What is Retül?
Retül is a state-of-the-art 3-D motion capture system designed specifically for collecting the most accurate and realistic data that allow us to adjust your bicycle for ultimate comfort and to maximize power. By gathering data from key eight (8) anatomical points in the cyclist’s riding position, we are able to profile existing (before) and ideal (after) angles for the cyclist’s needs, which could be to gain more efficiency and performance, more comfort or maybe to fit the customer around an injury.
The passive (static) data collection devices still used by many fitters today, such as a tape measure and plumb bob, are outdated and less accurate because they are subject to human error. Fitting with the Retul system however, provides sub-millimeter accurate dynamic data that is organized into an easy-to-read report for both the certified fitter as well as the cyclist.
I’m not a pro, so why do I need such a high tech fitting?
Every rider has unique biomechanics and therefore there are no generalizations that apply when truly fitting a rider to a bike. Purchasing a new bike can be both a fun and exciting experience, but riding a bike that is not properly fit can cause frustration, pain, and ultimately may lead to putting the bike in storage where it’ll start collecting dust.
On the other hand, maybe you already own a bike and are experiencing some discomfort or are not positionally optimized and therefore are underperforming? A proper bike fit not only will provide you with the most economic means of expending energy, but will prevent that awful pain, such as in the knee, hip, and lower back – so common with riders who are trying to adapt their bodies to the bike they already have purchased.
We’d rather adapt a bike to the body you already have. There is a big difference between beingsized for a bike and being fit for a bike. When it comes to the biomechanics of fitting a rider to his/her bike, little ‘tweaks’ can be very significant. Whether a rider is on a $800 commuter bike or $8000 performance race machine, a proper bike fit is as essential as the correct fitting running shoes….and Retul allows the fitter to see accurate cycling specific movements that are essential to provide quality assessments of a riders’ bike positions.
“I highly recommend using the Retul fitting system to adjust your bike to the specifics of your body. John was very patient and helpful during the process. I noticed an immediate difference in torque & certainly an increase in my average speed. Spend the money – it’s worth it!” - George Rumman, BikeWorks customer
Bike Fits Must be Dynamic
Most bike fit specialists fit riders in a static position. This is because the traditional tools of the trade — tape measures and plumb bobs — don’t allow accurate measurements while the rider is pedaling. Retül captures the rider’s position relative to his pedaling motion, and therefore creates the most realistic replication of the actual pedal stroke and body position when out on the road and trails.
Measurements Must be Accurate
Measurements made by traditional tools have one thing in common: they are subject to human error and therefore can be devastatingly inaccurate. Even slight inaccuracies can completely change the rider’s feel after a ride. The general rule is that if you feel pain, something can probably be changed to eliminate that pain. Retül uses motion capture technology that accurate to within less than a millimeter, creating true objective data which can be utilized by the right fitter for the perfect biomechanical fit.
Biomechanics are Best Assessed in 3-Dimensional Space
Fit data collected in a traditional 2-dimensional plane (i.e. video based systems) is fairly limited because the fitter can only look at one view at a time and those views stand as independent reference points. In order to make the best fit recommendations, the fitter must realize that the front and side view are actually interdependent reference points. In other words, the front and side view must be viewed simultaneously in 3-D in order to see how all the applicable movements of the body are working together.
Retül uses 3-dimensional views to see just these precise mechanics to be able to see knee extension (from side view) in relation to knee wobble (from front view) in order to make the best decisions on adjustments to the cyclist.
“My best investment to improve speed has been the Retul Fitting System offered by John Drake at BikeWorks. The gains from better aerodynamics and efficiency are greater than any component I’ve purchased, including carbon fiber wheels.” - Frank Kistler, BikeWorks customer
Objective, dynamic, and accurate data – this is the foundation of the Retül concept.
Retül fittings are scheduled for two hours. If you would like to schedule a Retül fitting or have more questions, please call us at 419.882.0800 For more information, please visit the Retül website.