Super Bike Summary

Recently I posted a photo of a bike I would consider purchasing if money were no object. Since then, I received a lot of additional suggestions and decided to do a quick summary of them for future reference sake.

Specialized Shiv

Price - $12700

Former Texas training partner and now Texas race host Tim "Buckwheat" Carroll was the first to lead me to this bike. Apparently illegal in road racing (UCI) but still is USAT legal. Basically, they ignored UCI rules and designed the Shiv exclusively for triathlon: with unmatched aerodynamics, the Fuelselage integr...ated hydration system, and a huge range of fit adjustability. The S-Works FACT IS 11r carbon frame, Zipp 404 wheels, and Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain make the S-Works an ultralight, crazy fast package.



This is the bike Craig Alexander rode for Ironman Kona 2011:



Here's what Alexander said about it afterwards..."It's a total rocketship that should be illegal."

Looks great, doesn't it? But I have concerns. First, the 22-24 ounce internal bladder. Most of us will not use straight water but some sort of electrolyte/protein replenishment so what happens when the bladder needs to be cleaned? Apparently, the bladder can be removed for cleaning but who wants to do that all the time?

Besides, I am a tri-geek who races sprint distance 90% of the time with the occassional Oly. I really have no need for an internal bladder to save me 0.025 seconds over 10 miles. A single water bottle will serve me just fine.

But the most important reason I would pass on the Shiv is USAT itself. A few years ago I purchased a De Soto Water Rover wetsuit. This suit has a distinct advantage by placing panels of 2mm, 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm thickness in specific locations to maximize speed and flexibility. When I bought it, it was legal. As of September 1, 2010, the Water Rover was banned in WTC Races. USAT was next. According to USAT regulations, there is no limitation as to the thickness of wetsuit rubber, and there will be no limitation until Jan, 2013. This means if you buy a Water Rover now, you can race in this almost unfair and perfectly legal advantage for the entire 2011 and 2012 triathlon seasons. After that, it becomes a nice training suit or for us in non-USAT races.

What is to prohibit USAT making the same determination with the Shiv and determining this bike to be illegal and one is stuck with a nice $12K training bike? I'm not going to take that chance.

Argon-18 E118

Price - One bike dealer listed for $7400 but unsure of the wheel set.

Reader Miguel Vieira lead me to this previusly unknown bike. I've not seen one locally but it sure is pretty, isn't it?

Out of the box, the E-118 is equally compatible with Di2 or mechanical components. Regardless of the group you choose, all cables and wiring are internally routed for enhanced aerodynamics.

Built in a new mold and certified UCI-legal, this triathlon frameset expands and refines the concepts first embodied in the spectacular E-114 that helped establish the company’s stellar reputation in this field. This new frameset was developed in close collaboration with triathlon champion Tim O’Donnell and the Team SpiderTech riders, including Svein Tuft and Hugo Houle, Canadian Pro and U-23 time-trial champions, respectively.

In the world of time trial events, much emphasis is placed on the aerodynamic properties of bikes. While this is an important factor, in reality the cyclist generates up to 70% of the aerodynamic drag. This fact is at the core of Argon 18’s design philosophy. Our approach is that the rider and bike must form an integrated unit in order to optimize efficiency and achieve the best results. CFD analysis clearly demonstrates that once the rider is not in proper position, drag increases dramatically. Optimal positioning through AFS gives the rider the ability to remain on the armrests in the proper aero tuck position longer.

AFS geometry built into the E-118 guarantees tremendously accurate steering and extremely stable handling. This allows the rider to remain on the armrests in circumstances where it has not always been possible. For example, riders can remain in the perfect aero tuck position on the armrests during descents, on uneven roads, while hydrating and even when reaching into jersey pockets for nutrition

The AFS approach ensures the rider can maintain a proper aero position longer through an easy, accurate fit therefore ensuring aerodynamic efficiency and the ultimate in performance.



