Itinerary

Wednesday 25th January

Graham Anderson 9:00 - 10:15
Clinical Director of Balance Performance Physiotherapy

Bike-fitting - Science, Art or Nonsense?

Bike fitting has been moving on at a rapid rate over the past 5-10 years. Science has brought a repeatable process to the experience with new easiliy adjustable jigs and equipment that measures a plethora of multifactors.
But Graham Anderson, Clinical Director of Balance Performance Physiotherapy London, asks:
"Does the modern fitter get blinded by science? What is that missing ingredient to make the fit even better?"
He suggests that while mechanical and biomechanical science is important for a good fit it needs to be mixed with the experience of years of cyclefitting, anatomical, physiological, and rider knowledge using an "artistic" (sensitive to the person) attention to hidden details making the whole fit a process not an event.
These soft skills used during the management of a cyclefit makes it a flowing process that adapts as the body changes. The best fit usually ends up with a joint and agreed communication/discussion by fitter,medical therapist,and rider. So really is a cycle fit Science, Art, an element of nonsense or a certain je ne sais quoi?

Phil Burt 10:30 - 11:45
British Cycling / Team Sky

To fit the bike to you or you to the bike? That is the question

Having become involved in bike fitting as a result of seeing the problems that can result from the human/machine interaction we are going to examine some of the observations most commonly seen. We’ll look at weekend warriors and pro’s and see what are the differences and also where Mark Cavendish’s problem could be yours.
We will look more closely how the three pillars of fit: comfort, aerodynamics and power interplay and can help answer that question

Dr Nigel Stephens 12:00 - 13:15
Consultant Cardiologist

Cycling versus the human heart

A long term commitment to road cycling (and other endurance sports) confers good health and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, the interaction between circulatory adaptations to training load and coincident heart disease may pose a diagnostic challenge and even greater treatment dilemmas. Thus, a niche exists for a sports Cardiologist, and over the last 16 years I have accrued a unique experience of heart disease in athletes – from club stalwarts to elites. Three types of issue are commonly encountered:

1. Cardiac adaptations, which may mimic pathology. Extreme bradycardia and high-grade heart block are common with the training volumes done by all competitive road cyclists. Cardiac hypertrophy that mimics that seen in cardiomyopathy and hypertension is frequently seen with the sustained anaerobic power training needed for track pursuit and short distance time trial.

2. Coincidence of rare lethal silent cardiac disease and elite competition. Ion channelopathies may be entirely clinically silent until they present with sudden death during activity. Cardiomyopathies such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and HOCM are compatible with high level performance – particularly in sprint disciplines.

3. Veterans and masters competition are burgeoning, as are quasi-competitive events such as the Etape du Tour. This 40+ age group has a preponderance of common conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and degenerative valvular heart disease. Modern medical management allows many to be effectively treated and to return to high intensity physical activity.

Dr Katrina 'Kit' Vogel 14:15 - 15:30
Bikefit.com

Pelvic Asymmetry and Effects on Lower Extremity Biomechanics of Cycling

Why should we care about pelvic mechanics related to cycling? We care because the pelvis is the crossroads for all movement and (with the feet) drives the mechanics of the lower extremities. However, almost NO literature exists related to the pelvis and its effects on the biomechanics of cycling. A common pattern presents in up to 80% of all cyclists yet this pattern has been largely ignored in the world of bike fitting. Why does it happen and what can you do about it? The key for bike fitters is to focus on the connection points (feet, pelvis, hands).

Todd Carver 15:45 - 17:00
Retul

A Complete 3D Fit and Sizing Protocol

The focus of this lecture will be to teach attendees the fundamentals of the Retul 3D Motion Capture System and introduce the latest technologies we have developed to create a complete bike fit and sizing protocol. This lecture will highlight how fitters can benefit from rider and bicycle digitization to create the most optimal fit for each rider. The Retul Frame Finder web application will also be described as a way to determine optimal frame geometry and equipment selection to perfectly match a riders fit. Yes, you should get fit BEFORE you purchase!!!

Thursday 26th January

Dr Jeff Broker 9:00 - 10:15
University of Colorado Springs

Pedalling Kinesiology

This talk will focus on the biomechanics of pedaling, integrating the findings from pedaling mechanics testing and research conducted over the past 18 years. The presentation will begin with a brief look at pedal forces. We will then explore the true nature of energy flow from rider to bicycle, examine pedaling symmetry, and expose how the complex coupling between rider and bicycle often confound our interpretation of "effective" pedaling. Next, the critical effects of rider position on pedal forces, energy transfer and pedaling style will be discussed. Here, the challenges involved in balancing aerodynamics and pedaling quality will be exposed. Cycling discipline differences will also be addressed, highlighting how road riders, sprinters, pursuiters, mountain bike racers and even triathletes pedal differently. The discussion will conclude with recent data describing movement pattern differences between laboratory and on-road cycling; a fundamentally important concept for bike fitting.

Keith Bontrager 10:30 - 11:15
Bontrager / Trek

The Myth of K.O.P.S.

Since writing the article on the Myth of KOPS (Knee Over Pedal Spindle) it is acknowledged that this method is not based on physics, however it is still thought to be useful as a starting point. I disagree and I will be discussing the background for the article I wrote, how the method can go wrong and the alternatives.

Jon Iriberri 12:00 - 13:15
Movistar Team/Custom4.us

Range of motion and pelvic rotation

Bike fit technicians will frequently view cyclists who are incorrectly aligned on their saddle but this phenomenon is not directly related to that cyclist’s level of experience. What are the reasons for why these cyclists sit misaligned on their saddle? What are the biomechanic or health consequences? Is there any biomechanic or medical solution for this? From a global hypothesis based on maximum and effective range of motion of both legs; this presentation & discussion will try to address & answer these questions.

Alberto Fonte 14:15 - 15:30
Fi'z:k Marketing Manager

Spine Concept - how human flexibility affects the saddle choice

Alberto will talk about fi'zi:k Spine Concept, from the very beginning concept, through the development, analysis, tests and champion experience. Spine Concept is fi'zi:k revolutionary guideline to find the saddle that fits you best. Because we’re all shaped differently, no single saddle fits every rider. Spine Concept realizes that cyclists have varying degrees of flexibility. Human flexibility affects riding behavior when cycling in a high performance position.

Paraic McGlynn 15:45 - 17:00
Faster

Biomechanics, Biometrics and Drag – the cyclists balancing act

Every cyclist’s performance is impacted by their biomechanics, their physiological response to a given workload and how their body interacts with air flow at various speeds and angles. These interactions are difficult to measure in a single facility and extremely difficult to measure simultaneously and live. The presentation will outline the interaction between these performance limiters and the creation of a facility to measure and refine how each of these parameters affects athletes of all levels. FASTER is a Cycling and Triathlon performance center designed to integrate Wind Tunnel testing, 3D Biomechanical Evaluations, Metabolic testing, Physical Therapy, Athlete Recovery services and Retail.