LAKE ORION, Mich. (BRAIN) — VeloAngle is a new bike fitting and setup tool that allows users to quickly record and duplicate bike setup. The product is being marketed to retailers, bike fitters, race team mechanics and consumers.
VeloAngle measures the relative positions of the bottom bracket (or pedal spindle center), the saddle and the handlebars. Instead of a traditional X-Y coordinate system, the VeloAngle measures the distances and angles, using an integrated digital inclinometer or a smartphone's angle app. A web-based app is also available to convert measurements to and from an X-Y system.
The tool was developed by mechanical engineer Dave Archer, a cycling enthusiast who became frustrated with available measuring systems and tools.
"The first thing that was clearly inefficient was reliance on the X-Y basis of measurement. This didn't come about because it was the best way, but as a result of the traditional bubble level's limitation of vertical and horizontal measurement," he said.
He said the VeloAngle's direct method eliminates the time and potential error associated with determining the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) planes.
VeloAngle's saddle position measurement tool allows the user to take measurements anywhere on the saddle surface, instead of using only the saddle tip.
"Locations like the saddle tip were established as references largely because they were easy to detect, rather than being the most functional," Archer said.
At the bottom bracket, the tool comes with adapters to center the measurement on hollow spindle cranks, with optional adapters available to measure from Shimano Hollowtech II cranks or from the center of the pedal spindle hole.
The Continental Pro road race team CCB Foundation-Sicleri, has been using VeloAngle since the start of this race season. CCB principal Tim Mitchell said, "We found the speed, accuracy and flexibility claims to be real. The reduction in initial setup time and later adjustment in fitting our guys to their equipment was eye-opening. Space is always at a premium when we travel. VeloAngle is very compact and the app allows our U.S. and European mechanics to easily share data."
The VeloAngle is available in Pro and Enthusiast models, retailing for $299 and $199, respectively. The Pro model has an integrated inclinometer while the Enthusiast model requires use of a smartphone level app. The VeloAngle comes with a saddle adapter assembly, handlebar adapter assembly, bottom bracket/crank centers and reusable packaging with organizer.
VeloAngle offers optional accessories including a laser adapter, pedal-hole adapter and an adapter for use with Shimano Hollowtech II cranks.
The VeloAngle web app converts between the X-Y system and the VeloAngle system. It also has other features, including the ability to save and print out bike measurements. App licenses start at $49 for a limited version or $69 for an unlimited version.
Wholesale pricing for the VeloAngle starts with discounts for purchase of four or more units. Retailers and other industry members, such as fit studios, are also offered a free license for the unlimited web app.
More information: veloangle.com.
