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Pedal On Cycle Store
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» bike fitting
Bike Fitting Theory
Your positioning on a bike is the most important factor governing, comfort, control and performance. Without a good position a great bike is useless.
Pedal On's staff are expert at fitting people to the correct size of frame, by using their knowledge, experience and a customer's feedback the best size option can quickly be found.
However, by using the Bike Fitting system we can approach the sizing issue from a different angle. By taking physical measurements and applying these to the Bike Fitting system we can determine the rider's optimum position on the bike for their required type of riding. This takes into account bio-mechanics, aerodynamics, comfort and handling.
The modern bicycle is extremely complex and the advanced techniques required to manufacture them mean there are only discrete sizes available. The days of a workshop brazer being able to create a custom high end frame have now passed. With data gathered from the Bike Fitting system we can fit the rider to the optimum frame size, which will give the best performance and ultimately the most enjoyment.
The key areas addressed by the Bike Fitting are:
Efficiency
Power Maximistaion
Aerodynamics
Comfort
Visit Bike Fitting Website
Efficiency
Efficiency on the bike has relevance for everyone. Defined as the amount of work achieved over the amount of energy consumed to achieve that work, efficiency effects everyone's performance.
If we are inefficient we use up our energy reserves too fast and we slow down. This has relevance for racers, who need to be strong at the end of a race, and recreational riders who need to complete their long rides in the counrtry.
An elite cyclist may have an efficiency of 25% (for every joule of work done they must eat 4 Joules of energy), an untrained rider may have an efficiency of only 10%!
One of the major factors effecting efficiency is the rider's leg position on the bike. Essentially a system of levers the leg position needs to be opitimsed for the correct joint angles and muscle contraction lengths.
The five major factors to be adjusted are: Saddle height, Crank length, Seat angle, Cadence and Foot Position.
The Bike Fitting system can optimise these variables, instantly allowing improved efficiency. Whilst Cadence is more a function of training, the correct position on the bike allows the optimum cadence to be more easily achieved.
Read an indepth article on Efficiency at Bike Fitting.com
Power Maximisation
In general the optimum position for power output is governed by saddle fore/aft position and saddle height. The Pedal diagram to the right shows the optimum case first, power output is at 90 degrees to the rotaional axis, i.e. all the force in coverted to torque. A Saddle position too far fore/aft will result in case 2 and 3, where components of the Force act in a radial direction to the axis, this is force that contributes nothing to the torque and therefore creates no power.
It has also been shown imperically that a higher saddle height yields more power.
However, positioning for power maximisation may in some cases be in conflict to the optimum position for efficiency. Choosing the correct position will depend on the discipline of the sport you perform. In general, longer events will require an efficient position. Where as, shorter events such as MTB racing, track riding and time trialing require more power optimisation.
The Bike Fitting system combines your physical dimensions and requiremnets to selct the best balance of power optimisation and efficiency.
Read an indepth article on Power Maximisation at Bike Fitting.com
Aerodynamics
By reducing the resistance acting against the rider, cycling becomes both easier and faster.
The three main forces acting against the rider are gravity, rolling resistance and air resistance. Gravity is determined by the course profile and Rolling Resistance is determined by equipment choice.
However, Air resistance is determined by the rider's position and speed on the bicycle. As this resistance increases with the cube of the speed it is vital to optimise the rider's position.
By minimising the frontal area of the rider and creating a more stream lined shape it is possible to significantly reduce the effort required to go a certain speed. Essentially this is achieved by flattening the torso and selcting the correct bar width.
Position purely for aerodynamics would reduce efficiency and power output, so a balance must be met. This is affected the relevance of aerodynamics to your discipline of cycling.
The Bike Fitting system selects the optimum position, factoring aerodynamics, power output and efficiency together.
Read an indepth article on Aerodynamics at Bike Fitting.com
Comfort
Comfort is an issue that is hard to accurately predict using scientific measurements. Experience leads to the conclusion that the most comfortable position is the one where you are optimally positioned from a biomechanical viewpoint. This is because an efficient position uses the correct joint angles and muscles, leading to less physical complaints.
An upper body position suited to the specific activity will support the rider in the correct position, this allows a relaxed body which is consequently more comfortable. This also allows the rider to handle the bicycle without straining or overreaching.
Of course, some people have very specific complaints such as old injuries or restricted movement. In this case we recommend starting from the optimum position and adjusting as necessary
Read an indepth article on Comfort at Bike Fitting.com
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