar compression, and muscle fatigue (excessive line of pull).

Peace,
Chris

Surface EMG Testing/Biofeedback

a title=”Medac System 3R 4-Channel Surface EMG” href=”http://bio-medical.com/products/medac-system3r.html” target=”_blank”>Medac System 3R 4-Channel Surface EMG

Want to know what muscles are firing?  Surface electromyography provides real-time data for muscle recruitment, firing sequence, and firing amplitude.  Great for diagnostics, biofeedback, and overall assessment.

Neuro Trac ETS/EMG

Portable EMG for on-the-road assessments/muscle training and event-specific recruitment analysis.

Motion Analysis — Quintic Biomechanics Software

Video for motion analysis has always seemed a bit redundant to me.   The fact is that videos provide only 2-dimensional data, regardless if there are 2 (Specialized!), 3, 4…  Most cameras are only fast enough for < 80% accuracy, and two millimeters error using “line-drawing” tools can alter function ten-degrees or more.

Dartfish and Quintic software are different, because they provide kinematic functions like trajectory and digitization.

I recently purchased the Quintic Biomechanics/Coaching Software, in route to getting the Biomechanics 9.03.  Hopefully, we can get more US bike-fitters using this phenomenal product.

(Yes, the Saddle is too Low)

Pedaling Anatomy

Thanks Rick Neptune for the 3D Animation!
The accompanying images are for Anatomical Reference and Muscle Firing Sequence.
Enjoy!


WN (Wobble-Naught) Studio Complete!

Finally done with the new WN (Wobble-Naught) area.

Here are some pictures:




Peace
Chris

Services for Complex Fit-Issues

I made a commitment last year to work with cyclists of all abilities, injuries, and needs, regardless of how many visits, consults and modifications are necessary to provide a positive outcome.

A few clients required multiple visits (between 4-8), with issues ranging from improper (former) fit (fittings), persistent discomfort, physical injuries, muscle imbalances, and/or difficult frame-sizing issues.  All who followed my product recommendations, strengthening/stretching advice, and outside consultation(s) as indicated were entirely satisfied with the outcome.

By September, I started wondering if I was the person to see for cyclists with complex injuries/issues.  I love you people, and it is very rewarding to see your faces when everything is “better”, but I think we need to set some rules for 2011.

  1. Before making an appointment, do your research on local fitters and physical therapists.  There are plenty in town, and I am not interested in trying to convince you that I am good at my job.
  2. It is your responsibility to collect all pertinent medical records, before the initial visit.
  3. Product recommendations are not for my financial gain.  It is possible that you will need to purchase something (like shoes, or longer/shorter crank-arms), to facilitate changes for a positive outcome.
  4. I expect full cooperation from start to completion.
  5. If I am unable to resolve your problem, there is no fee for my service.

Why am I being such a whiner?

I am very busy during the season – mostly three-weeks out with scheduling – and the extra effort necessary to keep tabs, update and document multiple visit clients does not come easy.  By the third visit, my time is advocacy.

My commitment is fueled by my inability to ride a bike without significant pain (residual implications from lyme disease), and no improvement from seeing some of the “best” bike fitters in the nation.  I am relatively sure that I could “fix” myself, but I would need to bi-locate, first.

Peace,

Chris

Sidas Fully Conformable Footbeds

I recently acquired the Sidas custom conform ‘able foot-beds system, and it is great!

There are a base-molds  for cycling, running, and skiing – each with materials specific to the sport – that conform perfectly to the foot via my fancy machine.   I can modify the foot-beds with [accurate] metatarsal supports, forefoot and heel-posting, neutral talus, etc., as needed, which is truly a gift for people who struggle with foot pain.

Why conformable?

Because  podiatrists tend to design orthotics for weight-bearing, bipedal activities.  These work great for running and skiing, but not for cycling.   Cycling does not involve the heel-strike, tibial-roation,  and pronation found in all weight-bearing, bipedal activities.   My experience is that these insoles are over-corrective, frequently accompanied by heel-lifts/posting, and support that ends short of the distal metatarsal (toe-knuckles).   The conformable emphasize support throughout the entire foot, holding each toe with respect and kindness.

What about other cycling-specific insoles?

