Height, length, flexibility, rotation of the pelvis, width of the arms, position of the cleats under the shoes. And also distances between the bottom bracket and the saddle, between the saddle and the handlebar grip, angles, inclinations. A world of numbers, often made of experience, others of sensations, still others of word of mouth which are not always summed up in a perfect position on the bike. “Getting level” is not simple and, contrary to what one might think, it is an exact science that adapts to every cyclist like a tailored suit. “Yes, in fact today this is scientifically possible thanks to the technology that allows us to identify the right measurements for each cyclist by evaluating their static and dynamic behavior during pedaling and also the movement of the pelvis under stress– explain the technicians of Selle Italia IdMatch- This allows us to precisely identify your ideal position on the bike and the correct saddle size based on your pelvic rotation.” In Asolo, in the headquarters of Selle Italia that the president Giuseppe Bigolin wanted to maintain in that “factory of beauty” that was the Brionvega, an absolute masterpiece of industrial design signed in the 1960s by the architect Marco Zanuso, the “Bike lab” is between the offices and the warehouse, illuminated by the large red windows from which you can admire the Rocca di Asolo and the Monte Grappa Ossuary. And it’s good work. The Selle Italia IDMatch laboratory is not only here but has been marketed since 2016. “Around the world there are another 180 in cycling shops and currently almost 50 thousand cyclists have undergone this test – they explain in Selle Italia – and they are destined to increase. The laboratory is an investment that a retailer generally amortizes in ten months which, in addition to the smart bike, the PC, the program and the measurement instruments, gives the possibility of interfacing directly with us: the operation is simple and applies the same identical protocols that we apply here which obviously do not only refer to our products but can be applied universally”. The test for cycling with IdMatch it lasts just under an hour and, unlike in the past, takes place without the need to attach sensors to the cyclist. We begin with the athlete’s medical history, with the analysis of his physical characteristics and with any problems experienced while pedaling. Then we move on to its measurement with a 3D system that records body extension and elasticity. Using laser sensors, the measurements of the bicycle normally used are recorded at the three points of contact (saddle, handlebar, foot) which IdMatch then reports on the smartbike for the actual test which lasts a quarter of an hour in which the system, varying pedaling positions automatically, calculates the ideal position for cycling. “Not only this, however, because for correct pedaling it is also essential to evaluate other elements – they explain in Selle Italia – such as the exact positioning of the attachment of the cleats on the pedal which is also done in this case with a laser by applying a calculation developed by the program and the conformation of the plantar arch”. This done Selle Italia IdMatch lab has developed three insoles that allow you to optimize foot-shoe-pedal support and allow for personalized support capable of reducing pain and discomfort. The measurement does not only indicate the most suitable type of arch, but also its length, which is not necessarily proportional to the length of the sole and which almost always varies from one foot to another. “The insoles can adapt to a flat, medium or hollow foot – explain the technicians – and cover 3 different types of arch (high, medium low) with 5 measurements. The insole can then be trimmed to the length of the shoe.”