Why Physiotherapy Bike Fitting?
Physiotherapy bike fits offer the advantage of having a trained physiotherapist complete the physiological assessment portion of your bike fit, which not only informs the on-bike portion of your fit but also provides the foundation for future treatment, strengthening and mobility improvement that will further improve your interaction with your bike.
Due to being carried out as a comprehensive clinical assessment by a physiotherapist, physiotherapy bike fitting also offers the advantage of being covered by many major benefits packages, reducing the cost of your experience. Be sure to verify your coverage with your insurance provider before booking.
What is a Retül Bike Fit?
Retül Fit is more than just a bike fit—it’s a way to learn about your body, the root cause of your aches and pains, and how a proper fit will help you achieve your cycling goals.
Using 3D motion capture technology, the Retül system accurately measures every degree of movement and millimeter of distance, providing you and the fitter with data to support the choices made during the fit for your cycling equipment and personal riding experience. The pre-fit assessment measures how your body moves, and tailors the fit ranges to YOU.
The Process
STEP 1:
Starting with a pre-fit physical assessment, your fitter will take into account your body’s limitations, previous injuries and pains, and what your goals are on the bike. The portion takes place on site at Connect Physiotherapy (6316 106 Street, Edmonton).
STEP 2:
From there, the remaining steps take place in United Sport & Cycle’s fully equipped Fit Studio (7620 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton). The fitter will have you get on your existing bike to place LED markers on 8 anatomical points of your body which will be tracked by the Retül Vantage Motion Capture system. The Retül Vantage system is used to collect real-time, three-dimensional data from each pedal stroke creating a dynamic fit experience.
STEP 3:
The real-time dynamic data is compiled into the Retül bike fit software so that the fitter can make adjustments to your bike based on fit measurements that cannot be seen with the naked eye, pre-fit physical assessment findings and your goals on the bike. This also may include any equipment changes, such as shoes, footbeds, saddle, handlebars, etc.
STEP 4:
Once you and your fitter have dialed in your final bike position, the fitter will create a digital map of your final bike set up using the Retül Zin tool. The bike data and Zin tool measurements are generated into a complete report that you can reference at any time after your bike fit appointment.
Ready to book your bike fit?
What's next? Pricing can be found on Connect Physiotherapy's website, as well as a direct booking link to book your bike fit.
Book by Practitioner
Ruben San Martin
Bike Fitting Expert
About
MScPT, BKin, CSCS
ombined experience in rehabilitation and strength and conditioning, Ruben delivers evidence-based, exercise-focused care to p... Read more
Liam Armstrong
Bike Fitting Expert
About
MScPT, CSCS
As a graduate from the MScPT program at the University of Alberta, Liam brings a modern, evidence-based approach to his physiotherapy practice. Compli... Read more
If you are a previous fit client of United Sport & Cycle and wish to be be fit directly by Jesse or Mia, please email jesse.bauer@unitedsport.ca to inquire about availability.
NOTE: Fits by United employees can not be claimed through your benefits as a physiotherapy bike fit.
Frame sizing for new bike purchases is not currently offered by Connect Physiotherapy, but United may have limited availability to take these on a case-by-case basis. Email Jesse above for availability inquiries.
Wondering about Accessories?
Very few bikes will fit you 100% perfectly without any customization or parts swaps. Part of bike fitting is identifying which parts would benefit from a parts swap in order to optimize your bike fit for your goals.
Installation of standard parts is included as part of your fit (non-standard parts, like internally routed handlebars, might carry a further labour charge), but these parts do come at an additional cost. Don’t forget to think about these when budgeting for your bike fit experience!
SADDLES (STARTING AT ~$140):
Saddles are the first piece likely to change. Your saddle is the foundation of your bike fit, as the proper saddle will support your sitbones without creating pressure elsewhere, and allow you to unlock power and efficiency you were not able to before.
STEMS (STARTING AT ~$50):
Stems are used to adapt the stack and/or reach of your bike to optimize back and shoulder angle, and are the most common parts swap during a bike fit after your saddle is selected.
HANDLEBARS (STARTING AT ~$75):
A common reason for shoulder pain while riding is a handlebar that is the wrong width. Changing this key piece can make a world of difference to your upper body comfort!
HANDLEBAR TAPE/GRIPS (STARTING AT ~$30): When we replace handlebars or need to roll your tape back to adjust your grip position, we try our best but can’t always save your old handlebar tape. It also might be a good time to update your bar tape to match your new bars!
CRANKSETS (STARTING AT ~$250):
A great way of opening up your hip angle and reducing hip impingement is shortening your crank length. Shorter cranks also help increase your natural cadence, and can be very advantageous to triathletes who have to consider running off the bike.
PEDALS AND SHOES (STARTING AT ~$100 EACH):
Riders using flat pedals will definitely see increased efficiency and comfort from clipping in to your pedals. Even riders who clip in could benefit from a different pedal system...perhaps one with longer spindles to increase your stance width! Your shoe may be the wrong shape for your foot, or have features built in that don’t play nicely with your anatomy.
INSOLES AND FOREFOOT WEDGES (STARTING AT ~$50)
The main objective of a bike fit is to minimize the amount of collapse during riding that robs you of efficiency and power. Insoles and wedges fill the gaps created between your foot and the stock liner of your shoe, supporting your foot where it needed to keep your knees and hips tracking straight.
We look forward to fitting you soon!