The Hypercat bike fit studio employes a battery of the latest and best technology in the world specific too bike fitting. While there are a number of smoke and mirror products out there, Hypercat has remained immune to the marketing hype and has always relied on product that we are able to test and use long before we ever put in front of a client. Having a private studio allows us to be picky about the technology we choose to use. We are not subject to any one brands philosophy and can pick and choose from the best available to the professional fitter. So we choose the very best and discard the rest, and when possible get the certification to go along with the product. If we don't know how and when to use a technology then we won't use it. Every client is different and not all technology we have at our finger tips is appropriate to use with every client, bike fitting is a blending of science, technology, experience, knowledge and art. Here is a list of the currently technology you can expect find here in the studio, even if we don't use it on you:
Retul 3D Motion Capture 
All Hypercat fits include the use of the Retul 3D Motion Capture System – the most advanced fitting tool in the industry. Retul is a combination of advanced motion capture hardware, mated to cycling-specific fitting software, which combine to provide a clinical-level measurement of your position as you ride. The data provided by a Retul analysis is accurate to under a millimeter, and allows us to examine your position dynamically – the exact biomechanics of your pedal stroke can be seen, analyzed, and any need for position change is quickly identified.
Retul utilizes infra-red LED body markers, placed on 8 specific anatomical positions, to detect your exact body movement as you ride. A sensor tracks the markers automatically and samples your position every 2.1 milliseconds, or 476 times per second! In comparison the common optical, or 2D video system used by most fitters samples at around 60 frames per second. The advancement Retul provides to the Hypercat experience is honestly too difficult to list in just a few short paragraphs, but just know this: Retul's technology comes not from sports, but from the world of surgical medicine. It's about precision, not estimating. We know exactly how you fit, how you pedal, and what changes can be made to make you more efficient, comfortable, and faster.
Video Capture
While Video Capture is not as accurate or have the processing capabilities of the Retul 3D motion capture system, it does still have a place in our studio. Mainly we use this tool for before and after visualization of the riders positions. We also use the tool for education purposes at clinics, trainings and seminars.
Computrainer / Spin Scan Analysis
An option we still employ here at the studio, but not for every fitting. The Computrainer is wonderful technology and while many fitters use this as a gold standard there is in fact some other players on the market that we find have some distinct advantages from a fitting stand point.
We continue to use the computrainer for left and right leg analysis, pedal stroke specific analysis and for the Spin Scan feature. Computrainer allows us to isolate problems in a pedal stroke that Retul or other systems may not be able to identify to our satisfaction. Most commonly the Computrainer is used in the Spin Scan mode coupled with a heart rate monitor to identify inconsistent muscle activation throughout the pedal stroke at differing power outputs.
Saris PowerBeam Pro
This is our newest tool. The PowerBeam Pro is the bicycle trainer stand that we choose to start with your bike affixed too. All fits start using the PowerBeam. The advantages to this new trainer here in the studio are numerous. Mainly having a wireless system makes the studio less cluttered, and also allows us to provide more services when we do our mobile fittings. The Retul software is also synced with the PowerBeam to provide real time Power, speed and cadence data directly into each capture. The trainer is made by the same folks who make the Powertap hubs and follows the same protocols and accuracy. This is a simpler version of the computrainer and provides all the same data except for the Spin Scan.
Fit Bike - Exit Cycle Custom
Our Custom version of the Exit-Cycle positional analysis bike is one of the most advanced fitting bikes available. The top choice for triathlon and aero positioning it is equally adept at finding the perfect road fit. Our Fitting bike allows us the ability to adjust your position quickly and dynamically and is the only way to get instant feedback to micro changes while actually pedaling. Our fit bike is a stationary bicycle which allows for infinite adjustment, along with quick component changes, and crank length resizing without changing anything on your actual bike. Our custom sizing cycle allows us to either mimic exactly the geometry of any bike in production, and then find your fit on that bike or start from scratch and find without a pre-conceived geometry the perfect bike before you buy. Getting fit before you buy can save a lot of time and energy as well as help you possibly look for the best deal. What could be better than walking into a bike shop knowing not only what frame you want, but the handlebar width, seat height, saddle choice, stem length and pedal choice.
Powercranks
This is more of a training tool than a fitting tool, however it is used in the fitting process for select clientele. PowerCranks are, simply, independent bicycle cranks that replace the regular cranks found on a typical bicycle. This means one leg cannot help the other in making the pedals go around and in order to pedal the bike one cannot simply relax on the back stroke but must actively raise the pedal using your hip flexor and hamstring muscles. This simple change ensures that your leg muscles will become balanced (both right/left and fore/aft) and that you will be training additional muscles with a coordination important to overall well-being and superior athletic performance. This can be an excellent tool in quickly building the necessary proprioception to overcome left/ right imbalances, and helps in you feeling where your actual imbalance is. In a nut shell these are the ultimate 1 legged drills. Our Powercranks are of course customized in the Hypercat Colors and can be locked out and length adjusted.
There are any number of other technological wonders you may encounter in during your visit to the studio. From low-tech items like Goniometers, plumb bobs (yep we still use them), and tape measures, to mid-tech items like lasers, Electronic levels. and our 360 degree rotating fitting platform.
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