VFS is not a tool or a program that will magically fit a bicycle to an individual. The core idea behind VFS is to teach a fitter to truly be a fitter. A VFS certified fitter can use any other fit system, fixtures, tools, lasers, cameras, etc., because VFS is less about gimmicks and more about knowledge. A person trained in the VFS system will have an in depth knowledge of; the philosophy of fitting, the mental aspects of performing a fit, the geometry of the bicycle and how it relates to fitting, and the biomechanics of cycling.
The philosophy of fitting in the VFS system is Epicurean in nature. Meaning that the ultimate goal of the fitter is to assist the rider in finding the most comfortable and efficient position on the bike by lessening fear and lessening pain.
Understanding the mental side of fitting is an often overlooked element of the fitting process. In today’s world a person is bombarded by a tremendous amount of marketing that claims some product will save X number of watts over Y distance, which great on paper but not always practical in the real world. Having s fitter be able to take a step back with athlete and see the forest through the trees is highly important to VFS. Understanding that comfort leads to greater efficiency than aerodynamics or peak power is the key to making breakthroughs in cycling. Adding 30 seconds on the bike while dropping 4 minutes on the run in an Olympic, or being able to hold a position for an entire 40k rather than sitting up every 10 minutes both increase efficiency through comfort. The most important concept to impart to the athlete is “Ride the bike, not fight the bike”. When a rider has is comfortable on the bike riding looks effortless because the rider is moving in a biomechanically efficient manner. The goal of the fitter is to adjust the bicycle so that the rider naturally falls into that comfortable position.
