State of the art bike fit technology incorporating three main data points in fit theory:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
How it Works Using eight (8) anatomical LED markers strategically placed on the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and ball of the foot, the Retül sensor gathers information in real time and transmits it to the PC. In real time.
It’s Accurate… to under a millimeter
It’s Objective… no human error
More information on Retül
Retül is in depth
All rider interview and fit data is stored in client specific files, which can be accessed at any time to compare previous fittings with new data.
Readings taken throughout the Dynamic 3D motion capture process are immediately processed and a report generated. The fitter then analyzes the data from this sample and evaluates the need for position change. Once the changes are made, the process is repeated to verify effectiveness. This new data then becomes part of the final report, in addition to post-fit bike and equipment measurements.
The software can track information for multiple bikes (i.e. via a bike name) for each client so that fits across categories, i.e. road, mountain, cross, etc., are distinct. A historical Position Report can be generated at the push of a button from any of these files for quick comparison or reference.
Retül is Active
The system uses infra-red LEDs (light emitting diodes) that get placed on the body in specific skeletal locations. Active systems differ from passive systems in that the tripod mounted LED sensor is tracking the light directly from the source (the LED diodes).
The active system flashes each LED discreetly as the infrared light travels from the LEDs on the body points to the sensor on the tripod. The sensor then triangulates the position of the LED in true 3D space. The system can track these points to within a millimeter of true position. Data collation is immediate and fast.
Retül is Fast
The system flashes an LED every 2.1 milliseconds. That's 476 times per second or Hertz. The system takes a full set of body measurements every 34 milliseconds. That's 29 full sets of body data per second.
Retül is Synchronized
Synchronization yields body location intelligence. The receiver knows what LED is flashing and where it is on the body. The software automatically, by skeletal position, identifies the proper LEDs for the measurements of each marker's position. This is virtually automatic There is no post-processing needed with Retül's software, so reports are accurate and 3D reports are generated instantly.
