Retül 3-D Bike Fit System

we suck at posting

2010-05-05T21:28:00.001-07:00

did i just write that? I'm fired....

Ladies- Awesome Cycling Camp Opportunity!

2010-03-06T08:50:00.001-08:00

CONSTANT MOTION
Presents…

The 2010
Women’s Cycling Development Camp

April 21-25, 2010
Colorado Wine Country Inn
Palisade, CO
www.coloradowinecountryinn.com

Join us for 5 days in the gorgeous Colorado Wine Country. This action packed event will cover a wide array of topics, including:
• Race tactics and training with European Director Sportif and
USA Cycling Elite Coach Corey Hart, M.S.
• Ride with the Pros! Come ride alongside World and National Champions Tina Pic and Kimberly Baldwin while they share their racing experiences from Local, National and International competitions. We won’t just talk about racing in the classroom, we’ll practice different situations live and on the road!
• Nanna Meyer, PhD, RD will join us to share the importance of nutrition for women cyclists.
• Retϋl and Todd Carver will be offering 3D motion capture bike fits.
• Trek Bikes will be on site to allow you to test ride their amazing line of Women Specific Design bikes.

This is sure to be the bedrock of your racing season. Come enjoy the company of fellow cyclists, some great food (and wine), and all the while gain the knowledge you need to make 2010 your best racing season ever!

Visit www.constantmotion.us for more information and to register today!

Ladies- get you Camp on!

2010-03-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

Aerobars on Cruisers

2010-02-17T07:17:00.001-08:00

Now I have seen everything.....

Tri Expo - San Diego

2010-02-01T16:57:00.000-08:00

Tri Expo, produced by Triathlete and Inside Tri, was a huge success.

Two of the many pros in attendance were Craig Alexander and Chris Lieto.

Here, the first and second place finishers at Ironman Hawaii this year were about to be mobbed by autograph seekers before leading the Saturday morning Breakfast Burrito ride which had well over 100 cyclists and kicked off the expo.

How you know when its love?

2009-12-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

How do you know when folks love your product? When they decide to start putting stickers on their prized Prius'! This lady really liked getting Zin'd I guess.

Only in Boulder would someone be so incredibly pumped about their bike fit, that they would choose to fly the 'Zin' on their hybrid vehicle. hehe

Seeing this made me proud :)

Alexander wins Sports Performer of the Year

2009-11-25T05:45:00.000-08:00

CROWIE's DREAM SEASON CONTINUES......

009 Winners Announced

The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and Colonial First State congratulates all
2009 Sports Performers. Craig Alexander took home the coveted prize and
$50,000 courtesy of Colonial First State.

• Sports Performer of the Year - Craig Alexander
• Performer of the Year with a Disability - Kurt Fearnley
• Young Performer of the Year - Lauren Mitchell
• Team Performance of the Year - Australian Socceroos
• Coach Performer of the Year - Bart Cummings

Winners in all categories, as voted for by the Australian sporting public, were announced at a gala function in The Ballroom, Star City on Wednesday evening. A special 1 hour telecast including award highlights, red carpet action and interviews will be shown on

Channel 10: Sunday November 29, 1pm AEDT
One HD: Sunday November 29, 8pm AEDT

the latest from Craig Alexander's website

2009-11-24T06:05:00.001-08:00

Sometimes the best perspective comes from the woman behind the man. Craig Alexander is a humble champion, but standing behind him every step of the way is the amazing Neri. Even carrying around their young son Austin and keeping an eye out for the ever-curious Lucy, Neri was a sight to behold cheering on her husband in the lava fields at Ironman Hawaii this past October. This is the latest post from Craig's official website,

From the Wife…
November 23, 2009, 10:18 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized

It’s Neris (my) turn to update what has gone on in the Alexander household over the last few weeks.

To say we have been busy is an understatement, but it has been a “great ” kind of busy. There has been a huge amount of media interest which is great to get the sport of Triathlon out in to the general arena. It has been awesome for Craig and raising his profile, as well as being able to spread some coverage to our amazing crew and Sponsors that support ” Team Alexander“.

After Hawaii we have not really had time to come ‘down’ as after being at home only a few days Craig flew off to Perth to the ITU World Long Course Championships. He had hoped to race, but coming so soon on the back of Kona it became obvious that it was out of the question. So he was “rolled” out as a bit of a human interest story, and apparantly had more than his share of Aussie beer, as well as did a bit of guest commentry and appearances for Triathlon Australia etc.

The Noosa Triathlon festival has got to be the jewel in Triathlons crown in Australia, and not willing to miss it, we jumped on a plane and dragged the kids up 5 days of fun in Noosa. Craig once again went head to head in the Celebrity teams triathlon race for the win , this year against Marathoner Lee Troop, and once again his first hard run since Kona. I was surprised that he didn’t tear a ham string or anything, as there is no dampening the competitive spirit in Craig when there is a race on !!! We also all ran in the fun run for Breast Cancer, including our 4 year old Lucy. That child loves to run, I guess it is in the genes.

After a few more days at home, Craig once again jumped aboard a Qantes jet and headed back to the USA to fill a few Sponsorship commitments and a few interesting bits on the side. His first stop was in Austin Texas, where he went to ” The Running event” a huge Running Trade show, and met a few running legends: Alberta Salazar and Dick Beardsley. Being a sports fan, he knew all about their amazing Duel at the 1982 Boston Marathon. He stopped by Lance Armstrongs very cool and reportedly enormous bike shop, Mellow Johnnys and went for a ride with Chris Carmichael.

Next stop was onto Clearwater for the IM 70.3 World champs where apparently there was a lot of laughs and a little race day commentry with Welchy, as well as a few more Sponsorship appearances. He sure has done the rounds since his race in Kona. I have written all the schedules and been dizzy thinking about him racing from one thing to the next !!!

Filming an ad for his sponsor Road ID in Kentucky along side cycling legend Levi Leipheimer and Bob Roll, as well as the real live Forest Gump (Dean Karnzas) was the last stop on this trip. By all reports a few long days of filming was kept light and upbeat as Bob Roll continued to fuzz his lines.

Tonight his task at hand is to see if he can pour himself and his few extra kilos into his suit in readiness for the Sports Performer Awards which is on at Star City on Wednesday evening. Luckily I get to glam up for that one as well, and along with Emma Moffat, Triathlon is once again well represented with both Emma and Craig up for the top individual award.

Craig is back into training and our lives are starting to settle back into our regular Australian rhythm. The only thing missing is Craigs Mojo, so if any one finds some spare motivation lying around fling it to Cronulla and help me get my husband out the door and back training. A wife needs a little peace.

Since I have the floor, My Thanks for all the support we have received must be publicly extended to friends, family, fans, Sponsors and all of Team Alexander for helping us through this amazing time.

Stay safe and as they say ” See you at the races”

Neri

Garmin commerical (30 seconds)

2009-11-20T07:28:00.001-08:00

Awesome!

Should France be in the World Cup?

2009-11-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

As all-around sports fans here at Retul, we couldn't resist posting this one. You make the call if France deserves to qualify for World Cup play after this? This was the go-ahead goal in a 2-1 win over Ireland.

Kevin Collington -- 6th place at 70.3 World Champs

2009-11-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Kevin Collington, of Orlando, Florida, on his 6th place finish at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships last weekend.

Collington visited Todd Carver in our Denver studio in October, only weeks before the championship event to work on his time-trial position on his Orbea Ordu.

Said the 25 year-old up and comer, "I came up to get fit at your studio in October. Thanks again for fitting me. I raced the Clearwater 70.3 yesterday and got 6th - far better than I ever expected to do! I felt great on the bike and ran fast off the bike so thanks so much for putting me in a great position!"

Collington also has a great report on his website recapping his season at: www.kevincollington.com

Chris Legh bike fit

2009-11-16T08:31:00.001-08:00

Chris Legh, one of the most recognizable faces in the sport, visited our new Multisport Studio last week prior to Clearwater 70.3 Worlds for a bike fit with Mat Steinmetz.

Matt Chrabot wins ITU World Cup

2009-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, Todd Carver spent a day with the USAT Trade Team in Colorado Springs working with the athletes to optimize their bike fits.

The team has enjoyed numerous successes throughout the season and the highlight was likely Matt Chrabot's win at the US Elite National Championships where he beat US Olympian Matt Reed.

