Jessica B – 2017 Master’s Women State Crit Champ, Experience Fayetteville Team
When I first started working with Steve, I was a beginning racer (Woman Cat 4) with a high level of general fitness but very little knowledge of the sport or equipment. In our first meeting, we spent 3-4 hours optimizing my position on the bike and testing individual leg power and pedal stroke efficiency. The new position absolutely gave me some “free speed” with increased aerodynamics and better positioning to leverage my leg strength (best money I’ve spent on a bike). However, I would say that was not the most valuable thing I got from that session. Steve took a ton of time teaching me about the fundamentals of bike position, power, pedal efficiency, and which pieces of equipment are worth the investment. He also made sure I understood that the engine (my fitness) is much more important than expensive equipment, something I try to keep in mind as the “upgrades” are so common in this sport.
I have also participated in his winter conditioning classes for the last two years (ready for year 3 to begin soon). These classes are HARD, but they made me much stronger on the bike and ready for early spring races. The workouts are tailored to each rider’s specific power/speed numbers and tested and adjusted 3 times throughout the winter. Again, knowledge is an added benefit to working with Steve. In the classes, you not only push your limits, you learn the basics of a good training regimen (including rest and periodization) and talk through race conditions and scenarios.
Duane F – 2017 World Champion AquaBike Athlete
During the early winter of 2017 I made a trip to see Steve at his lab in Fayetteville, Arkansas for a bike fitting. Having ridden for nearly 40 years I really didn’t think it would change much about my cycling. But because I was having trouble with back and hip pain while riding long distances in race mode, I figured I would give it a shot. Steve made several changes to the bike and we discussed technique extensively. His lab equipment was top notch and I found Steve to be meticulous in getting the right fit for me on the bike. I committed to giving the new physical dimensions on the bike, and the changes in technique an honest try after our fitting and discussions. I did not expect immediate results but soon my body adapted to the changes and over several months measurable improvements in my riding occurred, including the elimination of the hip and back pain. If your desire is more comfort and more power when riding then I would highly recommend you set up an appointment with Steve as he understands the bio-mechanical aspects of cycling better than anyone I know. He is also extremely knowledgeable about other aspects of this sport, so pick his brain and experience. Thank you Steve for helping me achieve my goals.
LeighAnn F – Women’s Road Racer, Pandemonium Race Team
I went to Steve needing a bike fit due to numbness in my feet and hands. He was quickly able to recognize problems in my bike fit and pedaling style that was causing this issue. In addition to making bike fit adjustments that have made me more comfortable on the bike, Steve has taken the time to answer my questions in a way that has helped me better understand how my bike works. I live 2 hours from Steve but the distance has not limited the communication he has provided me. On more than one occasion, I have emailed questions and received a detailed response or a phone call talking me through my concerns. The knowledge I have gained from my bike fit and communication with Steve has made me a more knowledgeable consumer. Without hesitation, I have recommended Steve’s bike fit services to multiple teammates and friends
Amy B – Newbie Road Cyclist
I took up cycling September 2016 as another form of a workout. I really enjoyed it, but I was getting frustrated not being able to keep up with the social rides I attended on the weeknights and weekends. I was given Steve’s name by a friend that told me he held cycling lab in the winter that would help. I contacted Steve and asked to be put on the list for the upcoming classes. With the limited amount of space, I was fortunate to get in! I started out in the classes struggling due to my bike was not fit to my specifications properly. I only averaged 12 mph. With the help of Steve, he was able to teach me proper form and technique to be more efficient. Toward the end of the classes I had a bike fit session with Steve and the changed my world! He was very focused on what I needed to make my bike adjust to me and my needs. The end result of the class and the bike fit was a tremendous difference to where I can keep up with the groups and average 16-17 mph, and completed my first Century in June. People have asked me many times in group rides about bike fits and I always tell them, “you need to contact Steve Auchterlonie, it changed my whole world on the bike and can changes yours too!”
