It's normal for your back or neck to tweak and twitch during the early kilometres of the year. But if the pain persists, it may be that man and machine are not (or no longer) in perfect harmony, for example if muscles have shortened. It's time to take a closer look at your riding position and ergonomics on the bike and improve them, perhaps with the help of professional providers. Here is an overview of six representatives of different methods - without any claim to completeness.
Body scanning CRM
Procedure Body measurement at four points by laser beam. Software recommends frame size and key dimensions for adjustment; also for finding the ideal frame.
Provider Approx. 2,000 partners worldwide, around 250 in Germany
Duration (approx.) 15-30 minutes
Advantages simple, fast
Disadvantages Rather superficial, not very individual
Price Mostly free service when buying a bike
Contact/Info www.bodyscanningcrm.de
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Bike scanner
Procedure Preliminary consultation, then laser measurement at 5 or 14 points on each side of the body. Software calculates the optimum sitting position, which is tested on the roller.
Provider "Radlabor", affiliated dealers
Duration (approx.) 1-3.5 hours
Advantages Precise, practical inspection
Disadvantages Orthopaedic problems are hardly taken into account
Price 110 (Basic) to 445 euros (Aero expert)
Contact/Info www.radlabor.de
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Body Geometry Fit
Procedure After a preliminary discussion, mobility tests and classic measurements, the bike is adjusted; video analysis on the roller. Orthopaedic aspects are also analysed.
Procedure trained Specialised dealers
Duration (approx.) 1-2 hours
Advantages vivid; possible to deal with misalignments
Disadvantages Highly dependent on the skill and experience of the user
Price approx. 150 to 300 Euro
Contact/Info www.specialized.com
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Position and pressure analysis
Procedure The bike is adjusted by hand by experienced experts according to your wishes, problems and goals. Ride tests on the road are used to adjust the bike until it fits.
Provider Feldberg Health Centre
Duration (approx.) 3 hours
Advantages Genuine craftsmanship; very individual
Disadvantages Highly dependent on the skill and experience of the user
Price 179 Euro
Contact/Info www.gesundheitszentrum-feldberg.de
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3-D analysis
Procedure Preliminary discussion and mobility test; measurement using animation film technology. Adjustment of the position, re-measurement of the body angle for verification.
Provider Certified partners
Duration (approx.) 3-4 hours
Advantages Very realistic analysis, even with changing loads
Disadvantages High technical and time expenditure
Price approx. 200 (own bike) to 250 euros, extras at extra cost
Contact/Info www.retul.com - www.cyclefit.de
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Dynamic measurement
Procedure Combined measurements (laser, pressure measurement on saddle and foot, body angle in video, etc.), if necessary on the "size cycle" and in uphill position; step-by-step optimisation
Provider various, e.g. Gebiomised
Duration (approx.) 1.5-3 hours
Advantages comprehensive, realistic and comprehensible
Disadvantages Relatively high expenditure of time and equipment
Price depending on the package approx. 160 to 300 euros
Contact/Info www.wefityourbike.de