Yesterday, Chrabot proved he will be one of the successful faces to watch for in 2010 as he won the ITU World Cup finale in Huatulco, Mexico after breaking away from the lead pack over the hilly, 40-k bike. He held his lead during the 10-k run and claimed his first ITU World Cup victory.

A visit from....Geoff Kabush

2009-11-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Geoff was in town competing in the Boulder Cup Cyclocross race on Sunday. Todd and Geoff spent the afternoon looking at his Cross and MTB.

Mary Beth Ellis: Trek TTX bike fit

2009-10-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week, Mary Beth Ellis visited our Retul Multisport Studio in Boulder to work on her Trek TTX time-trial bike fit with Mat Steinmetz.

Mary Beth won the Pan American Games, Escape from Alcatraz and Boulder Peak Triathlon earlier in the year and is in her final preparations for Clearwater 70.3 World Championships where she was the runner-up last year.

Short video: approximately one minute

Chris Lieto - Amazing Day

2009-10-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Chris Lieto first came by the Retul Studios last February. Throughout the season, he experimented with some new saddles, shoes, pedals, and all the latest and greatest innovation from Trek. When his Ironman Hawaii bike arrived with next years frame geometry, Chris networked with Retul and was guided towards San Jose based bike fitter and PT, Curtis Cramblet. A few days before the Ironman World's, Chris and some of the Trek uber-engineers rolled into the Slowtwitch.com Bike Lounge; powered by Retul and verified Chris' Kona bike set-up with the Zin tool, a hand-held digitizer accessory for the Retul system.

Retul wishes to congratulate Chris on an Amazing Performance at the 2009 Ironman World Championships. "In triathlon, the bike fit is all about the run"

Kona win #2 for Crowie: VIDEO

2009-10-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on Kona win #2 Crowie!

Ironman World Champion x 2 - Alexander the Great!

2009-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Good Article on Craig Alexander

2009-10-06T01:40:00.000-07:00

Crowie

GARMIN PRO CYCLING AND IRONMAN HAWAII WEEK

2009-10-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

"Retul has partnered with local "artists" to tag and protect its the Denver Fit Studio"

Retul Studios is proud to be the official Bike fit studio of the Garmin-Slipstream Pro Cycling Team. Our lower downtown bike fit studio is located by Coors Field in the ballpark area of Lodo. Recently Lucas Euser and Allen Lim stopped in for a positional tune-up.

STAY TUNED for updates from the Big Island where Retul is stationed this week to support our Australian Partner, Craig Alexander, as he wreaks havoc at the Ironman World Championships. If you don't have the FREE Crowie app for your iPhone yet, download it at iTunes and get insider access to the life of a World Champ as he prepares to defend his crown!

Craig Alexander motor pacing session

2009-10-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Slowtwitch Bike Lounge Powered by Retül

2009-09-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Slowtwitch Bike Lounge in Kona New

Written by: Dan Empfield
Date: Tue Sep 29 2009

Slowtwitch is conducting, for lack of a better term, a bike census at the Hawaiian Ironman. We're less interested in what you're riding than in how you're riding, and that's what we aim to find out. We're partnering up with Retül and the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa for the Slowtwitch Bike Lounge, powered by Retul.

The plan: You relax, maybe talk shop with Slowtwitchers Herbert Krabel, Timothy Carlson and Lars Finanger, while the folks from Retül 3D Bike Fit Technology spend a couple of minutes with your bike and capture your position coordinates using Retül's Zinn wand (pictured at work).

Maybe Retul’s head fitter, Todd Carver, might have some time to look over your position. Otherwise, grab a free cup of coffee compliments of Slowman and Slowtwitch.com.

The Slowtwitch Bike Lounge, powered by Retul will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of race week and be featured in the scenic lobby of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

There is no charge, but setting up an appointment will help make sure you're not there any longer than you want to be. To make an appointment contact Lars Finanger at 303-828-8034 or mail to lars@slowtwitch.com.

If you have interest in getting a full and proper bike fit by FIST certified fitter and Retul co-founder, Todd Carver, then please contact info@retul.com or 720-406-1171 ext 4 to make an appointment.

For the full feature, go to: www.slowtwitch.com

Retül & Zin in Kona for Ironman

2009-09-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Slowtwitch Bike Lounge Powered by Retül

Join us in a relaxing atmosphere during Ironman Hawaii week in which Pro Athletes can bring their race bike into the Slowtwitch Bike Lounge. Retül bike lounge personnel and fitters will put bikes in the trainer stand and Zin all bike data. While waiting, athletes will have the opportunity to be photographed with their racing equipment by Timothy Carlson and interviewed by Herbert Krabel for content on Slowtwitch.com.

Athletes are welcomed to attend during Kona week on October 6th - 8th (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). The Bike Lounge will be set up and as time allows they will also have the opportunity to have their bike geometry Zin’d or they can even have a FIST certified bike fitter, Todd Carver and Mat Steinmetz, work with their bike fit position to optimize their race day performance.

Who is invited?
Pro Athletes, ST.com forum members, ST media, etc. This will be held at the Sheraton Hotel and will be a relaxing atmosphere for everyone in attendance. Norma Tec MVP (aka space legs, puffy pants) will be there with a recovery station (see pic)

When?
Stop by and visit between 10AM - 4PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during Ironman Hawaii week.

Where?
Kona Sheraton Keauhou Bay (inside the front lounge area)
78-128 Ehukai St.
Kona, Hawaii 96740
Riding distance from Kailua-Kona Pier (at the Old Pit)

What is the Zin?
Zin is a probe-like wand that is precisely captures the bike frame geometry of any given bike to the closest millimeter. The fitter uses this wand, which has LED's on it, to record measurements through the Retül motion capture camera. Bike geometry is calculated and presented for the fitter and the rider in an easy-to-read file.

Bike Fits - Powered by Retül
Age group athletes can sign up for a bike fit with FIST certified bike fitters Todd Carver or Mat Steinmetz who will utilize Retül’s 3-D motion capture bike fitting technology. Bike fits will be $249 for a full 120 minute fit or priced accordingly depending on athlete’s individual needs.

RSVP
Athletes and spectators are welcome to stop by as walk-ins but fit schedule will likely fill up quickly so you can reserve your spot by emailing: info@retul.com

Empfield's article on Kona Champ's bike position

2009-09-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

An interesting link to Chrissie Wellington's report with Dan Empfield on Slowtwitch.com

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/Is_Chrissie_Slowtwitch_approved__1028.html

Lars at Ironman Wisconsin

2009-09-10T12:57:00.001-07:00

Island to Island

2009-09-07T08:45:00.001-07:00

This Swedish multisport event consisted of a 37km run, 10km swim, and 16km of cycling to traverse the Stockholm Archipelago. Team Red Bull Ironman led by Ultraman World Champion, Jonas Colting, won the race in record time. For more on this unique race go to: www.otillo.se

Photo by Peder Sunderstrom

Craig Alexander's 3-D bike fit

2009-09-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

The reigning Ironman Hawaii Champ stopped in last week to confirm his Orbea Ordu position with Retül Multisport Studio fitter Mat Steinmetz.

Crowie & Hackett check in

2009-08-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

Steve Hackett and Craig Alexander took a break from their training to stop by our new Retül Multisport Studio in Boulder. Craig had Mat Steinmetz confirm his Kona position and Zin his bike to replicate his measurements with his upcoming travel out to the Big Island next month.

Retül's newest addition

2009-08-25T04:57:00.001-07:00

Mat Steinmetz knows all things triathlon and time trial. Originally from Indiana, he knows a thing or two about hoops too.

Contact Mat to schedule your bike fit in Boulder at: mat@d3multisport.com

After a long day training

2009-08-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Craig stopped by our new Retül Multisport Studio in Boulder with his four year-old daughter, Lucy. Here he is putting his new RoadID dog tag around Lucy.

Dad teaching Lucy how to sign their family name...this might come in handy for the little one someday as she has her Dad's running genes.

Elite Bicycles Bike of the Week

2009-08-13T12:01:00.001-07:00

Elite Bicycles Bike of the Week

Shared via AddThis

Crowie and Rocky Mountain Tri Club

2009-08-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Ironman Hawaii World Champion Craig Alexander at a weekly Rocky Mountain Tri Club training run in Denver, CO

Bonzai!

2009-08-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Retul cycling/tri kits have arrived!

2009-08-03T09:54:00.001-07:00

Cycling Top: $60
Cycling Short: $70
Tri Top: $50
Tri Short: $60

Cycling and Tri clothing are custom from Squadra.

