Wobble Naught Bike Fit
Everyone seems to have a theory on bike fit including Greg Lemond, Colorado Cyclist, and more. Now I am not making fun of nor knocking these fit systems, since they must work, as Lemond would be proof of his winning 3 Tours and having a very successful career. But the key is, are you setting up the system right and do you know what you are doing when you set it up?
Granted for $19.95 you can buy a book and read it, grab a 12 pack of cheap bear (or a 6 pack of something good) for another $9.95 for you and a buddy, and hopefully he (or she) will help you get “dialed” in, and you have a bike fit for under $30.00 and maybe even a little hangover. I can say this from experience and have to admit that I know nothing about bike fit, and I have tried these systems, and with little luck. I am fidgeting with the saddle for a month afterwards to get it correct. What about next time? What about my next bike …. How do I transfer these measurements?
To resolve these issues, I looked at the Wobble Naught system. The Wobble Naught does include measurements, but where it differs is that they use the joints for precise analysis. By taking precise measurements of the bike rider's anatomy and obtaining the correct bike geometry, Wobble-naught strives to provide you with the best "range-of-motion" and best "line-of-pull" for your muscles to perform work. Since no one’s lower body is even close to that of somebody else's (differences in hip joint to knee, and free knee to ankle bone), lots of measurements across all the important joints are done to get the most accurate measurements. Wobble Naught claims this to be the most precise way of measuring. Granted I am not a doctor but all this does make very good sense. The entire body is measured, arms, back, lower leg, upper leg, and even the feet.
The key here is that these measurements are correct, that is why I traded in the previous case of cheap beer for Jim Baldesare, Wobble Naught Guru (although Jim is more expensive). Jim sits you down and works with you. When it comes to taking measurements Jim knows what is going on, he has quite a few set-ups under his belt. Jim measures you, your bike and then feeds the data into the Wobble Naught computer through his trusty Dell PC . After the data is retuned, Jim then goes to work on your bike to get you into the proper position. All this is done with laser measurements to get the proper lengths, angles, etc.
Sitting on the saddle … Everything downstairs feels great (I think everyone knows what I mean) with now problems. The legs fell powerful, and effective. Arms, hands, and shoulders are all feeling great even after being on the bike for quite sometime.
Performance, this was the toughest thing I had problems with, since last season I was riding a little more than I am now. My fitness level is definitely not up to the point it should be, but I am feeling great on the bike. Since I am lacking my fitness level a little bit, I did the next best thing and talked to a few people. Here is what I came up with
- "Last year I worked with Jim to get a proper bike fit without the system and it ended up ok, now with the Wobble Naught I worked with Jim and we came up with a great fit. I am very happy."
- "My heart rate is down, my time trial times are up, I am very happy" (I condensed that one).
- "It took me a while to get used to get use to the system, a little longer than expected, but when it was all said and done I was happy."
As far as details go for the Wobble Naught System, their history, and the design of the system I could go on forever. Instead, I am going to send you to the Wobble Naught website and let you browse around for more details and be sure to check out the list of wins and Athletes. As far as Jim Baldesare goes, you can e-mail him at critboy@aol.com and I am sure he would love to fill you in on all the details.
When I first found out that the fit and everything above cost around a $125.00 plus travel, I was kind of shocked, and then I learned what all that covered. Jim taking measurements, running them through the Wobble Naught System, helping you set up your bike and watching you ride. All in all Jim spends about 3 or 4 hours or so with you and your bike. You just spend 2 to 3 grand on a bike …. Uncle Sam cost more than a fit.
Remember after the change, you are going to take a few rides to get comfy and acquainted with the position. So pretty much for the price that you pay for 2 tires and tubes that last for a few months you can get fitted that will last several years, money well spent I think.
Notes:
- Wobble Naught fits are available on road, mountain and Triathlon bikes
- we reviewed road and mountain bikes. Look for a tri review coming soon.
Manufacturer: Wobble Naught
Price: @ $125.00 depending on bike.
** Note: if you have other experiences with gear, equipment, or come comments to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything and welcome your feedback. OhioOutside.com and the authors ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products we test or review here.
Only the manufacturers can provide accurate and complete information on proper use and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations. Please see your local professional bike shop for installation services. Send your comments to: info@ohiooutside.com
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