After several years of racing, I always had this feeling that my fit was not perfect because of my saddle movement. After working my way up to CAT2 a couple of years ago, I decided it was finally time to treat myself and get a professional fitting. Figuring I had reached my maximum power output over the years, my main goal was to increase comfort. After checking with my team and several of my racing friends the majority of recommendations were to visit Husam at ATA. \r
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The first step of the fitting was to measure my body structure and analyze my pedal stroke. Witnessing the process first hand, I was very impressed with his methodology and thoroughness. The final step was working on the fit simulator bike were I spent a majority of my time as he made several adjustments. After we got the fit just right he put the simulator back into my current riding position and asked me to get on again. I started a comfortable 270 watt spin and after about 5 minutes, at the same power output, Husam reconfigured the simulator to his new proposed position as I was riding. My pedal stroke felt much freer and my effort level dropped. Then I looked down at the power meter; 290 watts! I stayed spinning for another 10mins without saddle movement while still averaging the same higher wattage.\r
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On the post fit analysis, Husam showed me how much hip movement I had in my previous position caused by my femur pushing back into the socket leading to discomfort and power loss. In his new position there was almost no movement at all and my pedal stroke was much more fluid. The end result, more power, more comfort and a more aero position. Do yourself a favor, before dropping thousands on a new frame or bike, get a fitting here first and find out your numbers.\r
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