Tech Center Archive

Ian Buchanan, co-owner of Fit Werx, VT has written Triathlete Magazine’s “Tech Support” articles  as a contributing writer since 2001 and is a Serotta International Cycling Institute (SICI) core instructor.  Dean Phillips, co-owner of Fit Werx2, writes” Bike Tech by Fit Werx” for beginnertriathlete.com

Power Consumption Variables

Power Consumption Overview
Rider Aerodynamics (Fit & Positioning)
Aerodynamics of the Bicycle
Stiffness and Compliance (material application and design)
Rolling Resistance
Weight of Bicycle
Mechanics/Durability/Friction
Frame Geometry and Handling

Frame and Bike Technology

Wind Tunnels, Virtual Wind Tunnel Testing, and Weight vs. Aero
New Bike Feels Slower, But is Faster. Why?
The $2K Bike Question
Choosing a New Bike - How?
Road Bike or Tri Bike. Which is for me? The basics.
The Myth of Materials - Does Your Bike’s Material Matter?
Titanium vs. Carbon. Which is best?
Clydesdale Considerations - unique needs for bigger riders
Is the Giant TCR a good bike?
In Defense of the Custom Tri Bike
How Seatpost Setback Affects Seat Angle
Fork Upgrade Considerations

Carbon Engineering

Carbon, part 1. Bladder Mold vs. Lugged Construction.
Carbon, part 2. Carbon Quality - Not All Carbon is Created Equal.
Carbon, part 3. Who Really Built Your Bike?

Frame Geometry

Comparing Fit Between Brands/Models - What Dimensions Matter
700c vs. 650c Wheels
Bottom Bracket Drop and Fork Rake & Trail - How They Matter

Fit and Positioning

General:
Bike Fitting or Bike Sizing - What is the Difference?
A Guaranteed Approach to Bike Fit
Why Individualized Fitting is Superior to Formulas & Generalizations
Why Fit Formulas Fail
Common Fitting Misconceptions
What is Advanced Computer Based Fitting?
Training and Optimal Position Development
Comfortable Last Year, Not This Year. Why?

Aerobar/Tri Specific:
Aerobar Arm Pad Width
Road or Tri Position for Beginners
Science’s View on Steep Triathlon Seat Angles
Lower Back & Hamstring Pain in Aero Position

Saddle:
Saddle Discomfort - Beyond Proper Fit

Shoes/Cleats:
Setting Cleats to Shoes Properly

Products

General:
Accessories: What do I need beyond the bike?
Great Underrated Cycling Products

Aerobars:
S-Bend Aerobars
Clip-On Aerobar Features and Fit Comparison

Bearings:
Bearing Grades and Quality
Bearing Q&A

Helmets:
Helmet Selection and Aerodynamics

Drivertrain:
Chains: Brands, Compatibility and Design
Compact Crank/Gearing Considerations

Frame/Fork:
Fork Upgrade Considerations

Pedals:
Pedal Overview (2003) and Biomechanical Considerations

PowerMeters/Electronics:
Power Meter Overview

Shoes:
Cycling Shoe Fit and Individual Considerations
Cycling Shoes for Wider Feet & Foot Support

Tires:
Tubeless Road Tires

Trainers - Indoor
An Overview of Stationary Trainers
CycleOps Fluid2 vs. Kurt Kinetic vs. Blackburn TrakStand Ultra Trainer Shootout
Why Your Power Can be Diminished Riding Indoors

Wheels:
Race Wheel Considerations
Dura Ace vs Ultegra vs Race Wheels. Which buys you the most speed?

Mechanical

Shifting:
Internal Cable Routing and Sluggish Shifting

Wheels/Tires:
Tight Clincher Tire Hints
Proper Tire Pressure and Care
Converting 9 Speed Wheels to 10 Speed

Technique and Training

What is Pedaling Circles and How do I do it?
Good Runner, Not so Good Cyclist. How to Get Faster on the Bike.

Fit Werx Newsletter Archive

New Bike Buying - September 2005

Misc

Gearing and Gear Inches
Accessories. Beyond the Bike, What do I Need & What is the Cost?