Erg Cycling's analysis is a process of improving your cycling experience through bike and rider ergonomics combined with very specific modifications to your bike fit. Your position on the bike should be a precise interaction between a number of variables—joint angles, exercise economy, mechanical efficiency, and comfort—all to minimize resistive force and maximize velocity while also reducing the risk of injury.
The Process
What is Erg's Analysis? What to Expect:
1. Assess
In order to understand where we’re going, we have to understand where we are. Erg will take an in-depth look at your flexibility—observing particular interest in the hips and feet. We will also discuss your off-bike fitness and how your daily life plays a role in how you function on the bike.
Erg will then place your bike on a stationary trainer and establish baseline measurements of where your position is. This includes exact measurements of important points on the bike, as well as your joint angles while pedaling the bike. Video analysis is used to help quantify these objective measurements, while other channels provide pedal stroke analysis and saddle pressure mapping By the end, you’ll be able to see a side-by-side analysis of what was changed and have a clear understanding of why we made each adjustment.
2. Modify
Now that we have a detailed baseline of who you are, where you are, and what you want to do on the bike; the fun begins as we make alterations to your position. Eric will work with your data and feedback to make a series of adjustments to how your body position is integrated with your bike. The movements made can include improvements to how your cleats are positioned on your shoes, how the elements on your handlebar influence your upper body and fatigue, and what are the best tweaks to your saddle position (in any direction) for an improved riding experience. The modifications work as a whole to achieve a position that improves your body mechanics, power output, efficiency, and comfort. If equipment alterations are recommended, you’ll likely be able to demo before committing to purchase.
3. Reasses/Ride
Erg's process achieves an improved position to optimize a number of joint angles. Your riding experiences should be free from things like numb feet, tingling hands, and a sore neck. Once you’ve ridden for a few weeks, we'll touch base to see how things are going. As real-world riding on your regular routes is the true test. The position can be honed to ensure we’ve accomplished your goals, such as getting rid of your knee pain or hand numbness.
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If you are having difficulty quantifying or solidifying what your feeling from your position on the bike, let’s do a "Tweak Ride." We’ll head out to a local trail (on-road or off-road) and Eric can listen to your feedback while riding—and then make roadside or trailside adjustments accordingly.