Order yours today. Email: info@retul.com or call 720.406.1171 x 1

Or you can stop by our the newly finished Retül Multisport Studio on 30th Street on the 2nd floor of Christy Sports.

Bike People are Funny

2009-07-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Well yes its rather immature.....but nonetheless funny.

Here is a "rant" I came across recently on Craigslist from a bike industry guy in Seattle.

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sea/1192150038.html

SD

Gentlemen, start your engines!

2009-06-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Ready for the Tour?

Defending Champion

2009-06-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sprint finish in Boise

2009-06-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Craig Alexander and Chris Lieto had a sprint finish as close as you'll find in long distance triathlon racing with Alexander eking out a 2-seconds victory.

Fan at Roland Garros

2009-06-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Triathlon will have made the big time when this happens:

Tour of Dominance

2009-06-01T11:31:00.001-07:00

Craig Alexander..... What can you say. Another 70.3 victory

Honu 70.3 2009 Winner

Go Nugs!

2009-05-29T07:41:00.001-07:00

Currently outside our Denver Studio on Larimer St. Game 6 tonight at altitude.

Chris McDonald Zins his Wilier

2009-05-28T09:12:00.001-07:00

Mulitple-time Ironman champion, Chris McDonald, came into the studio earlier this week with his wife, Marilyn McDonald, and tried out his hand at the Zin.

For more on Chris and Marilyn, go to: www.trimacca.com

Separated at Birth

2009-05-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

Watching a bit of basketball this weekend and came across this:

Orlando Magic's Hedo Turkaglo

Elite Bicycle's David Greenfield

Steve Larsen passes away

2009-05-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

The very sad news is already spreading about the passing of Steve Larsen. He collapsed during a track workout yesterday in Bend, OR and suffered a heart attack and did not recover. He leaves behind his wife, five children, and brother Michael (who recently moved from Boulder out to Bend to be closer to Steve's family).

We recognize Steve as one of the most dominant endurance athletes of our time. Recently, he began racing competitively again after taking a few years off to develop his successful real estate business. He also recently started a new triathlon business called WorldTri.com.

Here is a link to Slowtwitch.com which is closely following this most unfortunate news:http://forum.slowtwitch.com/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Very_sad_news_about_Steve_Larsen_P2338019

Rules of the Road - Euro Style

2009-05-11T11:44:00.001-07:00

********************* -THE OFFICIAL EURO CYCLIST CODE OF CONDUCT- ********************

Created by Dom Guiver and Mike Flavell

1. Image and style shall be the primary concerns of the Euro Cyclist. When suffering, one must focus first on maintaining a cool, even composure and second on performance. Winning races is an added talent, and only counts if said Euro Cyclist wins with appropriate style.

2. Training shall be based solely on feel, while racing shall be guided by sensations and instinct: that is to say, “soul.” The Euro Cyclist will never accept tried or tested scientific training methods.

3. The Euro Cyclist shall NEVER, under any circumstances, wear plain black spandex bibs (shorts, regardless of colour are BANNED) or ANY team kit
containing non-prominent logos. Shorts will extend approximately 2/3rds of the way down the upper leg and will contain a compression band at the bottom (distinct in colour). In NO CONDITION shall they extend any further!

4. Legs shall be SHAVED year-round. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS. Certain hair removal creams are endorsed only on a case-by-case basis. One shall never show up to a race (be it large or small) with ANY amount of stubble visible on one’s legs.

5. A prominent line where one’s kit ends and where one’s deep tan begins is essential to one's image. Artificial tanning is BANNED. The tan shall reflect the level of training commitment.

6. The socks of the Euro Cyclist shall extend to within two (2) cm. of the main bulge of the calf muscle, and shall never extend further than one (1) cm. past said primary calf muscle bulge. All socks SHALL BE WHITE in colour with prominent logo placement.

7. Cycling shoes shall contain at least 80% white!
The following exceptions apply:
i) Colour combinations such as world cup stripes or Olympic gold for which the title has been EARNED.
ii) Shoes which are custom-made for specific riders by companies endorsed by this group. These shoes shall be accessible to the particular cyclist only, and shall follow the preceding rules.

8. If white cycling shoes are not available where the Euro Cyclist resides, white booties (or “shoe covers”) with prominent logos shall ALWAYS be worn. When booties are worn, socks shall protrude approximately seven (7) cm. above the ankle, and shall always protrude at a minimum one (1) cm. from any booties worn.

9. One’s bike frame shall contain between two (2) and four (4) colours IN ADDITION TO WHITE. All colours are acceptable as long as they combine tastefully and elegantly. In addition, wheel selection must also match frame and fork.

10. One shall race only on Campagnolo Boras or Lightweights. Fulcrum Racing One, Corima Aero+ or Zipp (404 or 202) wheelsets are considered stylish enough to be used as training wheels ONLY. Irregardless, ceramic bearings shall be used at ALL TIMES on both training and race bikes.

11. ALL wheels shall be equipped with tubulars, regardless of one’s ability in gluing them.

12. Ridiculously stylish eyewear (see endorsed products list) is to be worn AT ALL TIMES without exception. Glasses are to be worn over helmet straps at all times.

13. Hair shall be kept neatly short, and matching helmet shall be worn (again with prominent logo placement). The helmet shall be predominantly white. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES shall a clashing helmet colour be worn with one’s euro kit. Helmets are not to be worn when venturing indoors AT ANY TIME. It is, however, acceptable to wear one’s helmet while outdoors on a patio (see rule 34).

14. In certain RARE cases, it shall be deemed acceptable to have long hair. In this event, hair shall be neatly slicked back in a severely euro style, and helmet SHALL NOT be worn. It is IMPERATIVE that rule 12 is followed in these special instances.

15. When riding, sans helmet (with short hair), a team issue cycling cap (white in colour), shall be worn. The bill shall remain in the downward position at all times. The cycling cap may be worn forwards or backwards to coincide with the specifics of one’s current hairstyle. During spring training, cycling toques shall be worn at all times in place of caps.

16. Kits must always be freshly washed, and one shall ALWAYS have applied a subtle quantity of eau de toilette (or “cologne”). It is, AT ALL TIMES FORBIDDEN to ride in an unwashed kit. This is severely detrimental to one’s image.

17. Saddles shall be white in colour ONLY and shall be manufactured in Italy or France. Exceptions may be made in the following cases:
i) Saddles containing World Cup Stripes or Olympic Gold when it is EARNED
ii) Italian flag colour combo when rider is ITALIAN (born in Italy)

18. Handlebar tape is required to be cork as well as WHITE IN COLOUR. Bar tape shall be kept in pristine white condition. This state shall be achieved either through daily cleansing or through frequent replacement. These jobs must NEVER be performed by the cyclist as one must maintain one’s image.

19. All stems must be a minimum of 120mm long and of a rise no higher than -10 degrees. Stems shall be positioned no more than 0.5cm above the top of the headtube. ALL stems shall ALWAYS be oversized, made out of ALUMINUM, and airbrushed in kit/frame colours. In certain cases (Mario Cipollini) it is advised that one airbrush a buxom young woman onto the top of one’s stem.

20. The Euro Cyclist shall ALWAYS have liniment applied to his legs before appearing in public.

21. Facial hair shall be restricted to (at a maximum) a goatee, and even this is discouraged. Moustaches, beards, and any combination thereof are EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED in all instances. Stubble is, however, advisable in virtually ALL euro-situations. It is important to note that this DOES NOT apply to the legs.

22. Campagnolo shall be THE ONLY acceptable component and it is hereby deemed superior to ANY Shimano product in ALL circumstances and situations. The Euro Cyclist is expected to have nothing less than an ENTIRE campy grouppo. Crank substitutions are NOT permitted. There is, however, a case by case exception for SRAM Red.

23. One shall NEVER, under any circumstances, acknowledge the presence of a cyclist riding a bike costing less than 2000€ in ANY public place. This may be severely detrimental to one’s image. If such a situation cannot be helped, it is CRITICAL that the Euro Cyclist regard his “acquaintance” with a patrician mixture of disdain and SEVERE condescension.

24. One shall NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, associate with triathletes. This cannot be overemphasized! It is FORBIDDEN to have any number inked onto one’s body before a race.

