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The Dynamic Cycling Fit (DCF) system promises to elevate bike fitting to an unprecedented level, thanks to an ultra-precise machine that even simulates variations in the cyclist’s position based on the gradient. It will soon be available in select Giant stores.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©DCF / DR
Dynamic Cycling Fit is a subsidiary of Giant, the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer. The company thus benefits from its internal resources and external expertise for the development of its products. It started by working on Giant and Liv shoes and saddles, equipment designed with the cyclist’s movements in mind. Today, the DCF logo is exclusively reserved for tools related to bike fitting.
Its new DCF Bike Pro, a machine for dynamically adjusting the cyclist’s position, as well as its markerless motion tracking application, are at the cutting edge of technology. Nevertheless, DCF asserts that the cyclist’s sensations always remain paramount, and that it offers a bike fit in the real world, meaning completely centered on the rider.
Several levels of bike fitting
The goal of a bike fit is to find the most suitable position on the bike. For occasional riding, absolute precision is not necessary, but comfort is essential. The bike adjustment process must be practical and quick. For a sporty or even performance-oriented position, whether the emphasis is on control and handling, or on power and endurance, everything is more complex. The more performance matters, the more important precision becomes. The more precise the position, the more performance can be achieved, but the more care and precision are needed to avoid fatigue, discomfort, or injuries.
Dynamic Cycling Fit first offers the DCF Essential, a quick adjustment solution that provides the correct frame size and a suggested position. A sufficient system for occasional riders.
Next comes the DCF Premium, a simplified system that creates and verifies a position on an adjustable bike or on the bike with an indoor trainer. The system is ideal for performance riders who want to ensure they are using the correct position settings.
Finally, the DCF Supreme is the highest level in bike fitting. It has been under development for years and has been tested by the Jayco team. It is a complete and ultra-precise solution that we were able to see tested with former professional rider Sylvain Chavanel.
The most advanced bike fit step by step
The most comprehensive bike fit always begins with an interview between the cyclist and the operator, to identify cycling experience, injury history, and athletic goals. Then, the operator performs a precise measurement of body dimensions, repeatedly if necessary, to ensure absolute accuracy. Next comes the physical evaluation and anatomical analysis, to take into account the cyclist’s range of motion.
The next step involves cleat adjustment and saddle selection, to ensure comfort and power transfer. The operator may suggest opting for DCF thermoformed insoles, molded directly from the feet, which offer a more balanced distribution of body weight, and prevent tension and discomfort.
This is where the DCF tablet application comes into play for the first time. Thanks to algorithms and the DCF Bike Fitting database, it allows finding the correct bike size (regardless of brand) and initial setup with just a few body dimensions.
Then, the cyclist is placed on the DCF Bike Pro, an ultra-sophisticated stationary bike with an advanced joint system to offer a very wide range of motion and real-time, tool-free adjustment to find the best cycling position. All controlled by the operator from the tablet application. AI & ML Kit Pose Detection technology is used for video analysis of movements to check the cyclist’s posture on the bike and adjust settings accordingly to optimize it.
The DCF Bike Pro is equipped with a gradient simulator, adjustable resistance, and a power meter to capture dynamic cyclist data in various real-world riding scenarios. It benefits from a wireless length and height adjustment system that can be refined to within 1 mm. The saddle and handlebar position can be adjusted while the cyclist is pedaling, which increases precision by keeping the cyclist consistently on the contact points, without the need to dismount the bike. This allows them to directly feel the benefits, or request to revert if necessary. It is thus possible to quickly compare positions, one after another in a few seconds. This is what makes the DCF Supreme unique.
The gradient simulator is an additional asset of the DCF Bike Pro, as it allows adapting the cyclist’s position to their usual riding terrain. Indeed, when the bike is tilted upwards or downwards, the body weight and any muscle tension to maintain the position are different from those encountered when riding on the flat. The simulator thus makes it possible to find the best compromise in position in terms of efficiency and comfort.
Because ultimately, it is the operator, aided by the cyclist’s feedback throughout the entire bike fitting process, who decides on the final settings, not the computer. DCF operators are trained and certified specialists, but they always prioritize communication with the cyclist. The DCF application and hardware are simply optimized to support this process.
The example of Sylvain Chavanel
Sylvain Chavanel is 45 years old, and he was a professional from 2000 to 2018. He participated in 18 Tours de France, winning three stages, in addition to seven French championship titles (one road race and six time trials). He continues to ride and race for pleasure.
He served as a test subject during the presentation of the DCF Supreme bike fit in France, which we attended in early September. The study allowed him to test different configurations, whether in saddle length or height and cockpit, to optimize his comfort and efficiency. Thanks to the movements of the DCF Bike Pro controlled by the operator, he was able to directly realize the influence of each adjustment evolution on his position, whether through the gradient simulator or the resistance of the device. Moreover, the former professional readily admitted being quite “occupied” by the effort, as evidenced by his perspiration at the end of the session.
As proof of the exercise’s interest and the subtlety of his feedback to the operator, the final validated saddle height was identical to within 1 mm of his usual bike’s setting. On the other hand, a few small modifications to the stem’s height and length allowed for the selection of a different frame size for his future bike, for a better posture and improved handling balance.
The Dynamic Cyclist Fit system thus caters to several categories of cyclists, from pure amateurs to professionals. For the most elaborate solution, the investment is significant (around €300, although we do not yet have the exact prices) but can help resolve many minor pains to pedal with more pleasure and efficiency. It is the most comprehensive bike fit to date, but like all competing systems, it is primarily the operator’s experience that will validate customer satisfaction.
This study should soon be offered in select Giant network stores.
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