F.I.S.T. training for 2013
Written by: Dan Empfield
Date: Tue Dec 04 2012
Fit Institute Slowtwitch (F.I.S.T.) produces low-cost, two-day workshops that equip bike shop professionals with every knowledge-based tool required execute a perfect fit for each customer.
(The upcoming workshop schedule is below. If you don't need to read any of this, and you just want to register, place your deposit and save your space, navigate to our Master Workshop deposit page. Our 2013 schedule is at the bottom of this page.)
THEORY
The protocol we’ve developed is used today, in various forms, in many fit and retail systems. The protocol we teach says that fit is a three-step process: 1) Identify and solve contact point issues by helping clients choose saddles and handlebars that solve comfort problems; 2) Help the customer discover and quantify “fit coordinates” that represent spatially where and how a rider sits aboard his or her bike; 3) Identify and present complete bike solutions – both production and, if desired, custom – that fit up underneath the rider’s fit coordinates.
Moving from “fit coordinates” to “complete bike solutions” uses calculators we’ve developed that apply a rider’s fit metrics to a database of all bike geometries – for both road and tri – that center around “stack” and “reach”, a pair of metric developed by us and in wide use by almost all bike companies today.
(The upcoming workshop schedule is below. If you don't need to read any of this, and you just want to register, place your deposit and save your space, navigate to our Master Workshop deposit page. Our 2013 schedule is at the bottom of this page.)
THEORY
The protocol we’ve developed is used today, in various forms, in many fit and retail systems. The protocol we teach says that fit is a three-step process: 1) Identify and solve contact point issues by helping clients choose saddles and handlebars that solve comfort problems; 2) Help the customer discover and quantify “fit coordinates” that represent spatially where and how a rider sits aboard his or her bike; 3) Identify and present complete bike solutions – both production and, if desired, custom – that fit up underneath the rider’s fit coordinates.
Moving from “fit coordinates” to “complete bike solutions” uses calculators we’ve developed that apply a rider’s fit metrics to a database of all bike geometries – for both road and tri – that center around “stack” and “reach”, a pair of metric developed by us and in wide use by almost all bike companies today.
Our protocol is “dynamic”, which means the fit coordinates are derived while the rider is pedaling the bike. This, as opposed to “static”, which simply takes limb lengths and derives fit coordinates in that fashion. A “dynamic” protocol usually presupposes the use of a fit bike, and students here use several leading fit bikes in order to know which among them, if any, are the best fit for their own fit businesses. For those so interested we sell fit bikes, and we finance them into shops via attractive, low monthly cost, options.
ROAD
Our protocol stresses the importance of fitting a rider comprehensively to his road bike, and by that we mean that all rider positions should be optimized. A fit session is not complete until a rider finds satisfaction in all rider positions, which include seated, hands on hoods, tops and drops; and standing, hands on hoods and drops. This presupposes a dynamic fit on both flat ground and on an incline, and the workshop demonstrates how to do that. A finished road fit outputs “complete bike solutions” that are quite granular, as in: 56cm Tarmac with 110mm stem in a –8° pitch with the factory headset top cap + 5mm of spacers and a handlebar with 80mm of stretch and 125mm of drop. This type of output would include every match, such as conforming products made by Trek, Cervelo, Giant, Cannondale, Felt, BMC, Orbea, and every significant bike company.
ROAD
Our protocol stresses the importance of fitting a rider comprehensively to his road bike, and by that we mean that all rider positions should be optimized. A fit session is not complete until a rider finds satisfaction in all rider positions, which include seated, hands on hoods, tops and drops; and standing, hands on hoods and drops. This presupposes a dynamic fit on both flat ground and on an incline, and the workshop demonstrates how to do that. A finished road fit outputs “complete bike solutions” that are quite granular, as in: 56cm Tarmac with 110mm stem in a –8° pitch with the factory headset top cap + 5mm of spacers and a handlebar with 80mm of stretch and 125mm of drop. This type of output would include every match, such as conforming products made by Trek, Cervelo, Giant, Cannondale, Felt, BMC, Orbea, and every significant bike company.
