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Tom Danielson's Foot Fix   Bookmark and Share
images by Nick Salazar   •   Feb 21, 2012   •   hits 65,161

Interestingly, Danielson uses fixed-position cleats - with no float - which he finds is better for him. Personally, I moved to fixed cleats over a year ago and definitely like it better.
 
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Sometimes it's the simple things that make the big differences. Tom Danielson was having some issues with his foot placement, and found the solution with varus tilt wedges to change the alignment of his feet during the pedal stroke. Performance advisor and Retul fitter Mat Steinmetz helped him through the process and got Tom going. Read the article for full details.


Before his fit sessions, Tom likes to kick back and chew the fat with the boys from Retul.

It can be hard to get anything done when all you want to do is get the latest gossip from a Pro Tour cyclist.

Retul founder Todd carver (left) chilling with fitter Ivan O'Gorman (right). Another day, another cycling champion coming through the studio.

The order of the day was cleat placement and foot position. That yellow thing is a one-degree varus tilt wedge used to correct Tom's stance.

Not many people devote the time to biomechanics that Steinmetz does. He spent quite a while with Tom just dialing in his feet.

Interestingly, Danielson uses fixed-position cleats - with no float - which he finds is better for him. Personally, I moved to fixed cleats over a year ago and definitely like it better.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Danielson hopped on the new Retul Muve fit bike which had been set up to replicate his bike position, and allowed for easy fit changes.

Mat Steinmetz is a trusted fit advisor for roadies and triathletes alike.

Steinmetz affixed the Retul body markers to track Tom's position aboard the bike.





Danielson was trying out some custom prototype extensions. I can't tell you who will be making these, but they look nice. Similar to a lazy-S shape.

Tom Danielson's P4, looking as slick as ever ... even if it is about to be replaced by newer technology.

Restricted by UCI guidelines, Tom is running a standard bottle cage rather than the aero bottle integrated into the P4.

Big rings for the big watts Tom is pushing.

These name badges are standard fare in the Pro Peloton

Tom rides a mountain-esque Fizik saddle.

Tom Danielson's P4, just hanging out at Retul.

After the session on the Muve, Danielson hopped onto his P4 to nail the cleat placement.

Nice bike, but what's in the background? As is basically required of any pro athlete, Tom is hooked to his phone at all times.

Here's one little gem - Retul's new riser block. It's the first one I've seen that's continuously adjustable, and makes it a cinch to level a bike. It may be overkill for home use though. At roughly $300 retail, it's meant to be a fitter's tool only.

Steinmetz keeps a close eye on Tom's feet placement and knee tracking.

Together, Danielson and Steinmetz nailed down the ideal cleat position, using three degrees of varus tilt in each foot.

Tommy D gets going.

With his feet dialed in, Danielson can use the narrow Rotor crank and bring his feet in. This makes him more comfortable, and more aerodynamic to boot.

Putting the power down.

Tom Danielson on his Cervelo P4

Even though it's being phased out, the P4 is a stunning bike.

Steinmetz checks aerobar alignment.

One last adjustment, and Danielson will be good to go.





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