Geeking Out
I’m playing with and learning the features within the Dartfish application I’m now using for my bike fitting/pedal stroke anaylsis at 55nine Performance. Luckily we have two very willing participants in the house. The crappy weekend weather continued into Monday, so I was back in the basement on the Rock & Roll trainer (I’ll have a video of what this thing can do soon). I set up the camera to feed directly into the laptop and then began pedaling. I spin for 10 minutes, then jump off, review the video, see what needed to be cleaned up in my pedal stroke, get back on, try to correct the issue and repeat……at least 10 times. The results improved each time and as I went on I worked on one legged drills with the intent of perfecting my stroke with each leg isolated. It took some time, but I got there:
The next morning it was Namrita‘s turn on the trainer, but for some reason I didn’t save the video or an image. Another day, but she needed less work than me.
Wednesday we spent a few hours at Conyers filming. We found we needed some work on our mtb pedal stroke as well. It’s amazing what the video will reveal. We both “know” what we should be doing, but without the feedback to qualify that we are actually do it even us (how have been preaching this stuff for years now) are not perfect. This is why I love this application. We can now look at ourselves with a more critical eye and learn how to get even more power out of every stroke! We also played around with filming different lines through the technical bits, just to see what there is see.
Some new bits were tested out and OK'ed for race use:
The Bandersnatch went on a diet. The American Classic wheels knocked a big chunk of weigh off, but the WTB Vulpines will be the tire of choice for dry hard pack conditions. They are light, roll fast and hook up well. They will be the ticket for Conyers and Nationals. Next on the replacement list was brakes, Hayes Stroker Trail. The white looks sweet in the midst of all the green and black. They took about 20-30 minutes to break in the pads and then I was free to bomb the descents with the confidence of solid stopping power. I even opted for the 140mm disc for the rear. Can’t say that I noticed any less stopping power, but the weight savings all around is a good thing. I’m saving the Stroker Carbons for my race bike. I’ve yet to install the new Crank Bros Direct Headset, but it’s coming.
We ended the day with a road ride out at the new Cafe:ine Coffee Shop in Buford for the “Addictive Cycles are moving in” kick-off ride. Every Saturday from 8-12 you’ll find of the Addictive ace mechanics camped out at the coffee shop with tools and accessories. They do on the spot repairs or take the bike back to the main shop if more is needed. This service may expand if the response is good. I think it will be. The ride was fun. I finally met Jay Lowe, who runs the GA Cup. 55nine is a sponsors and I heard the whole ride how in needs to get out the races……and he’s right. Now I just have to make the time.