"Don't Stop Believing" Journey to Ironman

How to Make A Customer for Life--Infinit Nutrition and Foot Solutions

As consumers, we often we struggle to get good service, and hope the products we choose to buy are even remotely as good as the claims that precede them. Skepticism has become a way of life. Recently, however, I had two experiences that have turned me from a customer to a customer for life.

Michael Folan, owner of Infinit Nutrition is one of my two new my poster boys for customer service. Many triathletes I know swear by the Infinit products, and I thought I would give the sports drink a try. If you are not familiar with Infinit, they offer pre-mixed formulas OR the option to customize a brew just for you--more electrolytes or less, caffeine or not, higher or lower calories, lots of flavor or a little--it can all be made to order.

I had visited the Infinit site a number of times in th past, and was never quite sure what I wanted. I finally dropped Michael an email asking for some additional direction. Know what?  He actually called me! On the phone. Talking person to person. Not only did Michael call me once to review my needs, he followed-up (unheard of!) and called again to review his suggestions! He also helped me figure out what my swimmer boys might need. That's it. I'm sold. I'll tweak the Infinit product till the end of my days to get it right, and stick with a guy who puts himself out there to that degree to stand behind his product and make customers happy.

My second poster boy for customer service is Abe Hirsch at Foot Solutions. I have terrible feet--flat, bunioned, pronating disasters. I have had orthotics for years, and couldn't do all that I do without them. You name the foot doctor/podiatrist of note in the Boston area, and I've seen them. Probably got orthotics from all of them too through the years.

About a year ago, I stopped into Foot Solutions on a whim to look for shoes. My orthotics were beyond worn out, and Abe showed me his system for making custom orthotics. I was skeptical--so conditioned was I to thinking only podiatrists could help me and provide the proper orthotic. But I took a chance (I mean, I was already in the store and time is precious), and I got my orthotics from Abe. Truly, I have NEVER had a better pair.

Now here's the customer service part. I went back to see Abe last week to get a new pair of orthotics since I'm training for Ironman. Abe took a look at the ones I got from him about a year ago, and said, "These are perfectly fine. They'll hold up to your training without a problem." I was stunned. Think about it. I was standing there willing to plunk down my credit card for a new pair on the spot. Instead of taking my money, he sent me home with the reassurance that my orthotics were fine. That saved me $300. $300!!!! I could not be more grateful.

So thank you Michael and Abe. The least I can do is give you both a blog nod, and hope others make their way to you.

You can find Michael Folan and Infinit nutrition here, and Abe Hirsch at Foot Solutions here.

Bike Fit Series--Final Post--Nolan Watts Recaps His Experience at ATA Cycle

In the final post of this series, we hear from our volunteer Nolan Watts, as he recaps his experience at ATA Cycle. I’d like to sincerely thank Nolan for his time, allowing us to film, and helping us all learn what an expert bike fitting is like. Nolan is churning up the roads in the Boston area on a beautiful Look 496. We wish him many safe, fast and happy miles.

Hope this series was informative and enjoyable! I know I had a great time doing it, and did I ever learn a lot!

Previous Posts
Series Introduction; The Laser Jig, and the Argon Fit Bike
Introduction to the Retul Fit System
Using the Retul Fit System In Time Trial Bike Fitting
Dartfish Video and Choosing A Bike Frame
Husam Sahin of ATA Cycle Riffs on Bike Fitting in the U.S.

ATA Cycle
Husam Sahin, Owner and Master Fitter
93 Thoreau St., Concord, MA  978-369-5960
1173 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA  617-354-0907

Husam Sahin is known across the country as the go-to fitter for cyclists serious about getting the proper bike, whether they be recreational riders or Olympic athletes. In fact, Husam recently fit USA Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker who will compete in Beijing this summer, as well as his wife, Canadian champion Alicia Kaye. Customers fly to the ATA Fit Lab from all over country to work with Husam. He uses the cutting-edge technologies including the Retul Fit System and Dartfish videos.

 

 

 

Bike Fit Series--Post 5--Husam Sahin of ATA Cycle Riffs on Bike Fitting in the U.S.

Welcome back to the bike fit series!

Husam Sahin, owner of ATA Cycle and master bike fitter, today discusses the challenges faced by bike fitters trying to build a profession and carve out a living here in the U.S. He makes the case for why every fitter needs to be expertly and extensively trained over time, and how the profession as a while needs to be better compensated.