25. Any physical activity other than cycling is STRONGLY FROWNED UPON. This includes any form of running or swimming and their derivatives (this includes walking). The ONLY TWO other sports with a recognized degree of euro are: cross-country skiing and long track speed skating.

26. Mountain bike gloves are FORBIDDEN in all instances. Cycling gloves shall be slick, white (in accordance with kit), and have minimal padding. Padding will be beige or white in colour. Wearing NO GLOVES is entirely acceptable and encouraged. In the case of a Euro Cyclist wearing a leader’s jersey special gloves shall be made to match the colour of the jersey while simultaneously blending the colours of the team kit.

27. In a circumstance where any cyclist (or TRIATHLETE) ever displays aggression or disrespect towards a Euro Cyclist, he is required to ride up uncomfortably close to his foe and slap them in the face with his team issue gloves.

28. In the event a motorist disturbs one’s ride: one shall proceed to ride up beside the car, form a clenched fist and bang the boot of the car while doing one’s best to sound irritated in Italian. Wild arm and head movements (“Gesticulation”) are strongly encouraged to enhance the apparent rage.

29. One shall NEVER rearrange one’s package while riding. Adjustments regarding seating/hanging comfort are to be done in private in order to preserve image.

30. ABSOLUTELY NO FORM of seatbag, frame pump, mud guard or mirror shall come within two (2) metres of one’s bike.

31. Gearing shall be restricted to a titanium Campy Record 11-23 cassette with a ABSOLUTE MINIMUM of 42-53 up front. One must never be seen pedaling at a cadence greater than 90 rpm in order not to detract from one’s calm/smooth factor, or “Suplesse.” The use of 25-toothed cog is acceptable for severely mountainous training situations.

32. ALL BIKES shall feature personalized nameplates next to one’s home country’s flag, located on the top-tube within ten (10) cm. of the seat-tube ON THE DRIVE SIDE ONLY.

33. Pedals MUST be either Look or Time. No other pedals are to be considered. As always, ANY form of Shimano product is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.

34. Coffee is a NECESSITY and as such it must be consumed STRONG (e.g. espresso) on a patio in Italy in full kit; it shall be drunk BLACK. Sugar is STRONGLY FROWNED UPON. The only milk present shall appear frothed on top (if at all). The euro cyclist shall, if possible, develop a fondness for the triple ristretto.

35. All podium shots (“pictures”) shall be taken while wearing one’s team kit and appropriately matching casual euro shoes (such as Pumas). Socks shall remain within the guidelines above. One is expected to display an appropriate degree of bulge while receiving kisses/trophies. The bulge may vary according to the outlandishness/impracticality of the victory prize (e.g. livestock and/or enormous cheese wheels).

36. All pre- and post-race activity SHALL be conducted under a gazebo (this includes massages, interviews, seductions, and looking fantastic) leaving one in reasonable distance of the Euro-sun to top up one’s enviable tanlines and pose for photos.

37. Post-race, one shall be tied to one's mobile phone, receiving endless calls from:
i. One’s attractive girlfriend, or
ii. Important ad executives concerning modeling contracts. This shall be done under the protection of the post race gazebo.

38. Team bikes will be built up so that they violate the UCI weight limit in order that weights might be attached to the frame to demonstrate its superiority and lightness.

39. Motivational music during training shall consist of late 90s trance or progressive house, hereby known as 'euro beats.' NO EXCEPTIONS.

40. Water Bottles shall be referred to solely as "Bidons" and shall have a volume NOT EXCEEDING 500ml. Bidons shall always match team/kit colours. It is NOT ACCEPTABLE in ANY CIRCUMSTANCE to leave one’s bidons on the bike for more than ten (10) minutes post-ride OR while transporting bikes via bike rack.

41. Naked black ALL CARBON water bottle cages (manufactured by ELITE CAGES) shall be used on ALL BIKES. Exceptions include:
i) Special edition 24k gold cages, acceptable in certain cases such as photo shoots, prologues or where colour coordination dictates (e.g. gold cage with Olympic gold/white team kit).

42. A gold pendant on a very long, thin chain bearing some form of religious icon is STRONGLY recommended for mountain races.

43. While soloing in for a victory, one shall ensure that one’s jersey is FULLY ZIPPED and ALIGNED so that all title sponsors are clearly visible. One shall then smile and flex one’s arms while pointing sky-wards. The projection of one’s fatigue is EXPLICITLY FORBIDDEN IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

44. When appearing in a photo spread for a sponsor’s products, the Euro Cyclist has the option of appearing fully nude, in team kit, or in a full Brioni three-piece suit (nothing else). Smiling is PROHIBITED in these instances.

45. When appearing in documentaries, one must be seen walking around the hotel in one’s kit at all times. It is also recommended that one constantly be eating something in front of the cameras.

46. When asked "how are you?" while riding one must proceed with one of the following...
i. Complain about coming off a sickness
ii. Explain that one is peaking for bigger races later in the season
iii. Mention that this is a "recovery ride"
iv. Explain that one is at the tail end of one’s daily six (6) hour training ride

47. If one feels the urge to relieve oneself during a race, one shall gracefully meander to the back of the pack, seat oneself sideways on the saddle, and pee into the sunflowers. It is the DUTY of the Euro Cyclist to ensure that no camera crew catches the act, for it could be severely detrimental to one’s image. Under no circumstances shall one dismount from his bike in order to urinate.

48. When climbing anything with a gradient above twenty (20) percent OR lasting greater than four (4) kilometers, the Euro Cyclist shall fully unzip his jersey and let it flutter freely in the wind.

49. When dropping out of a race, one shall avoid the embarrassment of entering the official broomwagon and shall instead wait for the team vehicle. When asked the reason for dropping out, one shall cite mechanical problems or oncoming sickness in order to avoid any negative speculation in regards to one’s fitness.

50. If in doubt, the euro cyclist shall mention in an interview that his pollen allergies are acting up, and that he’s not sure that he’ll win the Giro this year. In this situation he must note that the sensations are otherwise good, and that he will eventually win a beautiful stage.

51. Team-building motivational camps shall be held annually in the off-season. These are to place team members in as ridiculous a setting as possible. Photos shall be widely reproduced to demonstrate team cohesion.

52. During the pre-race medical checks, star riders of each team are strongly advised to play doctor with each other while shirtless. Photos taken must strive to be as HOMO-EROTIC AS POSSIBLE.

53. In order to avoid the harsh European winter, one shall:
i. Flee to the warmer climates of Mallorca/South Africa/Canary Islands/etc.
ii. “Train the mind, body and soul” with Kreitler-brand rollers

54. In the event of a crash, regardless of the gravity of an injury the Euro Cyclist shall mummify himself in fishnet gauze. The act of gauzing oneself (in order to continue racing while injured) is looked upon with respect by other Euro Cyclists as a statement of commitment and of strength of character. One shall use white gauze to bandage injuries; however, world cup striped gauze and/or national colors may be used in addition to white in select circumstances.

55. No form of large or obtrusive tattoo shall be printed onto the skin anywhere on the body. Small, discreet tattoos of the Virgin Mary or Olympic rings (assuming one has participated in Olympic games) no larger than three (3) cm. by three cm. shall be considered tasteful if AND ONLY IF located out of sight while one wears regular kit.

56. If a rider’s sponsors do not make quality parts, then the rider shall buy better parts and superimpose his sponsor’s stickers over them (e.g. Quickstep's past rebranding of Time products as Specialized).

57. No rider shall wear any shorts with any type of hole showing skin below unless said hole and or opening was from a recent crash DURING that training session and/or race. Wearing ripped shorts is allowed ONLY while one is struggling to the finish and/or to the correct place to wait for the team car to take one out of the race.

58. When cresting the summit of a climb the Euro Cyclist will sit up, zip his jersey, and reach into his pocket for a snack while simultaneously looking back to see who will be accompanying him on the descent. Note that while coasting to allow another rider to catch up (in order to work together on the way down) is allowed, coasting in order to rest is FORBIDDEN.

59. The Euro Cyclist shall own a sizeable parrot and will ensure that he is seen walking around photo shoots with it perched either upon his casually outstretched index finger or upon his shoulder. Hair should be slicked back for maximal effect. The parrot should either be white or it should contain three (3) or more colors found within the World cup stripes. One must always smile when pictured with the parrot. The parrot should speak fluent Italian. In certain cases it is deemed advisable that the Euro Cyclist possess, in place of a parrot, SEVERAL young pumas.

