Friday Fitter Feature: Phil Hooper - Eastern Shore Cycles
Today’s Friday Fitter feature is taking us to the Southern part of the United States to a city called Daphne near Mobile, Alabama. Daphne is one of three cities collectively known by the locals as the Eastern Shore.
The entire city lies no more than 150 feet above sea level, and attracts large crowds with the promise of easy-to-catch seafood during one of its annual “Jubilee”' events. This natural event occurs when many species of crabs, shrimp and other sea life from the waters of Mobile Bay are suddenly found washed ashore along the coastline. If you are a seafood lover, this place should definitely be on your bucket list!
Aside from the sea life, Daphne is also home to Eastern Shore Cycles, where Phil Hooper is the proud owner and Premium Certified Retül Fitter, and has been in the bike business for over 30 years . Growing up as BMX kid, Phil’s happy place was hanging around the local bike shops, where he eventually landed his first job and the rest is history.
Phil tells us how he got into the fit side of the business, and the technologies that have evolved along the way.
When did you decide that bike fit was an important aspect of the rider journey?
Very early on, well before there was anything more than the "Italian Bible" method, I worked with riders to make them more comfortable on their bikes. Some of the first aerobars were developed at that time and I installed, set up and "fit" rider's bikes with those bars and learned a lot about aero positioning.
As bike fitting evolved I was very interested in learning more, and as a Specialized dealer, I naturally attended the Body Geometry Fit classes early on and continued learning with the "Level 2/Master" course and "Level 3/Advanced" course. Eventually certification and adopting the Retül technology and incorporating it into the Body Geometry methods which I had learned at SBCU. I was later invited to assist in instructing at the SBCU courses at the Specialized HQ. Those were fantastic experiences!
How do you tell riders about the importance of bike fit through your in-store experiences?
In my store, I have built a great fit studio space which includes all of the Retül technologies and tools for the highest caliber fit experience for the rider. I do my best to educate my customers on the importance of proper bike fit and how it can impact comfort and performance... no matter what style of bike or goals they make have. I like to think that I have an ability to really connect and understand what my rider's needs are during their fit session and what their goals are.
Learning bike fitting techniques well before the digital technology evolved allowed me to learn a lot about biomechanics and how they applied to bike riding. That skill is still relevant even with all of the technology at my disposal. There still has to be connection with the rider and the ability to assess their body and recognize signs.
What is it about Retül tools and technology that gives you the confidence you are giving riders the best fit experience?
Retül products merge with everything I had learned over the previous 25 years and elevated my fitting to a whole new level. The science involved and the data collected validates the rider's position and helps me to analyze issues the rider may have.
The data captured and displayed during a RETUL Premium Fit really helps to pull the rider into the conversation and be much more part of the process. This engagement furthers conversation with the rider and offers the best possible position on the bike.
What is your favorite part of being a bike fitter and shop owner?
Being a bike shop owner is awesome! Being able to help riders reach their cycling goals through proper bike fit probably my favorite part! I am excited to see what technology develops next to raise bike fit to another new level!
A few years back we did a story about a rider who came to see Phil to get their position dialed and reach some big goals they had set out to achieve. Read the story here: Real Rider Stories: Stephanie Flies to the Finish
Ways to connect with Phil at Eastern Shore Cycles:
Retül Find a Fitter: Eastern Shores Cycles
Instagram: @easternshorecycles
Facebook: @easternshorecycles