Who is BīkFit?
Eric aka FitTechEricBīkFit is my brainchild. I'm Eric Bowen and I'm not only the founding partner, but also our fitting technician (I do every one of our bike fits). Although BīkFit is a partnership with other custom frame builders, I'm the one who runs the company and serves as the primary point of contact for all our vendors and clients. Some of you may also know me as FitTechEric (also my Twitter username) from the road cycling blog, The Virtual Musette, which is gaining worldwide recognition for the series of articles devoted to European pro cycling history, The Top 25 Cyclists of the Modern Era.
Why should we trust your expertise in bike fitting?
My bike fitting protocols have been fine-tuned over a period spanning nearly 20 years. I don't use any particular fitting system or software to conduct my bike fits, and my approach is unique and proprietary. Having said that, there is absolutely no way I could have perfected my methods without the collective wisdom of many other biomechanical experts and pioneers in the field of bike fitting: Victor Larivee (The Bicycle Workshop, Santa Monica, CA); Tom Slocum (High Sierra Cycles, Big Bear, CA), John Howard (Coastal Sports and Wellness Centers, San Diego, CA); Steve Hogg (Pedal Pushers, Australia); Lennard Zinn (Zinn Cycles, Boulder, CO); and Dr. Andy Pruitt (Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, Boulder, CO).
I am indebted to the work of both of both Dr. Arnie Baker (Arnie Baker Cycling, San Diego, CA), and Paul Swift (Bike Fit Systems, Woodinville, WA) without whose expertise and products BīkFit would not possible.
Bike fitting is not some arcane mystical science, and I don't possess special knowledge I'm not willing to share with the rest of the world. Although the specifics of my system are proprietary, my fitting methods are based on an accumulation of best practices of my peers (see above), common sense, experience, and scientific studies. If you want a fairly detailed outline of my bike fitting approach before you set an appointment, please read my nine page special report titled, Road Bike Fitting Guidelines: The Essentials for Proper Fit, which you can immediately access by signing up for my eNewsletter. There is a sign up box located at the bottom of this section, and in the right hand column of every page on this site.
How are you different from other bike fitters?
The most important part of a bike fit usually involves changes to your cleats and/or pedals. Many fitters don't spend nearly enough time, if any at all, on making sure that the foot/pedal interface is optimized. Changes to the pedals and cleats can sometimes have a huge impact on efficiency and comfort, and it's rare if I don't make adjustments of some kind; this can include adding shims, wedges, and/or pedal spacers. This can be a real eye opener, even for very experienced, long-time cyclists who think they've got everything wired. If you've had a bike fit before, but the fitter didn't spend a good portion of the time working with your feet, cleats, and pedals, then you haven't had a thorough bike fit.
BīkFit is a mobile service. I don't think there are many people in the region, or even the country, that will come to you. This also means that I don't use some of the high tech tools others do, such as motion capture systems like DartFish or Retul. These types of tools just aren't conducive to a mobile environment where there can be very limited control over the space available, power supply, etc. I do use video tape analysis and take "on the bike" measurements with an angle finder known as a goniometer; I've found these methods to be just as effective as using any other system or tool.
I don't view bike fitting as a single event. It is a process that should involve communication between the client and fitter after the initial session, sometimes over the course of several months. It is critical that we stay in touch after any changes have been made, especially if an injury is involved. Normally, you won't hear from most fitters after your appointment.
You will be provided with a written analysis of my conclusions (Deluxe Package only). Again, this is not a service most fitters provide. All fits are also video taped and reviewed in detail prior to my final recommendations.
I don't assume everyone wants, or needs, to be fit like a professional cyclist. Although I used to race many years ago, and I can certainly help someone who'd like to be low and aerodynamic, experience has taught me that most people will go faster if they are more comfortable on their bike. Many bike fitters who come from a competitive background tend to favor a more aggressive position for their clients, and I've noticed this trend to be even more pronounced in some bike shops.
Since you also sell custom frames, are you going to try and talk me into buying a new bike?
First off, most people don't need a custom bike. Even if you are a good candidate for a custom frame, I realize you may not be in a position to spend $1500 - $5000 on a new frameset. I'll do everything possible to try to make your current bike fit, as best I can. Under no circumstance are you going to get a high pressure sales pitch from me, and I think you'll figure that out after you spend a few minutes talking to me. My written recommendations will always include frame geometry suggestions, so at the very least you'll know what you need when you are in a position to buy something new.
If you do decide to go the custom route, please keep in mind that I will apply the cost of your fitting as credit to any frameset you do order from one of our custom partners, and I'll also get you dialed in when you take delivery of your new dream bike. Ordering a custom frame is big step in a cyclist's life, and I want the experience to be one you'll fondly remember. If there is another custom builder you'd like to work with, please let me know, and I might be able negotiate a dealer arrangement so you don't have to pay for my fitting services.
If you have any other unanswered questions, please feel free to email me at bikfit@yahoo.com
You can also call me at 858-414-7093.
