A bike fit is a great tool for cyclists of all levels to maximize their potential on the bike. New triathletes will especially benefit from a bike fit, as the tri bike has so many things going on. Apart from the usual adjustments on saddle height, fore aft position, cleat placement; the front end needs a lot of attention as well - length of aerobars, stack height, elbow pad placement, hydration set up, and so on. And even more experienced and competitive riders will benefit from a new fit or 'follow up' fit, as our bodies and our riding styles change over the years.
The Body Geometry fit is a complete system that's scientifically tested to improve power, endurance, and comfort. Its key difference over other fit services in the market is that it takes into consideration the individual characteristics of each athlete. It starts off with an interview discussing the athlete's concerns, goals, past injuries, etc., and proceeds to a detailed physical assessment determining flexibility and dimensions of the body, which is critical to the customization of the athlete's bike position and equipment. Ride analysis, the actual fitting process, and a follow-up with the fitter, complete the 5-steps of the Body Geometry fit.
Here's a little Q&A with VJ Varada, fit instructor at SBCU (Specialized Bicycle Components University), to answer all your questions about the fit process and why you should definitely get one. He also did my fit recently, and I'll be sharing my experience below.
The Body Geometry fit is a complete system that's scientifically tested to improve power, endurance, and comfort. Its key difference over other fit services in the market is that it takes into consideration the individual characteristics of each athlete. It starts off with an interview discussing the athlete's concerns, goals, past injuries, etc., and proceeds to a detailed physical assessment determining flexibility and dimensions of the body, which is critical to the customization of the athlete's bike position and equipment. Ride analysis, the actual fitting process, and a follow-up with the fitter, complete the 5-steps of the Body Geometry fit.
Here's a little Q&A with VJ Varada, fit instructor at SBCU (Specialized Bicycle Components University), to answer all your questions about the fit process and why you should definitely get one. He also did my fit recently, and I'll be sharing my experience below.
 The BG Fit Studio at Specialized Singapore - 7 Bukit Pasoh Rd. |  VJ going over the pre-fit assessment with me, taking measurements of my flexibility and dimensions. |
M: Why should any rider get a bike fit?
VJ: Our bodies, whether in state of training or adopting a sedentary lifestyle, are always adapting. We are all unique – biomechanically as humans we aren’t made for riding. The bike fit maximizes the efficiency in the marriage of bike and rider. The goal is to have the bike adapt to our unique body structure, not vice versa.
M: More experienced/competitive riders are often hesitant to go for new bike fits. How can a new bike fit work for them?
VJ: High level athletes have a stronger capacity mentally, and at times they turn away from changing their positions simply because they are well synced with their power output on the bike. However, a lot of high level athletes that we work with today have started to see the light in fits, as fits continue to maximize their efficiency when their bodies go through a lot more throughout their sporting career.
M: What are the advantages of Body Geometry Fit over other fit services in the market?
VJ: Our methodology takes into account a rider’s bodily structure. Our step-by-step process is structured, analytical, and serves as a checklist for the key contact points. Also, we take into account the frontal view (where little or no methodologies adopt) of maximizing the pedal stroke efficiency.
And with Retul tools, our fit specialists become more efficient, and provide a higher level of accuracy. This technology helps us to see live data capture while the rider is pedaling. And visually for the rider, it creates an interaction as they learn about their potential on the bike.
VJ: Our bodies, whether in state of training or adopting a sedentary lifestyle, are always adapting. We are all unique – biomechanically as humans we aren’t made for riding. The bike fit maximizes the efficiency in the marriage of bike and rider. The goal is to have the bike adapt to our unique body structure, not vice versa.
M: More experienced/competitive riders are often hesitant to go for new bike fits. How can a new bike fit work for them?
VJ: High level athletes have a stronger capacity mentally, and at times they turn away from changing their positions simply because they are well synced with their power output on the bike. However, a lot of high level athletes that we work with today have started to see the light in fits, as fits continue to maximize their efficiency when their bodies go through a lot more throughout their sporting career.
M: What are the advantages of Body Geometry Fit over other fit services in the market?
VJ: Our methodology takes into account a rider’s bodily structure. Our step-by-step process is structured, analytical, and serves as a checklist for the key contact points. Also, we take into account the frontal view (where little or no methodologies adopt) of maximizing the pedal stroke efficiency.
And with Retul tools, our fit specialists become more efficient, and provide a higher level of accuracy. This technology helps us to see live data capture while the rider is pedaling. And visually for the rider, it creates an interaction as they learn about their potential on the bike.
 The ass-o-meter. Measuring my sit bone width to help determine saddle type ;) |  My ischial tuberosity width - 105mm, which puts me in the medium range. 130 Wide. |
RSS Feed