Previous Posts
Series Introduction; The Laser Jig, and the Argon Fit Bike
Introduction to the Retul Fit System
Using the Retul Fit System In Time Trial Bike Fitting
Dartfish Video and Choosing A Bike Frame


Final Post Tomorrow
Customer Nolan Watts Reacts to the Fit of His New Look 496

 

ATA Cycle
Husam Sahin, Owner and Master Fitter
93 Thoreau St., Concord, MA  978-369-5960
1173 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA  617-354-0907

Husam Sahin is known across the country as the go-to fitter for cyclists serious about getting the proper bike, whether they be recreational riders or Olympic athletes. In fact, Husam recently fit USA Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker who will compete in Beijing this summer, as well as his wife, Canadian champion Alicia Kaye. Customers fly to the ATA Fit Lab from all over country to work with Husam. He uses the cutting-edge technologies including the Retul Fit System and Dartfish videos.

Bike Fit Series--Post 4--Dartfish Software and Talk on Picking A Frame

Today, we’ll take a look at the Dartfish Video software that master fitter Husam Sahin uses to guide bike fit calculations. Dartfish is another amazing piece of technology that enables Huasm  to determine if cycling posture and pedaling mechanics need improvement. Dartfish reveals problems with joint motions and displays pre and post positions simultaneously using overlay functions that can fade in and out. This software can also show if changes made to the bike affect technique or dynamic fit--for example how an increase in seat height can increase ankle plantar flexion. Between Dartfish and Retul, Husam is able to provide a perfect bike fit, and more often than not solve problems his customers have endured, sometimes for years on end.

In this post Husam also comments on making a frame choice.

DARTFISH VIDEO SOFTWARE AND BIKE FRAME DISCUSSION

Previous Posts
Series Introduction; The Laser Jig, and the Argon Fit Bike.
Introduction to the Retul Fit System
Using the Retul Fit System In Time Trial Bike Fitting

Coming Up
Husam Sahin, Owner of ATA Cycle Riffs on Bike Fitting in the US
Customer Nolan Watts Reacts to the Fit of His New Look 496

ATA Cycle
Husam Sahin, Owner and Master Fitter
93 Thoreau St., Concord, MA  978-369-5960
1173 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA  617-354-0907

Husam Sahin is known across the country as the go-to fitter for cyclists serious about getting the proper bike, whether they be recreational riders or Olympic athletes. In fact, Husam recently fit USA Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker who will compete in Beijing this summer, as well as his wife, Canadian champion Alicia Kaye. Customers fly to the ATA Fit Lab from all over country to work with Husam. He uses the cutting-edge technologies including the Retul Fit System and Dartfish videos.

Bike Fit Series--Post 3--Using Retul In Time Trial Bike Fitting

Welcome back to the Bike Fit Blog Series!

In this post, we'll see two videos documenting the final stages of the time trial bike fit using the Retul Fit System. We’ll watch our volunteer Nolan Watts get wired up to be analyzed. The Retul sensors on the rider's body allow master fitter Husam Sahin to make the corrections that take Nolan from his before to after position on the bike. We’ll also learn a bit more about how the Retul system works overall.

Husam also has some valuable words setting up a racer’s power position as perfectly as possible. He also talks about the relationship of power and aerodynamics.

USING RETUL IN TIME TRIAL BIKE FITTING

FINAL TIME TRIAL BIKE FIT ADJUSTMENTS

Previous Posts
Series Introduction; The Laser Jig, and the Argon Fit Bike.
Introduction to the Retul Fit System

Coming Up
Dartfish Video and How to Pick A Frame
Husam Sahin, Owner of ATA Cycle Riffs on Bike Fitting in the US
Customer Nolan Watts Reacts to the Fit of His New Look 496

ATA Cycle
Husam Sahin, Owner and Master Fitter
93 Thoreau St., Concord, MA  978-369-5960
1173 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA  617-354-0907

Husam Sahin is known across the country as the go-to fitter for cyclists serious about getting the proper bike, whether they be recreational riders or Olympic athletes. In fact, Husam recently fit USA Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker who will compete in Beijing this summer, as well as his wife, Canadian champion Alicia Kaye. Customers fly to the ATA Fit Lab from all over country to work with Husam. He uses the cutting-edge technologies including the Retul Fit System and Dartfish videos.

Thank You
A huge thank you to Nolan Watts, who was kind enough to allow us to film his bike fitting. Nolan is tearing it up in the Boston area on a gorgeous Look 496. We wish him many happy, safe, and happy miles!

