Unlocking the Perfect Ride:
Insights from Dr. Tofaute on
Custom Bike Fitting and the Future of E-Bikes.
1. How long have you been working as a bike fitter?
I have been dealing with the topic for over 30 years. Professional for over 25 years. How did you get started? I started cycling as a teenager and that’s how I got into the subject. In the beginning it was with the help of tips from cycling buddies and trial and error. During my sports studies and coaching training, I specialized professionally in this topic.
2. What skills are required to be a bike fitter?
A professional biker fitter is a cyclist himself and has a passion for sport and cycling. Of course, you also need in-depth knowledge of bike technology and bike mechanics. Good screwdriving skills are essential. In addition, knowledge of the biomechanics of cycling, human anatomy and anthropometry. Knowledge about injuries and complaints when cycling, as well as common complaints, is also important. In the end, the solutions should be developed with empathy and experience. The skills consist of a theoretical basis combined with practical application and implementation.
3. How can a custom bike make a difference in my daily life?
A custom-made bike fits like a tailor-made suit. Not only does it look good, but the perfect dimensions reduce discomfort and increase comfort and efficiency. For everyone, a custom-made bike means more fun when cycling. On every trip.
4. What problems can an unsuitable bike cause?
If the wheel is too small, the correct position dimensions cannot be implemented. This also applies to a bike that is too big. Around 95% of all cyclists complain about discomfort. This shows how important the optimal fit between bike and rider is. The first priority is sitting discomfort, followed by discomfort in the back, neck and hands. How can this affect the driver? The worse a bike is tailored to the user, the sooner, more frequently and more severely complaints and problems will occur. This can make cycling no fun at all.
5. Are there short and long term consequences of not riding a suitable bike?
With a poorly fitting wheel, the effects mentioned above occur. These can occur even on short journeys. An initially bad feeling can then lead to symptoms that can also be felt even after cycling. If the strain on your knees and back is not right over a long period of time, it can even lead to orthopedic problems that then need to be treated medically.
6. Do you have a story of someone who went from a mismatched bike to a custom bike that you can share with us?
Many cyclists come to me because they have complaints. Some have had bad experiences with standard bikes. This happens especially when the requirements and proportions do not correspond to the standard. That’s the case with me too. That’s why I’ve already had several bikes made to measure. The difference is clearly noticeable. Not only do you sit better, but the bike handling is much more natural. The bike practically moves itself (but you still have to pedal yourself, ha, ha!)
7. I think you ride a bike too, right? (you’re a mean world champion) Since when? In urban or rural areas? Can you tell us a little more about your experience as a driver?
I loved cycling as a child. It really started as a teenager when I became enthusiastic about cycling. I then practiced this up to a semi-professional level. As a schoolboy and student, I also drove a lot in everyday life. With an e-bike this is no problem for anyone, even on gradients or in rural areas.
8. What differences can a consumer expect from a custom bike?
There are different building blocks for dimensional adjustment. The basis is a dimensional frame. This is then individually equipped with the appropriate components. This is essential, especially when it comes to contact points. An optimally fitting saddle is also an important component.
9. How does the adaptation process work?
How do you use the person’s physical data to design the best measurements for our TZmann 1.0? To build a dimensional wheel you need three things. Firstly, the exact body measurements, secondly, the type of use and thirdly, the individual requirements. This system takes all important aspects into account. These are optimally recorded in detail using the TZmann configurator. The optimal dimensions of the frame are then determined using complex calculations. But the components can also be optimally selected.
10. Does the height of the saddle affect the fitting process? How? From your experience, do people prefer sporty, comfortable or regular saddle heights?
The saddle height is determined mathematically. The user’s preferences are also taken into account. An increase in the size wheel is achieved through movement analysis and professional bike fitting. Further special features can be discussed here.
11. Which brands have you worked with in the past?
I have been working in the bike industry and cycling industry for over thirty years. There were always great projects and collaborations. This includes many of the leading and best-known brands. Even as a bike professional, there was always close communication with the material partners.
12. Do you think the custom bike market is growing? And why?
It’s not just cycling that is inspiring more and more people. Especially thanks to the e-bike, many people have found cycling again (again). These users are not concerned with maximum efficiency, but rather with a high level of comfort. A dimensional wheel can do this optimally. Since the prices for bicycles are now so high, the difference to a custom-made bicycle is often only small. For the added driving pleasure, this is an absolutely worthwhile investment.
13. Have you ever heard of cases where a bike was customized incorrectly? How did this affect the user and what should be done in such cases?
Incorrectly built custom wheels are very rare. Then errors were made in the measurement or incorrect information about requirements and use. With the TZmann configurator, incorrect information is very rare. If there are any uncertainties, these can be corrected with personal advice.
14. Do you have any tips for TZmann as a company?
Maintain enthusiasm for innovative ideas. But also make sure that the various processes are continually being improved.
15. Do you have any tips for TZmann users?
The information for the dimension wheel should be as precise as possible. Then the result will be accordingly. This is optimally guided with the TZmann configurator. Later you can achieve further improvement through bike fitting.