Life is better on a bike.

Tacoma Bike Storefront

Welcome to Tacoma Bike…

Tacoma Bike is the region’s largest full services bicycle shop.Two blocks north of the Sounder Train and Link station. one minute off of I5 (Tac. Dome exit). It is the brainchild of Mike Brown who after 25 years in the distribution trade had a vision to set up the ultimate bike store in his home town. With a stock range including Assos, Sidi, Campagnolo, Rocky Mountain and Giant, Veloflex and Continental, prices to please every pocket, full service offering and a specialist international Cyclefitter, Tacoma Bike is a unique cycling store experience. Making your riding safer and more enjoyable is our only goal.

Be the first to find out about events and special offers. Email bikes@tacomabike.com heading your email ‘Mailing List’.

We are the bike shop you’ve wanted in Tacoma. Bicycle Shops

Cyclefit – old

March 18th, 2009

The Science of Cyclefit

fitting41Cycle-Fitting is the meticulous understanding of the intricate human interaction with a bicycle, with the specific aim of gaining efficiency, power and comfort for every rider. Because we are concerned with optimising human movement that is being applied to complex machinery, cycle-fitting readily draws upon from the disciplines of ergonomics, bio-mechanics and kinesiology. In the pursuit for performance and the competitive edge Cyclefit will always place science, knowledge and discipline above notions of faith and tradition.

Why is Cyclefitting necessary?
Many people spend many years unwittingly riding in a poor position, possibly absorbing the low-level pain or discomfort as part of the general experience of cycling. The very same human characteristic of ‘adaptiveness’ (the way a body reacts and changes as a result of cyclical stresses and pressures) that underpins training can also result in our body doing its best to ‘accommodate’ us in an extremely poor position. In fact our bodies would serve us rather better if they were not quite so ‘adaptive’ and alerted us to a poor set-up prior to riding thousands of miles inefficiently. Cycle Fitting 101 –‘ In our experience setting your bike position using trial and error results in more of both.’ That is why we will always use science and measurement to find the right fit for you.

Problems commonly associated with a poor position

  1. Discomfort
  2. Injury
  3. Chronic over-use injury caused over a long period of time
  4. Biomechanical inefficiency
  5. Power loss

The Cyclefit Session

tony-and-tools1Tacoma Bike offers a variety of Fit levels to suit your needs.

A Full Cyclefit session takes about three hours and is a very personal and considered appraisal of an individual’s cycling physiology, technique and alignment. Everything about you as an individual is evaluated and perfected.

A Basic Cyclefit will take about 30 minutes and cover the essentials to help you make the right purchase.

For details of charging and other fits offered and to book an appointment with Tony, please call to store on 253 272 1460 or email heading your email ‘Cyclefit’.

Injury/Pain concerns

We will be looking for underlying cause from your bike-position, set-up and history – we are not physios or osteos but will refer you recommended colleagues wherever necessary and mutually agreed

Asymmetry

Cycling equipment is generally symmetrical and fixed – it is therefore inevitable that the body has to yield and change in respond in the interface process. Asymmetry in our own bodies gets in the way of this process. A Cyclefit will take account of asymmetry and wherever possible recommend a professional to further help you.

The body follows a chain of motion. Ranges of motion – particularly around hip/pelvis area and hamstrings – will affect fluidity of pedalling motion, posture and muscle-recruitment patterns. Posture can affect muscle recruitment, comfort and efficiency (see core condition). Core-condition can affect ability to hold good cycling posture, power transmission and stability of the pelvis as well as protecting the lower back from pain and injury.

Muscle-recruitment

Using spin-scan analysis we can build a picture of which muscles are being utilised in different sectors of the pedal-stroke. This will aid you in focussing your training and developing a more even stroke.

Cleat position/foot/arch-shape

fitting1The most vital interface for power and comfort in cycling is the leg’s kinetic chain closed by the pelvis/saddle contact at one end and by the shoe/pedal interface at the other. Your technician will devote a large part of the session aligning and balancing your foot/cleat position. An optional custom molded foot bed will be recommended for greater comfort, stability and power transfer.

Cycling/sporting history

Tony will want detailed information of how long, far and at what level you have cycled in the past, or if you are migrating from another sport altogether to fully understand your body and make the best adjustments to suit your needs.

Future cycling aspiration

We need to know your targets and goals – whether you plan to cycle to the store or the length of the country. It affects (in consultation with you) how far your technician will compromise comfort for performance – e.g. You will most likely use a different position for an IronMan triathlon than you would use for a Sprint or grocery run. Your position should be right for every event and occasion.

The Fit Studio and Equipment
jig1The Cyclefit appointment is conducted on a one to one basis with Tony, our SICI trained Cyclefit Technician. Tony will use Silicon Coach software for 3D motion capture and freeze-frame video analysis to deconstruct your riding position and pedalling technique. Using Computrainer’s Spinscan Technology will help you and Tony assess and improve your pedalling dynamics using footbeds, BFS Wedges correct posture, position and technique.

The Equipment:
Serotta Sizecycle
Computrainer
Silicon Coach Video Software
Racermate Varicrank

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