60. The Euro Cyclist shall never ride deep carbon wheels with aluminum braking surfaces, with the exceptions of Mavic wheels and the Ghibli disc. Aluminum braking surfaces detract from the seamless transition of black carbon to black tire that makes the Euro cyclist look so devilish upon his race wheels. Deep carbon wheels shall have prominent decals upon them UNLESS they originate from Carbonsports in Germany.

61. When the Euro Cyclist wins a race or a grand tour he shall stylishly uncork the bottle of champagne and spray it around the podium. If the rider is ravenous, slightly overweight and German he shall place the opening of the champagne bottle close to his mouth and drink (heavily) with puffed out cheeks and a smile. If the rider is truly Euro he will take the ENTIRE bottle of champagne in his arms and parade about the finish area with it. Champagne bottles must be COMICALLY OVERSIZED. One should spray the podium girls. Especially if they are dressed in white.

62. At the finish of a Grand Tour the Euro cyclist shall celebrate by cycling around the finish area decked out in team kit and proper Euro casual footwear. If married, the Euro cyclist shall have his child in his arms. The toddler may rest upon his handlebars, or in the event that the Euro cyclist achieves a podium spot, accompany the rider onto the podium. The child should have its own victory salute that will be used in conjunction with that of his/her father. In some cases the child is permitted to wear an entirely-too-large team jersey. This rule shall be upheld by ALL riders save for Mario Cipollini, who would be unable to comply due to the sheer number of offspring he has fathered courting supermodels over the past two decades.

Humor from a Friend of a Friend

2009-05-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

have a good weekend

ski duncan

Giro Days for the Argyle Boys

2009-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Best of luck to our boys at Garmin, defending Team TT champs at the Giro. Tune in this Sunday

2009-04-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

Cool new video from the South Street Philadelphia boys, Elite Bicycles. You'll want to get one for yourself after watching this:

Revolution 3 Triathlon

2009-04-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

JUNE 7, 2009

The Revolution3 triathlon is a cool, new race in Middlebury, Connecticut – uniquely spread throughout the Quassy Amusement Park. This race staff and venue address’ one of the most overlooked issues in the sport of triathlon and an issue that must rise to the top of the priority list with all the recent acquisitions of the largest event producers and the largest media outlets - snatched up by Vulture, errr I mean Venture Capitalists. The issue I’m speaking about is making the races more spectator and more importantly media friendly. Triathlon is ripe for live television, internet streaming, and consistent on-course personalities that not only tell the viewing audience the insider talk, but also keep the commentary lively. That’s hard to do in triathlon – but it can be done. Revolution3 not only has placed the event within an amusement park for a better spectator experience, but also is investing in video/media technology to be used throughout the course. “Spectators enjoy front row action via stage screens set up in the transition area. Six cameras strategically placed throughout the course will broadcast live directly to you. Combine this with real-time GPS athlete tracking and you, too, will see the revolution unfold!” is a quote taken directly from the website which I felt demonstrated the enthusiasm that appears to be behind this race staff to make their race better. Rev3 Triathlon series is probably the organization’s next move and if they can pull this first race off without too many hiccups, I’m sure it will be a success.

Of course, it can go without saying that Rev3 is demonstrating a much needed and much appreciated prize purse for the professionals. You may not need the pros to make money as an event producer, but the indirect effect of supporting the pro circuit by putting up large prize purses legitimizes the professional side of the sport, and elevates the top performers into role models for young aspiring athletes. It creates a top tier standard for race performance and with that comes all sorts of media stories on specific race performances and the lifestyles of the pro athlete. I wish the BIG corporate races would see this cause/effect relationship, but the prize purses remain relatively small for the professionals. The professional triathletes often drive the new sponsors necessary for the sport to thrive into the sport in the first place. Aussie athlete, Chris Legh alone is responsible for bringing in millions of $ to the Ironman folks in the form of event sponsorship/industry support through his personal sponsorship networking ability. Look at what some other athletes have brought to Triathlon: Deboom (Polo), Stadler (Dresdner Kleinwart), Macca (Under Armor), Matt Reed (Crocs), Faris Al Sultan (Erdinger Beer) etc, etc, etc.

Worthwhile contributors to the development of the sport of triathlon are worth noting. Rev 3 is one of them. You can support and grow innovation within your lifestyle by making the effort to support the companies that fuel your inner soul. If racing triathlon gets you there, then consider making the trip to Middlebury, CT this summer.

Go to the website here

Human Performance Testing w/Dr. Inigo San Millan

2009-04-24T03:37:00.000-07:00

Sitting in a corner office at CU-Denver's Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy Center is the Basque-native and US-resident, Dr. Inigo San Millan. Dr. San Millan is one of the leading medical professionals focusing their knowledge towards maximizing endurance performance.

He does this by performing a battery of physiological tests, including VO2 max (which he believes is highly overrated in endurance sports), and lactate blood concentration (which he believes is the best indicator of endurance sports performance), and also leads a revolution to measure blood values and parameters to eliminate the tendency for overtraining and fatigue with athletes.

Not only does he perform any or all of these tests, which range from $150-$350, but he also consults with the athlete as to how to incorporate training, rest, and diet into their athletic program.

We captured a few video clips from our visit to his CU-Denver office earlier in the week and were quite amazed with all the athlete personalities on his wall. They included: Alberto Contador, Joseba Beloki, Saunier-Duval, Astana, and ONCE cycling teams.

The biggest difference between San Millan's tests and standard cardiology-based tests is his protocol of working the athlete at 10 minute watts/kilogram stages. He explained how two athletes can be the same after four or even six minutes at a particular effort however a definite distinction can nearly always be seen at the 10 minute mark. Therefor, his final numbers are not as large as you might hear elsewhere.

For instance, the highest VO2max he has recorded with his protocal was Antonio Colom, a cyclist for Team Katusha who placed 5th at this year's Paris-Nice stage race. Colom recorded a 72 mil/kg value. Most Pro Tour riders, he believed, slotted in between 62-68 mil/kg values. These are a far cry from the "sexy" values we've all heard about Scandinavian nordic skiiers and professional cyclists boasting and he believes it is in part because of the shorter testing protocol administered.

USAT Trade Team

2009-04-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Retul 3D Motion Capture Bike Fit System, the official bike fit technology of USA Triathlon, was in full force last week at the Trade Team Training Camp at the US Olympic Training Center

in Colorado Springs. Retul’s master fitter Todd Carver and his apprentice Lars, took center stage as they operated dualing Retul systems for the trade team athletes as they were fitted to their new Blue race machines.

A few short clips from the action:

Fitting the US Navy SEALs

2009-04-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

On Monday, one day following the 31st running of the Superfrog Triathlon, the oldest Half-Ironman race in the world, Retül 3-D bike fitting and Elite Bicycles met together with four US Navy SEALs on the Naval Special Warfare’s Amphibious Base in Coronado, California for a day of bike fitting.

Elite Bicycle’s President David Greenfield was on hand to direct the SEALs through a range of flexibility and functional movement exams before working on their individual bike fits.

Greenfield observed how impressed he was with the overall physical and mental strength of the SEALs but found improvements could be made with their flexibility while on the bike.

After flexibility assessments were made, Greenfield and Retül’s head fitter, Todd Carver, split the SEAL athletes into two groups to perform their bike fits. Each fitter worked with a variety of bikes, including triathlon, road and mountain bikes based on the key events each SEAL was in training for.

At the end of the day, big changes were made on existing bike positions and both fitters were confident the athletes would see performance gains from their new positions.

Key races for the SEALs this upcoming season include California 70.3, Kansas 70.3, Sea Otter Mountain Bike Classic, Ironman Hawaii and the Continental Divide Bicycle Race.

New England Bike Gods

2009-04-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

New England is home to many of the bike industry's greatest engineering minds when it comes to designing killer new frames. One of these companies is Spooky Bikes, operated by a Retul fitter named Carl. Recently a cyclist and Retul fan sent us some of Carl's artwork - very cool. The art piece, which I'm sure will end up in a museum in the distant future, depicts kind of a cross between a bike geek and the Emperor (from Star Wars).

Spooky Bikes Rule

Retül on SEAL/s Base today

2009-03-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Today we have the opportunity to work with US Navy SEAL athletes who race triathlon and cycling in their free time. We will report back, but we have a feeling these guys are accustomed to putting their bodies and minds through pain. We're going to make sure their bike fits are not a contributing factor to that.

Stay tuned for updates later this week.

