Pulse Oximeters and Bike Fit — Happy Freedman

Pulse oximeters and bike fit

Pulse oximeters a good simple way to get physiological information about the cyclist are working with. It measures oxygen saturation and your pulse. All you have to do is place it on an index finger or toe and waited a few seconds and it starts given output. I use it as an indicator of how much you are gripping your handlebars. If you’re over gripping you’ll see drop in percentage of oxygen 2^nd saturation to the hands. I also use it as a marker to see how well you breathing and how efficient you posture are on the bike. As I fit someone on the bike I watch for elevation of the oxygen level in the blood or a decrease in percentage of O2. This is a simple way to tell whether you are going to be fast and efficient or if you position makes you much less efficient and slower. You check this periodically throughout the fit and he can be enlightening.

I have been doing this in my fittings for about 6 or 7 years. Technology is readily available. The come way down. When I bought my 1^st oximeter it was over $300. And had cables from the reading add to the body. My last one cost about $25) uses Bluetooth and speaks to my phone. Doesn’t get much easier than that.

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