Cycle Analysis (formerly bike fitting)

What is a BioVelo Cycling Analysis?

The purpose of a proper cycling analysis is to address the biomechanical discrepancies that arise when combining the complex anatomical individual differences of each human and a semi-adjustable machine (the bike) on the movement patterns associated with overuse injuries and energy leaks,  resulting in a decrease in power and performance.  

Wasted energy, power leaks, and overuse injuries may be a result of: 

• poor flexibility

• core instability

• foot and hip instability

• improper cleat alignment and foot mechanics

• incorrect bike geometry or size

• improper positioning on the bike

Riding a bicycle is a repetitive activity by nature.  The average cyclist pedals between 4000-6000 revolutions per hour; which can lead to overuse injuries due to stress on the joints, muscles, and not to mention your butt, if you and the bike are not in sync.  In other words, if the bike is not positioned properly to your anatomy and abilities, performance deficits and overuse injuries can occur.  Many cyclists feel these aches and pains are just part of the sport, however, I believe otherwise.  I invite you to learn more about a cycle analysis and why I feel it is important to your performance and comfort on the bike.  As you will find out reading below there is more to a bike fit than just seat height and that is why we call it Cycling Analysis

Dynamic Positioning

Cycling is not a static sport, many moving parts are working together as a system of levers to create torque.  The application of the forces generated by the muscles determines our cycling biomechanics. Utilizing a Computrainer to analyze both power and pedal efficiency, we are able to quantify relative changes between pre and post positions and how they affect your biomechanics, ultimately affecting your performance.  If you can't quantify the changes how do you know the changes are for the good? 

Power and Pedal Stroke Analysis

The act of cycling can be viewed as a foot up approach or a pelvis down approach.  Both are correct depending on what you are wanting to evaluate. Utilizing SpinScanTM Software from Racermate, we are able to analyze how the forces applied to the pedals are driving your cycling metrics from the standpoints of efficiency, absolute and relative power, L/R power splits, torque angles, cadence, speed, and more.  To learn more about SpinScan please visit: https://www.racermateinc.com/spinscansoftware/.

Ultimately, all movement originates from our Center of Gravity (C of G), which would emphasize why viewing the act of cycling from the pelvis down approach is warranted since the muscles surrounding the hips and pelvis are our primary power producers.  However, if we go back to 8th grade physics, we can recall Newton's 3rd law, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction",  illustrating the importance of what happens at the pedal affects movement up the chain.  This is a great segue into understanding open vs. closed kinetic chain situations.  

All too often though many problems (symptoms) are addressed at the foot through the use of wedges and cleat adjustments when the root biomechanical cause of the issue stems farther up, usually in the hip/pelvis due to mobility and stability issues of that area. .  Understanding these relationships, in conjunction with the use of SpinScan software, allows us to pinpoint the issue and develop a plan of action.    

Video Analysis 2D or 3D

You can't fix what you can't see. Using (2) 2D HD cameras, we are able to observe, slow down, and calculate angles about your movement patterns and look at knee tracking.  Most places call this 3D since using 2 camera views, but our 3D process is "true" 3D using the same technology used to make the popular video games.  

Vicon™ 3D motion capture technology allows us to analyze your cycling movements in real time. Unlike conventional video analysis, 6 infrared cameras capture your cycling motion in 3D allowing for an in-depth analysis of your position on the saddle and your movement patterns in all 3 planes of motion (including the forgotten transverse plane where most injuries originate).  This real-time data allows us to analyze what is happening immediately after a change has been made to your position on the bike and its impact on performance while maintaining comfort to prevent injuries.  

Using (2) 2D HD cameras, we are able to slow things down to get a better view while calculating joint angles and evaluate knee tracking.  Most places call this 3D since using 2 camera views, but our 3d process is "true" 3D using the same technology used to make the popular video games. 

Physical Assessment

Probably the most important and longest part of the cycling analysis is assessing the engine, YOU!  After a brief warm-up on the bike and collecting baseline metrics and video, we will start by assessing and measuring your foot mechanics...it all starts at the foot!  This information along with your walking gait pattern will be used in determining shoe fit,  your cleat set-up, and any need for cycling specific insoles. 

Next we will go through a series of functional movement assessments addressing ROM, compensations, and limitations.  This will be followed by measuring "your" ROM in the joints of the lower extremity, which are used to determine your saddle and cockpit settings, not a computer program or set of guidelines that tell you where you should be. Again, we have to adjust the bike to you, not adjust you to some set of pre-determined values or images...this is key!  All to often we are influenced by others, marketing, and media as to where they or we think we should be rather than where the body is able to go.  This is the cornerstone behind the process of a cycling analysis not being one and done and looking at the whole rider-bicycle system.  Depending on the level of dysfunction or limited ROM, multiple sessions may be needed to hone in your position on the bike over time as either things improve or get worse with your ROM.  Positioning a bike based on your cycling analysis should be an evolution as your body changes; for the better or worse.

Cleat Alignment – Last but not least!

The pedals are the primary site of energy transfer; therefore cleat alignment is important to make certain that the foot contact to the pedal and knee tracking are aligned properly minimizing energy leaks and stress on the body.   A change in cleat position, although small, can be the difference between knees that ache and experiencing an increase in power.  In addition, addressing foot mechanics with semi-custom cycling specific insoles, leg length discrepancies with lifts, knee tracking with wedges, and physical therapy for musculoskeletal imbalances, we can provide you with the means to make sure energy leaks are reduced to a minimum.

PACKAGES

3D Comprehensive Cycling analysis (3.5 hours)      $400.00 and 475.00 Triathlon

Uses real time motion capture technology to analyze your cycling movements dynamically…while you are pedaling, allowing us to see the affects of the changes made. Changes in angles, joint positions and power are quantified with the aid of the Computrainer providing instant biofeedback, eliminating the guesswork of making an adjustment.  A CD is provided with all 3D detailed info, measurements, exercises, video, pictures, & summary.  Includes 1 follow-up session. 

2D Advanced Cycling Analysis (2.5-3 hours) (Best Value)

$275.00 and 350.00 Triathlon                                            (Please call about MTB, Fitness bikes, and multi-bike discounts)

Designed to build upon the basic bike fit by addressing all aspects of bike geometry and body configurations, the 2D Advanced Fit also utilizes a computrainer and 2D video analysis.  Service includes Basic Bike Fit plus:

- Pre/Post pedal stroke and power analysis

- Full body physical assessment, Functional Movement             Screening

- Foot mechanics evaluation

- 3-way cleat alignment

- Pre/Post video analysis

- 1 follow-up session

- Summary report, documented measurements, and                 corrective exercise prescription

Basic Cycling Analysis (1-1.5 hours)

$150.00

Designed to address the fundamental parameters needed to ride in comfort with efficient power i.e. beginners, commuters, touring.  Please not service does not include cleat/pedal set-up. Service includes:

- Interview and rider history

- Hamstring assessment

- Pedal technique observation

- Documentation of bike set-up

- Seat height/tilt and for/aft

- Stem length/angle determination

- Handlebar size determination