When we announced the arrival of our new bike fitting system we promised more details in the future. These are those details.
The Shimano Bikefit System is the best way to order a custom bike or customize your existing bike so that your ride is comfortable and efficient.
Below, we break down the different parts of the bike fit process, describe a bit of the fitting process for you, and let you know what different fitting services we offer.
Shimano BikeFitting System works on a step by step process, and it’s always got you on its mind because it is remarkably adjustable according to your riding goals and preferences. This isn’t just a set of measurements, you get input at every step of the process.
Step 1) Consultation
Every bike fit starts with a conversation between you and the certified technician. Whether we’re fitting you for your current bike or a custom order bike, we’ll talk to you about what type of riding you do, any existing injuries or limitations you may have, and what kind of handling characteristics you’re looking for in your bike.
We want to know if you are riding for fitness, fun, tt; aero position, mountain biking, ‘cross, communting etc and we want to know what makes you comfortable on a bike because more comfort = more fun.
Step 2) ‘Static’ Fitting
The static fitting starts with a set of your anthropomorphic measurements (height, inseam, arm and torso length, foot size and shoulder width). These numbers are punched into Shimano’s absurdly large database to determine a set of your unique baseline fit measurements.
The Shimano software has a large database of bikes, by size, model and brand, that that is updated annually. Want to know how you’ll fit on a 53cm vs 55cm Pinarello F10? What to know if you like the Cervelo 54cm or Bianchi 55cm? We can set the system so you can feel the difference before you order your bike or frame. The Shimano BikeFitting System takes the guess work out of ordering a new bike or modifying your existing bike – you can feel the difference before you make your decision.
Step 3) ‘Dynamic’ Fitting
From measurement, we’ll move on to the bike analysis of your position, making the fine tune adjustments based on your preferences, feel, and the data developed during the Static Fitting process. The Shimano BikeFitting System allows us to easily and quickly switch between different seats, bars, and hood shapes, letting you test and feel a range of different setups quickly before having to make changes to your bike.
Step 3.5) Dynamic Fitting with Motion Capture
The Motion Capture technology used by Shimano BikeFitting System lets us take all the information acquired during the Static and basic Dynamic parts of the fitting, and take it to the next level.
Want to try a different seat, or seat angle? With motion capture we can illustrate to you on our live display how those changes are influencing your hip, knee and ankle angles. Shimano’s massive global database of user information comes in handy here, helping us work with you to get different body angles into specific ranges depending on what your needs are.
Step 4) Lasers:
Lasers! Once we’ve settled on all the numbers, angles and positions, Shimano’s BikeFitting System uses a series of markers in combination with an x-y axis laser to allow us to precisely transfer all the measurements and contact points from our fit machine to your very real bicycle. This includes seat height and angle and, as well as contact points like hood position, bar angle and other details that have an impact on how your bike feels underneath you.
Step 5) Pedal Analysis:
Want to take your riding to the next level? Once we’ve been through all of the above, Shimano BikeFitting Systems’ last, big feature allows us to get into an incredible level of detail. You get to see left/right differentiated power output at the pedal, in real time, throughout the pedal stroke. This info is displayed in front of you on a large visual display, in an easy to understand graphic illustrating where you’re producing force in the pedal stroke, again Left/Right differentiated.
What sets Shimano’s system apart is their unique 3-axis power measurement system. Adding lateral pressure measurements allows us to show where on the pedal you’re producing power. With this we have a much clearer picture of how to adjust cleat position, Q-Factor, crank length, using live feedback to show you how these changes impact your power output. This can even be paired with HR to allow for improvements in pedaling efficiency. Cool, huh?
Yeah! Sound good? Lets get started. Want to know more?
There’s definitely more you can do with the BikeFitting System, so come talk to us. For a list of what fitting services we will be offering, check the services page. Don’t see what you want? Come talk to us!