STATIC VS DYNAMIC Do static measurements have any value in bike fitting, or are dynamic measurements from motion capture systems and video analysis superior? Niels Heuvelman from Cyclefit.com looks at the myths around anatomical measurements, and explains why it’s still worth making use of the good things about formulas and body segment lengths.
A
sk many bike fitters, and they’ll often say
In general body dimensions can be used for
static measurements don’t add much
comparisons between different riders (the more
value to their fits. Instead, they’ll tell you
riders you have seen and measured, the
that dynamic measurements — generally referring
easier it gets to see differences between riders),
to motion capture systems and video analysis
left versus right comparisons (if you measure
allowing the fitter to measure joint angles — are
body dimensions on both sides of the body this
what’s important.
will give you an idea about differences) and
But while the general idea might be opposed, bike fitting based on formulas and body measurements can still have its place, and it’s
determining a position or recommendation of certain products, such as insoles or saddles. If you want to do this, you need more than just
worth taking the time to start utilising the good
the body dimensions – you need a formula or
things about them.
algorithm to go from body dimension to positional recommendation (translating leg length to saddle
Body measurements
height). Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
All bike fitters I know use some form of body measurements in their daily routine. What body dimensions are measured and how they are used differs between fitters.
Comparisons between different riders The Cyclefit system gives us access to a huge number of datasets containing body dimensions.