Bike Science Blog

Cobb Saddles :: 180 Day Comfort Guarantee!

September 15th, 2011

We’re so confident that you’ll find our exclusive range of Cobb saddles comfortable, that we’re now offering a 180 day comfort guarantee! Order any Cobb saddle online and you can return it at any time up to 180 DAYS after purchase (that’s almost 6 MONTHS) if you don’t like it*.

*Customers returning saddles will receive a credit from Bike Science that can be redeemed against any future purchase or any Bike Science bike fit.

Confused as to which saddle would work best for you? Read on…

Cobb V-Flow – £89.99

The softest of the Cobb saddle range with the most conventional shape of the three models we currently stock. The V-Flow saddle works well for road bikes or road bikes with clip on tri bars. We’ve found that it works especially well for lighter riders and ladies. Soft memory foam conforms to rider shape (we’d recommend a months worth of riding to really get the saddle comfortable)

Cobb V-Flow Plus – £99.99

Similar in profile to the V-Flow, but with slightly firmer memory foam. Ideal for road bikes, road bikes with clip on tri bars or TT bikes for riders who prefer a TT/Triathlon specific saddle with a narrower nose. Supportive and comfortable, even over long distances.

Cobb V-Flow Max – £114.99

Shorter profile saddle. Perfect for TT/Triathlon specific bikes for riders who suffer from saddle numbness. Promotes forward rotation of the pelvis with radical deep cut outs and dropped nose. Works best on tri bars, but we have also known roadies get on with them when no other saddle has helped with numbness problems. Same firmer memory foam as the V-Flow Plus saddle for excellent support even over long distances. Narrower in the nose than the ISM Adamo range of saddles, so less likely to cause chaffing “down below”. If you found an Adamo a little too wide, this is a great choice.

Posted in All Posts, Bike Fitting, Products | Comments Off

Just in : All the way from French France : FMB Record Tubulars

September 13th, 2011

The world’s finest tubular time trial and triathlon tyres. Just arrived from FMB, silk and cotton versions of the SUPER fast hand made tubulars. Hand made in tiny quantities by FMB and chosen by the world’s top pro’s including Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara. Nothing else comes close when you want the finest tubulars available.

The Record tubulars feature fine diamond pattern tread for low rolling resistance and high grip. Super supple side walls and latex tubes ensure the lowest possible rolling resistance. Make no mistake, these are the best tubulars money can buy!

Limited stocks of these hard to find beauties are available now HERE – Prices from £69.99

Posted in All Posts, Products | Comments Off

Viner Brings Tailor Made Carbon Frames to Bike Science Bristol!

September 13th, 2011

We’re proud to announce the arrival of Viner Bikes at Bike Science Bristol. A classic Italian brand with unparalleled skill in producing tailor made carbon, titanium and steel frames. With the addition of the Viner brand to our RANGE OF BIKES we can now offer perfectly fitted and crafted tailor made carbon frames for the best possible ride and fit. Viners unique methods of frame construction allow every frame to be tuned to suit rider requirements offering the best possible ride, fit and handling.

Complete bike prices from just £1599

See these frames at Bike Science Bristol now…

Maxima RS2

Pro Cycling Magazine called the 2008 Maxima ”The Best Bike They’ve Ever Ridden“. Now EVEN BETTER for 2012. Top of the range complete custom carbon. See the UK’s first Maxima RS2 now!

Perfecta 2.11

Custom geometry and ride. Lightweight perfection!

Vigor

Entry level tailor made aluminium alloy frame. The perfect entry level bike with the perfect fit!

Why go custom?

Firstly, let’s start with a little bit of a cycling history lesson…

In the early nineteen seventies, the Italian National Cycling Federation and Italian Central Sports School published what was to go on to become “the bible” of bike design for decades to come. In what was known as the C.O.N.I manual the Italian Federation mapped out their recommendation for bike geometries dependant on rider size. These recommendations were based on a sample set of elite riders whom the federation studied to generate data to guide all aspects of bike geometry. The majority of mass produced bikes from the major bike companies have been from designs based around the C.O.N.I numbers ever since. Designs have been tweaked slightly over the years, copied and handed down, but to all intents and purposes they’re still the same designs.

No two riders are ever the same and what’s perfect for one rider almost certainly won’t work well for another. From our day to day bike fitting experience working with riders of all ages, experience, shapes and sizes, it’s not hard to tell that today’s cyclists don’t all conform to a set of simple rules based around mainly young, flexible and elite racers.

Custom frames allow skilled bike fitters and experienced frame designers to tailor not only the rider position to suit rider goals, flexibility and morphology but also the riding characteristics of the bike including handling, stiffness, steering response and comfort.

So no matter whether you’re an elite racer, complete beginner, male, female, young or old, we can design, build and fit the perfect bike for you.

