NEWS
Physical Therapy Continuing Education for Group Health Physical Therapists
On February 2, 2008, Kit and Paul worked with 14 of the Group Health physical therapists with HANDS-ON training for bike fit and implementing those skills into the clinical setting. This class (8 hours of CECs) included video analysis of normal and abnormal cycling biomechanics, anatomical structural analysis, differential diagnosis and hands-on training for altering the bike to address the dysfunction. The foot-pedal interface received special attention in addressing lower extremity biomechanics, especially for patella-femoral syndrome, ITB syndrome and a variety of low back pathologies.
Group Health continues to be a HUGE supporter of cycling in Washington State, including the Group Health Velodrome, Group Health Seattle to Portland Ride, and the Group Health Cycling Team, just to name just a few. We'd like to extend our continued appreciation to Group Health for all of their work and efforts for the cycling community.
Kit Vogel Leading a Physical Therapy Continuing Education Session at Group Health
Read about Bike Fit Cleat Wedges in Outside Magazine
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - In the May 2008 issue of Outside Magazine, Bike Fit Cleat Wedges get mentioned along with Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists. He offers tips on Bike Fit... and Outside's pick for shoes has BikeFit.com mentioned with the patented Cleat Wedges. Get a copy of the magazine today at your local newsstand. See the "Spring Cycling Guide" section, page 144.
Second Stage of 2008 Bike Fit Tour in Italy and Switzerland
As you may know, BikeFit Systems sells into several countries. Italy however, is one country that brings an extra something special to the table. Maybe it is the good food or perhaps the rich cycling history. But this might really be more about being able to crack the old world Italian cycling ideals with a product from the USA.
The Cleat Wedge has arrived in Italy and is drawing attention from the very best in the field.
Luckily, for this trip, our International Director, Andrew Weber, accompanied me (OK, chauffeured me around). Andrew grew up in Italy, so all I had to do was relax in the passenger seat. Here he is outside of his room at a cool hotel during the trip.
Here are some highlights from just two of stops on this journey throughout Italy and Switzerland:
Mapei Sports Medicine Clinic, Castellanza, IT
I knew there was something about this place the moment we walked in. There was a poster on the wall, which told me right away that these people get it.
Notice the feet and the areas of pressure. One diagram is while standing and one is while pedaling
Dr. Andrea Morelli was very gracious and showed us all around the facility. The wedges were seen in a few different rooms. Rumors suggest plenty of cyclists are going out the door with them on their shoes.
Ergomotion Center, Pontedera, IT
Fulvio Valentini is the man behind this operation. He has fit more top professional cyclists than any other facility I have visited. Interesting fact is that cyclists seek him out. Jerseys adorn the walls from all of the top teams in the pro peloton.
Fulvio embraced the wedges from the get-go. He was also very welcoming and invited us to participate in one of his bike fits. This was rare in Italy, as most places we visited seemed to close things off to prevent anyone from seeing what is going on. They are very private when it comes to bike fit.
On the left is a photo of a cleat adjustment template that Fulvio likes to use. Look for something similar from BikeFit in the future.
In my many years as a cyclist, then as a designer of cycling and bike fitting products, Fulvio is the one person I have met where it seems like we think more alike than anyone else. He has a plethora of widgets and gadgets, which he incorporates into his fit, yet it is not overwhelming. His approach is methodical and precise.
Bike Fit Tour 2008 kicks off in Canada
January 11-13, 2008, the Bike Fit Tour visited Natural High Fitness and Athletics, in Okotoks, AB, Canada - just south of Calgary.
One of the more "unique" places for bike fitting in the world is at Natural High in Okotoks, Alberta, located in the Great White North (at least during the cold winter months).
The program is driven by two of the calmest, yet most driven people I have had the pleasure to meet. They really took a methodical approach to this [Bike Fit] just like many of their offerings at the Natural High Fitness, or actually, Lifestyle Centre.