TRI
This is where it started, this is what we’re famous for. Stack and reach metrics, and matching fit coordinates to complete bike outputs, began here. It’s the same basic protocol as road, however the output would yield very different position coordinates, starting with saddle fore/aft positions that are quite distinct from those in a road race fit.
TOOLS
The basic tool for a dynamic fit process optimally done is a fit bike. The most appropriate fit bikes are those that adjust horizontally and vertically (as opposed to adjustments in an angular bias, such as up or down a given seat or head angle). Examples of these optimal bikes are those made by Exit Cycling, Guru, Retul and Purely Custom. More are in development. We have several of these bikes on the property and will demonstrate their use to you. You’ll work extensively on these bikes during our workshops and you’ll then have a grasp of which will work best for you in your fit studio.
We’ll also demonstrate body angle measuring devices, both static (goniometer) and dynamic (motion and video capture systems). We’ll explain and/or demonstrate dynamic systems that cost thousands down to those which are available for free.
This is where it started, this is what we’re famous for. Stack and reach metrics, and matching fit coordinates to complete bike outputs, began here. It’s the same basic protocol as road, however the output would yield very different position coordinates, starting with saddle fore/aft positions that are quite distinct from those in a road race fit.
TOOLS
The basic tool for a dynamic fit process optimally done is a fit bike. The most appropriate fit bikes are those that adjust horizontally and vertically (as opposed to adjustments in an angular bias, such as up or down a given seat or head angle). Examples of these optimal bikes are those made by Exit Cycling, Guru, Retul and Purely Custom. More are in development. We have several of these bikes on the property and will demonstrate their use to you. You’ll work extensively on these bikes during our workshops and you’ll then have a grasp of which will work best for you in your fit studio.
We’ll also demonstrate body angle measuring devices, both static (goniometer) and dynamic (motion and video capture systems). We’ll explain and/or demonstrate dynamic systems that cost thousands down to those which are available for free.
We’ll also show point of sale fixtures that allow handlebars and aerobars to be demonstrated on showroom floors, in fit studios or in bike shops, and we’ll point you to where they can be purchased and/or give you schematics on how to build them yourself.
As noted above, we sell some of these fit tools, and we finance them into stores that want to earn these tools as they generate their own money through use.
OUR WORKSHOPS
Some of our workshops are Mon/Tue only, and are just for tri bike fit. When we’re producing an entire week of workshops, we’ll start on Mon/Tue with road bike fit, and finish up Thur/Fri with tri bike fit. However, every workshop is portable and optional.
For example, let’s say we’re producing a week’s worth of workshops. You can stay all week, and we’re happy to host you. However, you can just be here for a road workshop Mon/Tue, and then leave. Or, you can arrive later in the week and only participate in the Thur/Fri tri bike workshop.
As noted above, we sell some of these fit tools, and we finance them into stores that want to earn these tools as they generate their own money through use.
OUR WORKSHOPS
Some of our workshops are Mon/Tue only, and are just for tri bike fit. When we’re producing an entire week of workshops, we’ll start on Mon/Tue with road bike fit, and finish up Thur/Fri with tri bike fit. However, every workshop is portable and optional.
For example, let’s say we’re producing a week’s worth of workshops. You can stay all week, and we’re happy to host you. However, you can just be here for a road workshop Mon/Tue, and then leave. Or, you can arrive later in the week and only participate in the Thur/Fri tri bike workshop.
What about Wednesdays? We always feature an optional Wednesday workshop often featuring Paul Swift of Bike Fit Systems, and during this one day Paul teaches on pedal/shoe interface (i.e., cleat mount). We charge $175 for this. Most attendees find this an extremely valuable workshop, both in terms of the knowledge gained, and in the ability to offer pedal/shoe interface as a stand-alone fit session that generates its own fee. Otherwise, our day-3 guest is John Cobb, and he’ll teach on how to take a F.I.S.T. Tri Bike position and tweak it for optimal aerodynamics, including the quantifiable benefit provided by aero helmets, apparel, shoe covers, frame and component features.
COST
Each 2-day workshop costs $695. Road is a 2-day workshop, so is Tri. Our Wednesday 1-day workshop is $175. If you stay for the entire week, that’s $1565. But all these workshops are portable. You can take any combination. Once you successfully conclude a workshop, you may return and take that same 2-day workshop again for $295.