Trek Project One Custom Speed Concept 9.9 Series Podium
Price as shown (with Aeolus 9.0 Clinchers): $10,184.97. With Dura Ace Di2 -$12468.72

This is the customized paint Trek that I posted earlier. I think it is the customized paint option that initially draws me to the bike. I don't have to look like all the others in the transition area. I can be 'different', which everyone already knows I am.

The Trek seems to be a super-fast aerodynamic machine - it could be the most aero bike out there; if not, it's certainly right up there - with excellent adjustability and a top spec sheet. My research shows that riders who have this machine indicate the Trek absolutely flies on the flat and on shallow gradients, both up and down, and one gets a ton of stability which helps keep things steady even in a slight crosswind.

Downsides? Current owners indicate that adjusting the brakes could be easier… a whole lot easier, in fact, particularly the back one. But that’s the price you pay for the aerodynamic benefit, I guess. If brakes are tucked away from the wind, they’re tucked away from fingers and Allen keys too.

It’s a similar deal with the gears. You don’t get any external cable stops or in-line barrel adjusters so you can’t adjust them on the fly. If you ever found the chain struggling to go up a sprocket, you’d couldn’t do anything about it from the saddle, so you have to make sure everything is bang on before you set off.

Here is what Chris Lieto thinks of the bike.

Felt DA1 Di2
Price - DA 1 - Ultimate+Nano Carbon, Di2, Zipp 808 Firecrest Wheels - $12,999

Felt is a bike that we see a lot here in the Tundra. Mainly due to the fact that local tri-shop Gear West carries Felts and most of its top athletes from the GW team ride them.

Years of research, engineering and wind-tunnel development went into the DA1. Already ridden to major triathon wins by Felt athletes Terenzo Bozzone, and Andi Boecherer, this is the bike that left the competition in the dust. With UHC Ultimate+Nano carbon fiber material—shaped through extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics engineering and real-world testing—it’s 14% more aerodynamic and 13% stiffer than the last-generation DA. It’s also optimized for Shimano Di2 electronic shifting, with internal cable routing and an integrated battery mount.

I've not really had the chance to speak to anyone who is riding this machine so I can't add that much more to it. But it certainly has to be a great bike. All the Felt riders I know, whether using this model or one of the cheaper frames, always finish ahead of me.

Giant Trinity Advanced SL 0

Price - $13,500

Coming in highest of the bunch (component selective, mind) is this offering from Giant. Giant was a big brand when I lived on the East coast in the late 1980's. They've been around for a long time and have a good rep. I just don't know of any tri-geek riding it nor can I find any reviews on the bike. If you have it, or can provide a review please post within the comments field.

The manufacturer states: Designed by Giant's top engineers, this road rocket boasts the most advanced wind-cheating technology you could dream of. Starting with an aerodynamic Advanced SL Composite frame and fork, Giant then adds an aerodynamic carbon seatpost and integrated handlebar system for the ultimate in stiffness, light weight and efficiency that's sure to have you breaking PR's in no time. You'll love the wide range of adjustability for the perfect fit in any position, and with top-of-the-line components like Shimano's electronic Dura-Ace Di2 group, amazing Zipp 808 tubular wheels and a sleek Fizik saddle with carbon rails, you've got one stellar machine that's ready to dismantle the competition!

Well, it better for that price (2012 model)!

Cervélo P5

Price - ???

Which brings me to my last bike for this blog entry. I currently ride a 2008 P3 which is aluminum with 650cc wheel set (ZIPPs). So, certainly anything by Cervélo I'm going to look at.

BikeRadar received confirmation that Cervélo are set to debut their new—and highly anticipated—P5 tri/time trial aero flagship, as two distinct models during January's European Brainbike event. The models will be split by purpose: one UCI legal and ready for World Tour competition, and a second version built to cater to the longer distances and less restrictive governing body of triathlon.

As discussed earlier, Specialized upped the aero bike ante this year by splitting their Shiv aero bike into both UCI-legal and non-compliant versions in order to simultaneously satisfy the technical guidelines of WorldTour racing and the comparatively unrestricted arms race of triathlon. Cervélo generally aren't perceived as having those kinds of resources but according to BikeRadar's exclusive industry sources, the new P5 will counter that move with a tri-specific model that will cater more to their highly loyal multisport clientele and a second UCI-legal version for time trials.