Natural High is owned by Andrew Gustafson and their cycling program is driven by Dan Giberson. Natural High has been training cyclists with CompuTrainers as well as the V-Bikes from Spinning. Dan and Andrew are both amazing at reading peoples' bodies, but were not sure what they were seeing with their cyclists, especially when the cyclist's mechanics were "just not quite right." With just a few tips, these two took to bike fit like no others I have seen. Combining their keen understanding of the body with their passion to help people, these guys just grasped the bike concept like they owned it. They integrated into bike fitters almost from the start.
It is rare I feel this comfortable with bike fitters and their ability to solve problems so quickly. We advanced through the training faster and further than I ever could have imagined.
If you ever get the chance, I highly encourage you to go experience this place and the people working at Natural High.
The Bike Fit Tour goes to Korea, works with Trek and Specialized Dealers
In December, 2007, the Bike Fit Tour visited five locations and conducted Bike Fit education training sessions for two days at each stop. Paul teamed up on this tour with Director of Education for Korea, DK (of Sanzler). This Korean tour was sponsored by Spo-World, the Bike Fit Systems distributor, and Sanzler, head of Bike Fit education.
The first stop on the tour was hosted by Sanzler, in Seoul. The first Trek Concept Store outside of America, also in Seoul, was the host of the second stop. MTB Life, located in the city of Jeonju, marked the middle of the trip. Trek and Specialized dealer Dream Bike, in Taegu, hosted the 4th training site. The tour's finale took place at Trek dealer, Kon Bike, in Seoul.
This marks the first Bike Fit tour of Korea, with future dates already being negotiated. Korean Cycling Magazines attended the first event on the tour. DK of Sanzler is the main person with the vision for Korea and has done a tremendous job for us. We hope to model more new distribution agreements in this fashion, as the feedback was great.
Bike Fit class at Sanzler
Posing for Bicycle Magazine of Korea, at Sanzler
Paul with the Korean Trek Concept Team, in Seoul,
after their Bike Fit Training session
Paul with DK, at the Seoul Trek Concept Store
The crew from "Dream Bike", Korea
Training session at Dream Bike
Attentive Dream Bike crew - nice hats, gentlemen! :-)
More SICI coverage
Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - As we were putting together a recap of last week's SICI event, one of our favorite dealers sent us a link to their blog. So, instead of hearing a recap from the horse's mouth, we thought we would just share Phil and Julian's experience.
Velonews coverage of Bike Fit Systems at SICI.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - Read about Paul Swift and Kit Vogel at the SICI Symposium in the Velonews Tech Report section. In both cases, scroll down the page that opens when you click the link, to find the relevant section. Kit is covered here, and Paul is covered on this page.
Pez Cycling News reviews Bike Fit services at CycleFit UK
Read about our UK partner, Cycle Fit, in London. This group has been with us for a long time and have had tremendous success with the wedges. In December of 2007, Pez Cycling News wrote a review of their services.
Bike Fit Systems pays Rashaan Bahati of Rock Racing a visit
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 – A recent trip to So Cal turns into a Bike Fit.
Rashaan Bahati of Rock Racing called me the other day to ask when I was going to be in LA again. The next day I finalized an unexpected meeting in Venice for the following week. After the meeting, I ended the night at his place, finally leaving around 9:30pm. I have known Rashaan since he was a teenager, but last year was the first time I really had a chance to work with his bike fit at a Rock Racing training camp. Check out his blog, which talks about some of his issues.
Here are several photos from our fitting session.
The one that looks like I am choking him is actually just us talking about his sore (big time tension) shoulders. Rashaan in the heat of racing action tends to scrunch up his shoulders. Looks like a shorter stem is in order but mostly a conscious effort on his part is probably needed. Note that his shoulders never hurt on easy rides...
Be sure to check out Rashaan's web site.
Last trip for Bike Fit Systems in '07: Village Bike Shop, Grand Rapids, MI
December, 2007 - Long time customer Village Bike Shop invited Paul for a day at their Plainfield Location in the winter wonderland of Grand Rapids, MI.
