Finding individually optimum contact point geometry (NBFA Level 2; IFBI 100 Credits)
Goals
To provide cycling professionals such as coaches, bike fitters, physiotherapists etc. with a good practical working knowledge of how to assess an individual cyclists for thier optimal contact point relationship. This course is invaluable for those wishing to work with cyclists to improve their cycling. Many coaches/physios etc are well versed in techniques for improving a cyclists function to cope with cycling stress. This course reveals the worlds best understanding, techniques and methods for optimising individual cyclists for the best power, endurance, efficiency, sustainability and injury prevention in regards to the positioning of their shoes, saddle and bars.
Rationale
Most introductory bicycle fitting courses focus on twenty year old angle measuring methods that have a limited justification of their effectiveness. The current bicycle fitting standards of angle measuring and knee over pedal spindle are criticised for producing inconsistent results. This course is aimed at those already familiar with these methods who are looking for a more robust and consistently accurate approach to understanding individual bicycle fitting optimisation. There is not expensive product required to practise the techniques learned on this course. They require little more than a cyclists, bicycle and suitable resistance unit.
Focus and outcomes
This course is designed to substantially increase knowledge, critical thought process, skills and methods in the practical application of bike fitting for individual cyclists.
This course affords the time to get individuals to a point where they can confidently apply the world’s leading bicycle fitting techniques for positioning the contact points of a bicycle.
Topics Covered
Micro adjusters/Macro adopters – University of Utah theory of bike fit Vs. the reality of middle age
Pre-Screening – Useful flexibility tests
Foot placement over the pedal axle – Plyometric or postural preferencing – Force direction. Balancing the foot over the axle for given seated positions. Plantar/dorsi flexed feet and axle placement.
Introducing the theory and practice of axle positioning from 1st Met head to Mid foot. Endurance cycling.
Crank length – torque, force and power. Hip flexion.
Leg Extension – The effects of under and over extension and key indicators for selecting individually appropriate saddle height
Balancing Gravitational and Aerodynamic, postural and performance implications of position
Practical learning
Practical learning of functional testing methods for assessing appropriate saddle position and the assessment of a body in motion.
Introducing saddle shape selection, ideal performance and common issues. Pelvic anatomy and cycling idiosyncrasies.
Practical learning of setback testing for road/Cross/TT/tri with each student
Handle bar reach and drop selection – functional implications
Practical learning session based on finding an individual’s functional limitations and how to choose an X/Y bar position for roadbikes.
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