Non-contact measurement & inspection
FINDING THE OPTIMAL CYCLIST POSITION
One of the most advanced bike-fitting studios worldwide is tapping into the benefit of FLIR thermal imaging technology to push the boundaries of sports science and biomechanics at all levels of cycling.
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ocated in Antwerp, Belgium, Bikefit Van Staeyen uses FLIR-generated infrared images to visualise body heat and pressure distribution in real time, subsequently optimising rider position and bike set up. Bikefit Van Staeyen offers professional bike fitting based on more than 20 years of experience in cycling. Founded by brothers Kevin and Michael Van Staeyen (a former professional road racing cyclist), the business has built its success on extensive expertise in sports science, biomechanics and cycling. What started as a passion for precision and performance evolved into one of the world’s most advanced bike-fitting studios. The principal differentiator of Bikefit Van Staeyen is its dual-expert approach: every bike fit is performed by both brothers working together, merging technical analysis and professional cycling experience with medical understanding. “This synergy allows us to identify patterns and dysfunctions far beyond what conventional systems can capture,” explains Kevin Van Staeyen.
REAL-TIME INSIGHT
Central to the process is the use of advanced thermal imaging technology from FLIR, which provides a real- time view into physiological asymmetries, pressure distribution, and underlying muscular imbalances. “We use a FLIR infrared camera to study a heat map of a rider pedaling to optimise body position and bike set up,” says Kevin Van Staeyen. “By combining thermography with motion tracking, force
analysis, and EMG [electromyographic] data, we can see what others can only guess: how the rider’s body reacts, compensates, and adapts under load. We’ve named our thermography application ‘Lava. flow’, a process that allows us to understand and optimise injury-prone areas, muscle activation, and pressure points in a completely new way.” Bikefit Van Staeyen initially used a FLIR E76 thermal imaging camera but has since migrated to the newer E96. The E96 is FLIR’s first pistol- grip camera with 640 × 480 thermal resolution, allowing users to survey targets safely and quickly. This advanced sensor offers complete
coverage of near and distant targets through a range of lens options. In addition, FLIR Ignite provides the automatic uploading of E96 images directly from the camera to the cloud for easy, secure storage and sharing.
As pioneers in thermal analysis for cycling applications, Bikefit Van Staeyen works in close collaboration with Thermal Focus, a FLIR Platinum Partner and stockist of the largest selection of FLIR infrared cameras in the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg) region.
TEMPERATURE IN FOCUS
The hot spots and cold spots identified by FLIR thermal cameras serve as direct indicators of how a cyclist’s body functions on the bike. An excessive temperature increase in certain areas can indicate overexertion, friction, or poor posture. Using the FLIR E96, Bikefit Van Staeyen can: detect hot spots and elevated pressure zones on the saddle, shoes, or handlebars; identify asymmetric muscle loading and unbalanced activation patterns; analyse vascular restrictions that may lead to numbness or reduced performance; and detect thermal irregularities that could indicate overload.
With this in-depth thermal analysis, the brothers are able to identify a range of issues that prompt adjustments for the optimal riding experience. For instance, asymmetric heat distribution around the kneecap points to a possible biomechanical
18 March 2026 Instrumentation Monthly
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