The tri-specific version will be more aerodynamic with a taller down tube, a more aggressive seat tube profile around the rear wheel cutout, and a conventional single-crown fork – albeit, one with an additional bolt-on nosecone to increase the effective aspect ratio. The UCI-legal version, on the other hand, sticks to more P4-like tube dimensions and a standard front end without the add-on nosecone.

Also the P5 will forego a dramatically sleek proprietary cockpit for a standard setup that will be easier to fit and allow more choice in components – a move retailers and fitters will undoubtedly support. Even better, retail pricing is rumored to be lower than that of the P4 – people are guessing around $4,000 for the frameset with brakes and seatpost.

I seem to do bike window shopping each winter. Sort of passes the time. But I'm also wondering if a move to a super bike from the 2008 Cervélo P3 that I have about $4k invested in. It is an aluminum frame and has a ZIPP wheelset.

This bike has a 650cc wheel set, so I've been wondering if a move to a 700cc wheel set would be faster. Not to mention the lighter and more aero frame.

So, I went to Kevin O'Connor. Kevin is the owner of the aforementioned Gear West tri store. Kevin was the 2009 USAT Duathlete of the year. And he is someone I have trusted to go to for triathlon advice and bike service. Basically, Kevin made the following points to me about a possible move to a super bike:

• It is a loaded question but the short answer is that the new bikes are faster.
• There are some example of guys in the same situation as you.  Brooks Grossinger and Chad Millner.  I don't know if you know these guys but they are both fast and prior to 2010 season they were still on their 6-8 yr old 650c bikes with 9 speed drivetrains.  And they raced very fast on those.  Few things worse than having them pull up next to you in a race on their 7 yr old bike.  But they have both stated that the new bike is significantly better.  I don't know that they are riding any faster but they certainly are not slowing down.
• Here is the real answer to biking faster.  Training with Power.  [Such as training with] a Powertap wheel or Quarq crankset.  You would be able to quantify your cycling power.
• Do not ever accept that your pace is just the current pace. I just don't believe that.

So for the curious, a Quarq crankset looks like this:

Priced at $1795, it is a bicycle powermeter that is integrated into the crankset of the bicycle. Specifically, the CinQo is a instrumented crank "spider" that mounts on specific production cranksets. The ANT+ radio transmits the CinQo's power measurement digitally to other ANT+ compatible bicycle computers. (Think of ANT+ as "Bluetooth" for bicycles.) ANT+ computers include the Garmin Edge 705 and the iBike iAero. The ANT standard is available to all bike computer manufactures, so look for more ANT+ compatible bike computers in the future.

The CinQo powermeter measures power by measuring the torque (pedal force) and the angular velocity (cadence). When you press on the pedals, all parts of the bikes drivetrain displace (flex) slightly under the load. The CinQo spider is carefully designed using Finite Element Analysis to displace in a very controlled manner in specific locations in response to applied load. Strain gages are used to measure the displacement and thus calculate the applied torque.

For powertaps, there is the $1600 top-of-the-line Powertap SL+ Hub, Wheel, or Wheelset with Joule 2.0. Also there is a SL+ Hub built into Rear Wheel and Joule 2.0 for $1749.99.

I know some tri-geeks who train with power in mind and seem to do well. If someone were to go this route, they would need to understand the power concept and be able to set their training by it.

What about you? Would you opt for a new super bike? Or simply stay with the date you brought to the dance and incorporate a new training strategy?

Let me know. Leave a comment below, especially if you own any of the bikes covered above or use power in your training.

Happy Holidays!

I Did the Alpe D' Huez uphill TT

Late Friday I flew to the central French Alps,unpacked the bike and climbed. Fans ran along side me and encouraged me to ride faster. Helicopters flew over head. I was swarmed for autographs.

Um, I did climb. But it was indoors!