Superfrog Weekend

2009-03-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Boulder & Denver were on the receiving end of a healthy spring snow dump yesterday - 13 inches & counting!

With all the white stuff accumulating, we thought it was the appropriate time to Get out of Dodge, pack up the bags, and fly to sunny San Diego.

This weekend, Retül fitters are flying to attend the oldest running half-Ironman in the world, the Superfrog Triathlon on the US Navy SEALs Amphibious Base in Coronado, California.

We will be joined by Elite Bicycles head honcho & expert bike fitter, David Greenfield, to bring bike fitting to the San Diego area. Greenfield is offering severly discounted bike fits on Saturday and Sunday at the race expo at Loews Resort in Coronado to the general cycling public. He has slashed his normal rates of $489 and is offering 60-90 fits for only $149. If you want Greenfield to fit you, email us as slots are going fast (david@elitebicycles.com).

But, our fitting extravaganza won't halt there. Todd will fly in on Monday and join Greenfield to fit four SEALs, who are also elite athletes. We will provide updates and coverage on this weekend of fitting, so stay tuned.

- Bauer

Retul Asia Takes Form

2009-03-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Just a day after witnessing Retul Australia's, Craig Alexander take his "tour de dominance" to Singapore and set a new course record at the 70.3 Triathlon, the fearless staff of Crucial Innovation were welcomed by our newest partner who will develop Retul Asia. As there will surely be an official press release to come, I won't spoil the moment with the details of who will run Retul Asia, but we are very excited to have such a quality organization choose our technology and invest in the future of bike fit! Rock on and safe travels home boys

Victory in Singapore!

2009-03-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

Crowie started his '09 season with a BANG with dominating 70.3 wins in Geelong, Australia and in yesterday's supposed showdown with Macca. Crowie left no doubt about his early season fitness with a nearly four-minute victory in the searing heat and humidity in Singapore.

Why Aussie's move to Boulder

2009-03-20T05:16:00.000-07:00

Over the last few summers, Boulder is becoming home to a growing number of Australian triathletes. Most claim it's because of our mountains, training at altitude, proximity to an international airport, and abundance of running trails, but we've discovered the real reason. They can't even escape sharks during an ocean swim race!

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-GB&vid=50acdbeb-b61a-460f-9c01-6596a442b37c

New Ironman race heading to Utah in 2010

2009-03-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.examiner.com/x-2490-Denver-Endurance-Sports-Examiner~y2009m2d6-St-George-Utah-to-host-new-Ironman-race-in-May-of-2010

Don't Mess with Lance on the Media stand

2009-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Paul Kimmage is pretty brave. Taking on Lance in front of the Media. Brave or Stupid?

FIt Institute of Slow Twitch

2009-03-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

The man has spoken...using his Retul system to validate his theories. Another fine bike fit article written by Dan Empfield

"....What both Jordan Rapp (my F.I.S.T. workshop "lieutenant" and one of triathlon's top cyclists) and I, in our n=2 experiment, have discovered is that we pair of 6'2" riders have found that 172.5mm cranks seem most appropriate for our own timed racing efforts. What I don't know is what my best crank arm length is for road riding. I rather think it depends on the specialty. For example, criterium riding is a lot more like timed racing than like, say, long ascents. My flat-back, on-the-rivet, hands-in-the-drops try like hell to keep the elastic from snapping seated sprint out of a corner is pretty much identical to my TT position, just that I don't have amrests under my elbows. Indeed, my closed hip angle in this position is 48°, identical to this angle in my TT position, as determined by a Retul motion capture analysis."

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

Pearl is Cool

2009-03-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

The Retul team met with Pearl Izumi today re some potential co-operative projects and for most of us, it was the first time in their new(er) building. Exciting Stuff. All I have to say is....that company iiis cool and mucho generoso as well. Saw a sneak peak at the new Garmin team getups - and it looks like triathlon will see be seeing a newly signed familiar face wearing Pearl this year. Retul Training Date tomorrow

Earmarks

2009-03-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

Now that's an Earmark

I'm annoyed as hell by all the promises made in the recent US Presidential campaign about "going line by line to eliminate unnecessary earmarks", introduced by tainted politicians. I mean millions of dollars for the Utah Mormon Cricket problem? Come on! If the Bicycle Industry got a few million for the purposes of promoting fat Americans to ride their bikes to work, wouldn't that be better than promoting "astronomy, irradiating Utah crickets, and funding pork research?" This is ridiculous - 9000 earmarks??

Are the people running this country smoking the Phelps? Why is like half of Obama's staff getting caught cheating on their taxes? Apparently these senators don't feel like they have to pay Uncle Sam....and are they volunteering these "supposed" oversights before they get caught?? Of course not. The White House needs to get a clue and realize that if the American people can't trust them, then there are far worse problems than a few crickets crawling on Salt Lake City's temples.

The photo above is the type of earmark I would like to give to those who are proposing such fiscal irresponsibility. And finally to end my rant....Bernie Madoff should be put in Gitanamo Bay

Ironman New Zealand's Queen: Jo Lawn

2009-03-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

You don't find them much classier than Kiwi, Jo Lawn. A fierce competitor with a soft heart and a great attitude, Jo sent this video link out after crossing the finish line 2nd at the oldest International Ironman event in existence: Taupo's Ironman New Zealand. Jo has won that race the past 7 years and although many great champions would have sent out a race report describing her day of battle, Lawn's report this year was fitting (no pun intended)

http://www.3news.co.nz/Sweat-and-tears-at-Taupos-Ironman-competition/tabid/367/articleID/94591/cat/84/Default.aspx

Barack Obama Mo-Capped!

2009-03-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

well this is pretty funny.

Obama Mo-Capped here

Travel Day?

2009-03-06T06:08:00.000-08:00

It's merely the size of an empty wallet, small enough to fit snugly inside your pocket, and tiny enough to evade detection before carelessly ending up in the washing machine. It also holds the power of keeping citizens confined within their country's borders if it is not in your possession while traveling internationally.

One month ago my wife and I finalized our travel itinerary to visit my parents who live in Saudi Arabia. One month ago we put into motion the tedious process of securing a Saudi Arabia visa which would provide us single entry and exit access into the otherwise closed country. Today is our travel day, specifically at 5:00PM tonight, and we have still not received our passports with country visa back from the Saudi Consulate here in the US. I would say I am worried it will not show up, but for some reason I have enough blind faith in a culture that tends to always wait until the last minute to produce the goods.

People always ask before vacations or longer trips if I am "excited" and my answer is always the same. I never seem to get excited until I am checked into the airport and board the airplane. That is when the trip begins, before that there are too many factors out of our control that can delay or terminate the process.

What I am excited about is to show my wife the country where I spent the first 13 years of my life, to see my best friends from childhood who are also flying back to "the big sandbox", and to even race in a sprint triathlon back in my hometown! It was in my father's P.E. class in Ras Tanura I raced a triathlon for the first time and almost 15 years later I compete at a professional level in attempt to earn a prize check!

The swim for this tri will be in the Persian Gulf and not the local swimming pool like in 8th grade P.E. and I won't be racing to get an A (finish all 3 sports), a B (finish 2 of the 3 sports) or a C (finish 1 of the 3 sports). My folks live in the international community of Dhahran, where the US military made it's home during Desert Shield and Storm, and their teacher friends have volunteered to outfit my wife and I with bikes to use on race day too.

I was told our little blue books would be arriving this morning via FedEX Overnight delivery and they have almost an hour to fulfill that promise. After that, our trip to Saudi Arabia might be put on hold until another time! But, I continue to hold out hope.

-LF

Next stop, Superfrog

2009-03-03T10:28:00.001-08:00

A few days after the Tour of California stopped in Solvang, a sleepy wine and farming community with Danish heritage, ex-US Postie Robbie Ventura held his annual Vision Quest cycling camp in town. Vision Quest is one of the latest Retül owners but they still invited 3-D fit guru Todd Carver to service 15 bike fits for their campers.

These were some long days punched in on the clock (6am - 10pm each day) but we met some great people and made some great fit changes. And, better yet, the riders were able to experience their fit changes immediately since Robbie had a full slate of riding with upwards of five hours of riding each day with loads of climbing!

In the past, we had performed bike fits at expo shows and as part of training classes but this launched our camp bike fit program, and with great success!