There is no comparison.  Even the “best” are either too long/short in the longitudinal arch, too deep/shallow in the transverse arch.  If your feet hurt, it is a message to your brain saying, “something is wrong – where is the love?”  Sure, your feet will get used to some pain over time, but only conforming to the insoles, which translates into altered connective tissue, proprioception and muscle.

You can only appreciate the difference by trying them.   You will forget about your feet, have better patellar tracking, more power, endurance and joy.

Click this link and scroll to the bottom right portion of the webpage to preview the fitting process.

http://www.conform-able.com/products.php?sLang=EN&iIdAct=1&iIdGamme=3&sRef=CSECUSKPRO08

Serotta International Cycling Institute — Size Cycle!

I have number 0100, of the first 1o made.  Seven-months overdue, but well worth the wait!

The fit-bike allows  for incredible accuracy for fitting, because all adjustments are made with the rider pedaling.   The built-in computrainer spin-scan provides left/right leg torque angles, watts, and efficiency, to ensure optimal positioning.

Outcome data in X, Y, coordinates and Retul-Zin documentation is accurate within 2mm, for reliable and simple replicaiton.


Standardization = Poor Customer Service

The Bicycle Fitting industry is very different from when I started in the late 80′s.  All the “pros” used ”Fit Kit”(still a great product) — the  non computerized version — and modifying insoles or shimming shoes/pedals was appropriate only for the infirm and/or injured.

Today we employ a number of different systems and tools, each marketed as superior to the next — all necessary to get the jobe done.  The promise is to reduce error and increase utility, making it possible for anyone who completes a short training to employ with “Professional” status.

I am clearly not a fan.   The human condition is too variable to be harnessed by a singular application — 2D, 3D, 2D x 2D (3D?), or otherwise.

Technology is a great aid, but a poor substitute for the knowledge, experience and humility.  Why humility?  Because  adjustments are only good when the inverse is equally bad.   Each hypothesis requres testing to ensure confidence.   Sometimes this testing uncovers a solution discovered exactly opposite the “standard-protocal”.  Clearly, my Ego is not my amigo.

Another problem is specificity.   Most of us rely on physical therapy techniques to evaluate leg-length, varus/valgus foot, hamstrings, psoas, illiotibial bands, flexibility, etc.  I am happy to provide alternate, cycling-specific tests, but only if you pay .  Just kidding.

Here is an example of the standard leg-length test and alternate hypotheses:

Measuring LLD — actual or apparent.

Full Leg:

Tonic QL or scarring or scoliosis = false positive for short leg.

Excessive facet mobility= false long leg on injured side.

Schmorl’s nodes = false as related to r/l endplates

Pelvic Fixation = false short on anterior side.

Femoral:

Much the same as above, but also with illiofemoral ligament..

Tibial:

R/L arch height variation @.08 population, indicating long/short; high/low

How do I measure for LLD?  Cyclist on bike, saddle raised to maximum possible pedaling, I observe hip rotation, terminal extension and vertebral translation.  If the left hip reaches further, it is possible that the left leg is short, but only if the spine follows.  Sometimes the leg appears short due to increased contra-lateral muscle mass (QL, ES, etc.), scoliosis, pelvic rotation, etc.  Fortunately, all of these issues are easily observed from behind the rider.   Seems more accurate than laying on a massage table and having your legs tugged?

The notion that an application can make anyone a fit-professional is anologus to a machine subsitute for someone like Richard Sachs.

That being said, I love the gadgets that make my job easier.

Check the “Technology” tab for more information.

Bike CAD — Full Version Access

I have added a really cool application for the design and modification of bicycle frames/complete bikes.

This is the full-version — available to you or your fit technician at no charge.
FAQ’s about the program are available at: http://www.bikeforest.com/CAD/faq/index.php.

The Bicycle Fit Guru?

Why did I name my business “Bicycle Fit Guru”?

Because I can look really macho in a yoga pose?

Nope.

My business (and life)  is based on the teachings of Jana Yoga — the Yoga of Wisdom.  A “wise” yogi would know that the accompanying posture does not necessarily reflect yoga. Could be that I am just trying to look “cool”.

The Philosophy of Jana Yoga is simple:

Concentrate and Contemplate on the the discernment of what is NOT part of a customer’s Ideal Fit, in order to achieve that outcome,  unhindered by [ego]attachments,  memories and/or historical events.

