SPORTFIT LAB

Whether you ride for pleasure, exercise, or competition, you'll benefit from our certified professional bike fitting and analysis services.  With certification from the prestigious Serotta International Cycling Institute (SICI), we employ the latest scientific and biomechanical principles (such as F.I.S.T. and Boulder Center for Sports Medicine) to fit YOUR bike to YOUR body.  We gather data on your health, fitness, and cycling history; your cycling and/or competitive goals; and measure your strength and flexibility.  We employ one of two methods for bike fitting:

♦  Pre-Purchase Bike Fitting - if you're looking for a new bike or "starting over," we split the fitting into two sessions:

          Session 1 (90-120 minutes) - We start with an interview to determine your cycling experience, goals, and fitness level.  Then we take your body measurements and test your flexibility and strength.  Finally, we use our adjustable FitMaster cycle to determine the perfect fit for your body.  The FitMaster cycle is a special machine which allows for precise adjustment of virtually any part of the bike – the handlebars, seat, pedals, cranks, and even racing aerobars.  In our Advanced Fit, we also test each setting with our CompuTrainer cycle computer, which measures your precise power output (with each individual leg) and displays it on our 32” LCD screen.  Once we've determined your most efficient, comfortable, and powerful riding position, we record those measurements and give them to you to use with any bike shop.  We can make purchase recommendations based on your budget, order a custom-fit bike, or retrofit your existing bike.  We'll review bike components, gearing, and other purchase options.  Our partners at A1 Cycling (N. Virginia) offer all SPORTFIT clients discounted bikes, parts, and accessories.

          Session 2 (60-120 minutes) - After you purchase your bike, bring it back to the Lab for final fitting and adjustments.  We'll make sure your position is perfect, from cleat and pedal alignment to handlebars (or aerobars).  Test different saddles or bars with your new bike.  See your power output with each stroke and each individual leg [Advanced Fit only].  We won't be satisfied until we're sure your position will take you through many miles comfortably and efficiently.

♦  Existing Bike Fitting - if you have a bike but need more comfort/efficiency and fewer injuries, we'll fit you on your bike.  We discuss your riding history and goals, then do our full body analysis.  After mounting your bike on our Computrainer, we proceed with complete fitting, from cleats to handlebars.  Try different saddles, stems, handlebars, shoe insoles, or positions until you're completely comfortable.  With the CompuTrainer measuring power output and efficiency, and video analysis of your riding posture [Advanced Fit only], we'll determine which adjustments to your current bike will add to your riding pleasure or racing success.  Once we've found your optimal position, we'll record your all the dimensions and (if necessary) help you get any needed parts/upgrades to achieve your perfect fit.

HOW WE USE VIDEO MOTION ANALYSIS 
     Utilizing Sports Motion technology, we can record your actual cycling motion in real time - then slow or freeze it to analyze your body position and joint angles.  Although it's possible to approximate joint angles without Sports Motion, using video is much more precise as we can take measurements during your natural pedaling motion.  Moreover, we can visually record and compare changes in position - you'll be able to see how the fitting has improved your posture!  Although a few fitters are now using 3D motion capture systems, we believe the 2D system from Sports Motion provides all the same advantages more efficiently and at lower cost.

HOW WE USE COMPUTRAINER ANALYSIS
     The Computrainer system allows us to precisely measure your power output (wattage) at every moment during your cycling motion.  We can also simulate hill climbing at any grade, a time trial, or even a specific race course.  During fitting, we make special use of the Spin Scan, a Computrainer program which displays - in real time - your exact power output FOR EACH LEG!  With the Spin Scan, we can see your power at every point in the pedal revolution.  This produces a Spin Scan efficiency score for each leg.  With the Spin Scan, we can pick up any deficits in your pedaling motion or differences from one leg to the other.  We also see immediate power changes resulting from alterations in your position on the bike.  Thus, we have a scientific and accurate measurement for analyzing the RESULTS of the fitting.  At SPORTFIT, we use the Computrainer Lab model, which is specially calibrated for accuracy and reliability in power measurements.

SPORTFIT "FIT REPORT"
     With every fitting, you receive a complete report with all your ideal measurements, exercise recommendations, bike or part purchase recommendations, and handy bike diagram "Fit Key" to make sure you understand all fitting dimensions.