Why a Hypercat Tri-Specific fit?
As a triathlete you want the latest technology, science and education enhanced by years of experience when you look for Tri-specific fitting. There are a number of fitters now who have jumped on the triathlon band wagon, spouting marketing claims, regurgitating data and performing bike fits without ever competing in a multisport event. Hypercat's Lead bike fitter Phil Casanta competed in his first triathlon in 1984, and since 1992 has been fitting and performing positional analysis on triathletes of all levels from Ironman champions and bike course record holders to first time triathletes. He is an instructor for the F.I.S.T certification, magazine contributor and product developer. Hypercat's private bike fit studio is uniquely designed with the triathlete in mind, From the latest fit technology to aerobars, saddles, wheels and components, no other fitter in Ventura or Santa Barbara county is better equipped, offers more solutions or has fit more triathletes. Multisport athletes have different needs from other aero positioned athletes and a "tri-bike" fits differently than a road bike, TT bike or any other bike. Beyond the normal skills neccessary to be a professional fitter, a tri-specific fitter needs to know the special needs of a triathlete. That's why you want a specialist with more than 20 years of experience and specific training. Our goal is to maximize your position to create the most aerodynamically efficient, powerful, and comfortable position possible, while at the same time educating you on the "why" of your position.
Tri-Specific fitting tools.
To supply the best tri-specific fitting possible, Hypercat has invested in the best tools and education possible. To learn more about these tools please visit the "tools of the trade" page.
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Custom Exit-Cycling positional analysis bike: No other bike allows a fitter to employ the F.I.S.T. protocols of triathlon fitting better than the Exit cycle. We use this bike to find your fit coordinates, to test a major component change without hassle, or to find your ideal bike before you purchase.
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F.I.S.T. Certification: Tri-specific fit training. Read more below, in "what is F.I.S.T.?"
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Retul: Our 3D dynamic motion capture system. Accurate to less than 1mm, provides true dynamic measurement.
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Retul Certification: The most advanced training available to the professional fitter
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Demo Saddles: We stock a large demo fleet of the most popular tri saddles and some not so popular. ISM, Cobb, SMP and more.
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Aerobars: finding the right aerobar for you can be tricky, we stock a large supply of demo bars, parts and solutions to find your ideal aero position.
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Shoe/ Cleat solutions: From Superfeet insoles specific to cycling shoes, too a small arsenal of shims, wedges and spacers. Every fit includes an analysis of foot structure, Varus/ Valgus tilt, knee tracking, and cleat placement.
What is F.I.S.T.? 
Our tri-specific fits are conducted in concert with our years of experience and knowledge and the F.I.S.T. (Fit Insititure SlowTwitch) protocol. Hypercat is not only F.I.S.T. certified, but Phil is one of the 4 instructors who provide the certification.
Recently the method has become very popular, and that was the intent of inventor Dan Empfield. He wanted to provide a universal standard that addressed the unique attributes of fitting a traithlete and we certainly agree with anyone who chooses to use it to conduct a comprehensive triathlon fit.
So What is F.I.S.T.? In short it's a methodology originally developed to explain Dan's idea/ method of the athlete self-choosing their position within certain ranges under the guidance of the fitter. This is a big departure from systems that pre-determine a position set on a list of measurements. The idea is that an experienced fitter can assist the athlete in finding their ideal position by helping the athlete to listen to their body. This does require excellent communication between fitter and athlete and also the proper utilization of available technology. The Hypercat Studio is optimized to perform the F.I.S.T. protocols, from our custom Exit cycle (co designed by Empfield) to Retul motion capture (also used by Empfield on his personal fits), the Hypercat bike fit studio is uniquely capable of working with all levels of triathletes. The final aspect of F.I.S.T. is to educate the athlete about fit and equipment, including choosing a bike with the appropriate geometry for their riding style and chosen position. It's about making you a better triathlete beyond the bike leg.
Triathlon-Specific Fit Session
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