In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Albert has only just typed his application for BIKE Mission 3000 into the form and he is already standing next to bike fitting guru Dr Kim Tofaute. Both are holding a fencing mask under their arms and posing for the cameras. In Albert's eyes: uncertainty. He actually wants to conquer metres in altitude. But the floor of the fencing hall is flatter than any river cycle path. It's all just a backdrop for what today is really about. In two months' time, Albert will face a completely different challenger. Then, for the first time in his life, he will climb 3000 metres in altitude on a single lap. Perhaps he will then wish he was back in the flat sports hall. But then everything definitely has to fit.
Our reports on the big BIKE Mission3000 are already online
Albert's bike fitting in the BIKE video
BIKE accompanied reader Albert's bike fitting with the camera as the first step of his BIKE Mission 3000. In the video, we show the complete fitting process, which is intended to get Albert fit for his 3000 metre altitude tour.
Bikefitting: Faultless & razor-sharp
Ergonomics expert Dagny Hilpert interrupts the posing of Albert and Dr Kim Tofaute and turns to the former. In her hand is a questionnaire: How long have you been a biker? How often on the bike? Any complaints? After taking stock, she nods with satisfaction. Albert also scores well in the mobility test. In his usual cycling world, he is free of complaints. But the 39-year-old will soon be leaving this comfort zone. A tour with 3000 metres of altitude difference in alpine terrain - something Albert has never attempted before. On our challenge tour on the Eisjöchl, he will cover an additional 90 kilometres. If things go well, Albert can expect to spend seven hours in the saddle.
At the BIKE Mission 3000, his fully is the sword with which he will take on the biker versus gravity duel. Only with perfectly fitting equipment will Albert be able to parry when the long ramp attacks his joints and muscles. Dagny therefore doesn't want to jump to conclusions and carries strange-looking measuring instruments onto the fencing track. Body height, buttock circumference, shoulder width and inside leg length are read off the instruments. Pressure sensors integrated into a stool determine the distance between Albert's sit bones.
At Dagny's call, Kim pulls the matching saddle out of a box. "You're between two saddle sizes. As you'll be riding very sportily on your mission, I recommend the narrower one," explains the pro as he mounts the new part. A bike fitting also includes the recommendation of ergonomic products. These promise less strain, more comfort and better support when the body is pushed to the limit.
Ergonomic products only work ideally on a bike that is individually adjusted to the rider, and the 3,000 metres of altitude can only be a success without any discomfort. - Dagny Hilpert, Ergonomics Project Engineer at Ergon
"Here, all wobbly!" says Kim, effortlessly crumpling the insoles from Albert's shoes with her hand. His ankles are slightly turned inwards. Ergonomic inserts can correct the misalignment by raising the inside of the foot. Albert can already feel the additional stability of the new soles when standing. On the endless incline of the Eisjöchl, these will help him to feed the much-needed leg power into the pedals better. Kim recommends switching to ergonomic grips to relieve the strain on the capillary tunnel at the wrist. Of course, the expert also adjusts these with his razor-sharp eye.
Small changes, big impact with the BIKE Mission 3000
In the coming weeks, Albert will be able to see the benefits of the modifications for himself on his training laps. But first, his body proportions need to be transferred to the bike. To do this, Dagny pulls a manual out of the Ergon Fitting Box. One look inside and she can deduce Albert's anatomy from his optimum seat height and length.
According to the table, Albert's saddle is too far forward. This could also explain the occasional cramping in his shoulder area, which Albert now remembers to the point of discomfort. According to Kim, the geometry of modern mountain bikes with steep seat angles quickly puts strain on critical points of the trapezius muscles. To avoid tension on long rides, hobby bikers are therefore well advised to check the seat length.
After Dagny has checked Albert's knee plumb line in the new saddle position with a pendulum from the fitting box, she doesn't leave his handlebars untouched either. A slight twist should reduce the upsweep and thus minimise the pressure on the outside of the hand. Adjusting the brake levers downwards helps to prevent the wrists from bending.
Albert watches the process from the saddle. He is no stranger to the situation: He has already been to the fitter once before with his racing bike. The many small changes are exactly what he had expected from the procedure. But when the bike fitters stick small markers on the biomechanical pivot points of his left leg, things get exciting again for technology fan Albert. Thanks to a special camera and the optical tracking method, a stick figure version of the BIKE reader is now cycling on the computer screen. At the same time, the sensors in a saddle cover send a printed image to the laptop.
Dagny and Kim take a lot of time to analyse the data. The measurement technology confirms what the expert eye and the fitting box have worked out. Albert's bike fits his body perfectly. What doesn't fit yet are the pedal plates. Although the Q-factor, i.e. the distance between the feet and the bottom bracket, is correct, Albert's cleats are a good three millimetres too far forward. This is revealed by a template, which also reveals a slight asymmetry in the cleat assembly. After seven hours on the bike, this could lead to numb feet and sleepy toes. Four screws, now the balls of the feet are exactly over the pedal axis and the hip joint, knee and pedal are in a straight line. Short test on the roller: feels good.
After two hours, Albert gets off his bike. He shakes hands with Dr Kim Tofaute in a sporting manner and the duet in the fencing hall comes to an end. On this day, Albert leaves the track as the winner, ready for the next challenge of his BIKE Mission 3000.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
