Back To (Fit) School

Last Spring TWT gave me the opportunity to attend my fifth bicycle fitting seminar, the SBCU Master’s Bicycle Fitting course!   The Specialized Bicycle Components University course was taught by a team of experts including the one-and-only Andy Pruitt, the guy who literally wrote the book on bike fit.  Dr. Pruitt has finessed the positions of many well-known athletes over the years including Bobby Julich, Fabian Cancellara, and the Schleck brothers.

The Master’s course was surprisingly jam-packed with new gems of information and positioning tips for solving common issues knee pain and not-so-common issues like leg length discrepancies.  One new topic we covered applied directly to an athlete who had been having terrible iliotibial band issues on his bike and had been fit and re-fit by multiple fitters at various bicycle shops.  Having just learned new stabilization fitting techniques and related cycling biomechanics, I was eager to set-up a fit session and use my tools of knowledge to get him back on his P2—with which he has had no issues with since the repositioning.

Promptly following my return from California (Specialized’s world headquarters) our fit stations received 2 new massage tables essential to do the 20-step advanced pre-fit assessment required in the 3D Body Geometry Fit, which Dennis, Drew, and myself are certified to perform.  We are ready to rock the full BG fit with all the required tools and knowledge — come by this fall/winter and see what a BG fit can do for you!

Seven Cycles Custom Frame – An Experience

Jerry Talks About His Seven Cycles Custom Fitting

Why a Custom Frame Bicycle?
Look around – bike riders come in countless sizes and shapes. Regular production bicycles in their many sizes and shapes accommodate the majority of folks. With a proper fitting from the fit team at TWT almost all new bikes fit their owners perfectly.  However for some body geometries, a fitting is “almost perfect,” with slight compromises to accommodate unique body geometry.

You might never notice the effects of these compromises in the “almost perfect” fit, but they are indeed there.  The solution is a frame designed around the individual—a custom frame.

So I’m Not Perfect
I’ve got one of the non-standard body geometries – in my case, long legs and arms and a short torso.  Production bikes have always been a fit compromise so I decided to purchase a custom fit frame from Seven Cycles.

Fact-Checking
The first step was an in-depth questionnaire involving both quantitative and subjective data.  Body measurement parameters (inseam, torso length, arm length, etc) were measured and compiled by the TWT fit team.  Key measurements were taken from my present bike.  On the subjective side I was queried about my satisfaction with the fit of my present bike and any additional issues I had.  Finally through a series of prompts I was asked to describe in detail the type of riding that I do.

Let’s Talk
After submitting my questionnaire to Seven they set up an appointment for an-in-depth telephone interview.  It was during this interview that for me the real fun began. It was obvious that these folks really know their stuff—it was as if they could read my mind and that they had been riding alongside of me and observing for years!!  Top marks for personal service.

Blueprints & Mockup & Assessment
Approximately 2 weeks later Seven provided a blueprint complete with measurements of their proposed frame design.  The TWT team used the “size-cycle” (an infinitely adjustable bicycle frame complete with drivetrain, seat and handlebars) to mock up and functionally assess the design proposal with me in the saddle.  One small change was provided to Seven and approximately 5 weeks later (timing varies) my frame and fork arrived at the shop.

How Do I Love My Seven – Let Me Count The Ways…
Seven Cycles’ mission:  We’ve built our business on understanding what you really want and value in a bicycle and delivering precisely that, accompanied by a level of service unparalleled in the industry.

Yep.

I’ve been riding my Seven since mid-May.  My reaction is just two words—ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!! In hindsight I understand the compromises I’ve lived with.  Over a long road biking career (50+ years) none of the many bikes I’ve owned and/or ridden ever felt like my Seven.  The bike felt instantly like an old friend and our first ride became an accidental century.  And the cost of a custom frame fully equipped Seven is MUCH less than one might expect.  Higher-end production bikes are more expensive.  Yet another reason my Seven surprises and delights me.

For more information, stop by Two Wheel Tango –  and stop by the  Seven Cycles web site too.