Bicycle Fitting
Our bicycle fitting process has been pioneered, developed and taught at the Institute of Professional Bike Fitting to the top fitters in the world. There is no mystery to bike fitting; our system uses common sense, proven biomechanical evaluation techniques, mechanical laws of physics and bio-feedback.
You will not only be totally satisfied with your new fit, you will leave with the knowledge to recognize and understand the reasons and benefits for proper position and posture on a bike. The more awareness and knowledge you have as an athlete about your equipment, the better your cycling experience will be.
There is no such thing as a "Quick Fit" at Signature Cycles. We believe every aspect of our fitting process is valuable and ensures the best fit for each individual athlete. All our fits begin with an extensive interview process and evaluation, which include a verbal interview and a physical assessment.
We improve your comfort, efficiency and power on your bike by:
gathering information about what your body is doing off the bike
discovering what body "blue print" you bring to cycling
accommodating any injuries or asymmetries that you may have
identifying your cycling goals short term and long term
being aware of any prescribed corrective devices or orthotics that you use
understanding why you choose to ride a bike
comprehending your riding style and habits
measuring your body's range of motion as it relates to cycling
These are just a sample of the fifty plus questions we ask and processes we perform before we see you on the bike. Understanding your entire athletic profile allows us to better assess your needs as a cyclist and therefore accurately fit you on your bike.
We are often asked if we take body length measurements in our fitting process: we only gather information that we can accurately measure. When questioned, doctors from orthopedists to chiropractors agree that body measurements that are commonly taken by other fitting systems are impossible to measure accurately without an X-ray or MRI. Common sense tells us that if doctors are unable to measure the body with a degree of accuracy that is acceptable for our purposes, then we should not depend on this methodology as bicycle fitters.
We offer three levels of Fit Services that are guaranteed to enhance your performance and enjoyment on your bike. Whether you are wanting to fit your current bike, shop for a new bike or buy a custom dream bike, we offer exactly what you need:
Level One: Your Existing Bike
Level One Fit
The Level One Fit allows us to make changes to your current bike by adjusting or changing components and putting you in the best
desired position within the limits of your existing frame. It is a 2-2.5 hour process that begins with an extensive interview and
physical assessment. You will leave with all the components assembled and located properly on your frame, to ensure the final fitting
target coordinates are accurately met and maintained. You will be provided with a marked diagram of your bicycle’s critical
dimensions and coordinates. This information can then be used to compare any other bike to the new positional coordinates of your current bike.
The Level One Fit uses the Computrainer in the Spin Scan pedal stroke analysis mode along with Dartfish Video Motion Analysis. Spin Scan pedal stroke analysis monitors your power output at every 15 degrees of your pedal stroke, left leg and
right leg power output balance, overall pedaling efficiency, average torque angle for each leg, wattage, cadence, speed, and heart
rate. This data allows us to fine tune your fit while monitoring the effects of the changes as they relate to power, efficiency and
metabolic cost. Small changes in position or posture can yield large improvements in performance. Only the
Computrainer can accurately illustrate what is the output of your efforts in to the bike. Our fitting adjustments will be based on
a performance oriented goal when using the Computrainer.
Dartfish Video Motion Analysis software allows us to capture accurate measurements which are unobtainable when you are in a static
position. This degree of accuracy proves to be invaluable in setting you up in the perfect position to work within your body’s
limiters. In addition, Video Motion Analysis is used as a tool to let you visualize your pedaling technique in slow motion and understand
the proper techniques necessary to produce power, be biomechanically efficient and avoid injury.
The 3D Tru Capture Technology of eSoles allows us to accurately align your foot, shoe, cleat, pedal interface for optimal power transfer
and comfort. Proper alignment of the hip, knee and foot will ensure that the power producing muscles fire and function efficiently. If
you choose to purchase eSoles cycling footbeds you will benefit from considerably improved alignment and experience greater power with
less fatigue.
Our fitting methodology starts at the cleat placement and work its way up the body from the Foot to Knee to Pelvis to Lumbar spine to
Thoracic spine to Scapula to Cervical spine to Elbow to Wrist, Hand and Fingers. All along we are checking and rechecking any
adjustments and the resulting effect from your body’s kinetic chain of responses. We use the Computrainer to monitor and control
wattage and speed, allowing real world efforts to be simulated during the fitting process. The Motion Analysis is then used to
accurately align the critical biomechanical and mechanical land marks to insure proper and efficient alignment to maximize power
transfer and avoid potential injurious joint loading.
The Level One Fit is the best process to maximize your power, efficiency, comfort, and control on your bike.
Level Two: New Stock Bike
Level Two Fit
The Level Two Fit is for determining what Custom or Stock frame fits you best by using the Serotta Sizecycle. It will ultimately
determine the sizes and locations of all your components as they relate to fit and performance. It is a 2-2.5 hour process that
starts with the Level One Fit system. The Serotta Sizecycle is an infinitely adjustable bicycle fitting tool that will allow you to
experience an unlimited range of bicycle fits that will assist us in determining your proper frame and component measurements. The Sizecycle will provide us with the critical target coordinates that we then manipulate with proprietary frame geometry software that
will give us your perfect frame geometry and component measurements for a custom bike. We then can input the data of any of your stock
manufacturers’ frame choices and determine what frame size and component options would work best to come closest to your perfect fit
coordinates.
In doing this, Signature Cycles provides a valuable service to those who are buying a stock frame.
By assuring that correct frame and components are purchased at the outset, the fitting fee itself is typically recouped immediately. That
is to say that by buying the closest to "perfect fit" stock frame along with the appropriate corrective components, you will not have
to repurchase the same components later in order to bring the parameters of the bicycle fit within acceptable limits. Such necessary
secondary purchases can easily be a large percentage of your bicycle's original purchase price.
Elements addressed during the fitting are: correct length crank arm, seatpost, and seat; the length and degree of stem along with the
correct number of spacers. Care is also given to the correct handlebar reach and width. Without a considered and formal fitting procedure
these elements are never adequately addressed by "off the shelf" bicycle purchases.
Level Three: New Custom Bike
Level Three Fit
If you choose to purchase a custom built Serotta, Seven, Parlee, Independent Fabrications or Guru we begin with the Level Two Fit. Using the Serotta Sizecycle along with the Proprietary Design Software we guarantee that your Custom Frame, with all the specified components, will precisely hit our fit target coordinates. This is the primary reason why we sell only the best custom frames manufactured in the world. We do not tolerate any margin of error when it comes to fitting and we expect our manufacturers to share in our passion for perfection. Signature Cycles will deliver you the ride of your life, guaranteed! A $200.00 credit will be issued back to you towards the purchase of your new custom bicycle.
Mobile Fit
Mobile Fit
Signature Cycles pioneered the first mobile bike fitting service in the industry. Signature Cycles will come to you at your home or office, complete with a Serotta Sizecycle plus all the necessary tools and knowledge required for a truly personalized fit. Anytime, anywhere, you choose what best suits your needs so we can guarantee that the quality of the fit session is insured. You will have our undivided attention, so relax and experience the ultimate in personalized service. When completed, your new custom bicycle will be delivered right to your door. It doesn’t get any better than that!