Bike Science Custom Frame Fitting Process

At Bike Science we pride ourselves on taking the extra steps needed to ensure every client gets the bike that best suits their needs. That’s why every client who buys ANY bike from Bike Science gets a pre-purchase sizing session and set up included in the cost of the bike.

For clients selecting from our range of custom Carbon and Titanium frames, we offer our ultimate custom bike fit package at no additional cost.

Step 1. A set of measurements are taken to assess the individual riders morphology

Step 2. Rider flexibility is assessed and recorded

Step 3. Rider “interview” to discuss requirements for the new frame, rider injury history and future riding goals

Step 4. Rider is observed riding their current bike (if applicable) using the Retul 3D motion capture system

Step 5. Our completely adjustable fitting bike is used along with the Retul 3D motion capture system to determine the individual’s perfect frame dimensions

Step 6. Our highly skilled fitters work along side our suppliers frame technicians to create a frame perfectly tailored to the rider requirements

Step 7. On completion of the bike build a second fitting using Retul 3D motion capture is performed to set up the new bike to the optimum position

In our opinion, this process offers the ultimate guarantee of a great bike fit and crafting the best possible bike for the individual client

Bike Science fit and supply tailor made frames in carbon, titanium and aluminium from Italian frame building masters Viner and Dutch Titanium experts Van Nicholas

Posted in All Posts, Bike Fitting, Van Nicholas Bikes, Viner Bikes | Comments Off

Wobbly Knees..? Help is at Hand

September 1st, 2011

We’re often ask by clients interested in our bike fitting services if we use “wedges”. Firstly, for the uninitiated here’s a brief introduction into the world of cleat and forefoot wedging…

The majority of people (whether they ride bikes or not) suffer (that’s not really the correct word as for the majority of those same people it’ll never cause them a problem) from a condition called “forefoot varus tilt”. Sounds scary, but all that it means is that when the foot is in an unloaded relaxed, neutral position the forefoot will tilt more away from the centre line of the body (varus) than the heal. This tilt is often blamed for poor knee tracking in cases where the knee inwardly rotates towards the centre line of the bike during the power phase of the pedal stroke. In my experience as a fitter, poor knee trace is often associated with poor muscle function rather than any particular problem in the foot. In this article I’ll present some simple strength work each cyclist can do to improve their knee stability and hence performance on the bike

Posted in All Posts, Bike Fitting, Riders | Comments Off

Help us Build the Best Bike in the World!

August 30th, 2011

It’s your chance to help us spec our best bike ever!

We’re pleased to announce the imminent arrival of VINER BIKES at Bike Science Bristol. Viner offer classic Italian styling and MADE TO MEASURE Carbon, titanium, aluminium and steel road, track, cross and mtb frames for the ultimate bikes. If you want the best, this is it!

The first demo bike we’re building is the awesome 2012 Maxima RS2. It’s one of the first 2012 spec Maxima’s to hit the UK and we’re keen to spec the bike with the cream of the crop of components.

Pro Cycling Magazine’s ex continental pro and bike reviewer Marcel Wurst called the previous incarnation of the Maxima ”THE BEST BIKE I’VE EVER RIDDEN”

We need your help to make ours even better!

So go for it and let us know on our Facebook page how you’d spec your ultimate road bike.

We’ve started with the ultimate frame, it’s time for you to do the rest.

The Maxima RS2 will be available from Bike Science as frame and fork (£4999) or as complete bikes with your choice of components. For mere mortals, custom made Viner frame prices start at £850 including fork. Prices of all Viner made to measure frames include free Retul sizing session before purchase and free Retul fit session on collection of your bike.

Posted in All Posts, Viner Bikes | Comments Off

Big Weekend for Team Bike Science Planet-X at the National Relays

August 30th, 2011

This weekend saw Team Bike Science – Planet X prove that our long distance boys and girls can still go FAST over the short stuff too. If you’ve never competed at the National Triathlon Relay champs at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham, then you’re missing out. The weekend always brings some fast fun and top class racing and this year proved to be no exception.

Team Bike Science- Planet X entered teams in both the mixed and mens events. Racing started on Saturday morning with the mixed event. We knew we had a super strong team for this one with Ironman Lanzarote top 10 finisher and biking powerhouse Lisa Greenfield, Sub 9 hour Ironman Jules Hatcher, European elite long distance medalist Alice Hector and the team’s resident short distance specialist (and team manager) Paul Horsfall.

The team exited 2nd from the swim, powered into the lead on the bike and almost hung on for the win in a nail biting finish with strong runners Team Blue Seventy TFN bringing it home in 1st place by less than 40 seconds. Stunning stuff!

The mens event kicked off early on Sunday with our team being a bit of an unknown quantity. Hywel Davies just back from a brilliant win at the European long distance age group champs, Ironman veteran Mark White using the event as a sharpener in his build up to the upcoming Challenge Henley Ironman distance event, Elite duathlete Oli Mott and Paul Horsfall stepping in AGAIN as a last minute replacement for our resident army boy Edd Charlton Weedy, who’d done a mystery disappearing act muttering something about “top secret” and “If I told you, I’d have to shoot you”.