Sean S – Cat 2 Racer and PhD Engineering Candidate, Tyson Foods Cycling Team
I first started tailing to Steve on the weekend rides. We would talk about various aspects of cycling…aerodynamics, cadence, power metrics. But, before too long, we were talking numbers (you know – geeky stuff) and I was intrigued by Steve’s astute observations and helpful advice about almost all areas of cycling from hydration to saddle angle. When Steve started offering performance services, I signed up. This was during my first full season as a Category 3 road racer, so I was keen to see what I could learn from Steve that could unlock my full potential as a competitive hobby cyclist. From the get-go, Steve had the knowledge and patience to help me revamp my position on the bike. The multiple dynamic fit analyses resulted in changes that were drastic by most people’s standards, but I trusted that the changes were good for me and would help me in the long run. After some weeks riding in the new position on the bike, I started to feel stronger than I ever had on a bike before. I was able to hold higher power numbers for longer, recover better while drafting, and handle corners and descents with more confidence. Also, I stopped having lower back pain on long rides or hard efforts. I would provide feedback to Steve when we met and he would make calculations and adjustments as needed Once I was comfortable with my new position on the bike, Steve provided an interactive means of analyzing my pedal stroke and left-right leg imbalance. This was extremely useful for me, because it gave me some insight into how to continue to improve my efficiency on the bike. What shines through every time Steve has worked with me on and off the bike is his enthusiasm for the sport and for ensuring that his clients are getting the best out of their cycling. Simply put, Steve’s performance lab services have made the most positive impact on my cycling performance to date. Period.
Ali R – Doctor of Sports Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Tyson Foods Cycling Team, Holder of six pages of Strava QOMs in NWA. 2017 Joe Martin Stage Women’s Masters Champion
Steve Auchterlonie is the most passionate and dedicated bike fit guru I have ever known. He is at a place in life that affords him the time and intellect to pursue his passions. Fortunately, for those of us that are cyclists in NWA, his passion lies in mastering the bike fit and educating his cyclists about proper body awareness on the bike. That combination, a proper bike fit and awareness of optimal body mechanics, gives the rider both comfort and maximum performance. Having had the opportunity to personally be fit and accessed by Steve, I honestly can’t say enough – Thanks, Steve!
Sam M – 17 year old Junior, Cat 3 Racer, Breakaway Cycling Team, 2017 Selection for USA SE Junior National Team
Getting fit by Steve has tremendously increased my performance and has helped with the back pain I first had when I started cycling. Steve is not only passionate about what he does, but he really knows his stuff. His services are very personalized and specific. His knowledge and experience makes me confident that I am getting the best fit possible.
Richard H – Cat 2 Racer and Doctor of Pharmacology, Tyson Foods Cycling Team
I have spent several evenings working on my form, fit, and pedaling mechanics with Steve in his fitting/cycling analysis studio as well as at his winter indoor training classes. Steve has an unparalleled passion and knowledge of the science behind the sport and genuinely wants to help everybody he encounters achieve they cycling goals. Anybody interested in being a faster and healthier cyclist should definitely make it a point to meet with him to see for themselves what he has to offer.
Chad G – Road Racer and Duathlete, Peddler’s Pub Race Team, 2nd Place Overall at 2015 National Duathlon Championship
I had received Steve’s name from a couple friends that swore by his work, so I wanted to give him a shot. It really got me when I went to the state time trial and had a slower time than my power numbers justified. For the first visit with Steve, I knew he would be able to make me faster with just the way he made adjustments to my bike setup. Then, we met in Avoca and did some aero testing and made even more changes on my setup. All the time, I didn’t lose power with the position changes. I still had a month to the Duathlon Nationals to get used to the setup. Now I could tell I was a tad faster, aerodynamically, but it really hit me at the National race. I thought I’d have one of the top bike splits, but after the race, I had the fastest bike split by almost 2 minutes. This shocked me, and I knew part of it had to do with Steve and how he got me “free speed” by getting more aerodynamic at the same power. Thanks again Steve!!