Doctor Specialized

During Specialized’s 2007 equipment launch this week I got the chance to meet Andy Pruitt, the doctor who’s pretty much pioneered Specialized’s Body Geometry programme. He gave dealers one of the most informative talks I’ve ever heard at such events. He spoke about ‘rider comfort’ and a ‘neutral position’ on the bike. It all got quite scientific with the biomechanics of the pedal stroke and using a goniometer to measure the torso angle of a rider, but his overriding point was a simple one: the bike should fit the rider, not the rider fit the bike.

The purpose of his book, The Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists, is to “help riders train injury free, in comfortable and powerful positions, and heal from the inevitable injury faster.” Chris Carmichael writes the foreword, “If you want to ride and want to continue for your whole life, the information in this book is priceless.” I’ve seen what this guy can do first hand and trust me, he’s the cyclist’s friend. I got a freebie but Amazon has his book at £14 here.