Thursday, April 01, 2010
The VERITAS Fit Systems and EFC Bike Fitting Experience
Checklist & Expectations
Purchasing a bicycle is the first and often largest expenditure when entering the sports of triathlon and cycling. For anyone not familiar with the cycling industry, there are many things to learn about such as frame styles, sizes and materials, bike components and computers, bike wheels and tires, crank arms, lengths, pedals and shoes, as well as saddles, helmets, shorts and more! With all the money that goes into such a costly purchase, the most important part of this endeavor should be Your fit! If you are not measured and fit by an experienced fitter whom selects bikes that fit you and your budget, your costly purchase may be more costly than you could ever imagine. Whether you end up buying a bike that doesn’t fit and shortly after realize you need a different bike or worse yet, perhaps you get injured due to the inaccurate fit, it surely turns into a rough experience.
Let VERITAS Fit Systems and Energy Fitness Coaching make your experience smooth and cost effective so you end up with the right bike and the right fit for seasons to come!
What should you bring to the Bike Fit?
1. Cycling shorts and a tighter fitting top - You want a tight fitting jersey so it doesn’t hang down and obscure our view of your profile on the bike.
2. Cycling shoes and pedals (pedals either on your bike or if you are not bringing your bike just the pedals 
)
3. Your bicycle – cleaned and ready to ride 
4. Towel(s) and water bottle, perhaps snacks too 
5. Change of clothes for after - During the fitting process, you will be put under a substantial load and may sweat a considerable amount. 
6. Please be well hydrated and well fed. However, please do not eat a large meal before the fitting as you will be asked to work hard on the VERITAS Fit System.
7. It’s best to arrive at your bike fitting rested and not too fatigued to be able to ride with good form and effort. 
What will happen during the Bike Fit?
1. Exact measurements will be taken of your height, torso span and inseam length.
2. You will then be placed on the VERITAS Fit Bike. During this time, we will find the ideal bike position, without any prejudice as to an existing bicycle make or model. Your position on the bike is constantly evaluated by your power output, spin scan and comfort. Obejective data will be found whily subjective data is collected based on a thorough discussion and observation.
3. After your ideal position is found, all measurements are input into the patented VERITAS Fit’s software. This data will allow you or any good bike mechanic to objectively find a bicycle that fits you properly, and should eliminate any bias or prejudice in the bike purchasing process.
4. Your bicycle shoe/cleat configuration will be evaluated and adjusted if necessary.
What can I expect my bike fit to feel like when everything is “dialed in?”
1. Our first priority during the fit process is to ensure you are in the ideal anatomical position to generate the maximum amount of power in an aerodynamic position.
2. After your ideal (which is to say your fastest, most powerful fit) is found, your bike fitter will ask for subjective feedback as to “what you would do to make it feel even better.” Minor adjustments are sometimes made in the name of comfort and rider preference. However, your fitter will discuss with you how/why you might want to adjust it back overtime. It takes time to adjust to your fit. Be patient and put in the time in the saddle!
What can be done to my bicycle immediately after my bike fit?
1. Fortunately, we are not a bike shop and are not in business to sell you spare parts or a new bike. Our job is to ensure you are getting an unbiased fit without any other agenda or prejudice whatsoever. After your ideal position is plugged into the VERITAS software, we enter your existing bike dimensions, and the software tells us how to adjust your existing bike to match your ideal fit. Every effort will be made to adjust your existing bike on site to mirror your ideal fit. Sometimes all that is required is an adjustment of the seat position, height, handlebar spacers, etc.
2. Unfortunately, because we are not a bike shop, we don’t always have the parts required to make significant changes to your existing bicycle. If this is the case, don’t despair! We will give you a printout of what parts you require, and instructions for your local bike shop mechanic to install the parts you need at the proper dimensions! If there are any questions whatsoever, Coaches Bob Duncan, Kelly or Rob can usually be reached by cell phone or email.
How long will it take for me to adjust to my new bike fit?
1. The answer to this question depends largely on your experience level, flexibility, previous bike fit and more. As a general rule of thumb, you should not judge the effectiveness of your new fit until you have logged at least (400) miles on your new bike fit.
2. Your strength, flexibility, pedal stroke, neuromuscular development all improve with proper bicycle training techniques. As such, your fit may change slightly over time, but having the “numbers” and learning your biomechanics enables you to adjust with ease and continue to improve!
Posted by Coach Kelly on 04/01/10 at 03:09 PM
Fitness and Training •
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