 

Bike Fit Series--Post 2--Retul Fit System Introduction

Welcome back to the Bike Fit Blog Series!

Today, master bike fitter and owner of ATA Cycle Husam Sahin introduces us to the cutting-edge Retul Fit System. We'll see just how sophisticated this software is, allowing Husam to examine riders in 3D. Through all the sensor points that are analyzed on our test subject, Husam discovers a serious knee tracking problem that needs correction.

I can tell you from my own experience that being fit with Retul is an amazing experience. The thoroughness of this system is second to none. Husam claims that I'm likely one of the first 10 women in the country to be fit with it! I can tell you that because of Retul, and the entire process Husam uses, my new time trial bike fits like a glove. Right out of the store, and not one thing needed tweaking or re-adjusting.

Today's Post:
Introduction to the Retul Fit System

INTRODUCTION TO THE RETUL FIT SYSTEM

Previous Posts
Series Introduction; The Laser Jig, and The Argon Fit Bike.

Coming Up This Week
* Using the Retul Fit System In A Time Trial Bike Fit
* Final Time Trial Bike Adjustments Using Retul
* Dartfish Video and How to Pick A Frame
*Husam Sahin of ATA Cycle Riffs on Bike Fitting in the U.S.
* Customer Nolan Watts Reacts to the Fit of His New Look 496

ATA Cycle
Husam Sahin, Owner and Master Fitter
93 Thoreau St., Concord, MA  978-369-5960
1173 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA  617-354-0907

Husam Sahin is renowned across the country as the go-to fitter for cyclists serious about getting the proper bike, whether they be recreational riders or Olympic athletes. In fact, Husam recently fit USA Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker who will compete in Beijing this summer, as well as his wife, Canadian champion Alicia Kaye. Customers fly to the ATA Fit Lab from all over country to work with Husam. He uses the cutting-edge technologies including the Retul Fit System and Dartfish videos.

It's The Bike Fit Blog Series!

Welcome to the Bike Fit Blog Series!

For the next several days, I will be hosting a video tutorial on bike fit with master fitter Husam Sahin, owner of ATA Cycle located in Concord and Cambridge, MA. Husam is renowned across the country as the go-to fitter for cyclists serious about getting the proper bike--whether you are a recreational rider, triathlon age grouper, time trial specialist, or Olympic athlete. In fact, Husam recently fit USA Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker who will compete in Beijing this summer, as well as his wife, Canadian champion Alicia Kaye.

Customers fly to the ATA Fit Lab from all over country to work with Husam. He uses cutting-edge technologies including the Retul Fit System and Dartfish videos. We'll take a good look at both. In fact, Retul was recently selected by USA Triathlon as the fit system for it's national program.

After being fit for both my road bike and new time trial bike by Husam, my feeling is if you want the perfect bike (and I mean the perfect bike), he's your man.

Today's Post
I'll do a brief intro to the series, then we'll take a look at two pieces of fitting equipment Husam Sahin uses in his initial fit assessments:

The Laser Jig
and the
Argon 18 Fit Bike

INTRODUCTION

THE LASER JIG

THE ARGON FIT BIKE

Next Post
Retul System Intro

Upcoming Posts

Using Retul In A Time Trial Bike Fit

Final Time Trial Bike Adjustments Using Retul

Dartfish Video and How to Pick A Frame

Husam Sahin, Owner of ATA Cycle, Riffs on Bike Fitting in the U.S.

Customer Nolan Watts Reacts to His Experience at ATA Cycle

 

ATA Cycle

Husam Sahin, Owner
93 Thoreau St., Concord, MA  978-369-5960
1173 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA  617-354-0907

Here She Is! My New Kuota K Factor SL

Here she is! My brand new Kuota K Factor SL. Truly, I didn't think it could get any better than my Kuota Kredo road bike, but this...this...I had no idea. Why didn't anybody tell me how much of a difference a time trial bike can make???? This machine rides like a missile! I doubt I will ever get as fast as this bike can go.

What blows my mind the most is how lightweight it is. It's crazy how much I can feel the difference. Talk about responsive! After the first ride where I needed to get used to everything, I now feel solid as a rock on it. It climbs like a mountain goat, and is just so steady and fast. I also seem to feel a bit less fatigue on it than my road bike.