Both Dale and Cory had been on board for years with the Cleat Wedges and other Bike Fit products, but it was the first opportunity to finally work together on a few cyclists. The review proved to be good confirmation of their skills and bike fit abilities, in particular at the important foot/pedal interface. This meeting also allowed for some time with the rest of the crew and a chance to get their own feet assessed with the Fore Foot Measuring Device and install a few wedges while properly aligning cleats. The remainder of the day was a fun and casual Q & A session about the grand scheme of things in the Bike Fit world. It may seems like Grand Rapids is not your typical cycling city, but when it comes to service and fit, Village Bike Shop is one shop that ranks among the absolute best.
Here is a photo, hanging out in front of Cory's Bike Fit area.
Left to Right are Lew, Tom, Dale, Cory and Paul (not pictured: Nick)
In October '07, Bike Fit Systems was in Auburn, Alabama
October, 2007 - Bike Fit Tour visits Auburn, AL for the Chris Hinds Memorial Bike Ride (AKA Tour de Has Been) to benefit Story Book Farm.
Long time Auburn resident and good friend to many cyclists, Chris Hinds passed away battling cancer 5 years ago. Today, you can still see the circle of people he influenced with the Chris Hinds Memorial Bike Ride. I have been fortunate enough to attend every year since his passing. This year was absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for a cool ride in the South East each fall, check it out.
In addition to hanging out with old friends and fellow cyclists (Team Has Been, this year was a special treat for me as I was able to work with the Auburn Flyers Cycling Team that Chris started, and the team now supports this ride.
Here is Laura Steel, President of the Auburn Flyers, having her fore foot measured
Paul explains the assessment to Laura in more detail
Paul looking at Drew Hill's front view
Kyle Shipp, Paul, Bike Dude (Manager of the Bike Shop in Auburn which donated a nice Raleigh bike for me to ride and the space for the bike fitting.) Mike Lanham
Paul with Auburn Triathlete Cammie Klise
Dr Max Testa and Dr Eric Heiden host the US Cycling Team training and testing camp at TOSH
Woodinville, WA - January 18, 2008 - Both Max and Eric have been long time customers of Bike Fit Systems, using Cleat Wedges. Today they collectively represent TOSH (The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital). Read the USA Cycling article here.
For all of our Spanish speaking cycling friends
Spain - January 16, 2008 - Leading cycling online magazine in Spain arueda.com reviews The Cleat Wedge and Fore Foot Measuring Device to measure fore foot Varus or Valgus. Here is arueda.com's product review (in Spanish).
Real Rehab Physical Therapy & Real Performance invited Bike Fit Systems to perform an in-house Bike Fit Clinic
Woodinville, WA - December 28, 2007 - On November 16 and 28th, Paul Swift from Bike Fit Systems worked with the Physical Therapists Team at Real Rehab, in Seattle, WA. Primary focus involved assessment of the foot/pedal interface and then working with the actual hardware, making the necessary adjustments at the shoe/cleat and pedal. We were also able to get in a review of overall bike fit including upper body assessment and the latest information from Bike Fit Systems for the hand/handle bar connection.
Real Rehab, located in Seattle, has already been working with cyclists in many capacities and are constantly adding to their services. To date, Real Rehab has a well-equipped bike fit area, in addition to physiological assessment capabilities like Metabolic Testing.
At Bike Fit Systems, we are often asked to recommend Physical Therapists well versed in the cycling gait and overall bike analysis. We do not know all the facilities like this that exist in the world, but it is nice to be aware of one more that can help. We hope in the near future to start offering a list of references around the world to better service cyclists in all areas.
Paul looking over the shoulder of Colleen Sullivan, discussing cleat adjustment
Bruk Ballenger chatting with Paul about cleats
Bike Fit Systems announces partnership with Sónia Lopes, a Portuguese Cross Country Marathon MTB athlete, for 2008
Woodinville, WA - December 22, 2007 - Sónia Lopes is a proven winner, and with a 70% increase of participation by women in Mountain Bike racing in 2006, her future successes will help influence the sport of cycling in her country. With Sónia's help and influence, Bike Fit Systems hopes to open and expand markets in Portugal to help cyclists of all abilities and disciplines with Bike Fit products and education.