No two people are alike, no two injuries, identical. Whatever I learn from my years in practice is helpful, but what works for one person can NEVER be transferred exactly beyond the scope of that occurrence. Each client has unique DNA, and the quality of my work is equal to my ability to understand his/her needs, and adapt the bicycle to those conditions.

Bike fitting is an act of discernment — identifying  the object[ive] (what “is”) by eliminating  all that (“ is not”) part of that outcome.

Jana Yoga is analogous to all types of learning. At the highest level, the humble practitioner functions beyond the sum of all [former] teachings.  The greatest historical accomplishments — positive and negative — transcended human-consciousness.  Many of these people/ideas were condemned before popularity.

Fitting for Triathlon and Time Trial

There is a big difference between the Triathlon and Time-Trial bike fit.

The most obvious difference is that at the end of a Time Trial the rider should be completely spent; at the end of the Triathlon bike-split, the rider needs to run as fast as possible to the finish, sometimes to the tune of 26.2 miles.

No triathlete has ever won an event by his/her bike time, so it makes sense to fit a person for the best transition into running as possible.  This usually entails having the seat forward, increasing hip-angle for transition to running and better aerodynamics via. lower front-end.   Elbows should rest under shoulders (approximately), with enough distance between arm-pads to ensure optimal diaphragm function and comfort.   Most top-fitters will suggest a more relaxed position over aerodynamics for Triathletes.

Time-trialists are UCI- restricted to position the saddle nose 5cm behind the bottom bracket (though most proficient racers ride the nose, anyway).   This creates a problem at the hip-angle (significantly reduced) that impacts the rider’s ability to increase saddle to bar differential, which many consider essential to optimize aerodynamics.  The fit is speed-specific, tuned to maximize aerodynamics and power for a specific distance/terrain/condition.  Elbows are closer and anterior to shoulders, back is more kyphotic, and diaphragm position is altered to breath from the thoracic/lumbar junction.

Hip Angles:

Most TT and Tri customers I meet are positioned with femoral/inferior iliac crest contact at TDC, and  ”head-up” posture.  Easier to fix for the Triathlete than the TT person, obviously.   The problem is that compression between pelvis and thigh is hardly perceptible, like pinching the skin at your elbow — neurologically, just not very proprioceptive.  Symptoms can occur at the acetabulum, unilateral or bilateral back, medial or lateral knee .  Want to check if this applies to your position?  Have someone place a finger at the crease of your hip, and see if it gets crushed by the femur at TDC.  Also check knee position at TDC.  Splayed knees may add confidence to your findings if positive for the finger-crush-test (rule-out psoas).  The leg has to go somewhere at TDC, and lateral is the only option if restricted by hip angle.

Additionally, the diaphragm shares attachments of  the quadratus lumborum (low back) muscles.  It makes sense, anatomically, that tight QL’s = lesser exhalation = shallow breathing = poor O2 intake = bad performance.

Head-Up vs. Head-Down?

Aerodynamics:

Tom Coleman has a picture of a fish on his computer screen, to remind him about aerodynamics.  Fish are aerodynamic — humans, not so much.  Our face is like a wall, creating  drrrrraaaaaagggg; conversely, Head-Down with a traditional cycling helmet (with big holes) is also creating drrrrrraaaaaaggggg like a plane, landing.   Wind tunnel testing indicates Head-Down with an aero helmet is the best option.

Musculoskeletal Function:

Try this:

Bend your knees, feet hip-distance, and place hands, approximate to knees, on your thighs.  Shift your gaze and face to horizontal, and take a really deep breath.  Feel good?  Now, do the same exercise, but with head “neutral”, and gaze at the horizon of your eyelids. Get it?

In closing, remember that  it is a fine line between aerodynamics and performance.   A quality fit-technician should know how to optimize both, specific to the DNA of each cyclist.

Fitting the Petite Cyclists — www.petitebikefit.com

A large portion of my business comes from female/petite cyclists.  Not because I am “Macho”, but because I understand the differences/and misconceptions between Male and Female anatomy.  More importantly, I recognize that most women’s product is designed and manufactured by men, thinking within the context of being a man.

I remember one of my first phone-calls to Speedplay, about making shorter spindles for petite cyclists:

Me:

“Hi. My name is Chris Balser, and I am a bike fitter located in Minneapolis, MN, looking for a pedal solution for petite cyclists.”