Gear West Bike and Triathlon has been holding an open-to-all Virtual Time Trial Series taking place in store on the Tacx Fortius Virtual Reality trainer. Each Time Trial "Event" will run 1 month, at which time they will change courses. The Male and Female winners from each age-group after the month will not only receive a $10 GWB&Tri gift certificate, but have bragging rights all month.

Last month I did Stage One: the Tour of Lombardy. For Stage Two we did the Alpe D' Huez. Well, the first 2.5 miles.

The Alpe d'Huez is one of the great climbs of the Alps, and was first climbed by the Tour de France in 1952 when Fausto Coppi won the stage. The climb to the ski resort has 21 marked hairpins, with the toughest part of the ascent over the first three kilometres and first six hairpins. It is a mountain pasture in the Central French Alps, in the commune of Huez, in the Isère département in the Rhône-Alpes region.



It has quite a history.

Significant stages
1952: Jean Robic attacked at the start of the climb and only Fausto Coppi could stay with him. The two climbed together until Coppi attacked at bend five, four kilometres from the top. He won the stage, the yellow jersey and the Tour.

1977: Lucien van Impe, a Belgian rider leading the climbers' competition, broke clear on the col du Glandon. He gained enough time to threaten the leader, Bernard Thévenet. He was still clear on the Alpe when a car drove into him. The time that van Impe waited for another wheel was enough to keep Thévenet in the lead by eight seconds.

1978: Another Belgian leading the mountains race also came close to taking the yellow jersey. Michel Pollentier also finished alone, but he was caught soon afterwards defrauding a drugs control and was disqualified.

1984: The Tour invited amateurs to take part in the 1980s. The best was Luis Herrera, who lived at 2,000m in Colombia. None of the professionals could follow him. He won alone to the cacophony of broadcasters who had arrived to report his progress.

1986: Bernard Hinault said he would help Greg LeMond win the Tour but appeared to ride otherwise. The two crossed the line arm in arm in an apparent sign of truce.

1997: Marco Pantani, who won on the Alpe two years earlier, attacked three times and only Jan Ullrich could match him. He lasted until 10 km from the summit and Pantani rode on alone to win in what is often quoted as record speed (14.34 MPH).

The total length of the course is 13.2 KM. For this event, wew only did the first 4 KM...and that was bad enough.



In front of me the Tacx computer screen showed a 12.2% max grade with an average grade of 7.5%. My power output maxed in the low 400's range, my average watts started in the low 300's then quickly went backwards and ended inthe upper 200's. I was cooked. With about a mile left in the climb my left calf started to cramp, badly. So I turned the effort into one of just lasting to the finish.

I was sorely disappointed in my overall effort. But what I came away with most was the fact that I had not even completed 1/3 of the ascent. The Tour boys do the whole blasted thing. And that's after a few hours onthe road just getting to the mountain! My speed hovered just under 10 MPH. The pros are in the 13/14 MPH range. Unbeliveable.

In talking with Curt and Gear West owner Kevin O'Connor the Tacx system has just upgraded to version 1.2 which will now allow for Google Earth. What does this mean? Heck, you can download a course via Map My Ride, for example, and ride an upcoming event weeks ahead of time to become familiar with it without ever having to leave home. Quite an advantage in my book. And you will actually get the visual via Google Earth along with the topography readout.

One really cool feature of this trainer is the ability to take your height and weight into account, so light people can fly up the mountains just like they would in real life. Bigger people have to put out bigger watts to climb.

I really appreciate Gear West putting on this series.

This is what the ride looked like to me... scenic views from the classic Tour of Lombardy in Italy.

This is what it looks like to "outsiders"

This is a unique opportunity to not only try out the best Virtual Reality Cycling Software available, but also to get a benchmark for your winter fitness, as the Tacx system will also measure your power, heart rate and cadence.

Here's the TT courses:
November 23-December 23: Tour of Lombardy 3.6 mile TT (Italy)
December 26-January 25: Alpe D' Huez uphill TT (2.5 miles)
January 26-February 26: Tour of Flanders TT (8 miles)

In the area? Read more and sign up here.