Bike Fit Systems looks forward to this strategic partnership for 2008.
For more about Sónia (in Portuguese), see her page on BTT Index, or the Portuguese version of this release.
Oregon Trek Bicycle Dealer invites Bike Fit Systems for a couple days of Bike Fit education
December 2007 - Paul Swift of Bike Fit Systems (BFS) worked with Trek dealer, The Bike Gallery, on November 30th and December 1st. Paul spent each day with a group of The Gallery's Bike Fitters, going over the important foot/pedal interface in cycling.
Aaron "Rambo" Harrison, from The Bike Gallery's Beaverton location, set up the two days of focus on the foot/pedal interface for the staff. For several of the Bike Fitters, this was their first look at assessing the important forefoot tilt and a more complete look at stance width, which are staples of The BFS.
To schedule the weekend, Aaron called and said, "We would like to learn more about Bike Fit Systems's approach to the foot/pedal interface. Most of The Bike Gallery staff already has some Bike Fit education, but we really would like to see what you can show us."
Eleven of The Gallery's Bike Fitters attended one day of training and education with Paul. Each day mostly involved a hands-on approach, in addition to some lecturing. Bike Fit education and training by BFS is most often arranged at a shop's location, working directly with fitters in their particular environment. Paul's extensive experience can really help identify areas to maximize Bike Fit Services in a retail environment.
Trek dealer, The Bike Gallery, has long been a leader amongst Oregon's many bike shops providing Bike Fitting services. Bike Fit Systems is tremendously excited to see them seeking out more information and insight at this important connection [foot/pedal] to the bike. BFS wants to thank The Bike Gallery for the opportunity to work their Bike Fitters. Also particular thanks to Aaron "Rambo" Harrison for continuing his work to constantly improve The Gallery's Bike Fit Services. And best of luck to the friend of Michael's who intently took volumes of notes and grabbed as much literature as possible...hopefully it will help other Trek Dealers.
L to R: Paul, Patty, Stephanie, "Rambo", Joanne
Seated: Monica, Jesse, Matt
L to R: Jeff, Aaron "Rambo", Drew, Dana, Clive, Paul
Here is a video illustrating the need for cleat wedges, as demonstrated by Patty, Bike Fitter at The Bike Gallery
The Bike Fit Tour visits the Coachella Valley
Woodinville, WA - November 7, 2007 - During Paul's recent Bike Fit Tour he visited Bike Man in Palm Desert (adjacent to Palm Springs). Here is Bike Man with one of his loyal customers just after Paul and Bike Man worked their bike fit magic. The smile on his face says it all.
If you are in the area and need to get your bike dialed in, Bike Man is the shop and the guy to see in the valley...just ask for Bike Man. :-)
INDUSTRY NEWS - Speedplay includes Bike Fit Systems' Cleat Wedges in Pedal Fit Kit
Woodinville, WA - October 15, 2007 - Never before has a pedal company put forth more effort to help better fit cyclists than Speedplay with this pedal fit kit. Although it is not available quite yet (see preview from EuroBike), Bike Fit Systems is proud to be included in this amazing effort. Bike Fitters will now have more options at their fingertips for what used to be a highly specialized custom fit. The pedal fit kit will help truly show off the skills of experienced Bike Fitters, as it quickly provides more practical solutions to customers' Bike Fit issues and problems.
What is interesting is that in many cases these so-called "special" Bike Fits were not really that uncommon and perhaps should not have been labeled "special". They were just "special" because there were not enough other options available. Fitters with this pedal fit kit will be cranking out more "comfortable" and satisfied cyclists than ever.
Speaking from experience, I already know the benefits this pedal fit kit offers. I am one of the so-called "special" Bike Fits. My former problem was that I needed to have my right foot out wider from the crank arm than the left. I could never get there, even with a specially machined part. Now I just order a longer right pedal spindle. It is that simple!
