cyclefit services

Every bike rider on the planet wants to perform better and be able to ride without discomfort, but they face a dual handicap. Firstly, modern production frame design owes more to keeping unit costs low and less to fitting a wide range of needs than is commonly realised. Secondly, much of the information commonly available about rider positioning is without foundation and demonstrably wrong.
Most modern thinking about rider positioning is based around the proposition that there is a mathematical relationship between body dimensions and a position on a bicycle or a set of frame dimensions. The message is that these measurements and a few simple relationships like ball of the foot over the pedal axle, knee over the pedal axle and similar, will produce a good result. This idea is widespread, pervasive and can be found in many cycling books, magazines and coaching manuals.

IT IS A MYTH!
And a myth that has led countless cyclists down the road of discomfort, injury and suboptimal performance.
STATIC body measurements are not unimportant but are the least important aspect to consider. Of far greater relevance are the level of structural fitness, injury history, respiratory efficiency, asymmetries of function, response to stress loading and idiosyncrasies of technique that any given rider brings to the DYNAMIC activity of propelling a bicycle. Correctly assessing and skilfully addressing these matters can have a huge impact on performance and in improving comfort and reducing the chances of avoidable injury.
We have extensive experience with all branches of cycling and all levels of performance. World, National and State Champions, recreational riders, amputees and people with chronic injuries and postural issues have all benefited from our services. We believe in what we do and are confident enough in our ability to get results that ALL CYCLEFIT SERVICES ARE OFFERED ON A MONEY BACK IF NOT HAPPY BASIS.
We offer the following:

This is typically a 3 hour process [add 30 minutes if using aero bars] that includes:
1. Full structural assessment, static and dynamic.
2. Positional correction including any equipment changes or modifications required, whether to bike or shoes.
3. Detailed advice on the best way to resolve structural issues identified.
4. Referrrals to appropriate health professionals.
5. Ongoing advice and tech support as required.
6. Information pack for self reference and further reading.
7. Detailed diagrams of Ideal Frame Dimensions and Rider Positional Parameters.
8.Any other measures required that result in a better performing, injury free rider.
9. CAD drawings for both ideal frame dimensions and optimal positional parameters

N.B. We used to include before and after power output testing but have discontinued this for the time being. We found that very few athletes can back up for two maximum power ramp tests only a couple of hours apart. We are not happy with sub max testing because the results don't always correlate with max testing. We hope to be able to announce some revolutionary new Australian designed equipment to aid in testing, both for output and positioning in November/December 2006
All of this is done on the clients existing bike or bikes.
Cost: $495- AUD plus any parts required.

Recent Results and Power Output Increases post Cyclefit:
Leo van Doorn - Holland - increase of 8%
Barry Mourad - Maroubra, Australia - increase of 28%
Agnes Verstegen - Dubbo, Australia - increase of 40%
Mike Bush - Tumut, Australia - increase of 12%
Cliff McVeigh - New Zealand - increase of 18%

FRAMEFIT

This is for the client wishing to purchase a custom or production bike. Typically a 2 hour process, it involves much of the same as a Cyclefit, but no permanent changes are made. If it is a production bike that is required, we will make recommendations based on the physical structure, individual techniques and budget of the customer and explain the implications of any particular choice.
We are happy to liaise with any other shop to ensure the correct choice. We sell a limited number of brands of high quality production bikes; Merckx and Kuota. We also sell the highest quality custom bikes in steel, titanium, aluminium and carbon and mixes of aluminium/carbon, steel/carbon and titanium/carbon by Baum and Teschner [see Links page].
If a custom frame or bike is required we will design and supply or liaise with any other supplier of the customers' choice to ensure the correct result.
Cost: $275- AUD

This is the 2nd stage of a FRAMEFIT. Once the client has purchased a production bike or custom bike not supplied by us, we complete the fitting process on that bike. This can take up to 2 hours and involves the modification or changing of some existing parts and the making up of any specific articles required to ensure a correct fit.
Cost: $220- AUD plus any parts and fittings required.