With Hywel’s legs still heavy and his back crocked after the Europeans, Mark in mid Ironman build up, Paul “a little sore” from the previous days efforts and Oli admitting at the twelfth hour that he didn’t really know how to swim, we weren’t holding out for a runaway victory, but these boys are racers, and race they did!

Exiting from the water in 16th place, the team let loose on the bike to haul themselves up to 6th position by the time the first runners hit the tarmac. The team chased hard throughout the run leg and managed to pull up another two places, just missing out on a podium slot by 1 minute after Oli (who we knew could run a bit) putting in a stunning 16 minute final 5k.

All in all, a great weekend, with great racing. We’ll be back next year with an even stronger team gunning for more podium spots. See you there!

Posted in All Posts, Bike Fitting, Planet X Bikes, Riders | Comments Off

Try ANY Bike for Size – BEFORE YOU BUY

August 25th, 2011

Why risk spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds on a new bike without being absolutely sure it fits?

With our state of the art fitting bikes based at Bike Science Derby and Bike Science Bristol we can replicate the position of ANY bike before you buy to ensure the frame is a suitable match for the rider. So, if you’re not sure what size frame to opt for or want to know which brands or models will be the best match for you as a rider, we can help.

If you’re interested in buying a Planet X, On-One or Van Nicholas bike from us, an initial sizing consultation is INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. You’ll pay the same price for the bike as you would if you bought direct plus get a COMPLIMENTARY BIKE SET UP or 1/2 PRICE RETUL PRECISION FIT on collection of your bike! To get started, simply book a sales consultation in either BRISTOL or DERBY now.

If you’re buying ANY OTHER BRAND try it for size before you buy by booking a Level 1 Fit. We’ll replicate the position on your choice of new bike and help you make the decision as to which makes and models will fit you best. We’ll also invite you back in once you’ve purchased the bike to complete the set up process at no extra charge.

A Level 1 Fit costs just £89.99 and is available at both Bristol and Derby studios

BRISTOL BOOKINGS HERE

DERBY BOOKINGS HERE

Because bikes work better when they fit.

Posted in All Posts, Bike Fitting, On-One Bikes, Planet X Bikes, Van Nicholas Bikes | Comments Off

Planet X and Van Nicholas Owners :: 100 Retul Fits for £100!

August 10th, 2011

Calling ALL Planet X, On-One and Van-Nicholas Bikes!

THE NEXT 100 LEVEL 2 Retul BIKE FITS BOOKED FROM OWNERS OF PLANET X, ON-ONE and VAN NICHOLAS BIKES WILL SAVE £85 – THAT’s 100 FITS FOR £100!

We’ve added more availability at our Bristol, Derby and Rotherham Fit Studios…

Bristol – Appointments Available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Evenings

Derby – Now Open Tuesday to Saturday

Rotherham – BRAND NEW dedicated fitting space – Open Tuesday to Friday

To celebrate, we’re offering Planet X, On-One and Van Nicholas owners the chance to save £85 from our usual Retul Level 2 bike fit price.

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHEN OR WHERE YOU BOUGHT THE BIKE.

If it’s a Planet X, On-One or Van Nicholas you get our most accurate level of bike fit available for just £100!

FOLLOW THESE LINKS TO BOOK NOW AT YOUR LOCAL STUDIO

BRISTOL

DERBY

ROTHERHAM

No payment is taken at the time of booking. If your fit is on a Planet X, On-One or Van Nicholas, you’ll only be charged £100 on the day of your fit.

Using the Retul system gives our fitters the most accurate information possible on which to make their fitting decisions. Dynamic measurements of rider motion are taken to within 1mm accuracy whilst riding. No other system offers this level of insight into a riders motion.

Posted in All Posts, Bike Fitting, On-One Bikes, Planet X Bikes, Van Nicholas Bikes | Comments Off

X-Lab Hydration Products – IN STOCK NOW!

August 9th, 2011

X-Lab drinks bottle holders give riders the most flexible choices possible for transporting your drinks on the go. As used by multiple Ironman World Champions Craig Alexander and the awesome Chrissie Wellington. From basic rear mounted solutions to the ultimate X-Lab carbon wing, X-Lab have everything you need.

Clean Bottle :: The Clever Bottle That Won’t Get Gunky

July 29th, 2011

I’m the worst culprit in the world for this. After getting back from a club run, I’ll put the bike away and forget about the remaining energy drink left in my bottles. Next time I come to get the bike, there’s a substance that resembles what came out of your nose last time you had the flu floating in the bottom of the bottle. Even after thorough cleaning your drinks never quite taste the same again! Now with the innovative but simple Clean Bottle, it’s easy to clean the snot out of every bit of your bottle, even the valve!