Customer Service:

“For what?”

Me:

“Petite Cyclist!”  ”Have you ever seen the pedal to pedal distance (q-factor) for a person that weighs under 100 lbs?”  ”It looks like they are riding a horse!”  ”This position impacts the force trajectory from femur-head to foot, robbing power and creating tension at hip/knee/ankle joints.”  ”Why don’t you guys make a shorter spindle-option?”

Customer Service:

“Because, if we did, your shoe would hit the crank-arm.”

If I have to explain why his response makes no sense, stop reading  – this post is for women.

For the rest of you, I recently came across a sweet website —  www.petitebikefit.com — that I strongly recommend reviewing for smaller cyclists.

Yes, the industry is slowly moving towards addressing the needs of smaller/thinner/petite cyclists, but quality 36cm handlebars, narrow cranks, short spindle pedals, shifter mods,  and < 51 cm top-tubes are difficult to find.  The petitebikefit website provides some great information regarding things to look for,  product availability, and comparative specifications.

Peace,

Chris

Wii Area for Kids!

You can thank my smarty-pants wife for this one.

She suggested that I make my services available to people with children, so  parents can schedule appoints without worry about a sitter, time, or barter sufficient to ensure offspring-cooperation.

I went completely handy-mandy and built a room. We now have a waiting-area/Wii-studio attached to the primary fit-station.

Here are the pics:



Leg Length Discrepancy and Bike Fit

Here is the scoop on leg-length discrepancy:

1.  The only accurate way to determine actual bone-length LLD is midline-measurment on x-ray film.   This measure does not indicate effective LLD.

2. The only accurate way to determine actual greater trochanter to calcaneus LLD (effective) is vertical axis measurement on x-ray film

3.  Pelvic angles alter effective leg-length.  Anterior illlium roation = shorter leg; Posterior, longer leg.  You can examine this principle by tilting and tucking your entire pelvis.

4.  Arch height alters effective leg-length.  Higher/ hard arch = longer leg; Lower/softer arch = shorter leg.

5.  Heel drop alters effective leg–length.  Achilles tendon tears, hamstring tears = lesser or greater extension to pedal.   Heel drop= shorter; toe point = longer.   Rule-out heel drop differences to accomodate actual LLD.

6.  Spine curvature alters effective leg-length.  Right translated spine = short left leg; left translated spine = short right leg.  Rule-out actual LLD causing spine translation (longer left leg forcing left hip, up, and spine, right, etc.).  Right rotated spine = long right leg; left rotated spine = long left leg (unless caused by femoral LLD or countered by opposing rotation).

7.  Unequal arm length, golf, unilateral breathing (swimming), tennis, etc., can all contribute to effective LLD’s for cyclists.

8.  Tibial LLD is altered by vertical correction; Femoral LLD requires horozontal correction with greater emphasis on 3pm and 9pm and less at 12pm and 6pm.  There are a few crank builders who manufacturer cranks specific to the latter requirements.

9.  Not all LLD’s require correction.

10.  Symptoms that suggest a visit to your local bicycle fit guru-guy:  Unilateral back pain, unilateral knee pain, strong weight imbalance between arms; unilateral saddle positioning (sitting off to one side (barring saddle sore)), riding in a “wind-swept” position (one knee close to the top-tube, the other far from the top-tube), etc.

Most LLD’s are easily corrected by a good fitter with the right tools.

Chris

Basic Yoga Postures for Cyclists

Yoga for Cyclists

I am frequently asked if practicing yoga will  improve cycling performance.   The answer is “yes” and “no”.   Yoga increases the practitioner’s perception of self and body, relative to gravity and space, which is good.  It also can stretch  the hell out of connective  tissue, which  is  bad.  Flexibility is over-rated.  Strong, healthy muscle, that can function within a broad range and relax easily, is not.  The ability to experience greater depth in postures is achieved through coordinating movement and breath, in regular practice, without attachment to a specific outcome.

Legs Up the Wall Pose:

Trains hamstrings to relax in a lengthened state, but only if practiced without strain.  Helps equalize lower back hamstring muscle-length (L/R).  Also allows pooled blood and lymph to move from feet/legs to heart.  Great for reducing recovery time.

