Optimizing Your Speed and Efficiency Through Science and Technology

What is Performance Analysis?

Performance Analysis uses quantifiable computer data to improve your efficiency and speed through positioning. Your efficiency and speed on a bicycle is determined by four main variables: power, oxygen transfer, technique and aerodynamics. You don’t want to just maximize one at the expense of the others. Instead, you want to find the right balance. Performance Analysis is an exclusive step-by-step protocol that we’ve developed that uses computer software and the Serotta Size Cycle to accurately test all four variables simultaneously to build the most efficient riding position possible for you.

A) Power. Compared to many things, humans do not put out much power, so it is really important that we maximize the small amount that we have. We measure power in watts. For example, if you average 180 watts of power while riding, you put out enough power to light three 60 watt light bulbs. If we are able to increase your power by 20 watts, you will be able to light up 3 1/3 light bulbs. That extra third of a light bulb is over 10% more power – a notable increase. By testing you in a controlled environment, and making position changes with the Serotta Size Cycle, we will build the position where your power output is maximized.

B) Oxygen Transfer. Breathing directly relates to power output and endurance (not to mention the ability to make good decisions). By using a protocol that analyzes your heartrate, we can see how changes in position effect your ability to breathe efficiently. Note on lactate: Some coaches and fitters use lactate testing in their fitting procedures. We do not use lactate testing in our protocols. After speaking with numerous exercise kinesiologists and researching how lactate testing works, we determined that lactate testing can actually be less accurate for the type of testing we perform as it really only gives feedback at a given point in the test (when the blood is actually drawn). Lactate testing has not proven to be particularly accurate when performed by basic/affordable testing equipment, and does not give insight into how effort varies during the rest of the testing session – an important variable. For these reasons, we have chosen to continue to use heart rate.

C) Technique. The biomechanics and position of your limbs in relation to each other are very influential on your efficiency and endurance while riding. We look at fundamental angles, as well as graphically analyzing your spin and torque, to arrive at a position that maximizes the efficiency of your muscle recruitment.

D) Aerodynamics. 65-70% of your energy (power) is used to overcome the air resistance created by your body and equipment. Aerodynamics in cycling is effected by two main items: frontal surface area and shape. We analyze both. We are also one of a very limited number of places in the country that offers Digital Aerodynamics Analysis, which uses computer software and controlled digital images to quantify your aerodynamic efficiency in a position.

Details: Performance Analysis is a great value. A good set of aero wheels costs around $1350 and will take 1 minute 3 seconds off the average rider’s 40km TT time on a varied terrain course. The average Performance Analysis session costs $395 and takes off 1 minute 36 seconds on the same course for that same rider. If you have to choose, Performance Analysis takes off more time for less money.

Performance Analysis: A focused Performance Analysis session takes about four hours. Price: $395.

Digital Aerodynamics Analysis: We have advanced surface area analysis software that we use to turn digital imagery, taken in a controlled environment (like a Performance Analysis session), into accurate frontal surface area numbers. You will receive your frontal surface area results as well as a virtual race scenario comparison of your existing position and the aerodynamically optimized position. Price $250.

Take more time off in a few hours than you’ve been able to in the past year of training. Contact us toll free at 866-833-4FIT (4348) or by E-mail at info@fitwerx.com for an appointment.