Plum-bobs are overrated.............
I had the opportunity to be one of the first COMotion Sports racers to be analyzed using the awesome Retul http://www.retul.com/ 3D fitting systems.
The session began with the normal cycling questions then a comprehensive evaluation of body symmetry and flexibility. Because the problem may not be the BIKE!!
The software technology comes from the medical navigation arena and basically uses IR sensors to track moving points along a given plane. That data is processed into a 3 dimensional connect-the-dots structure that accurately follows and measures key fulcrum points of the rider. Sensors are place on the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and wrists. The stick figure on the PC monitor shadowing your movement is very cool to watch.
Our own Todd Carver administered the analysis and came up with some very down to earth recommendation and observations.
Employing some of the traditional methods of recording bike geometry both before and after adjustments, Todd dialed in the perfect saddle height and set back then went on to suggest "aggressive" arch supports for my Sidis.
The session lasted more than 2 hours with the bulk of time focused on the Road Project. This is the bike that I will spend more than 1,000 miles on this spring doing weekend 4-6 hour rides to building endurance strength.
Of special interest to me was the observation of how my right knee and ankle tracked on the pedal.
Since learning of the demise of my tibialis anterior (TA) tendon and subsequent loss of TA muscle mass, physical therapy and orthodics have become an every day part of overcoming this barrier without surgery.
Good news comes from Biomechanics guru Todd, in that the TA system plays a small part in the cycling world. To see what goes on in the foot/ankle area while cycling click here http://www.specialized.com/bc/microsite/bodygeometry/main.html?x=y follow the links to shoes and you. Then beat the hell out of the back button to come here.
I should be able to continue training and racing with the proper therapy and coaching.
Todd is busy setting up Retul fitters around the globe but if you want scientific data relating to how you spin the cranks and want to prevent long term cycling injuries, you got to make an appointment with the man.
The Retul personal fitting report offers 15 different measurements and angular references. Knowing these references will allow you to set up all the bikes you use from demo/rental nightmares, spin class Revmasters to brand new 2008 Carbon Yeti mountain bikes. Plum-bob salesmen will soon be a thing of the past.. Contact Todd at todd@retul.com .
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