Body Geometry Fit Certification

We came out to SBCU back in April to expand on our fit knowledge and enjoyed the course. Last month we came out for the level II of the course to learn a few more advanced techniques and further our knowledge. Following the level 2 class somebody said, "Hell, certification is 3 weeks from now, you should show up and do it." Starting something and not finishing just isn't our style so getting final certification was a must. After some research we noticed that certification happens once a year so we booked a flight.

Specialized takes certification very serious.

So last week we flew back out to Morgan Hill, CA for the 3rd and final level of Body Geometry Fit training. The course was 2 days. Day 1 consisted of reviewing the BG FIT method and day 2 was the certification. For final certification we had to do a practicum fit on a random rider and a written test. Pass these test and show our mastery of the BG FIT method and then we would be the first and only Certified Master Body Geometry Fitter in the state of Alabama.

Above is the bike from my practicum fit. For the practicum fit the instructors find a random volunteer from the building and randomly pair you with them. From there you have 2.5 hours to perform a full pre-fit physical assessment and Body Geometry fit. During these 2.5 hours you are graded every step of the way for professionalism, understanding that your doing, why your doing it and technique.  I wasn't too stressed, it's just another fit which is something we do daily at the shop. Everything went smooth and we nailed the fit just like we do everyday at the shop.

The written test went fine, just like any test one would take in school. The test consisted of general fit knowledge and case studies. Afterwards we snapped a photo with Dr. Andy Pruitt and Specialized founder Mike Sinyard for the certificate.

Below is a video of what the certification consist of. I'm not one of the original certified fitters but this video give you the idea of what certification is.




Yes, Joseph passed on his first shot.

Our New Fit Studio

This week we completed our new fit studio. For the past 2.5 years Katie and I were using this room as an apartment until we bought a new house. 

 It's hard to believe now that we had most of the stuff in this room crammed into the 10x12ft green room.

Body Geometry Fit Level II - Day 3

I'm a day or 2 late posting about day 3 of the BG Fit Level II Masters course. My bike I was using for the lunch ride had a small issue and I ended up slamming into a rock wall at around 30mph. I hit so hard that I broke a carbon shoe sole, I have body pictures but it would be better to not show. The end result was a destroyed bike and extremely sore body but not a single minute of class was missed. I will keep the destroyed helmet at the shop if you would like to see the benefits of wearing a helmet.

 We spent a majority of the day testing position in the wind tunnel. 5+ hours of wind tunnel time is significant, contact a wind tunnel and ask about their hourly rate.

 Our time in the wind tunnel taught us a ton about position changes and equipment changes on aero drag. Some of what we tested had no surprises but then we would discover something new. Narrower and lower isn't always faster!

 I hopped in and helped out as long as it didn't involve me using the left side of my body that a damaged a few hours earlier.

 Everybody picked a change they wanted to make and then the aerodynamicist validated it. Some changes to position show significant improvement and other changes showed minimal improvement. Don't always believe what you read on those slowtwitch.com forums.

 The fans that pull air through the tunnel are massive.

The tunnel also has internet so we watched a few You Tube videos on the ground display while the fit bike was being set up. 

It was cool to be the first fit class ever to learn in the new wind tunnel.

Body Geometry Fit Level II - Day 2

Today was our second day at BG Fit Level II. Our brains were flooding with knowledge on the medical aspects of fit and case studies. The highlight we going into the new wind tunnel and seeing the effects of aero drag when position and equipment were changed.

 Of course we ripped the pump track in full kit.

 Testing out the exit from the 2nd floor, it worked. I made the receptionist snap a photo.

 Mark Cote giving his lecture on aero testing in the wind tunnel. Our class was the first class to ever learn in the new wind tunnel.

 Dr. Pruitt giving his lecture on aero fit in the wind tunnel.

 A view of the wind tunnel through the honeycombs.

Another view from the outside of the wind tunnel.

Body Geometry Fit Level II - Day 1

 We are back out in Morgan Hill, CA for Body Geometry Level II (Masters) fit school. Most of today was spent reviewing fit methods, checking out more of the technology (Retul, fit bikes and 2D cameras) and doing case studies.

Riding was to be done too. Sunny California is great when you remember to bring your sunglasses, I left mine back at home.

Selected As One Of America's Best Bike Shops For 2013

We are proud to announce that we were selected as one of America's Best Bike Shops for 2013. This award is determined  on customer loyalty, and what weare doing to make their corner of the globe more bicycle friendly.  Participating stores that receive the highest scores on the application were visited by a mystery shopper who rated the store on appearance, web site and customer service both in person and over the phone.

Here we are at the America's Best Bike Shops award banquette at Interbike in Las Vegas, NV.

Retul Advanced Triathlon and Time Trial

Today at Retul University was spent learning advanced triathlon and time trial position. We are no stranger to aero fitting, a majority of our fits are performed on triathletes of all levels. The course went very in-depth and taught fitting for riders with bio mechanical limitations and and other issues.

This course reviews and teaches aero fitting on all levels from short course and long course triathletes to elite UCI legal fitting.

A dog on staff is always a good sign.

Retul Masters Certification Course

The past few days have been spent at Retul headquarters in Boulder, CO. The first of the courses we are attending is the Masters Certification course. Retul Masters Certification is the signature certification in the fit industry as it is the only true Masters level certification offered.

This course was intense so we were not able to snap as many photos as usual. All business.

 Below is the Retul University classroom.

This course teaches advanced biomechanical analysis, physical assessment as well as some rider coaching that can help a rider improve their efficiency and physiology vs. using corrective fit tools like wedges.

The course ends with an in-depth review of fit skills by our master faculty. If passed we get the status of Certified Master Retul Fitter.

For testing we had to show top skills in rider physical assessment, marker placement, set-up of the Retul Muve fit bike, expert fit decisions, bicycle documentation and generating reports.

Retul's Master Certification course is a pass/fail course so we were pleased to score over 90% overall.  

1 of 27 worldwide.

Body Geometry FIT Day 3

Today was the final day for me at the SBCU Body Geometry FIT school. It's been fun here meeting great people, hanging out at a cool place and riding bikes.

The activities of the day would include some lab fittings of the other students and then heading our for a ride on our freshly fit bikes.

 The cafeteria at Specialized.

 A memorial in the front lobby for Burry Stander.

 Some pro jerseys lining the hallways, I'm shocked I didn't see one of Patrick Dempsey's v-neck t-shirts.

 The Mario Cipollini meeting room.

 The new Body Geometry Sitero triathlon saddle. Now available at Pro Cycle and Triathlon.

 Itsa MARIO!

The Sam Hill meeting room.

Body Geometry FIT Day 2

Today was day 2 at SBCU Body Geometry FIT. Today was filled with lectures about performing the fit and the steps of doing a Body Geometry Fit. 

Afterwards we walked over to the fit lab and put what we went over into play. We would be performing fits on each other, of course at every fit school I attend I'm the first test subject.

 Specialized is a dog-friendly place. Remember, if you walk into a business without dogs on staff, don't trust them.

 Of course there's a pump track on the property and of course I rolled it a few times on a road bike.

 I view of the main stage in the SBCU fit lab.

 We went on our daily road ride, only 10 miles long but a ride is a ride.

 Another shot of the SBCU fit lab.

Lunch rides are serious sport.