The Shim

Last year I had a Retül bike fit done at Gear West in Long Lake, Minnesota. It did wonders for my cycling last year.

At the time of the fit, my left knee was hardly traveling at all. By traveling, I mean that the knee was basically pumping up and down in a straight vertical line. But the right knee was a different story.

My right leg is shorter. We're not talking inches here, just enough to throw a person off and lead to some mechanic issues. Long story short, we added a shim underneath my right shoe cleat and right away the difference could be felt.

I rode with this single cleat shim for all of last season and it seemed fine. But this fall I started to have some pain in my right knee and some pain in the right hip. When I got on the windtrainer, I noticed the knee seemed to be traveling again and my hip seemed to be stretching. So, I went back in this last week and we added in a thicker shim.



The results were immediate. After three rides my pains have all but subsided. My right leg feels as strong as my left. It's all about mechanics. And sometimes all it takes is a little time to figure it out and something as simple as a piece of plastic that costs less than $1.

So let's dig into mechanics and injuries a bit. Cycling creates a tremendous demand on the lower extremities since they are responsible for producing a majority of the energy imparted to the bike. The high reactive forces created between the foot and the pedal produce loads that often adversely affect the joints and muscles of the legs and feet, leading to overuse injuries.

The incidence of lower extremity injury in cycling is high. One study of over 500 recreational cyclists reported 85 percent of the cyclists experienced one or more overuse injuries, 36 percent of which required medical treatment.

The main causes of overuse injuries in cyclists include a poorly fitting bicycle, musculoskeletal imbalances and training errors. Cycling is very repetitive. During one hour of cycling, a rider may average up to 5,000 pedal revolutions. The smallest amount of malalignment, whether it is anatomic or equipment-related, can lead to dysfunction, impaired performance and injury. In order to evaluate and treat a cycling athlete properly, the clinician needs a basic understanding of bicycle fitting, the proper selection of cycling shoes and foot orthoses (if indicated), and how anatomic factors and training errors contribute to these overuse injuries.

More often than not, iliotibial band syndrome is the result of over-training, a tight iliotibial band, varus alignment of the lower extremity, internal tibial torsion, overpronation or incorrect seat height. It is often accompanied by trochanteric bursitis and is characterized by pain and point tenderness over the greater trochanter. Iliotibial band syndrome can also produce symptoms at the knee joint or its insertion site on the tibia. Management of this condition consists of iliotibial band stretching, ice massage, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, orthoses and cleat and/or saddle adjustment.

Patella femoral pain, chondromalacia and infrapatella tendinitis are common problems in cyclists. Patella femoral pain is often referred to as biker’s knee and is associated with patella malalignment, increased Q angle, valgus foot and leg alignment, overpronation, a saddle that is too low or forward, poor cleat adjustment or alignment. Treatment includes correcting the mechanical factors related to the bicycle; improving foot alignment with foot orthoses or medial wedging between the shoe and cleat; and ensuring proper stretching of the vastus medialis.

Patella tendinitis presents with pain at the proximal or distal pole of the patella that increases with the extension of the knee, especially against resistance. The mechanical factors usually associated with patella tendinitis are incorrect seat height and improper saddle fitting. This condition can also result from valgus leg alignment, internal tibial torsion and overpronation while pedaling.

In addition to correcting the mechanical and foot/leg alignment factors, cyclists should decrease the intensity of rides and the resistance they are pedaling against by using lower gears and higher cadence until decreased symptoms permit a return to increased training.

Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis are overuse injuries that can be caused by training errors or riding with the seat height too low. Biomechanical conditions contributing to these injuries include overpronation and a leg length discrepancy. Plantar fasciitis may also be caused by old or worn out biking shoes. The shank or rigid sole of the biking shoe becomes more pliable, causing excessive flex in the shoe and strain on the plantar fascia.

Achilles tendinitis is marked by pain in the Achilles tendon and occasionally the insertion. Patients have increased pain when toeing off or standing on their toes and pedaling. Plantar fasciitis usually presents with pain at the plantar fascia insertion of the medial calcaneus.