At the end of this month, we are traveling out to the world's oldest half-ironman race at the Superfrog 1/2 on the US Navy SEAL/s base to perform three days of bike fits. The final day will see us fitting four current SEAL athletes who put in long hours training for triathlon after all the training hours they put in to defend our country. We will be traveling out there with a full entourage including Carver and expert fitter and Elite Bicycles frame designer David Greenfield. Stay tuned.

Ride smart, ride hard
Viking

Where Normann buys his Cars

2009-03-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

Good People in Colorado

2009-02-27T19:34:00.001-08:00

Ahhh the good people in Colorado. I know that sounds like a generic saying for any state, but there is a reason that so many athletes have moved to Colorado over the years....and its not just the training here. Its the people! Coloradans (or those of us transplants, which is most of the population) moved here for the lifestyle. And one of the big lifestyles in the heart of the Rockies is that of Endurance Sports. Cyclists, Runners, Nordic Skiers, and of course, the beloved type A Triathletes love Colorado for the sun, the snow, and the ever so many training partners that you can meet on a daily basis.

The Bicycle Studio in Grand Junction and the bros at Moots up in the 'boat, are just two fine examples of the good people in Colorado - and they both happen to be involved in Cycling....what a surprise :). Check out this story

http://bikeandbody.blogspot.com/2009/02/snow-bike-fit-playing-with-q-factor-is.html

Its the weekend officially, but at 8:45pm on a Friday, I'm the dork still on my computer

Downgrade....

2009-02-25T11:55:00.001-08:00

I don't know why I'm posting this.....

"TC" and the Viking

2009-02-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

TC talks Retul bike fitting at the startline with colleague Chris Carmichael at the Leadville 100
(check out Lance in the LiveStrong jersey in the middle)

Todd Carver, Retul Studios Master Bike Fitter, is a busy man these days. When I see the calendar have 4 fits on a SATURDAY, I know TC's bike fit schedule is filling up fast! Retul's International base of fitters is expanding like wild fire and thus there is more travel and less time for bike fitting in Colorado. The Leadville 100 is usually TC's annual focus event on his trusted Yeti Mtn steed. The question is, when will he find time to train? How does he plan to manage through his current form or lackthereof? What to do, what to do? ENTER: Norweigan born, Saudi raised, broken in Minnesota and as of late,proud resident of the Republic of Boulder...Mr. Lars Finanger. As the second most powerful person in his household, Lars manages to be competitive at the Iron distance races with 'supposedly' no time to train due to a slave-like work schedule at Retul (think Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom scenes of the underground 'workers'). But for the last few months, Lars has been shadowing TC as Retul's first test bike fitter apprentice. After dominating Xantunaisa's FIST training with his charm, Lars looks forward to completing his SICI course this next month and is excited by our new partnership with the Insititute and the Irish New Yorker :) . Next week TC and Lars will head out to Solvang, California - home of the pro tour teams early season training camps (and also to Michael Wacko Jacko Jackson) to do bike fits with Vision Quest, Chicago based coaching service empire of Robbie Ventura. After he returns (and he doesn't know this yet), I have hired Tony Deboom, former Army ranger, pro triathlete, secret service hit man during the Nixon cabinet, Director Sportiff of the Tri-Dubai team, current head coach of the West Point Tri team and part time cagefighter, to complete the final phases of Lars training regimen, so he will be able to deploy on a moments notice to anywhere in the world to conduct Retul bike fits.

TC and Lars manage the Retul Studios Denver, a posh bike fit studio in the heart of Denver's ball park district. Offering state-of-the-art 3D biomechanical anaylsis and a host of custom and stock solutions from the worlds greatest bicycle frame builders, the Retul Studios has become a great place to find your dream ride and ensure its performance and comfort with the Retul fit process. Retul is proud to offer high-end bicycles from Elite, Guru, Look, Spooky, Cervelo, Kuota, Scott, Quintana Roo, Litespeed, and Argon-18.

Also - just got word today that Retul Studios Denver and Boulder will be featuring some new cycling specific technology from "overseas".......ooh la la. We will mail our database in a few weeks to let them know about this very cool new ^#$@&$#$.

out for the weekend, except not really...i have to work tomorrow

Ski D

Predator in the house

2009-02-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

"The Predator" is coming into the Boulder studio today. This is the affectionate nickname given to rising Ironman star Justin Daerr by his nutrition sponsor EAS. Above is a poster of a company ad from either Triathlete Mag or one of the Rodale pubs.

Endurance Conspiracy

2009-02-17T16:51:00.000-08:00

A good friend of ours, Tony DeBoom, has started the Endurance Conspiracy, a trend setting company that kicks out killer artwork, eco-friendly fashions, and some real world triathlon training advice. Tony recently made the Retul Studios T Shirts and we can highly recommend the quality of the shirts. Organic cotton is NOT just for Boulderites!

check it out at www.enduranceconspiracy.com

French Bikes

2009-02-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

Wow these 2009 LOOK bikes are hot. Yep the 596 is really really sexy.....but this 576 is an amazing value for a ride this sweet

Thinking Pink

2009-02-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Olympic Bronze Medalist Susan Williams came in the other day for a road bike fit and for some reason her pink/carbon color'd BLUE ride caught my eye. I don't know much about Blue bicycles other than a few years ago I had never heard of them and now...they seem to be everywhere, including chief bike supplier to USATriathlon. The pink accents within the design of this bike made me wonder if perhaps Retul Studios overlooked ordering a few specially spec'd demo rides for our clients of the finer sex? Our new Denver studio is really looking hot with all these new rides arriving each week.....and well I'm going to go out on a limb here guys, I think we need a pink bike. I mean I seem to recall at least two 'pink rockets' (haha, thats what my college roomates referred to my dog's johnson as) coming through the Retul studios last year. Ironman 70.3 World Champion Joanna Zeiger and Mrs KT Lloyd both had custom pink, Guru Cronos that simply say, "I may be cute and pink, but I'm also way faster than you...." when they scream by at your local 5430 series triathlon. Besides I know at least one guy who chose a pink bike as his primary race machine (but I wont mention any names.....eehhummm... kYle....eemmm:).

So since were on the topic of pink. I'm sitting at the hospital with my wife yesterday. We're in for the BIG ultrasound appointment (the one you find out the sex) and I'm watching this veteran doc wizz through this ultrasound machine. She's pointing to these alien like graphics on the video screen, saying... "and this is the head, and here's the little feet, and oh look....it looks like....yep, its a girl." Except thats its two girls, because for some reason, the big guy upstairs decided to get his point across when he reminded me that unprotected relations can lead to new creations. But anyway, the Doc is going through the ultrasound process and I start firing off questions about the equipment. Basically it appears like this technology uses a 2D video screen and software to measure certain anatomical points to quantify growth of the baby(s:). I acted impressed even though i couldnt make out anything whatsoever on that stupid black and white screen. I tried to keep converstation going and said, "so have you seen what the next generation ultrasound equipment looks like?" The SheDoc's expression lit up and said, "we've just received a new one. They are much more accurate now, they are in 3D.". She went on to explain to me the difference betwen 2D and 3D and why the 3D data is so much better for her application. I sat there smiling because she was saying the same things that I tell people everyday when we discuss the differences between Retul 3D technology and other 2D video systems.

So while the Medical Device division at GE may have started the development of the next generation ultrasound technology years ago, its nice to know that Retul is maintaining pace with bringing its true 3D data capture capability to the ever emerging bike industry

Our new addition - Denver Retül

2009-02-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

We had guest artist Gems by the studio to graffiti paint the massive billboard in front of our studio. Here's a progression of his days work.

Fitting über-cyclist Chris Lieto

2009-02-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this video from Lieto's Retül fit last week. It's hard to believe he came while Boulder was experiencing sub-zero temps and this week we running around in shorts again!

And the winner is.....

2009-01-29T07:52:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, multiple time Ironman champion, Chris Lieto, flew in to Boulder to work on his bike fit with Todd Carver. The two days he was in town were downright nasty with outside temps never above single digits. As you can see, that doesn't stop us Boulderites from swimming...outdoors.

By coincidence, Dave Scott was at the pool just finishing the noon master's practice, so he challenged Lieto with a set of 20x100's on 1:20. I think Lieto was sucking the thin air but still put the hurt to The Man. However, The Man, even when behind, is always smack talking and after the set, the challenge was a 50-meter sprint race. We should probably set up a poll to let you determine who wins...

