RETUL BIKE FIT

BIKE FIT RETUL is a procedure during which the bicycle is adjusted to fit your unique body. It is not about adapting the body or forcing it to fit the parameters of the existing bicycle.

Each of us is unique; we have similar but different foot shapes, height, various ankle pronation levels, deviations in knee joint axes, different leg lengths due to differences in the femur, thigh bone, hip rotation, hip joint protrusions, and so on. We also have unique and varying flexibility and unique muscle work based on our existing capabilities. Every factor must be noticed, movement biomechanics assessed, and if necessary, compensation measures are applied to alleviate bodily discomfort or prevent future injuries. Therefore, evaluating the body's relationship with the bicycle and adjusting it is crucial to perform as early as possible: before the start of an intense season, prior to training camps, after purchasing a new bicycle, or before significantly increasing mileage or intensity.

A timely and well-executed bicycle adjustment will help to:

  • Avoid injuries and future damage.
  • Feel quality and comfort on the bicycle.
  • Reduce fatigue in secondary muscles, enabling enjoyment during long rides or lengthy triathlons.
  • Decrease the oxygen and nutrient demand of secondary muscles, allowing primary muscles to work longer, improving endurance.
  • Improve aerodynamics (without exceeding muscle elasticity and body flexibility limits).
  • Increase power output (W).

HOW DOES RETUL BIKE FIT WORK?

Our BIKE FIT performed in Kaunas is divided into 4 parts:

  1. Pre-fit assesement. Discussion about your injuries, discomfort, activity, load, and goals. During exercise execution, inspection, measurement, and assessment occur (duration ±30-40 min).

    • Longitudinal rotation of the foot.
    • Foot arch height.
    • Pelvic bone width.
    • Ankle pronation.
    • Torsional rotation of the knee joint.
    • Position of the knee joint axis.
    • Pelvic level.
    • Spinal deviation.
    • Spinal inclination.
    • Shoulder girdle level.
    • Back flexibility.
    • Muscle elasticity while performing movements similar to cycling.
    • Ankle/foot pronation level during load.
    • Knee pronation level during load.
    • Tonus level of stabilizing muscles (IT band).
    • Level of differences in leg lengths. Identification of the difference location (femur/thigh bone/structural).

    Each exercise or recorded parameter is crucial for further bicycle adjustments, movement execution towards possible amplitudes, or merely determining the most effective pedaling.

  2. Sensor installation (Retul Vantage 3D system). Sensors are affixed to stickers placed on the shoe, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist (duration up to 10 min).

  3. Adjustment. The primary part (duration 1-2.5 hours). Two possible methods:

    • Use of a stationary adjustable bike Retul Muve SL. This method is used before purchasing a bicycle when choosing the appropriate size (when two sizes fit you according to the manufacturer's recommended size chart or if you want to buy a used one and are unsure about its suitability) or if the existing bicycle has limited adjustment possibilities (integrated seatpost, handlebars with integrated stems are one piece, fork tube has a non-standard diameter, and there is no option to install an adjustable stem extension).

    • Use of your existing bicycle. This method is most commonly used.

    In both cases, the bike is placed on a stationary trainer with a power meter. The cyclist pedals, and the system collects data from sensors. A 3D journey of the knee joint, body angles, precise movement of the hips, ankle, knee, and hip joint angles and aggressiveness of positions are recorded in millimeters.

    Based on the data obtained, system recommendations, and technical insights, adjustments are made. Iterative pedalings and adjustments are repeated until all points are sequentially covered, finding the most ideal and acceptable position for the cyclist. Not only do we consider system recommendations, but also all body information gathered in the initial bike-fit part. If necessary, additional compensation/alignment measures are applied: proper saddle, insoles, wedges under the insole for foot leveling, or adjustments between the sole and shoe to compensate ankle pronation. Different measures are also applied for different leg lengths, depending on which part of the leg exhibits differences.

    Finally, control pedalings at 100-350w ranges are done to assess differences. If differences at different power outputs are significant, and if the cyclist, for example, desires the most efficient position for racing, the bike is accordingly adjusted to ensure the cyclist feels best at 250-350w.

