Andrew, our resident bike fit guru went to Specialized HQ in Morgan Hill California, to continue his training in bike fitting, and specialized equipment. Andrew’s made this trip before, and returned as a seasoned student, there to gain expert knowledge. Check out his summary of the trip below!
1. When did you go?
March 10th – March 14th, 2014
2. Where did you go?
Specialized Bicycle Components University in Morgan Hill, California
Specialized HQ
Why did you go?
To further my fit education and training by attending the Specialized Body Geometry Fit Level II course.
4. What did you learn?
We learned about advanced fit concepts and physical assessments while engaging in discussions with our professors, peers and Dr. Andy Pruitt, an internationally recognized bike fitter, about bike fit in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of biomechanics and bicycle fit. We also learned more on performing aero fittings with position testing performed in an actual wind tunnel!
In the wind tunnel.
Fit scientists at work.
5. What did you see?
Highlights include seeing UCI World Cyclocross Champion Zdenek Stybar’s mud encrusted Specialized S-Works Crux bicycle up close and personal, our inside sales representative Nikki Tufte – so good to put a face to a name & Dr. Andy Pruitt crushing it on our lunch road ride!
A pro cross bike.
6. How does the shop benefit by sending you on this trip?
The investment of having a trained and well educated fit technician on staff has many positive benefits for any establishment dealing with cyclists and bicycles. Good fit is an integral component to any bicycle rider’s positive experience. The more I know about you and your bicycle, the better equipped I am to provide you with the best possible experience when out riding. Your positive experience translates into good business for the shop.
7. How does the customer benefit?
Similar to the answer from the previous question – The more educated I am about bicycle fit and the more opportunities I have to practice and learn about fit from the most knowledgeable and experienced sources in the world, the better equipped I am to provide you, the rider, with the best possible experience when out riding your bicycle.
Certification.
8. What was the coolest piece of gear you saw?
The Specialized Turbo and accompanying Turbo Cape.
9. How was Specialized, the people, etc…
Specialized and employees are amazing! No other way to put it. The other benefit to attending SBCU is that you are surrounded by your peers in the industry from other areas of the country and have the opportunity to make new connections and enjoy similar experiences with people just as passionate about cycling and bicycles as you are.
10. What was your day to day like?
The itinerary for each day was clearly defined for us, and had us up and running each day around 5:30AM. Most mornings were filled with breakfast and then a short shuttle ride to Specialized headquarters from the hotel. After getting caffeinated at the in-house cafe, lectures started. Most of the morning is spent listening to and absorbing knew information. By mid-day everyone is definitely ready to get outside and enjoy the great California weather. It is off to the locker room to change up and get ready for a bicycle ride. After you are all geared up you stroll to “The Cage” and pick out your ride for the day. SBCU staff leads you on a great road ride around Morgan Hill on one of many routes. The pace is just hard enough to leave you craving a big lunch on return. After showering and cleaning up everyone sits down and eats lunch in the cafe where good food is plentiful. Lunch is followed by a practical lab in the enormous fit facility or in the wind tunnel facility located across the street from the main headquarters. The day is finished with another great meal with teachers and classmates before we are shuttled back to the hotel. After putting your feet up and decompressing from the day most attendees head to the back patio of the hotel and enjoy good company and beverages until we feel the need to be responsible and head to bed.
Classtime
Burgertime
11. What was the worst part?
Leaving the Mediterranean-like climate in Morgan Hill, CA behind to return to snow and cold here in Richmond, VA.
The lunch ride.
12. Did this change your view on Specialized as a company?
This trip did not change my view but further solidified my opinion of Specialized as an innovative and leading company that has an immensely positive impact on cycling globally. The people at Specialized love bicycles and they love their jobs working with bicycles and the cycling industry. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences they have provided me.
13. What would you like the customer to take away from your experience there?
I would like our customers to know that I am dedicated to learning as much as I can about bike fit from the most educated and knowledgable sources on the planet. Specialized provides 3Sports and myself with the resources to accomplish this through SBCU and their Body Geometry Fit courses.
Check out the full photo album from his trip HERE.