Eurobike 2024: Unveiling New Sizing & Fitting Tech & Gear

I’ve recently returned from Eurobike 2024 in Germany, one of the largest bike trade shows in the world. Running over 5 days, with the first 3 devoted to B2B and the last 2 days open to the general public, there is no better place to see the latest bike tech and the launch of new products.  However, I was more narrowly focused on bike fit-related products and themes from the twin perspectives of a bike fitter and as a supplier to other fitters.  Here are some takeaways:

Eurobike 2024: Fitting News

Giant

Giant has just launched an independent branded fitting system called Dynamic Cycling Fit, to offer a sophisticated bike sizing and fitting service.  We can assume this will be promoted to Giant dealers in the first instance, but their intention is that this is available to any bike shop – for an estimated price of $25,000 hardware investment and an annual $600/ yr software licensing.  Obviously one would expect something significant for that much coin, and the heart of their system is an iPad-controlled electronically adjustable fitting bike, with motion capture software and a fully featured report for pre-purchase bike and component selection or a fit report.

Dynamic Cycling Fit by Giant

SmartFit

SmartFit AI sizing

SmartFit is a German bike sizing and bike fitting company backed with plenty of intellectual and tech muscle.  It’s no surprise they launched an AI powered bike sizing system for use in bike shops to help sales staff and customers select a bike.

Gebiomized

Gebiomized, who are well known for their saddle pressure mapping system and online education, put together a one-day workshop hosting a number of speakers on bike fit related topics. As it was almost all in Deutsch, I did not attend many of the sessions, but I did attend some networking sessions and a presentation from Lee Prescott, new President of the International Bike Fitting Institute.  One of the topics discussed the fit implications of e-bikes, and how riders sit differently and apply pressure to the saddle differently on e-bikes.

International Bike Fitting Institute (IBFI)

The IBFI was founded 10 years ago by Andy Brooke to serve as a professional association for bike fitters, with a range of objectives including providing a pathway for skill development, advocating for bike fitters within the broader cycling industry, and outreach and promotion about bike fitting to cyclists Lee Prescott has recently taken over as president of the IBFI and attended Eurobike 2024 to network with fitters and present at Saturday’s bike fit symposium.  As well as being a bike fitter, Lee has a background in industrial design, custom bikes, and plenty of commercial savvy. Lee has been on a “listening tour” to get input to review the purpose and function of the IBFI and is in full swing with plans and actions to take the IBFI to a new level of relevance for fitters, consumers, and the broader industry. I enjoyed a productive conversation with Lee, and encourage all bike fitters to back his efforts on our collective behalf.  Lee is actively working to establish new membership levels, criteria for each level, a new website, a new fitter listing page, members-only resource area on the website, a fitters forum, and more.  Get on the IBFI mailing list if you are not already, and keep an eye out for updates and opportunities to contribute.

Bike Fitters

Wei getting ready to interview Lore founder Stephan Drake for his podcast.

Bike fitters were in attendance at Eurobike 2024 from not only Germany and surrounding European countries but also from England and the UAE.  It was great to connect with a wide range of people who all share a passion for improving the cyclist’s experience on the bike, be that comfort, performance, or the magic combination of both. One of those fitters is Wei Ho from Foundation Fit in London who puts out a lot of social media content on Instagram and produces his own podcast, Cycling Demystified.  I’ll give Wei’s pod a shout-out as something to add to your playlist, as he focuses mostly on bike fit related topics. Plus, he took time to interview me for an episode (57), so it must be good!

Products

I got to talk directly to some of the companies at Eurobike 2024 whose products I carry in our fit studio including Form (shims and wedges), Lake shoes, SMP saddles, Prologo saddles, Ergon (saddles and grips), gleaning product updates, and tech tips.  Of note were some changes to the Ergon saddle lineup to offer more of an allroad saddle that will likely appeal to the gravel bike rider, and from SMP I got excited by the F20C si and VT20C and have since acquired demo models from US Distributor Albabici.  From the owner of Lake Shoes, I learned more about the fit distinctions between the CX201 and 242 that aren’t obvious, and why the MX201 and CX201 feel completely different (as noted from direct personal experience).

New Cleat Positioning tool

                    More to your possible relevance, I met with new suppliers and sourced some new products to offer to bike fitters and consumers.  Expect to see announcements soon about a new cleat positioning tool for both fitter and cycling enthusiasts; an adjustable crankset for bike fitters; more options for shorter cranksets; a state-of-the-art bike fitting stem that promises to address the design and functional shortcomings of all other fitting stems; an impressive digital sit bone measuring platform; and an even more impressive saddle pressure mapping system featuring better technology and a lower price than what you might be accustomed to.

Prototype Sizing Stem from Form

Lore Shoes

Alvin Holbrook, Velo tech editor studying the LoreTwo

My trip to Eurobike 2024 was sponsored by Lore Cycle, whose booth I worked at for 3 days, encouraging bike shops and bike fitters to be early adopters of a complete reinvention of the cycling shoe.  There were the expected skeptics, but we gained a lot of media attention and publicity as well as attracting strong interest from prospective dealers and I performed numerous foot scans. The LoreTwo is available in 3 different model variations and two different colors, and offers unparalleled foot comfort due to the fully custom build of the shoe, based on a 360-degree foot scan.  For hard-to-fit feet, or those cyclists looking for the latest in cycling tech, these are hard to beat. If you are interested in becoming a Lore dealer, shoot an email to de*****@**re.cc  and I can get you a dealer information kit and answer any questions you might have. For those interested in ordering a pair, take a look at the list of bike shops currently offering scanning and order-taking services, or suggest to Lore a fitter or shop near you that you think should be set up for scanning, and Lore will reach out to them.

The Wrap

It was totally worthwhile attending Eurobike, with bike fitting topics and products of interest from large brands, established product suppliers, and one-person start-ups.  Although some major bicycle brands have entered and exited the bike fit arena, Giant’s significant investment illustrates an acknowledgment that it is not only a thing, but is also important for the cycling consumer, and that the bike shops could use some assistance in helping customers select a bike and the relevant fit-related components.  With the trend to internal cable routing and integrated cockpits well established, this becomes even more important. “Bike Fitting” is also the description of choice in Deutsch and other European languages, rather than a translated version.  There are bike fitters in all countries trying out new practices and scheming up new tools and methods to help other fitters help more cyclists remain happily engaged in the sport.  And for some cycling is not so much a sport, but a means of transportation, or a way of travel.  Bike fitting has relevance across the spectrum of cyclists, from the e-bike commuter to the pro tour rider.

Traveling Tips

It’s been a minute since I was in Germany last, and here are a few things I came away with as notes to self for future trips: Money:  Cash is king.  Taxis, many restaurants, and some accommodations are cash only.  Have plenty of Euros.  Not all ATMs accept all cards, and where card payments are accepted, forget about trying to use an American Express credit card. So much for the benefits of the much-advertised traveler’s card. You might as well offer a leaf for payment. Water is not freely available anywhere and certainly won’t appear on your dinner table unless you ask for it and buy it.  I suspect this is to encourage a greater consumption of Bier and Wein. Coffee is abundant and cheap.  A good espresso and a pastry can be had for less than the cost of a cup of Joe in the US cash, of course. Language:  Google Translate is your new favorite app. Trains:  Germans do it right.  What a pleasure to travel on a well-organized public transport system, once you figure out which ticket vending machine to use.  The gorge of the Middle Rhine is one hour by train from Frankfurt. Totally worth it.