Bikefitting.com Brings the ScienceMost of us have a rough idea when it comes to fitting ourselves on a bike, and I'd bet that ninety-nine percent of riders just go by feel rather than employing science. Bikefitting.com prefers to employ the latter, although it'd probably be easier if I let them explain it themselves: ''
Bikefitting.com is an innovative Internet company based in the Netherlands. Its mission is to translate insights obtained from biomechanics and the science of human movement into practical measuring instruments which can be used for optimizing cycling efficiency and comfort.''
The 3D Pedalling Analyzer that Bikefittings.com designed and built for Shimano gives the rider a real-time look at the left and right pedalling forces in three dimensions, and it allows the fitter to make on the fly adjustments in order to maximize efficiency and power. The unit gives separate data for each foot, with measurements taken hundreds of times per revolution of the crank, and the data is then translated into an easy to read display that shows exactly how much power is being applied at each point through the crank's rotation. It's even able to tell you how much of the load is being distributed along each pedal's axle, thereby letting you hone in on any cleat/pedal/shoe stability issues that could be easily resolved but might otherwise never have been known about.
Bikefitting.com isn't just about finding the optimum power and efficiency for the racer's out there, though, as their tools and techniques can also help look after troublesome pains that a more casual rider might be suffering from. There are five different fitting services in total, and they also offer a neat saddle height tool that makes nailing the correct measurement a no-brainer. It works by inserting one end into the crank bolt and extending a beam up to the seat where an adjustable arm can be positioned to read the saddle height to within a millimeter. No, this level of exactness obviously won't be for many riders out there, but it could be useful for anyone putting in big miles who can be prone to knee or leg pain due to a seat height that's off ever so slightly.
Taokas Dumun DH BikeThe Dumun name was in Taokas' lineup prior to 2015, but the latest version of their 200mm travel downhill bike is much more refined compared to the older, 26'' wheeled model. Larger diameter wheels aren't the only difference, though, as the budget priced big bike has received a complete redesign and fresh geometry. The frame is all new, and it clearly takes some cues from other rigs out there - note the humped top tube, familiar four-bar suspension layout, and cable entry and exit points - but that's not to say that the Dumun isn't well thought out. The frame looks sturdy and ready for anything, and the chainstay pivot also does double duty as the lower shock mount, which likely saves some grams in the grand scheme of things.
Taokas has managed to shorten up the bike's rear end despite the move to 27.5'' wheels, with it going from 443mm to 435mm, and the bottom bracket is dropped by a whopping 12mm. We weren't able to confirm pricing at this point, but it's a safe bet that the Dumun will be sporting a very reasonable price tag given the pictured bike's budgetary build that should still perform well.
www.edinburghbikefitting.com
The problem with any bike fitting is the public want the latest neon coloured Santa Cruz or Pinarello whether it fits them or not
www.roadbikerider.com/product-reviews/tools-maintenance-equipment/guru-experience-total-bike-fit-system
Or the Muve bike. All you need is Stack/Reach/Seat Set back. CAD drawings. lol.
Utterly pointless for the long travel bikes the majority of people here are riding (you can't replicate sag, eh?), but fantastic for TT, road or serious XCers.
ta
If you are wanting 1 a custom build, or even to 2 check if a specific frame model fits you can use the muve bike that RetĂĽl designed
in case 1 you find your optimal position then work back from there, use the retĂĽl zin to find the stack and reach of your hypothetical frame, stem length crank length and even frame angles etc.
In case 2 you set the MĂĽve up to the stack and reach of that frame and you find stem length, steerer spacers and crank length etc. perfect if you are buying online and are between sizes, just 1 example.
Other uses of the system include optimisation for comfort or power output if you use the system alongside racermates spinscan for example really useful stuff!
*owner of www.edinburghbikefitting.com
Surely a main pivot wants a large diameter axle, large bearings, substantial swingarm mount to promote lateral rigidity in the rear end?
My thoughts exactly. I'd prefer something thicker than a shock axle to hold the entire rear end of my bike on....
there are surely some small pivots on mondraker and others..... but the MAIN pivot should be strong
To me, it is like going to a tailor, who takes all your measurements and still you are only able to choose from standard XS to XL sizes. Why bother?
It's another way of providing pseudo-science for people with loads of cash.
Look at the Pro Road racers. Usually on a bike one or more sizes too small, with a MASSIVE stem.
You just can't do that on an mtb and not affect the handling massively, unless you're:
www.peterverdone.com
And then it's best to just kill yourself.
But in the words of P.T. Barnum, "There is a sucker born every minute", and I will argue that most people that get "fitted" would fit into previously mentioned category.
Sure, sometimes numbness and pain can be relieved from a "fitting" but the customer will still ride along on a frame (and essentially a full bicycle) that was built as a compromize, made to fit a large group of people.
A true bike fitting should be done when a customer orders a true handbuilt, built to measure custom frame. All else is little more than snake oil!
That Dumun DH "has" it all.
CMIIW.
Has this been done before? If not, why not?