Editors Note: Mike Hanseen is one of Utah’s most sought after bike fitters. Athletes purchasing a bike from Mike will be fit by him or he can fit you on your current ride for a fee. Mike sends you home with your measurements upon completion. Contact information can be found on the Canyon Bicycle website (see link above).
1) What is your cycling background?
I started recreational cycling my sophomore year (1983) in high school. At the same time getting a job at a local bike store called “The Bicycle Fair†as a stock boy to pay for my newfound addiction. I’ve been in retail ever since.
My racing career started my sophomore year in college (1988). By 1990 I was a cat1 racing nationally with the 1992 Olympic trials in my sites. I qualified for the Olympic trials but obviously that’s where it ended. I retired from competitive racing in 1993.
2) How long have you owned Canyon Bikes?
8 Years, we just started our 9th season. (Now in 11th season)
3) Does Canyon have an approach to sales and selling bikes? Is there a shop philosophy?
Or shop philosophy is “every bike fits.†(Meaning any bike sold must fit the person)
4) What is your fit philosophy?
I think the most important fit philosophy I have is everyone has their own unique body requiring a specific fit. I can’t fit everyone the same.
The majority of my fits are done with what I call the static method. The static method is done on my fit cycle giving me the most flexibility in trying multiple positions testing the subjects’ flexibility, range of motion and body measurements at crucial joint intersections. I want the skeletal system to do some of the work not just the muscular system.
It’s worth it because I eliminate the guesswork from the equation. i.e. I can see what an 11cm stem with a 53cm top tube will do right then.
Some popular fit techniques used today.
· Formula
Formula fitting is the most popular method in the country to fit a bike. It is fast and fairly accurate most of the time. Measuring certain body parts then using a formula to generate a fit.
· Static
For us this is where all the love happens. The static fit lets us measure crucial angles in real-time to determine the proper fit for your needs. We are able to look at you while riding the Fit-Cycle. We can try a wide variety of positions in a relative short period of time.
· Dynamic
Dynamic fitting is the final stage of the fit. Rarely are there changes to the bike or your fit in this step. For us a dynamic fit is riding our recommended fit outside on your bike. For other shops this is their only method and is a very time-consuming trial and error method.
5) What should a triathlete expect when getting fit by you? Example….Someone wants to look like Tim Deboom or Lance Armstrong. Would you encourage or discourage this and why?
When I fit someone I ask them to be open to suggestions.
If someone wants me to fit them to look like one of there mentors they’re most likely going to be very dissatisfied with the fit. You have to remember Lance Armstrong has been developing his position for the past 15 years. It did not occur overnight. If I forced someone into a “Lance†position they would be constantly sore. I.e. if I forced you to ride 200 miles your first day on a bike could you? Would you be sore? Would you be willing to ride again? The same goes with a fit. You need to work on your position, pedal stroke and efficiency. So many triathletes will work on there swim stroke or their running stride put have they considered their pedal stroke?
Thanks Mike!!
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