NY Times on bike fitting

[CNY rider]

Is it just me or haven't there already been a bunch of "wow, gee-whiz" articles like this in the media lately?

Snippet:

Published: November 19, 2008
TAD JACOBS loved cycling. The 44-year-old arborist from northern California used to ride two to three times a week to stay in shape. But while pedaling, he suffered muscle soreness in his lower back and joint stiffness in his shoulders. At home, the discomfort worsened.


Then he booked an appointment with Paul Kundrat, a specialist in biodynamics at the Endurance Performance Training Center in Mill Valley, Calif.

During a two-hour session, Mr. Jacobs saw computer-generated data related to his problem. Lasers made precise three-dimensional measurements of his body. Range-of-motion tests were performed. Adjustments were made, and Mr. Jacobs’s pain dissipated.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/health/nutrition/20fitness.html?scp=1&sq=ouch%20my%20knee&st=cse

[fiamme red]

I knew that Signature Cycles would be mentioned. No mention of Paul Levine, though.

[zray67]

Thank you for the post.

[Paul Levine]

I knew that Signature Cycles would be mentioned. No mention of Paul Levine, though.

There is much more to Signature Cycles than Paul Levine. I hear he is over rated, the rest of his staff are the real stars and make him look good. It is about time that the stars come out from behind the curtain.

Paul Levine

[Ti Designs]

There is much more to Signature Cycles than Paul Levine.


When a reporter goes to Signature Cycles to get the scoop on ultra high end bike sales, they talk to Paul. When a reporter goes to Wheelworks I get sent out the back door on a snipe hunt - almost got one of those little buggers last time.

[Sandy]

Question please- How significant is technology (computer generated data, lasers, power output analysis, pedal stroke analysis,....) in producing the "optimal" fit? There are some excellent fits done by individuals who use only their experience, insight, and abilities such as Tom Kellogg. I have thought that computer analysis, properly done, in which the cyclist and fitter (such a word?) would jointly interpret and apply the individual unique data could be most beneficial.

Thanks for any comments about the above.


Sandy

[William]

There is much more to Signature Cycles than Paul Levine. I hear he is over rated, the rest of his staff are the real stars and make him look good. It is about time that the stars come out from behind the curtain.

Paul Levine


Trouble maker!! :no:



William ;)



.

[rounder]

Do most racers, elite and cat 1-5, get bike fits or do they just ride bikes that feel comfortable and look good. I know that years ago when the bikes were all made of steel or aluminum, it was relatively easy for manufacturers to custom build bikes for the riders based on their measurements. But aren't most race carbon bikes today based on stock sizes so the riders have to find bikes that are basically their fit and, if so, do they really need to get measured for frame size.

Also, have very many folks here ever been measured for bike fit and what were the results. Did your position change much and do you believe it was for the better. I have never been fitted partly because of cost and also the fact that i have never had any bike related pain. But if i was going to buy a custom bike, i would seriously think about being measured.

[William]

Btw, I hate Paul Levine.




William :p

[Volant]

Who is Paul Levine?

[old_school]

Paul is the owner of Signatue Cycles (http://signaturecycles.com/document/111647) and former director of the Serotta fit school.

[Ti Designs]

Question please- How significant is technology (computer generated data, lasers, power output analysis, pedal stroke analysis,....) in producing the "optimal" fit? There are some excellent fits done by individuals who use only their experience, insight, and abilities such as Tom Kellogg. I have thought that computer analysis, properly done, in which the cyclist and fitter (such a word?) would jointly interpret and apply the individual unique data could be most beneficial.


Google bike fitting and you'll find dozens of fit studios and bike shops that use the latest in computer imaging or lazer tracking or something like that. It's a lot like a hospital advertising their equipment instead of their staff. The devices we're talking about are measuring devices, nothing more. Sorry, there's no magic here. If you put a laser line on a person's femur while they pedal you can tell if the knee runs inboard or outboard - I can do the same thing sighting along a piece of string with a weight at the end - does that make it a high tech piece of string??? What you're really after is the experience and knowledge of the fitter, and their will to work with you long term. I can't stress that last part enough, the rider is going to change, their fit is going to change - there is no "optimal fit". The thing that scares me the most is what I call "cook book fitting". I get a lot of clients who have been to other fitters and I can tell that they were trying to force them into this perfect rider mold. That doesn't work.

Fitting a rider on a bike is like turning a green piece of wood. You make a few passes, you let the piece stand and change it's shape. You make another pass and again you let it stand. With each pass you get closer to the desired end result. If you tried to do it all at once the end result isn't going to be what you wanted. The body is adaptive, the fitter isn't the only one making changes. The rider needs to both understand what the fitter is doing and be able to listen to their body. If you ask most racers, the position they have settled on over the years may have started out in a fitting, but there have been changes. My own bike, while custom has two different stems, one for winter when I'm only riding 150 miles/week and wearing 5 layers of clothing, and a longer, lower summer stem for when I pull off the clothing and pile on the mileage.

Lastly, there's the issue of "I want to look like (insert some pro rider here)" Despite the wannabe factor, if you take a new rider and put them in the position of a pro rider you don't get a pro rider - you get pain and injury. In getting fit on a bike it's best if you put away the glossy bike porn and look in the mirror instead.

[39cross]

Google bike fitting and you'll find dozens of fit studios and bike shops that use the latest in computer imaging or lazer tracking or something like that.
Dr. Evil: Okay no problem. Here's my second plan. Back in the 60's, I had a weather changing machine that was, in essence, a sophisticated heat beam which we called a "laser." Using these "lasers," we punch a hole in the protective layer around the Earth, which we scientists call the "Ozone Layer." Slowly but surely, ultraviolet rays would pour in, increasing the risk of skin cancer. That is unless the world pays us a hefty ransom.

Number Two: [pause] That also already has happened. [pause] And we now use them to perform bicycle fittings.