The common syllabus explained

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE NEW EDUCATION SYLLABUS

Recognised education providers around the world will be offering courses in-line with the new common syllabus, making it easier for fitters to progress throughout their career. Here, we set out what you should expect to learn at each education level.

The new common syllabus retains the four levels of IBFI’s current certification system but splits each level into two modules – one delivered online through a new multivendor education website — to be launched soon — and one delivered in person by recognised education providers.

Each module consists of around 24 hours of learning. The online content can be completed at a time to suit the student, and even be split into chunks to ensure it can easily fit around other commitments. The in-person courses will usually be delivered across three days, although this is entirely up to the course provider.

As you’ll see from the tables here, the breadth of content is far greater than anything currently available, and creates a very clear path for fitters looking to progress from entry-level, early career practitioners to advanced, well-rounded professionals.

Level 1

An introduction to bike fitting, providing all the skills a retail fitter needs to carry out a basic fit

ONLINE MODULE

Lesson 1: Introduction to Anatomy

Lesson 2: Pre-fit Interview

Lesson 3: Introductory pre-fit screening

Lesson 4: Bike Measurements

IN-PERSON MODULE

Postural cues of bad fit, identification of a functional saddle position window (fore-aft and height), identification of a functional handlebar position window, intro to cleat positioning, intro to insole selection, basic mechanic skills, and bike sizing.

Level 2

Builds on the knowledge gained in level 1 and digs into more discipline-specific detail

ONLINE MODULE

Lesson 1: The business of bike fitting

Lesson 2: Intro to cycling biomechanics

Lesson 3: Common cycling discomfort

Lesson 4: Intro to bike fitting technology

IN-PERSON MODULE

Crank length selection, intermediate physical assessment and clinical reasoning, intermediate foot evaluation, foot-pedal interface, fitting for TT and Triathlon, fitting for Road, fitting for MTB, and gender-specific fit issues.

Level 3

Expands a fitter’s knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, while focusing on contact point selection

ONLINE MODULE

Lesson 1: Intermediate anatomy

Lesson 2: Cycling injuries

Lesson 3: Intermediate cycling biomechanics

IN-PERSON MODULE

Saddle selection, shoe selection, advanced insole selection, pedal systems and float, handlebar and cockpit selection, advanced on bike visual cues, advanced foot evaluation, and weight distribution/centre of mass.

Level 4

Provides everything a fitter could need, including custom frame design, fitting para…… athletes and exposure to all the technologies commonly used in fitting.

ONLINE MODULE

Lesson 1: Custom frame design

Lesson 2: Reviewing scientific literature

Lesson 3: Teaching, mentoring, and assessing

IN-PERSON MODULE

Motion capture, pressure mapping, force pedals, electromyography (EMG), aerodynamics, physiology of position, off-bike exercises, strength and conditioning for cycling, para-fit and fitting at the extremes.