And this is just one simple solution that can be found in the pedal fit kit. Go to www.Speedplay.com and view the fit tech videos and you will really, really be impressed. Our hats off to Speedplay.
Remember, Speedplay helps you cut all kinds of corners and, speaking of cutting corners, - for those of you Speedplay users who like to take indoor cycling classes, but hate to have a second pair of shoes with some other cleats on them - your solution to eliminate that second pair of shoes is coming soon. This will be a Speedplay/Bike Fit System special indoor cycling item. Look for more news soon.
Paul - Bike Fit Systems
Bike Fit Systems introduces new distribution model for Korea
Woodinville, WA - September 25, 2007 - As Bike Fit Systems continues its global expansion, we are continuing to apply new and better efforts to ultimately provide even better help for cyclists in all parts of the world.
This new relationship works two-fold in Korea, instead of the traditional sole distribution approach. Hard goods are being handled by top Korean Distributor Spo-world, who carries Trek and Saris products, just to mention a couple. Education is being provided by Sanzler. Sanzler is an education entity that traditionally provides cycling mechanic education and training. It is expanding to now include Bike Fit Training.
The blending of these two top companies and their strengths is the beginning of global tri-fold relationship between Bike Fit Systems and other international entities. Visit their respective websites for more information:
Spo-world, Inc and Sanzler.
Korea's new director of Education for Bike Fit Systems - Dongkeon Lee "DK" - from Korea recently visited Seattle for intense bike fit training. DK is the owner and director of Sanzler in Korea. While in Seattle, DK worked in three different environments: one, a dedicated fit area in Woodinville Bike Shop, two, a makeshift fit area (quick set up area) at Recycled Cycles and three, a performance training center at Cycle U.
As you can see in the top photo on the right, we are also using video, which is often part of the fitting process, both pre and post. Note the 2-laser approach from the front, which more closely mimics the original multi-lined stroke viewer developed by Paul in the mid-90s, long before lasers were available for this type of application. Knee dot straps around each leg help define specific landmarks.
Paul Swift quoted in Lennard Zinn's latest book
Woodinville, WA - September 21, 2007 - All you seasoned and aspiring triathletes out there, hurry and get yourself a copy of master framebuilder and technical guru Lennard Zinn's latest book, Zinn & the Art of Triathlon Bikes. The book is full of Zinn-style advice on setting up your bike, maintaining it, and even shipping it from race to race. The bonus is our own Paul Swift's "feet tips", on page 64!
Speedplay.com illustrates use of Bike Fit Systems' Cleat Wedges
Woodinville, WA - June 29, 2007 - Newly posted in Speedplay.com's series of "Ultimate Fit Technical Videos" is a slideshow on how to use our Cleat Wedges to achieve optimal shoe canting.
Bike Fit Systems' Cleat Wedges in Triathlete Magazine
Woodinville, WA - June 20, 2007 - Adam Baskin, who is a Serotta Certified Bike Fit Technician and a USA Cycling Elite Coach, as well as a Category 1 rider on the road and track, sheds some light on knee tracking in his latest TriathleteMag.com article, and how our Cleat Wedges can help prevent knee injury.
Bike Fit Systems to support local Tour de Cure ride
Woodinville, WA - May 16, 2007 - Bike Fit Systems will be supporting the local Tour de Cure ride, benefitting the American Diabetes Association, on Saturday, May 19th. Look for Paul and Kit of Bike Fit Systems in the Tour de Cure ride this weekend, in King County, WA. Please show your support by making a donation!
Last year, Paul fit several of the cyclists who participated in the event. This year, two of the sponsors for the local event here in Washington, Dave Mann and Mickey Gendler, of Gendler & Mann, were both fitted by our own Dr Katrina Vogel.
We are excited to be supporting the Tour de Cure, and the American Diabetes Association in its fight against diabetes.
Bike Fit Systems in Spokane over Easter Weekend
Woodinville, WA - April 14, 2007 - Kit Vogel and Paul Swift visited Steve Loveland's Two Wheel Transit in Spokane, WA, over Easter weekend.