Treatment and management of these conditions consist of therapeutic exercise including stretching, ice massage and NSAIDs. Both conditions benefit from the use of foot orthoses and night splints. In the case of a leg length discrepancy, one should first correct any existing overpronation, proceed to fit the bike to the long leg and then address the short leg with orthoses or shim between the shoe and cleat. The thickness of the shim should be less than the measured discrepancy. The cyclist can aid recovery by decreasing riding time and intensity. Riding at a higher cadence with low resistance may also help.

Hope that helps if anyone is experiencing any bike related pain. I highly recommend a proper bike fitting, such as the Retül bike fit.

I Did the Tour of Lombardy 3.6 mile TT (Italy)

Yep, flew to the country shaped like a boot last night in time to compete in a 3.6 mile bike time trial. Um, April Fools?

Gear West Bike and Triathlon has been holding an open-to-all Virtual Time Trial Series taking place in store on the Tacx Fortius Virtual Reality trainer. Each Time Trial "Event" will run 1 month, at which time they will change courses. The Male and Female winners from each age-group after the month will not only receive a $10 GWB&Tri gift certificate, but have bragging rights all month.

The first stage was a 2 kilometer mountain ascent which my Retul fitter Curt Wood said, "will make you see stars."

I didn't quite get to that stage, but it was tough. A dig deep and then some tough. On the video screen in front of me I could see that elevation. And I seemed to be making little progress. The actual climb was a 2 kilometer mountain ascent. The grade readout showed in the mid-8's, my RPMs were churning (it felt like churning) in the 70's, my power output maxed in the 320 range, and still....the....climb.....dragged.

Once I crested I was able to speed back up into the low 30 MPH range as the super cool software actual does account for the descent speeds. I ended up doing the 3.6 mile course in a respectable 12 mins 50 secs which was an average speed of 17 MPH. As comparison, Curt has the current record at 9 mins and 30 secs. I was dripping wet. And happy as a clam.

In talking with Curt and Gear West owner Kevin O'Connor the Tacx system has just upgraded to version 1.2 which will now allow for Google Earth. What does this mean? Heck, you can download a course via Map My Ride, for example, and ride an upcoming event weeks ahead of time to become familiar with it without ever having to leave home. Quite an advantage in my book. And you will actually get the visual via Google Earth along with the topography readout.

One really cool feature of this trainer is the ability to take your height and weight into account, so light people can fly up the mountains just like they would in real life. Bigger people have to put out bigger watts to climb.

I really appreciate Gear West putting on this series.

This is what the ride looked like to me... scenic views from the classic Tour of Lombardy in Italy.

This is what it looks like to "outsiders"

This is a unique opportunity to not only try out the best Virtual Reality Cycling Software available, but also to get a benchmark for your winter fitness, as the Tacx system will also measure your power, heart rate and cadence.

Here's the TT courses:
November 23-December 23: Tour of Lombardy 3.6 mile TT (Italy)
December 26-January 25: Alpe D' Huez uphill TT (2.5 miles)
January 26-February 26: Tour of Flanders TT (8 miles)

In the area? Read more and sign up here.

My Retül Bike Fit/Videocast 002

Video Description: My Retül bike fit at Gear West Triathlon in Long Lake Minnesota.

Location: Gear West, Long Lake Minnesota

Duration: 0 minutes, 47 seconds

Date Last Updated: Mon 02 Mar 2009 09:17:47 PM CDT

File Size: 13.7 KB

This past Saturday (2/28/2009), I took the next step to try and get every single breath of speed out of my bike for the 2009 season. On a cold morning (5 above) with a fresh blanket of snow on the ground I loaded up the Cervélo and headed to Gear West as I had scheduled a bike fit using Retül technology.

The entire staff at Gear West have been great since I made the investment in the Cervélo back in the fall of 2007. They have built a national following due to their customer service, customer support, and heck...these guys race and train locally as well. I've run across them working out at the same places that I haunt. The connection is there.

Doing my bike fit was Curt Wood and from the minute I stepped foot in the door he was ready to go. Two hours went by very fast. Let's talk about Retül to develop a base of understanding for those not familiar with it.

