This answer is it should be.
During the Covid 19 lockdown, we haven't been allowed to fit anyone. But every cloud has its silver lining. It has given us the opportunity to look at new processes, new techniques, new tech but most importantly new ways to help everyone get into the sport we are passionate about.
How did this opportunity come about?
Whilst scrolling through one of the many forums I trawl in an evening, I came across a post from Kevin. A gentleman from North Texas who unfortunately lost his left leg below the knee in an accident some years ago. He is still an avid cyclist and keen to encourage others to continue on in their athletic pursuits. I contacted Kevin to see if he would be kind enough to chat with me about his set up and how he has adapted his bike to help him continue. He very kindly gave us some of his time and permission to mention him in this blog. We jumped at this chance to increase our knowledge and hopefully enable us to help even more people.
So how can a bike fit help in these situations?
Surprisingly to me, not a lot is different from a fitting point of view. Understanding the individual, taking the time to assess them and talk to them about their issues and concerns is the main starting point like all cyclists. Then understanding bikes, equipment choices and how you can get the adjustments you need. Add a bit of time, patience and trial and error, cycling really can be accessible to all (from a fitting point of view).
What are the limitations?
Getting people on the bike is the first stage. Some of the equipment needed needs the infrastructure to be able to use. We can't change that, but we can help get you on the bike you thought you couldn't ride.
What tools are out there to help?
A surprising outcome from our discussion with Kevin, was the importance of indoor cycling to help him adapt his technique and build his fitness to allow him to ride on the road again. With the new training platforms helping the fitness of most of us through those grey days, it also has the ability to open the sport to those who hadn't thought it possible.
The ambition!
I hope that taking this opportunity and from Kevin's time, we can help those with disabilities access cycling. Even if we enable one more person to hit the road (in a good way) we will have achieved the aim. I would have to say it would disappoint me if it was only one person but every ambition starts somewhere. Those who know me well will understand why it is important to me that everyone gets the same opportunities and if Bike Align can help make that happen, even for just a few people, the whole team would be very proud of the achievement.
"adversity and calamity can serve one of 2 purposes. It can be an excuse to give up or it can be an instrument to overcome one’s weaknesses" Kevin Korenthal
Why choose Bike Align?
As dynamic bike fitters, our approach is to the fit the individual. That is no different from person to person. Every one is individual with there own reason for needing or wanting a fit. We all have our little physiological peculiarities. That is why we are already set up to analyse your fit and find a solution for your particular needs. Add to this our decades of engineering experience, we have the need and desire to find a solution to all problems with the skills to back it up.