The Equipment We Use

We are really pleased to say that we are working with Retul (www.retul.com) as their exclusive outlet in the UK

Retül is a state-of-the-art motion capture system designed specifically for collecting the most accurate and realistic data for bike fit technicians. By gathering data from key eight anatomical points in the cyclist’s riding position, fitters are able to profile existing (before) and ideal (after) angles for their client’s custom needs, which could be to gain more efficiency and performance, more comfort or maybe to fit the customer around an injury. The passive data collection devices still used by many fitters today, such as a tape measure and plumb bob, are outdated and less accurate because they are subject to human error. Fitting with the Retul system however, provides sub-millimeter accurate data that is organized into an easy-to-read report both for the certified fit-specialist. Retül, however, allows the bike fit expert to capture 100% objective data in a dynamic state and evaluate multiple viewpoints (3-D) simultaneously while the rider is pedaling. This system requires only a PC and +/- 100 square feet of space for line of sight requirements but can easily be packed away for conserving space or taking the system with you. Retül optimizes the biomechanics of the rider while taking into consideration why people choose to get a bike fit: • Performance • Comfort • Injury prevention

The process is very simple: we attach 8 LED markers onto the athlete’s body that get placed in key anatomical locations. The active system flashes each LED discreetly as the infrared light travels from the LEDs on the body points to the sensor on the tripod. The sensor then triangulates the position of the LED in 3D space. The system can track these points to within a millimetre of true position under different workloads. (i.e. biomechanical position changes significantly between an athlete spinning lightly and a hard effort.). This is what makes this system so unique… and why pro athletes, coaches, and leading cycling scientists are flocking to get their hands on Retul. No other system can measure moving body angles this accurately and spit it into a bike fit specific report.

The system flashes an LED every 2.1 milliseconds. That’s 476 times per second and the system takes a full set of body measurements every 34 milliseconds (29 full sets of body data per second) So we can get a real time view of the rider’s position and pedaling action at different workloads (ie 150 watts, 200 watts, 250 watts, 300 watts etc)

The other main peice of our custom fit is our Serotta Size Cycle. This is an adjustable bike that offers infinite scope for adjustment to determine your ideal cycling position. However there is no use in setting you a position without providing power data to see how this will affect your riding. As such we use Computrainer’s Spin Cycle to analyze your pedal stroke. Our Size Cycle has adjustable cranks (from 165mm to 180mm in 2.5mm increments) – therefore we can see how your power output changes when you alter crank length. We also use digital cameras and video cameras to record both your original position on the bike and the iterations we go through before we finalize your new position.

Full list of the equipment used and its role:

• Retul (real time motion and data capture)
• Serotta SizeCycle (positioning)
• Proprietary Frame Design Software (frame design, component selection)
• CompuTrainer (power/watts, speed, cadence, muscle group utilization, power balance, pedalling torque angle, SpinScan)
• Dartfish (joint tracking and alignment)
• RacerMate VariCrank (efficiency, power)
• Laser System (joint tracking and alignment)
• Video (alignment, aerodynamics)
• Plumb line (alignment)
• Inseam Measuring Device (standover clearance)
• Brannock Device (foot analysis)
• Forefoot Measuring Device (foot analysis)
• Goniometer (range of motion, flexibility)