The landscape of Bike fitting has become populated with technologies that weren’t conceivable fifteen years ago, when I first conducted the Serotta School of Cycling Ergonomics. Advanced technologies should always be embraced and integrated whenever possible into today’s methodologies. However, we are at a time in Bike Fitting where technology has trumped the technician. We can now measure within microns of a millimeter and virtually eliminate the human from the equation in finding the best bike fit. Or can we?
I have spent the past several years attending seminars and sitting on industry panels watching how Bike Fitting services are becoming automated and made to be as simple as plug-and-play. Let a machine determine where you should be on the bike and then wait for it to spit out the best-fit options in terms of position, components and bikes. I am sorry; I need to call “Bullshit”. We have crossed the line and have allowed programmers to make assumptions based on the quickest filtering down system to produce an output to get a cyclist out the door and on their way in the least amount of time. Many of today’s Bike Fitting systems have taken the human connection out of the equation.
Signature Cycles has always emphasized the importance of our one-on-one approach to understanding you as a cyclist. We learn how you got to where you are today and where you want to be, in the short and long term future. We built our reputation on our bedside manner; call it “bikeside” manner, where no secret handshake or race credentials are needed to receive unconditional advice on what is best for you. We discover, understand and accommodate for your limitations on the bike and as a cyclist. Signature Cycles is determined to always offer the best in customer respect, caring, connection and community.
Embracing the latest technologies is imperative to stay current and relevant. We choose our Bike Fitting technology to compliment our technicians’ expertise, all along enhancing your understanding of what it takes for you to become a better cyclist. Let’s not lose the best of our human connection by replacing empathy and understanding with measuring microns. The landscape in the Bike Fitting field is wide enough to offer the best of both worlds, Bikeside manner and the latest technology.
by Paul Levine, Signature Cycles
Connolly’s/NYCC Beer Happy Hour
Connolly’s/NYCC Beer Happy Hour will continue through the entire length of our meetings, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. The following beers will be available for purchase during the Beer Happy Hour at the discounted price of $6:
Bass Ale · Sam Adams · Connolly’s Red or Wheat · Yuengling
Biography
Paul Levine has over 15 years of experience in the retail and education segments of the cycling industry. In 1999 he founded Signature Cycles, with locations in Manhattan, N.Y., Central Valley, N.Y. and Greenwich Connecticut. Signature Cycles is the world’s premier custom bicycle business. In 2016 Signature Cycles closed the Manhattan Studio and is now operating in Greenwich and Central Valley.
From 2001 – 2006 Paul’s fitting processes were pioneered, developed and instructed at the Institute of Professional Bike Fitting, training over 500 dealers worldwide in the art and science of professional bike fitting.
Paul was the winner of the 2008 inaugural Bicycling magazine’s “Excellence in Applied Science Award” recognizing bicycle industry retailers and innovators who provide exceptional service and education in the area of integrating the human machine with the quintessential human-invented machine: the bicycle.
Raffle Prizes for NYCC June 14th meeting, sponsored by Signature Cycles
Bike Fit - $375.00 (featured prize)
Brooks Brick Lane Roll-up Pannier - $240.00
Arundel Seat bag - $20.00
Assos Chamois Crème (5) - $23.00
Arundel Gecko Handlebar Tape (4) - $25.00