Press Play Performance Lab teams with Pegasus Bicycle Works

Fast Freddy Rodriguez being tested at Press Play Lab

Press Play Performance Lab 
has a new, east of the hills, home at Pegasus Bicycle Works! We have joined forces to bring you the best fitting team available in the bay area. 

"No fit system here."

"Bike fitting is part ART, part SCIENCE, and part EXPERIENCE. While there are many bike fitting schools out there, we don’t limit ourselves by subscribing to just one way of fitting. Our bike fits are based on biofeedback. In other words, we use advanced, state-of-the-art technology and our medical experience to find the best fit based on YOUR anatomy, pedal stroke, alignment, previous injuries (probably most important), core strength, stability, and flexibility. Having years of physical medicine experience, we have learned early on that we must test each change we make. We carry that over to our fits. Each fit change gets tested by science, not by a guess." -Press Play

This philosophy is why we are working together. There are plenty of "one size fits all" methodologies out there. And I have never personally felt that any of the fitting ideologies fully encompass what I see as "bike fit". After fitting for so long, I can see where you are inflexible or which of your legs is shorter. Which knee is dropping in or bowing out. Where  your pelvis is tilted or rotating. Once you have been on the trainer for a bit, all those anatomic pieces of the puzzle become evident. And there are things you cannot see about yourself while riding. I was fit by Mitch a few weeks back and I learned what my body looks like while I ride. All those things I noticed on others, I could never see or feel myself doing while I rode. Mitch also took me through the Surface EMG testing. And I learned which of my muscles were firing and when, all through my pedal stroke. Based on the results I now have exercises I perform before my ride to prime those muscle groups not working enough. No gimmicks, just understanding of how your body works on the bike. The results? Well lately I have been posting some PR's on Strava. While the amount of riding I'm doing hasn't  really changed, the way I feel has. And the simple priming exercises seem to be helping along with the on-the-bike tweaks and pedaling form development. Sound interesting? 

Check out the Press Play site at www.pressplaylab.com or

Schedule ONLINE here
http://pressplaylab.com/2015/02/bike-fit-services-now-danville-ca/

We are starting with appointments on Fridays for now, but will open up other days of scheduling as demand grows.

Every bike fit includes:
Saddle Pressure Sensors during bike fit 
TT, Road, Cross and Mountain Bike

• Body evaluation including flexibility, stability, leg length, and alignment as it relates to cycling.
• Pedal forces, stroke, and power analysis using our Pro Analysis technology 
• Saddle and Foot Pressure sensor data
• Saddle Testing (bring some of your own or test what we have in stock)
• Orthotic evaluation/testing
• Shim/Wedge testing
• Changes to bike fit
• Exercises (in video format!) to correct dysfunction and become more efficient and powerful
• Fit Sheet
• All test results, exercises and fit changes explained
• Force Time Plot

  

The Return of Eddy Merkcx to Pegasus

Sometime in 1997, before the days of Pegasus, I began selling Merckx bicycles. Back then they were mostly steel. Sometime in 2002 or 2003, Merckx came out with their Scandium alloy frame and it was amazing. Even by todays high standards, that frame still holds it own. Many material iterations have come from Belgium via Italy at times, but one thing has always remained the same, Eddy's passion and frame geometry. He has never involved himself in the plight of the weight weenie or chasing fades. His calling has been to produce a bike that handles the way he believes a bike should and that is above all else, safe to ride. After a 5 year hiatus from carrying Merckx, we are proud to once again offer his line for 2015. It is a simple line up that originates from the developement of his flagship model, the 525. The 525 pictured here was sent to me as a Demo. After 250 miles of riding, I was admittedly smitten. Uncompromising speed, you push and it pushes back harder. Few bikes challenge you to go harder each time you ride them. After every effort you are left grinning ear to ear and wondering how fast can I really go. Now lets point this rig down hill. I have NEVER descended with such brazen confidence on any other bike period. Those of you who have ever ridden with me know how I am when the road gets twisty and loses elevation. "On rails" is not close to the unwavering ability for this bike to track in complete harmony. Both wheels hold a line that seems unearthly, like a magnetic force has taken over between you and the pavement. And when you do need to hit the brakes... be prepared. Look at the front end of this bike, does it say 'uncle'? That over abundance of carbon is there for a reason that becomes evident the minute it gets to speed.
While all this sounds great maybe to someone that races, I no longer do and my forty-something body no longer seeks speed at the price of comfort. While I was not able to do any rides over 80 miles aboard the 525, I would not hesitate. But most carbon bikes today can boast about great comfort, but you typically compromise for it. 525? That is the number of victories Eddy accomplished in his unrepeatable career, well at least in my lifetime. 

Next we have the Mourenx 69. The Merckx endurance bike. Built in the shop with a 2015 Chorus group...more to come as I embark on my next ride on this taller headtubed, longer wheelbased iteration of the Merckx geometry.