Practice 5-10 Minutes in the evening.

Position yourself on the floor with booty-to-wall distance sufficient to feel like nothing is happening.  Both knees straight, WITHOUT hamstring Strain.  You’ll know it is working if you feel like it is a waste of time.  Feel free to use a bolster under the  back or  heels.

Awkward Chair:

Strengthens quad-muscles, low, mid and upper back, and shoulders.  Great backside-core-strengthening.

Practice 2-3x >10 breaths, 3x weekly off-season and to address minor back pain.

Legs  together, knees pressing, weight  in heels.  Tilt and drop booty while reaching arms and torso at the same angle as shins.  Check low back muscles for recruitment and weight distribution (heels) regularly.  Adjust the difficulty by increasing/decreasing the amount of knee-bend/arm position.

Cobra:

Strengthens booty, back and shoulders.

Practice 3-4x>10 breaths, 2-3x weekly off-season; 1-2x>5 breaths on-season.

Lie flat on floor, chin touching, hands either side of the  ribs, and elbows alongside the body.  Press the pelvis into the  floor and lengthen from hips to toes.   Engage the boot (which  is an exception to most teaching styles, but appropriate for cyclists), and coil the torso upward with low-back muscles.   Draw shoulders away from ears and slide scapulas together and downward.  No pressure in hands.  Elbows towards body, back, and down.

More Soon!

Myths of Bike Fitting

Professional Bicycle Fitting Precautions
A Consumer’s Guide

An increasing number of bicycle dealers are now offering “professional fit”  services”, and with fees ranging from $30-$400+, it is useful to have some facts before making an appointment — if an appointment is really what you need.

1. The majority of “Bicycle Fit Professionals” have attended a total of only 3-7 days training. Ask for credentials and references, and employ internet search-engines for unbiased data.

2. Systematic protocol is flawed by negating the diversity between cyclists. Humans are too unique and complex for patent assessments and and/or outcome data. If an adjustment causes discomfort, it is wrong for your body.

3. Video analysis is two-dimensional, regardless of how many cameras are used. 3D motion analysis is subject to LED placement variability. These tools are good at recording angles. Creating optimal fit is the responsibility of you and your technician.

4. Saddle Height is not static. To demonstrate, bend forward and try to touch the floor. Do it again. Try repeating the exercise when it is cold, hot, at the end of a hard ride, before an easy ride, etc. It will never be identical because our activities and climate are always changing. Remember this when prescribed the “magic number”.

5. Good bike fit does not hurt! If you continue to have pain anywhere that is not a function of fatigue, your fit can be improved

6. Shoes should be comfortable. Do not believe that they will “break-in”. They must not be loose, either. A good fit technician can modify shoe-fit with shoe-maker and podiatry tooling.

7. Assessment procedures based on physical therapy techniques are not reliable for outcome data. There is an inherent flaw to every test due to bone and ligament variability. So if you are told you have: “X”, “Y”, or “Z”, get it confirmed by a doctor before announcing it to the world.

8. It is not hard to find a comfortable saddle. It is very hard to find someone willing to put your bike on a stand and let you try a number of makes and models. Do not expect it to break-in. It is your fitter’s responsibility to determine proper sizing.

9. Sit-bone measurement devices have no utility when determining correct saddle-size. Saddle comfort is a product of pressure distribution and pelvic stability. The correct saddle for you will have a nose-width, taper, and terminal shape consistent with pubis, rami, tuberosities, and functional pelvic angle.

10. You are the true authority on bike fit for your body. The most accurate union for you and your bike resides inside YOU! The nervous system components, proprioception (feedback mechanism for body movement); vestibular sense (balance in relation to movement and gravity); and kinesthesia (joint position) are sufficient to the task, but are primarily “touchy-feely”. They are great at determining what is better and worse on a bike, but are unable to sample different options due to the nature of cycling.

Our problem is that riding a bicycle is unnatural. We were not intended to be stuck in a fixed, symmetrical position, making circles with our feet, suspended by saddle and handlebars. Our data for negotiating life is built from the knowledge, experience, and practice of events. Learning involves practice; practice increases knowledge, and time creates experience.

Look for my article on “tips and tricks to bike fit” in the blog section of my website, early September, 1009.

Namaste.