 Kyle F. Norris, M.D.
Applauds the Fit Stem™
Kyle is a sports medicine physician who competes in the
Ironman Triathlon and has been a road cyclist since 1983.
September 24, 2001
Dear Chris,
I wanted to write a letter and thank you for your recent help
in my preparation for the Ironman Triathlon. My new bike purchase (from another
dealer) was somewhat frustrating in that I received an initial fitting, but
finding an aerodynamic position which also allowed maximization of power and
endurance was somewhat difficult. I was amazed at the product you provided
to me. The Fit Stem™ is an amazing product, and I do not see how any
bike shop fitting bicyclists could go without one.
As you know, there are products available on the market which
allow bike dealers to provide a relatively accurate fit within the shop. Adjustable
stems and an appropriate knowledge allow for a relatively accurate fitting,
but in my experience having purchased many road bikes, that solution does
not always allow a smooth transition to maximal positioning in real life out
on the road. The adjustability allowed with your Fit Stem™ over the course
of several days riding was amazing, and I could not believe the difference
that even incremental adjustments in height, length and relative angle of
the stem caused in aerodynamics, comfort and power output. In the past I have
used the tried and true method of purchasing one stem followed by a second
stem, followed by other stems as necessary. While certainly dealers selling
bicycles have been overall reasonable in providing or replacing a stem to
improve fit, that method of trial and error generally results in increased
cost to the cyclist and increased frustration.
Allowing the rider to dial in the bars themselves and find a
position that allows excellent comfort and improved aerodynamics, I believe
made my new bike purchase the most successful match of rider to bicycle. It
was amazing to me how intuitive the position became when you actually weighed
me on your scales to determine whether I had appropriate weight distribution
and I was within a percentage or two of optimal distribution.
Unlike some other products, I found that the Fit Stem™
was quite intuitive and simple to adjust. As a clinician, I was concerned
about safety issues, and from the literature you provided me, it appears you
have done an extensive and thorough job of researching the quality and safety
of this product from a detailed engineering standpoint, and that certainly
increased my comfort level as I put miles on the Fit Stem™ in a variety
of road conditions and speeds. Taking readings off the adjustable Fit Stem™
and applying them to a normal stem, actually fit perfectly, and I have achieved
what I believe is an optimal position on the bike. I've actually been riding
pain free and with minimal groin discomfort utilizing this fit system for
the first time in years (road cyclist since 1983).
I was so impressed with your product, that I believe everyone
purchasing a new bicycle or even revisiting how they are positioned on their
old bicycle, should have this opportunity available to them.
Sincerely,
Kyle F. Norris, M.D.
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