Paul & Kit had the opportunity to fit Mr Paul Lopez, one of the shop regulars. Mr Lopez loves to ride his Seven purchased from Two Wheel Transit.
Look for another visit from Kit "flying solo" to the Spokane, WA, area in May 2007. Inquire now at info@bikefit.com and you might even be able to schedule a Bike Fit session with Dr Vogel herself.
Bike Fit Systems Working with Rock Racing Team
Marina del Rey, CA, USA - April 13, 2007 - Paul and Bike Fit Systems is working with the Rock Racing Team this week (April 10-14) in Marina del Rey, CA. Aron Gadhia, a California-based Bike Fitting Specialist is getting some great things done for Rock Racing Pro Team and is working on his next level of Bike Fitting skills under the tutelage of Paul Swift.
Aron Gadhia, Bike Fit Apprentice (Velo-Fit shirt) with members of the Rock Racing Team.
L to R: Rock Racing Team Assistant Manager - Allen Bean, Adam, Haldane, Aron, Jordan - Team mechanic
Paul Swift, checking the foot-to-pedal interface on Adam, of Rock Racing Pro Team
Bike Fit Systems Names Director of Education
NEWS RELEASE - Kirkland, WA, USA - April 2, 2007 - Bike Fit Systems, LLC, the leader for comfort and performance on a bicycle, names Katrina Vogel, MS DPT, as Director of Education for the new company.
Katrina ("Kit") completed her clinical doctorate in physical therapy at University of Southern California and her Masters of Science in Biomechanics/Human Movement & Performance at Western Washington University. She specializes in lower extremity biomechanics of cycling & running/walking gait and lectures throughout the country, including at the University of Washington Physical Therapy Program. Kit actively consults within research & design in the athletic/outdoor industries. Kit is a member of the Raleigh Bicycles Women's Advisory Cycling Committee (WACC). Besides her professional work at Eastside Sports Rehab, she also races bikes for Byrne Invent (Track Cat 2) and has been a qualifier for the Elite National Track Cycling Championships. She comes from a fanatic cycling family with more bikes than cars.
About Bike Fit Systems, LLC - (www.BikeFit.com) Located in Woodinville, WA, Bike Fit Systems, LLC, is a leader in comfort and performance solutions for people who ride bicycles.
Paul Swift Forms New Venture
Bike Fit Systems, LLC
NEWS RELEASE - Kirkland, WA - April, 2007 - Paul Swift, designer of the world-renowned LeMond RevMaster, a founder and one of the owners of LeMond Fitness, left his daily duties to pursue a new venture. Prior to his work with LeMond Fitness, Paul created the first commercially available bike fitting system that incorporated looking at the front view of the cyclist. Paul also helped to develop the patented Cleat Wedge, and is renewing his efforts in the Bike Fitting World with the formation of Bike Fit Systems, LLC.
Initial efforts by his new company will focus on getting the necessary attention back to the bike fitting products that Paul created and LeMond Fitness had distributed. Paul set aside the bike fitting company when he helped form LeMond Fitness. Royalties from the Bike Fit Product sales by LeMond Fitness were mostly donated by Paul to various charities.
A veritable drawer full of ideas that had been shelved while at LeMond Fitness needed attention, and the products already on the market needed more exposure, according to Swift. Sales of the Cleat Wedge and Bike Fitting tools have already doubled in the first quarter of operation compared to past quarters' sales figures. New products are already being developed for Bike Fitting and Fitness market segments. Strategic alliances are being formed (news releases to follow soon), and education is also being put to the forefront of the Bike Fitting Business.
The Cleat Wedges, which Paul helped to release in 1996, were formerly known as Big Meats and LeWedges. Most of the products developed by Paul were created out of his own necessity to correct biomechanical misalignments. Those products also helped to support his successful racing career as an 8-time Elite National Champion. Besides his championships, Paul is also one of the fastest American Cyclists ever to race a bicycle.
For more information on Bike Fit Systems, LLC and Paul Swift, please see the website: www.BikeFit.com