03/10/2018
Great meeting Kelvin this week when he came in for a Retul Bikefit as was feeling discomfort in his hips, lower back and wrists.
During the Retul βoff-bikeβ pre assessment we found out more information about his injuries, asymmetries, joint ROM, musculature function and measured his sit bones (ichial tuberosity) using the Digital Sit Bone device which indicated he would be more supported on a wider saddle.π¨ββοΈππ€Έπ»ββοΈ
Next we attached 16 LEDs bilaterally on Kelvin at anatomical marker points. These LEDs would then be picked up by the Retul Vantage motion capture bar via Infrared recording real time data of Kelvins body movement and position. Seeing how both sides of the body are working with the bike is paramount during a bike fit as we are not symmetrical beings.
Whilst pedalling we looked at Kelvins initial position. His arms were locked out, he was sitting all the way back on the saddle (trying to find the widest part), there was a noticeable βbananamanβ curvature in his spine and he was losing contact with the pedals at the bottom of his pedal stroke. πππ
The data readings all confirmed what I was seeing with the naked fitters eye - saddle angle too high, seat height too high and the saddle wasnβt providing enough support. We swapped to a wider saddle, lowered the seat height, increased the set back and went from a + (nose up) to a - (nose down) saddle angle. After these key changes when Kelvin pedalled he looked more supported, had a smoother pedal stroke and his spinal alignment looked so much better as he was able to rotate his pelvis forward and sit more centrally in the saddle. ππ€π₯β¨β¨π΄πΌββοΈ
We made some minor adjustments to his reach and drop using the Retul Angul fit stem and tested out some narrower bars.
During the fit I was getting positive feedback from Kelvin to how the changes felt to him, whilst also seeing the data lines all change to βgreenβ indicating some good body angle ranges. πππβ
It was a pleasure meeting Kelvin and glad we could make these changes ahead of a big event heβs riding this weekend. Good luck and have a great ride!!! ππ³π°π΄πΌββοΈ @ Balance Performance Physiotherapy