Retül optimizes the biomechanics of the rider while taking into consideration why people choose to get a bike fit:

• Performance
• Comfort
• Injury prevention
  

Gear West is on an exclusive list of bike fitters who have invested in this dynamic, 3 dimensional biomechanical measuring system. Retül does not use formulas to tell the fitter what adjustments need to be made, but instead gives the most accurate information available so the fitter can make the adjustments he/she feels necessary.

It is still the experience and knowledge of the fitter which will get you in your ideal position. Retül takes 3D measurements via infrared markers on the cyclist while cycling. The measurements are accurate to less than 1mm and are taken while the cyclist is actually spinning as opposed to a static measurement. These dynamic 3D measurements also provide data to the fitter which validates the changes the fitter has made during the fitting process.

When you are finished you will have ultra precise measurements of your position. This will allow you to duplicate this position in the future, as well as a baseline for any future changes that are made to your position.

My current setup, as pictured below, was comfortable. Yet, I felt as if I could get into a better aerodynamic position on the bike. And that was the main goal of my bike fit: Get aero while maintaining pedal stroke efficiency and mechanics.




After getting my markers attached to various areas on my shoe, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, and wrist we were ready for the first run of data. I held a steady cadence of 90 RPM's for twenty seconds and we reviewed the first set of data.

First Run – click on image for larger view

Right away we took note of the 24-degree back angle. We had to get that down. Curt liked the numbers coming back on my hip & knee angles and was very pleased with my knee travel. In short, I had a efficient stroke and we didn't want to hinder that while trying to get the best aero position up top.

The decision was made to raise the saddle 1 cm and bring down the handle-bar stem 1 cm. We then ran another test.

Second Run – click on image for larger view

Even with just a slight adjustment totalling 2 cm's, I immediately felt a bit more comfy & powerful on the bike. Talk about blowing your mind. Two lousy centimeters had reduced my back angle from 24-degrees to 22-degrees. To top it off, there was virtually no change to ankle, knee, or hip readouts. My knee tracing was a bit more wobbly but very, very minor.

The back angle was still not in acceptable range for Curt, so we added another 1-cm to the saddle and reduced the handle-bar stem by another 1-cm. Time for run number three.

Third Run – click on image for larger view

The back angle was now down at 20-degrees and where Curt wanted it. It felt good to me as well. But the saddle seemed just a touch too high. The knee angle extension was starting to drift. The hips didn't feel as comfortable to me and I could tell my right leg, which is shorter than my left, was struggling.

We left the handle-bar stem alone and lowered the saddle 1/2 cm. Again, just 1/2 cm. We ran anothe data set.

Final Run – click on image for larger view

It felt perfect. And best of all, my back angle remained at 20-degrees. We achieved the best ankle range of all the runs at 34-degrees. The knee traveled a bit more in this run but then I ran at a higher RPM, ninety-three, than I had in the previous. Probably as I was now getting warmed up and starting to feel good in the saddle!

So from first run to final (from the left side) we:

• Bettered my back angle from 24 to 22-degrees
• Bettered my ankle range from 32 to 34-degrees
• Kept my knee travel from changing from the increase in saddle height

We then reversed and did the right side. I had mentioned to Curt that I was pretty sure my right leg was shorter. We're not talking inches here, just enough to throw a person off and lead to some mechanic issues. Long story short, we added a shim underneath my right shoe cleat and right away the difference could be felt. My right knee was not acting like my left!

Curt suggested that I ride with the single cleat shim for a few weeks and then return and possibly add another one. He didn't want to add too much too quick as to hurt my mechanics. But even with one shim, I felt much more balanced.

At the end, my bike was 'created' on the Retül system by using a tracing tool that fed directly into the computer. Those measurements can be seen here.

Final Bike Setup for Future Reference– click on image for larger view

Photos and Video

After Fit - click on image for larger view

I'll be traveling on company business through Thursday and not able to respond to any comments or questions in a timely fashion. All the same, any questions on this bike just leave a comment and I will respond. Or you can e-mail me.