Bike Fitting

Clinical Bike Fitting

A Clinical Bike Fitting is more than using fancy motion capture devices displayed on a big screen monitor. It takes a strong background in biomechanics, kinesiology and anatomy to establish an individual’s optimal riding position. Vince draws on more than 20 years of experience in the field of orthopedics, an additional 10 years as a strength and conditioning specialist, and degrees in Sports Medicine and Health Science specializing in biomechanics, pathomechanics, and human locomotion.

Vince- the owner of JRA, has performed fittings for racers and enthusiasts alike with remarkable outcomes. He specializes in difficult cases and truly enjoys educating the rider while he works with them. Call or email him to make an appointment.

Check Out Our 3 Part Video Series Below 

Bike Fitting Part 1-Click for More Info
This individual exhibited mild forefoot adduction with a cavus foot and a resting calcaneal varum stance position. Thickened callouses were present under the 1st metatarsal heads (big toe joints).

Dynamic walking assessment (seen in video) revealed lateral calcaneal loading at Initial Contact followed by external rotation at Mid-stance and mild pronation at Terminal Stance with heavy loading of the 1st metatarsal heads.

Passive range of motion assessment confirmed extremely tight plantar flexors (calf muscles) as well as hamstrings.

These are only a few of the factors that will affect his riding position.

An example is sitting comfort. The limited range of motion can result in a posterior pelvic tilt, loading the ischial tuberosity (or sitz bones). It is unlikely this individual will complain of excessive contact at the nose of the saddle. However he did complain of general discomfort with saddle shape at the sitz area. Determining the width of the sitz bones will be necessary to find a comfortable saddle.

A rounded posture was expected and present, which can lead to mid and lower back fatigue during prolonged climbing.

Bike Fitting Part 2-Click for More Info
Here you will see the effects of uncontrolled mid-foot pronation and forefoot eversion (his foot and ankle are rolling inward). By watching the white dot under the knee, you can see his leg deviates towards the bike at the bottom of the pedal stroke. This can cause knee pain, repetitive use injuries, as well as a considerable loss of power when sprinting and climbing.
Bike Fitting Part 3-Click for More Info
Vince added a carbon fiber insole with mid-foot and hind-foot control with a 1.5 degree Varus wedge. Watch the dot under the knee as it displays the correction during the pedal stroke. The rider immediately described an increase in “stability” and a feeling of “even contact” throughout the pedal stroke.

Again, this is only a small piece of the overall puzzle when performing a Clinical Bike Fitting.

FAQ’s

I’m just a recreational cyclist – Will I benefit from a ‘Clinical’ Bike Fit?

YES – Every cyclist from racers to recreational cyclists will benefit from a properly fitted bike.  To ensure optimal efficiency and prevention of injuries, a clinical bike fitting performed with the correct tools and knowledge is essential to ensure prevention of repetitive use injuries and optimum efficiency of power deliver to your bicycle.  A clinical bike fitting is the most economical way to improve both your performance and enjoyment of your bicycle. 

Do I need to bring my own bike?

YES- the fitting is performed on your own bike.  This will determine the proper fit and adjustment of components to ensure your bike is correctly sized for you. 

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Your bike, bike shoes and cycling clothing or tight fitting clothing.  Tighter fitting clothing works best for the most accurate measurements.