Featured Bike Fitter

I met Cliff Simms (engineer) when I was working at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine (BCSM). He came in for a fit on his mountain bike; we hit it off right away.

Crucial Innovation is the name of our company. I believe what you are referring to is the Cyclepath system that Cliff originally developed. Since then, the product has evolved and, with the help of Franko Vatterott (partner), has been re-branded as Retul.

I teach fitters how to use 3D motion capture during a bike fit. We spend the entire time doing hands-on style training. I really feel that repetition is the best way to learn.

Retul is a tool. Often times, we have referred to it as a bike fit system because it is made up of different components that acquire real-time 3D data. However, some of the bike fit masters out there have corrected us by saying we are just a tool, and not a system. Semantics I guess. Retul is not a philosophy, it is a methodology of collecting robust data sets, which allows fitters to see more realistic movements and then make their OWN decisions when applying intervention to your bike set-up. All of the fitters I know use a variety of tools and subscribe to a variety of techniques. I guess you can say that each fitter develops a fitting routine, nothing more.

Beyond training on how to set up the hardware and run the software, (that takes about 2 minutes) I spend the bulk of the time training on how to procede during a dynamic bike fit, how to test an athlete biomechanically, how to get the best data possible. Then I teach them how to interpret the data and make the correct decisions about what changes to make.

It captures coordinate data of infrared markers (on the body) from multiple camera angles. And through camera synchronization, a 3D numerical model is formed of the rider. That is called motion capture, the re-creation of a real 3D body through multiple 2D views. This allows for full integration of all 3 dimensions of movement on a bike, of which the transverse plane is becoming the most important. What you see on the computer screen is a dynamic display of the rider as a stick figure. That is valuable because our software (loaded with normative data ranges for all cycling disciplines) generates an immediate report of pedaling mechanics for the fitter to reference.

Bike racing, of course!!! The need for speed. When you look at the researchers in any field, most of them are there for selfish reasons - trying to better themselves through science. Most of my initial work was in defining the energetic demands of road racing, and trying to understand what physiological factors determine success. Then, I spent an entire summer collecting power files from different local racers during criteriums, time trials, and road races. Time trials became very interesting to study, from a biomechanical perspective, because it was all about power and velocity. It provides a great controllable model to begin quantifying, and understanding, the mechanics and physics of cycling.

I have also been heavily influenced by my work at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. I ran that lab for 5 years and averaged 3 fits per day. Orthopedic biomechanics was initially new to me, but through constant contact with the medical staff, I was slowly able to learn the ways that bike fit can resolve/prevent pain in certain areas of the body.

Since being thrown into the fitting "fire" in January 2003, I have done over 3000 commercial fits.

Big Meats!!! I started using them while working at the BCSM for foot inversion/eversion, and to correct for leg length discrepancies. Yes, I also use ITS wedges and recommend them to all the Retul clients. ITS stands for In The Shoe Wedge. The ITS Wedges were originally called "Soul Power" which was the first in the shoe wedge brought to market in the mid '90s. I guess you could say we have had some names changes along the way as well.

Can't find anything else to do??? I don't know? I am just kidding, Paul. There are many reasons to use a cleat wedge, far too many to list here. But what I would like to say, in general, is when a cleat wedge should NOT be used. I firmly believe a fitter should never over-correct the ankle to have some sort of desired effect on the knee tracking. Correct to "neutral" and stop. Good advice.

I am most proud of small, day-to-day things. I really enjoy enhancing the cycling experience for normal, everyday riders. Nothing inspires me like getting good feedback from clients. Nearly everyone who comes through the Retul studios sends us referrals, which is the best way to grow and measure your business's long term value. Very Cool.

I am looking at the letter right now: a 75 year old man who used to ride 25 to 40 miles a day before a total hip replacement sidelined him. He thanked me for allowing him to train for the World Senior Games. And his wife thanked me for helping to bring back the man she once knew.

Well I tend to favor the young guys because they are so bright-eyed and ready to learn. They haven't been beat down with some of the BS that goes on in pro cycling and therefore are so optimistic about the future of our sport. Some of the Garmin team athletes have such great attitudes and that rubs off on me.

Well I have to go with Lance. I loved watching Greg back in the day, but 7 TDF titles, a few years off, and now a comeback??? Very few people can use their mental toughness as a catalyst to be physically superior... Lance can and that really inspires a lot of people... I like that.

Handlebar shapes.

Yes, a first in cycling technology... 3D biomechanical tracking... on the road... yes I said outside. :-)

We are doing it NOW: www.retul.com

"Do what you love and you'll never have to 'work' a day in your life"

Keep an open mind. What might work for some, may not work for you. Everyone's body is different. Tap into the experience of your elders - no amount of education can trump practical experience.

My wife Megan, Andy Pruitt, Allen Lim, Bill Byrnes, Ray Browning.

I love advancements in technology within the bike industry. My hats off to all those innovators who dig the sport enough to devote their work lives to making it better for all of us.