COST
Each 2-day workshop costs $695. Road is a 2-day workshop, so is Tri. Our Wednesday 1-day workshop is $175. If you stay for the entire week, that’s $1565. But all these workshops are portable. You can take any combination. Once you successfully conclude a workshop, you may return and take that same 2-day workshop again for $295.
OUR FACILITY
All our workshops take place in the same place, on a ranch in the San Gabriel Mountains (which we call Xantusia) outside of Los Angeles. We’re at 4100’ in elevation, adjacent to mountains that rise to 10,000’. We’re right next to several tall climbs used annually in the Amgen Tour of California, and we’re here because of the road and offroad riding and offroad running. We have a couple of dozen late model road bikes on the property in various sizes for your to borrow and ride while you’re here, if you so choose. People, dogs, horses and bikes live here year round, and this is where Slowtwitch.com is published. We’re proximate to LAX and Long Beach airports, and close yet to airports in Ontario and Burbank, California. Most people who attend our workshops stay at a bed & breakfast next door built for the purpose.
(You can place your deposit and save your space HERE).
2013 Workshop schedule:
Nov 5/6, 2012: Road Bike Fit
Nov 7, 2012: Optional third day Paul Swift on pedal/shoe interface
Nov 8/9, 2012 Tri Bike Fit
Jan 7/8, 2013: Tri Bike Fit
Jan 9, 2013: Optional third day: John Cobb on bike/rider aerodynamics
Jan 28/29, 2013: Road Bike Fit
Jan 30, 2013: Optional third day: Paul Swift on pedal/shoe interface
Jan 31/Feb 1: 2013 Tri Bike Fit
Feb 25/26, 2013: Tri Bike Fit
Feb 27, 2013: Optional third day: Paul Swift on pedal/shoe interface
Mar 18/19, 2013: Road Bike Fit
Mar 20, 2013: Optional third day: John Cobb on bike/rider aerodynamics
Mar 21/22, 2013: Tri Bike Fit
Apr 27/28, 2013: Road Bike Fit (This is Sat/Sun)
Apr 29/30, 2013: Tri Bike Fit
May 1, 2013: Optional third day: Paul Swift on pedal/shoe interface
All our workshops take place in the same place, on a ranch in the San Gabriel Mountains (which we call Xantusia) outside of Los Angeles. We’re at 4100’ in elevation, adjacent to mountains that rise to 10,000’. We’re right next to several tall climbs used annually in the Amgen Tour of California, and we’re here because of the road and offroad riding and offroad running. We have a couple of dozen late model road bikes on the property in various sizes for your to borrow and ride while you’re here, if you so choose. People, dogs, horses and bikes live here year round, and this is where Slowtwitch.com is published. We’re proximate to LAX and Long Beach airports, and close yet to airports in Ontario and Burbank, California. Most people who attend our workshops stay at a bed & breakfast next door built for the purpose.
(You can place your deposit and save your space HERE).
2013 Workshop schedule:
Nov 5/6, 2012: Road Bike Fit
Nov 7, 2012: Optional third day Paul Swift on pedal/shoe interface
Nov 8/9, 2012 Tri Bike Fit
Jan 7/8, 2013: Tri Bike Fit
Jan 9, 2013: Optional third day: John Cobb on bike/rider aerodynamics
Jan 28/29, 2013: Road Bike Fit
Jan 30, 2013: Optional third day: Paul Swift on pedal/shoe interface
Jan 31/Feb 1: 2013 Tri Bike Fit
Feb 25/26, 2013: Tri Bike Fit
Feb 27, 2013: Optional third day: Paul Swift on pedal/shoe interface
Mar 18/19, 2013: Road Bike Fit
Mar 20, 2013: Optional third day: John Cobb on bike/rider aerodynamics
Mar 21/22, 2013: Tri Bike Fit
Apr 27/28, 2013: Road Bike Fit (This is Sat/Sun)
Apr 29/30, 2013: Tri Bike Fit
May 1, 2013: Optional third day: Paul Swift on pedal/shoe interface
Place your deposit and save your space HERE.
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