Last week I spent the better part of a day in the studio of Master Specialized BG Fit Technician (and good friend) Steve Bowen, owner of PV Bicycle Center in Palos Verdes, CA.
The BG Fit is a "dynamic fitting" - with the cyclist on a computrainer with video cameras and software that freezes the video so that measurements are taken with the rider in motion under load (as opposed to having the rider stop mid pedal stroke and hope the rider is really in the position he/she would be in if pedaling).
Steve has a blog which includes videos designed to give you a look at every aspect of the BG Fit: http://pvbicyclingcenter.blogspot.com/
DO watch them!
To sum up my day: After the off-the-bike interview and physical assessment, I got on the bike and started pedaling for a power/spin analysis. The computrainer gives immediate feedback and shows how much power each leg is putting out, and finds weaknesses in the pedal stroke. I was surprised to see that my right leg was 16% stronger than my left.
The first thing he did was change my saddle. It turns out that the saddle I was using, while seemingly comfortable, was much too wide. It was getting in the way. With just the saddle change, and no other adjustments, my right and left legs were within 2% of each other. Wow.
Based on the video capture, we also lowered the saddled and moved it slightly forward. I also got a new, shorter stem, and tilted my bars up a bit. Steve made some major adjustments to my cleat position, changed my insoles and added shims in my shoes. Voila! I'm a new cyclist!
Here are some still images from the video capture:
I'm riding better and stronger and faster than ever before. My love of cycling and desire to train is renewed!
If you're interested, call Steve at (310) 377-7441 - and tell him that Deb & Brian sent you.
Steve tests flexibility and checks for leg length discrepancy (which Brian has from a past hip injury).
Check out how Brian's feet hang. This problem was remedied with new insoles and shims in both shoes.
Steve checks knee tracking and moves cleats to make adjustments.
Steve moved Brian's seat down and back to get the proper angles.
Seriously... If you ride - get a fit.