If purchasing a custom bike or frame from us, the Finalfit is complimentary.

Over the service life of a bicycle many riders may change shoes, pedals or other parts. Any issues arising from this are tackled on any hourly rate. Equally, people are not static structurally and can change over time in the sense of improving their symmetry and structural function, or if they neglect these components of fitness, they may become worse in these areas. Any issues that may crop up at some future time are also resolved on an hourly rate.

CONSULTATION SERVICES
For many years Steve has given his time freely and without obligation to anyone requesting help with position, equipment choice, frame design and cycling related technical matters. This demand has increased to the point where it is affecting his ability to earn a living, as he seems to have become the unpaid technical and positioning advice resource for many, many people. He does not begrudge any single instance, but when it is 20 - 30 times a day, you can perhaps understand the practical need to charge for some of this time.

If you wish for free advice via email, send your query to fitness@cyclingnews.com; or if you prefer an answer in printed hard copy, send your query to editorial@bicyclingaustralia.com .
Through either channel above, the initial reply is free. If there are supplementary questions and ongoing advice required, then there is a charge of $40- AUD per email reply. Every effort is made to make the replies as lengthy and comprehensive as possible.

Video Positioning Advice
We are getting an increasing demand from outside Australia for positioning help, particularly from the U.S.A. and Western Europe. This can be done by video and we have experience in this. The subject has themselves filmed to a protocol we provide and we suggest changes based on that. The client makes those changes and sends another video, by mail or email, and so on till the job is done to their satisfaction. The technology does not yet exist to provide the same level of expertise as a Cyclefit in person. However we are finding that the great majority of people who have used this service are more than happy with the results. If this is of interest because of the 'tyranny of distance' contact us for more details. The one qualification that Steve would put on this, is video does not lend itself to ' last resort' solutions. If your problems or needs are of the everyday 'Joe or Josephine Average' type, fine. If you have extreme problems, there is no substitute for a visit in person.

INFORMATION NIGHTS
These are held on the first Monday of each month from 6pm. If you want to know more about Cyclefit or the thinking behind it without any obligation, this is the time and place. Nibbles and refreshments are provided. Bookings are essential.

Many riders have measurable or functional differences in leg length. To accommodate this Steve has developed the following:
Compensation shims: these are available in 2 mm and 3 mm thicknesses and can be used singly or stacked to any desired height; i.e. 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm etc. Models available suit Look, Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL, Time Impact, Keywin and Campagnolo. These are available singly or in any quantity for $10- AUD each. Construction is of flexible CNC machined material so that the compensation shims easily conform to the curve of the sole of the shoe. As the cleats wear and are replaced the shims can be reused. The compensation shims can be supplied with any length of fixing bolt required.

Speedplay Rearsets:
The design of the 3 hole Look compatible baseplate supplied with Speedplay pedals means that a significant number of Speedplay owners cannot position their cleats far enough back on their shoe for optimimum performance. To address this we have replacement baseplates in CNC machined and anodized aluminium allowing up to 15mm more rearward adjustment. The kit includes all fixing hardware. Cost is $140- AUD- per pair including postage to anywhere on the planet.

OTHER FITTINGS
Spud Spacers:
These are the only way we have found of accommodating leg length discrepancies of function or measurement underneath an SPD or similar bolt pattern cleat without possibility of the cleat coming loose. There is a CNC machined 2mm thick baseplate with choice of 1mm or 2mm shims. The build up can be 2, 3 or 4mm with the kit supplied which includes longer mounting bolts to suit. Cost: $ 36 - each.

Lemond Wedges:
Steve prefers to correct footplant on the pedal inside the shoe where possible. Sometimes this cannot be done comfortably and Lemond Wedges can be fitted between cleat and sole of shoe. They are available to suit a wide variety of shoes and pedal systems. Cost: $8- AUD each.

Keywin pedal axles:
If you are user of Keywin pedals but wish to position your foot closer to, or further away from the crankarm, we sell pedal axles in 3mm and 6mm shorter than standard as well as 3mm and 6mm longer than standard.