Kristin Madl

It was like "these are the numbers and angles we always go by, so we'll make that happen for you on this bike too." So on I went, on my merry little way, getting maybe a tad stronger on the bike, but still being passed in races, a lot.

I am blessed enough to train with a wonderful, generous group of people (EMERGE), who gave me the gift of a session with Kevin when I graduated from grad school at UT.  I had heard of this Kevin Saunders guy, one of my teammates had his custom bike made by Kevin, and I knew he took pictures at all the local events.  But I was so surprised by the care Kevin took when I went down to his studio for my bike fitting.

As as recent grad, I was not in the market (unfortunately) for a new high end bike, and to be honest, I didn't know if there was really a difference between the high-end bikes and all the rest.  What first struck me was that Kevin knew I wasn't in the market for a new one, and although he explained to me the benefits of custom bikes, he never once played forceful sales guy.  He rather played the role of educator, and explained the benefits for when the time would come that I might be ready to go that route.

Kevin didn't rush at all with me.  He took the time to make countless tweaks to my fit, and I really liked how I could feel changes immediately because I didn't have to get off and back on the bike.  Each change was dictated by how I felt, and the power I was putting out, not by some standard that most bike shops make you try to fit into.  Kevin showed extreme patience with me, and I also liked how he provided a wealth of knowledge as we went along.  He didn't have to, but he made comments on my pedaling mechanics that have made a huge difference in a short time.

Although we couldn't achieve the optimal fit on my bike, he got it as close as he could.  And wow, I was shocked on my first ride back out in the real world.  It used to be that I would come upon a hill and all of a sudden it was like I hit a wall.  I just wouldn't go anywhere.  But now I had power.  I felt it on the flats too.  I know it was from the combination of the fit he provided and the new pedaling technique he taught me.

Shortly after my fitting I competed in the Lake Pflugerville Triathlon.  It was my first win in my age group, and I took third overall.  Although I wasn't the fastest on the bike, I passed my fair share of people, which was a new experience for me.  Even cooler, I had my fastest run split ever, and I think that's in part due to having more energy from being more efficient on the bike.  A few weeks later I took another age group win at a sprint in Wisconsin, second overall.

I know I have a lot more improving I can do, but Kevin has got me into a position on my bike where I can get there quicker.  He is a genuine, caring human being who truly wants everyone to attain their best.  And he has the knowledge and patience to help them get there.  I am so thankful for gaining a new friend in Kevin, and I'm sure any one can benefit from a session with him.

Hmmmm, well, I guess that was a tad long-winded!  Sorry!  But it is too hard to sum up in one paragraph.  So if you need to paraphrase any of that for anything you might need, have at it.  Mostly it is not a testimonial but a true thank you from me to you :-)  I LIKE cycling now.  I look forward to getting out on my bike.  Thank you thank you thank you!

I hope to see you and hear from you soon!  I've got four more races this season to go!

Kristin