I am so over the moon with the fitting process and service I received at ATA Cycle, that I am creating a nine-part bike fit blog video series featuring the work done by owner Husam Sahin. It's quite an experience to get fit by Husam The guy has people flying in from all over the country for fittings. In fact. he fit USA triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker on the bike he'll ride in Beijing at the Olympic games. He also fits Jarrod's wife, Canadian champ Alicia Kaye. She was in the shop when I picked my bike up the other day.

ATA uses the brand new Retul fit system, and we'll see it at work in the upcoming series. It's about to be announced by USA Triathlon that Retul has been chosen as it's fit system for its national program. I'm probably one of about 10 women in the country who have been fit with it. Result? That TT bike fits like a glove. First time out, and there was no tweaking to be done. No neck or shoulder discomfort, and I rode for three hours with no soreness anywhere. My road bike I bought from him was the same experience. The bike fit series will start within the next day or two.

Here's my new rocket!

How Much Annoyance Can You Stuff in One Ride?

How can one ride have so much good, and so much bad spread over a measly three hours?

The Good
Rode my brand new Kuota K-Factor TT bike for the first time! (Pix coming!)  The thing weighs nothing, seems to climb like a goat, and is altogether a totally comfortable, gorgeous ride. I'm over the moon about how it handles, how it fits, how it rides.

The Bad
Rode my brand new Kuota TT bike for the first time! I have been doing triathlons for many, many moons, but that was the first time I ever rode a tri bike. Ever. (Well, you know a friend's around the block once years ago...) Why didn't y'all tell me I was going to be a freaked out mess figuring it all out!

The Good
I have compact cranks on this new bike, and I know I am going to LOVE them. It was exciting to learn the new gearing and what to do when.

The Bad
I have compact cranks on this new bike, and there was a lot of friction in my head about the gearing. My road bike is an old comfy shoe, and this was all about starting the learning process of how to shift and when.

The Good
Second time out with the PowerTap and I was ready to give it another go understanding how the workout would unfold from my experience of one ride with the PT last week.

The Bad
Second time out with the PowerTap, but this time it was on the NEW bike. I could not freakin' SEE the read out AT ALL. NOT AT ALL! The glare, the sunglasses, my blindness, it's not in the right place, etc. Occasionally, I'd get a glimpse of what I was doing, but I tremble to see what actually went on when I load it in Cycling Peaks and review the workout. Vexation.

The Good
Gorgeous day, and it's Patriot's Day/Boston Marathon weekend here in MA. We live in the middle of it all, and ride out past the Battle Green and out to Concord past the North Bridge and points west.

The Bad
Gorgeous day, and it's Patriot's Day/Boston Marathon weekend here in MA. We live right near the Minuteman National Park. Think that's a draw on Patriot's Day when there are renactments all weekend long????? There are hoards of tourists by the thousands descending on these two towns. I am in the middle of my 15' at Functional Threshold  (or what I "think" is FT because I can't see the freakin' numbers), and I hang a right to keep a loop going and there are cars a mile long looking to park. The cop is making it worse. THEN, all the way home there are miles and miles of cars stopped, and clogging up the 2-lane road, and swerving left and right.

Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy!

All in all, I wasted so much energy today. Too much newness, sensory input, and unfamiliarity all at once.

Going to try again tomorrow!

Observations About Riding on a Computrainer All Winter

For someone like me who is stuck indoors for many winter months, I think the Computrainer (CT) is a great tool--especially when you couple it with something like the Endurance Nation training protocol. A few observations:

1. I don't really like a lot of the courses that come with the CT (they're just weird somehow and don't ride "right" IMO), BUT I have several custom ones that we entered manually that I've done lots of solid "riding" on. (If anyone wants them, just ask.)

2. If you don't ride courses just for the sake of saying "I rode IM Australia," but use the courses as opportunities to ride with power, the CT provides a lot of value. I practiced a lot this winter keeping watts steady no matter the terrain. I was fully versed when I got out on the road today for the fist time in six months (!) about what I had to do to keep the proper ranges going, especially  on the downhills. I also felt familiar with not blowing myself up on the inclines either. Nice and steady, nice and even.

3. Because I rode on varying "terrains" inside all winter, I got used to doing the watt "averaging" in my head. You have to get a sense of how to do that in order to get the intervals where they need to be since the power naturally rolls up and down.

4. I also did not have to spend a couple of weeks getting my "road legs back," an issue I had with early season rides in years past. I felt as if I hadn't missed a day outside.