    During the main part, attention is drawn to and adjusted the bicycle components:

    • Fore-aft adjustment of the footbed.
    • Rotational adjustment of the footbed.
    • Q-factor adjustment.
    • Saddle width, shape.
    • Saddle height.
    • Fore-aft saddle adjustment (aggressiveness).
    • Saddle angle.
    • Handlebar height.
    • Distance to the handlebar.
    • Handlebar width and position of grips.
    • Position of elbow pads and aerobar handlebars, as well as width (for TT and triathlon bikes).

  4. Report. Bicycle measurements, storage in the database, report preparation, and sending it to the client.

Once the bike is adjusted, it is measured using the special Retul Zin Tool tool, and the data is uploaded to the database. The data in the database will be useful if you want to adjust a second or update your bicycle. In this case, physical presence of the cyclist is no longer necessary. Adjusting the second/another bicycle takes about 30 minutes and is accordingly cheaper.

In the .pdf report sent to the client:

  • Recorded information from the exercise series.
  • Initial 3D body positions obtained from sensors.
  • Final 3D body positions obtained from sensors at 100-180w.
  • Final 3D body positions obtained from sensors at 200-350w.
  • Final bicycle measurements.
  • Technician's observations/recommendations.

BIKE FIT is performed at Vytauto pr. 83, Kaunas

Service price - 200 Eur.

Contacts for registration or consultations:

Justas Volungevičius +370 698 44711

Donatas Šertvytis +370 620 58690

kaunas@velomanija.lt

 

FAQ

How often should bike-fit be repeated?

It should be repeated if there have been significant changes in your body's flexibility, power, or if you have had an injury that could affect your movement over time.

DO I NEED BIKE-FIT?

  • If you ride more than for leisure and your bike is for recreation, and you feel any discomfort, then bike-fit is necessary.
  • If you regularly ride, covering distances of 30km or more, your bike is for active leisure and sports, then bike-fit is necessary.
  • If you ride with clip-in shoes, bike-fit is necessary.

WHEN TO DO BIKE-FIT?

  • After purchasing a bicycle.
  • Planning to increase load or intensity.
  • Before a trip.
  • Feeling discomfort.

CAN BIKE-FIT HELP TO CHOOSE A BICYCLE?

Yes. An adjustable stationary bicycle can simulate any bicycle geometry and help in selecting a new bicycle. After buying a bicycle, it will only take an additional hour to transfer your measurements and prepare for riding.

WHO CONDUCTS BIKE FIT?

Justas Volungevičius

Former professional track cyclist, national team member, participant in world and European championships in track cycling and road racing. Amateur MTB XC race participant. Participant in non-drafting triathlon races.

The first official bike-fit technician in Lithuania.

Experience:

2012-2018 - Body Geometry Fit

2018-present - Retul Fit

Specialization: TT, triathlon, road, mountain, gravel, cyclocross, city, fitness bicycles.

 

Donatas Šertvytis

Former professional track cyclist, national team member, participant in world and European championships in track cycling.

Personal cycling coach since 2018 (MoreWatts).

Kaunas Cycling team leader.

Experience:

2019-2022 - Shimano Fit

2023-present - Retul Fit

 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR BIKE-FIT?

Required items and clothing that you would use for indoor cycling:

  • Bicycle (not required if a stationary bike will be used).
  • Cyclist's or any tight sports attire.
  • Cycling shoes (+pedals if a stationary bike will be used).
  • Sweat towel.
  • Water bottle.

IS THERE A POSSIBILITY TO SHOWER AFTER?

Yes, we have a toilet, sink, and shower on-site. You can take a shower.

DO YOU PERFORM ALL ADJUSTMENTS AND INSTALL NECESSARY NEW COMPONENTS?

If additional adjustments are needed, shifting of cables/brakes/hoses, ordering/exchanging parts, manufacturing additional parts/risers for TT bikes, the bike can be left until it is fully assembled. Also, it can be left for preventive or other servicing. In this case, the bicycle is collected from Velomanija service on Laisvės al. 12, Kaunas.

Service prices are available here.

WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT METHODS?

By bank transfer;

In cash;

By card at the Velomanija store.

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?

Yes, there is a private courtyard behind the building where parking is free.

There is also paid parking nearby - in the green zone.