Fit Technology and Research

This program was developed after years of working with Dr. Andy Pruitt Ed.D., PA of the Boulder Centre for Sports Medicine and is found in Kelowna only at Fresh Air Concept. The FRESH AIR FIT (Body Geometry Fit Integration Technology) is a comprehensive fit philosophy created to help cyclists ride faster, longer and in greater comfort, while reducing the chance for injury.

FRESH AIR FIT "technicians” are trained by the medical consultants and expert staff at Specialized to analyze each rider’s unique attributes, pedal stroke and body position. Using the data gained during the assessment, they optimize the bike and equipment to match the rider’s biomechanical profile.

Unlike any of the nameless fit systems available today, FRESH AIR FIT is the only one to leverage trained fit technicians, breakthrough fit tools like our DATA dual-angle video capture software, a detailed and dynamic fit assessment process, plus ergonomically enhanced bikes and equipment. Without this specific combination of ingredients, you simply aren’t getting a FRESH AIR FIT

The Process

The FRESH AIR FIT takes you through a 5 step process to analyze your body position and make your equipment work at it's best for you.

PRE-FIT INTERVIEW

Every fit—whether it’s for a novice or experienced cyclist—starts with a brief interview between trained technician and rider that addresses the individual’s injury history, needs and goals.

The pre-fit interview is intended to be a quick scan to sharpen the focus of the flexibility assessment. By asking structured questions relating to injury history of specific body parts or joints, the fitter can anticipate problems with flexibility that will affect the rider’s saddle position, handlebar drop and stance width. Potential questions could include: Did you have any sports-related injuries in your adolescent years? Any specific physical ailments? What is your riding style and intensity? What are your current cycling and fitness aspirations?

16 POINT FLEXIBILITY ASSESSMENT

This evaluation gains an accurate picture of the individual’s flexibility and other physical attributes, including assessment of foot structure, knee position, spinal curve, shoulder extension, hip flexion and leg length, among others.

This assessment identifies the rider’s limiting physical factors and allows the fitter to determine what positions are possible and what major modifications will need to be made. The step-by-step process requires the fitter to test all of the following, in this order: foot structure, knee position, level pelvis, spinal curve, scapular position, kneeling forefoot angulation, standing toe touch, cervical spine flexibility, shoulder extension, straight leg raise, hip flexion, ankle flexion, Thomas test, leg length comparison, tibial tuberosity comparison and one-third knee bend.

SIDE VIEW

Assessed using the side view of the rider, the goal is to deliver a correct neutral position that’s both powerful and comfortable through adjustments to seat height, handlebar height, stem length and cleat position.
The goal is to fit the bike so the rider is comfortable with his/her hands on the hoods, can climb and relax using the tops, and descend and sprint from the drops. To do this, all three bar positions must be comfortable and useable. Finding a good “neutral” position for the rider allows them to adapt to changes in terrain, cadence and effort. By examining and adjusting factors like weight distribution, saddle fore/ aft, leg extension, torso angle, shoulder/elbow/hand alignment and cleat position, you can greatly improve a rider’s comfort and power on the bike.

FRONT VIEW

Analysis from frontal view to optimize hip, knee and foot alignment for greater performance and balanced power delivery. Includes analysis of pedal and shoe placement and squareness on the saddle.

Focused on the finer points of a rider’s alignment, pedal stroke and biomechanics, this step makes specific adjustments to position in order to optimize performance and comfort. The fitter looks at specifics of arch support and knee/leg inequalities, addressing these challenges through shimming (with the use of BG wedges, footbeds and shoes), stance width adjustments and cleat shifting. Adjustments are made to align the rider squarely on the saddle so that they can achieve balanced power delivery from the whole body.

 

FOLLOW UP

After a week or so, the technician calls to discuss the effectiveness of the adjustments and to answer any other questions or concerns the rider may have.

After giving the rider a written record of their measurements and before/after images (when using the DATA system), it’s always important to make a phone call to follow up with each rider after their fit. It not only allows the Fresh Air Fit technician to head-off any issues the rider might have, but they will also learn of any benefits the adjustments have made and build a long-term relationship with the customer. The fitter will also be prepared to double check their work when requested, which often happens once a rider has settled into their new setup.