I’ve had a number of different bike fits over the years to improve my position on the bike but none have been as advanced or as accurate as my recent session with Freespeed, a bike fit studio in West London that uses the Retul biking fitting system.
With previous bike fits the fitter has taken my measurements, scribbled down notes on bits of paper, used plumb lines and scrutinised by eye how well I’m positioned on the bike and if I’m lucky I’ll get an email after the session with a few simple measurements. This has always seemed slightly archaic to me in this digital age.
Original position before bike fit
Technology
The Freespeed bike fitting experience however, is a world apart. They use the state-of the art Retul system, which in Retul’s words, ‘incorporates an amazingly precise three-dimensional motion capture technology, immediate report capability, and millimeter-specific digitizing tool to provide the most accurate dynamic fitting solution in the industry’.
Measurement Process
Sat on my bike in the Freespeed studio I felt like a pro being measured up to their new bike for the forthcoming race season. Richard Melik, who runs Freespeed, meticulously took me through the step-by-step process, leaving no stone unturned during the 3 hour session. He started by checking my flexibility and then proceeded to place tiny circular patches on 8 anatomical points; my wrists, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, heel and toe, to which he attached special LED markers. I felt like an actor from the Matrix being fitted-up for CGI special effects!
Gathering data in real time
Richard then asked me to pedal so that the system’s special sensor bar could gather real-time, three dimensional data of my pedal strokes and movements. Richard then turned the rotating platform that the bike and I were mounted on to collect data from my other side, which also had all of the LEDs attached.
Analysing the data
A huge amount of data was then instantly displayed on a large wall mounted flat screen in front of me. At first glance, I didn’t have a clue what all this data meant but Richard took me through it systematically, explaining what every measurement meant. He gave me his analysis – the good and ‘bad’ news – telling me how my current bike position needed to be altered and why.
Also, unlike many of the other bike fittings I’ve had, the system automatically videoed me every time we did a data gathering session. These video clips and stills were shown on the data screen, along with data from the previous sessions were compared.
Making the changes
Richard told me that my seat was far too low. I’d heard this before but was shocked when he told me that he was going to raise the seat post by at least another 15mm. At first I was sceptical but somehow the extensive data analysis, Richard’s detailed explanation as to how and why the changes would make a difference, gave me total confidence in his assessment.
Improved Position
Once Richard had changed the seat height and made a number of other adjustments, including replacing my existing stem for a slightly shortened one (I felt my reach was too far away from the hoods), I pedalled again so that the system could gather the new measurement data.
The new riding position felt odd at first, even tiring but after a few minutes my legs started to get used it, feeling a new found sense of ‘muscular freedom’ and fluidity with each pedal stroke. The new data was shown on the screen and Richard told me what had changed and how my ride position had improved.
Once we’d finished this comprehensive 3 hour fitting, Richard digitally measured my bike to provide a complete digital ‘map of my bike’, showing the exact new measurements. In theory, I could dismantle my bike and use these measurements to build my bike back up to exactly the same new ride position.
New & improved ride position after fit
Bike Fitting Report
The next day, Freespeed sent an email with images, videos and a number of bike fitting reports including my personal profile, specific data and measurements from the fit, bike measurements, and my final fit position.
Proof is in the riding
Out on the open road and on the indoor trainer, my new ride position feels amazing. Simply put, I feel much more comfortable in every way on the bike. And whilst I went to Freespeed for a road bike fitting, I also feel comfortable and more powerful than ever before when I drop down onto the tri bars.
Best bike fitting
Thank you Freespeed for the best bike fitting I’ve ever had.
Rating 10/10
Pros: The state of the art Retul system is the best bike fitting technology we’ve experienced so far and the service at Freespeed is excellent.
Cons: Not cheap but worth every penny if you’re serious about your ride position on the bike.