Tim DeBoom - the movie

2009-01-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

Two-time Ironman World Champion Tim DeBoom shows off his Ducati riding skills in Retül's newest video

You've been Retül'd

2009-01-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

VeloNews ad rep David Walker, went to sleep peacefully last night but forgot to take his new cyclocross bike off the roof rack. That could only mean one thing...prank time!

What Causes Some Sports to be Caucasion'ized'?

2009-01-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

So I'm up for a few days getaway in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. Steamboat Springs to be exact, where I'm doing a few turns and spending time with the Boss. A lot of times when I get up in the altitude to play (as so many Coloradans do), I find that nature brings me into deep thought. Today I'm exiting the Gondola right around prime time in the morning; meaning there are people freakin' everywhere trying to get their gear right for the first run of the day. As I took in the moment and scanned the excited groups of color matched ski gear'd folks, most of them on vacation with friends and family, I noticed that everyone was.....well.....white. I rode off down the hill trying to rock out to my 80's tunes through my sweet ipod jack-equipped helmet from Giro, but I couldn't stop looking at every person I passed, every snow lover at every lift line, every person scarfing down resort food at the lunch tables in crowded lodges and hillside bars, to see if they were of any other color other than... white. Not really. The rest of the day I realized that skiing is in fact a white mans sport. I mean I did see 2 Asian snowboarders (one who ripped by the way), but everyone else....I mean everyone else was of the Caucasion origin. It made me start to think about the other sports that I have been invoved in...like triathlon and cycling. Same kind of thing. I mean I have certainly seen David Goggins (a very fit black triathlete) ripping the Ironman course and I can recall several other African American Professional Cyclists....but look at the UCI Pro Peleton - most participants are white dudes. Most triathlons that I have seen contain mostly white people. Most professionals who play hockey in the NHL are kind of pasty. This leads me to the question: "What causes some sports to become dominated by certain races?" I'm sure there is an answer....but it strikes me as kind of a strange thing in the aforementioned sports. Dunkin

it's saddle time

2009-01-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

we do our best to live and breathe what we preach, which means getting out there and mixing it up on the riding scene whenever possible. for one of us "riding time" means taking the cover of the Ducati "super bike" and hitting the open road but you'll be able to find the rest of us riding the skinny or knobby tires when the temps get over freezing. this weekend, it's looking to be in the 50's which is balmy for us here in Colorado. in the dead of winter, the roads and cycling paths will be just as busy as during the middle of the summer with all of us weekend warriors. pick your poison, but get out and play this weekend!

Bicycle Industry Bullies

2009-01-17T06:03:00.001-08:00

OFFICIAL STORY

The Trek u-23 Elite Cycling Team, funded by Lance Armstrong and his Mellow Johnnys Bike Shop in Austin, Texas are now ready to roll. Kevin Livingston, who runs the Pedal Hard Center within Mellow Johnnys uses Retul on a daily basis to provide pinpoint accuracy with the riders' bike position. Recently Kevin Retul'd the young Trek u-23 squad, including upcoming cycling powerhouse Taylor Phinney.

While Retul was recently selected by another highly successful Pro Tour team, we were blocked by their well known and threatening bike manufacturer sponsor, who has attempted to place their own fit system in the marketplace and apparently doesn't like Retul moving in on their turf......

Remember "Good will always CRUSH Evil".

World Champions in Retul Studios

2009-01-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here is my first blog. I guess I am a blogger now. I found it much easier to type with stimulus, so i drank a bunch of dunkin donuts coffee and then started typing. As a sidenote, I have ADHD really bad and tend to sway wildly off topic, which is why Retul doesnt let me write anything.....until now. Until Lars made this blog. Now suddenly I am tough with words and can hide behind my new alias; Dunkin

Multisport World Champions are in a very special class. To post the overall fastest swim, bike, and run time of a world championship event takes a calculated effort but also a willingness to dig deeper and hurt more than your fellow competitors that day. It takes tremendous focus to tune out the screaming fans, false splits, blazing sun and blistering heat, tiring legs and wandering thoughts all while maintaining enough nutrition to stay in high gear and at full throttle. When you have cracked the title of best in the world once – you have a fairly good chance of doing it a second time (if you can stay healthy). Peter Reid, Tim Deboom, Normann Stadler, Natascha Badmann, Chrissie Wellington and soon to be Craig Alexander are living proof at the Ironman level.

Everybody comes to the World Championships in prime form (i.e. they have done their training, put in the workouts, etc), but not everyone is optimized to perform at their best. Those who consistently find themselves on the podium and within striking distance of a win generally know the secret formula of a balanced attack: That is, when to keep their speed in check and when to push it to the brink of combustion. It is this knowledge and attention to small details in their preparation, like getting a proper bike fit, that make such a BIG difference on race day.

At Retul Studios, our bike fit experts optimize cyclists positions on their rides all day, every day (ok we are closed on Sunday – it’s the Sabbath for crying out loud!!). Fitter, Todd Carver uses state-of-the-art, 3D motion capture technology to capture every moving part of a rider while pedaling at different efforts and then high level mathematics and software to determine an optimal riding position on your existing bike or an ideal new bicycle frame, matched perfectly for your body. While we have had 6 World Champion multisport athletes come to Retul studios in the past 12 months for their Retul bike fits, most of our clients are amateur cyclists who just want to ride with maximum comfort (and faster than their buddy too).

Retul Studios, opened first studio in Dec 2007, and has been visited by some of the world best athletes, including 6 who can decorate their uniforms with rainbow stripes, signifying World Champion
status:

Craig Alexander - Ironman World Champion 08
- Ironman 70.3 World Champion 07

Tim DeBoom – 2 x Ironman World Champion

Normann Stadler – 2 x Ironman World Champion

Leon Griffin – Duathlon World Champion

Samantha McGlone – Ironman 70.3 World Champion 06

Joanna Zeiger - Ironman 70.3 World Champion 08

While some of us (ok me) are certainly triathlon fans around these parts, the heart and soul of our company (two owners) are actually road and mountain bike dudes. Todd Carver has hefty bike fit optimization experience with some of the worlds best road cyclists, including the entire Garmin Chipotle team and also tends to attract all of his top ranked CO-Motion Mtn Bike teamates in for bike fits at the Retul Studios Denver. Retul inventor Cliff Simms will run away and sleep with a mtn bike manufacturer if given a chance, so we don't let him out of the Retul TSL (Top Secret Labroatory) in Boulder much or at least without a GPS gorilla-glued onto his old-skool Klein
mountain beast.

Anyway... these are my closing statements your honor

Cyclists who put in significant miles during training, whether for a World Championships or for personal fitness, need to realize the importance of a good bike fit. Being able to ride with the maximum power for the longest distance while maintaining a comfortable biomechanically sound body position on the bicycle will not come easy with guesswork. Visit the Retul Studios and leave with an optimized bike fit, a blueprint for your exact bicycle set-up, and a guarantee you will be happy with our services. If you are in the market for a new bicycle, Retul can help there as well. Check it out at http://www.retul.com/retul-studios.asp

the chase

2009-01-14T13:01:00.000-08:00

There is never a dull day here at the Retül studios. In just over our first year in business, our head bike fitter, Todd Carver, has fit six world champion triathletes and the Garmin Slipstream cycling team. We hope to share some off-the-cuff moments we have with these athletes when they come into our studio, to show you a lighter side of professional sports.

Our business plan in 2009 is to launch a retail location in Denver, Colorado. We just received our first shipment of Guru's and yesterday spoke to the owner and frame manufacturer of Elite Bicycles, David Greenfield, about our order of bikes coming in from him.

One of the reasons we love Greenfield and Elite Bicycles is for their nationwide reputation for their five-star customer service. We experienced this first hand while talking on the phone with Greenfield yesterday.

While on the phone, Greenfield began huffing and puffing and was noticeably out of breath. He mentioned he was outside of his shop and spotted a bike that had been reported as stolen from one of his Elite customers from pre-Christmas. Greenfield said he would call us back and we learned later he had chased down the thief and cornered him until the police showed up and confiscated his customer's bike to return to the rightful owner. I asked him why he went after the thief and he said that bike was owned by "one of his Elite family members". That is the reason I have owned three Elites since I started racing road cycling and triathlon, why my wife races triathlon on Elite, and why we decided to carry Elite as one of our bike lines here at our Retül Denver Studio.

We hope you'll bookmark this blog and follow it regularly as we continue fitting professional athletes and launch our new Retül retail location.

Cheers,
Retül geeks