Luxe Lounging
Photo by Brent Murray
More like a boutique than a bike shop, Signature Cycles, on Manhattan's Upper West Side, displays a minimum of gear. In the lounge area, there's a flat-screen television, a full bar, and a mini fridge. Clients are encouraged to take their time: The bathroom has a shower and big fluffy towels for cleaning up after fitting sessions, along with all of the amenities you'd find in a high-end gym.
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Getting Attention
Photo by Brent Murray
One-on-one service is the key to Signature's success. Customers are seen by appointment for fittings, purchase suggestions, and component upgrades.
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Size Order
Photo by Brent Murray
The Serotta Sizecycle allows fitters like Signature Cycle's Paul Levine to adjust almost every aspect of bike fit. Once he's sure the rider is perfectly comfortable and in the strongest pedaling position, Levine transfers data from the Sizecycle directly to a bike builder, who constructs a custom model based on those exact measurements.
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Measuring Motion
Photo by Brent Murray
Before a client does any riding, Levine (or one of his staff) measures flexibility. Using a goniometer, Levine can determine a given rider's range of motion. He uses that measurement to adjust the client's position on the bike.
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Power Position
Photo by Brent Murray
The right fit means more power for the rider. Here, Levine measures the client's range of motion, this time on the bike. Ideally, the cyclist produces the most momentum between the 3:00 foot position and the bottom of the stroke, at 6:00; if the leg doesn't fully extend through the bottom part of the stroke, the rider is robbed of critical power.
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Charting Capacity
Photo by Brent Murray
Levine uses a lot of tools to dial in fit. This machine is graphing how much power each leg generates at different parts of the stroke. Levine can adjust the bike to compensate for uneven leg strength or a less-than-smooth rotation.
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Pedal Perfection
Photo by Brent Murray
Cleat position is critical as well. Levine looks for the pedal's axle to bisect the client's second metatarsal head (the first knuckle of the second-largest toe). He uses a plumb bob to make sure the client's foot is aligned correctly; this, in turn, ensures that the ankle and knee are working in concert, thrusting straight down and through the stroke.
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video close-up
Photo by Brent Murray
Levine can place an overlay of charting tools on a video still to check his measurements. If the two data sets don't agree, he will raise or lower the seat height until the client is properly positioned.
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In Line
Photo by Brent Murray
Vertical lines overlaid on a video image allow Levine to see the entire track of a rider's knee, ankle, and foot. A wobble in the track could indicate poor cleat placement or foot problems. Shims and other orthotic aids can help stabilize feet and smooth the path of the ankle and knee.
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A Glimpse of Greatness
Photo by Brent Murray
The clothing at Signature is for sale, but the bikes aren't. They're either there for a tune-up or are on display so that Levine can show his customers an example of what they may be ordering.
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Center Stage
Photo by Brent Murray
Components like this stem, which connects the handlebars to the frame, are objects of desire. Everything is high-end and displayed more like sculpture than mundane bike parts.
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Light for Flight
Photo by Brent Murray
Bike enthusiasts are fanatical about weight. This saddle is made of carbon fiber and, as you can see, tips the scales at a mere 154 grams. It weighs more heavily on the wallet, retailing for $400.
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