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Abstract: This brief narrative review examined the effects of bicycle configuration on cycling biomechanics, with particular emphasis on saddle height, saddle fore–aft position, and frame geometry. Relevant peer-reviewed studies that experimentally manipulated bicycle settings and assessed biomechanical outcomes were identified and narratively synthesized. The available evidence indicates that saddle height has the clearest influence on lower-limb kinematics, particularly at the knee and hip, and may also affect joint loading, pedal-force effectiveness, and mechanical efficiency. Lower saddle positions generally increase knee flexion and may increase local knee loading, whereas higher positions promote greater lower-limb extension, although their effects on metabolic economy are not consistent. Saddle fore–aft position primarily alters the distribution of mechanical work between the hip and knee, with a more rearward position generally increasing hip contribution and force effectiveness, but potentially increasing loading of posterior and lateral soft-tissue structures. Changes in frame geometry appear to have smaller effects on global biomechanical outcomes, although they may modify muscle activation and movement strategy. Overall, bicycle configuration should not be optimized according to a single biomechanical criterion. Rather, bike fitting should balance performance, comfort, metabolic demands, and potential injury risk, while accounting for the cyclist’s anthropometry, mobility, experience, and specific goals
Keywords: cycling, biomechanics, kinesiology
Published in RUP: 31.07.2026; Views: 186; Downloads: 6
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Keywords: cycling, balance, road safety, commuting, injury prevention, kolesarjenje, ravnotežje, cestna varnost, prevot, preventiva poškodb
Published in RUP: 15.10.2015; Views: 8023; Downloads: 164
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Abstract: The main aim of this project was to study muscle activity patterns during steep uphill cycling (UC) (i.e., with a gradient of 20%) with (1) normal saddle geometry and (2) with adjusted saddle position ASP (i.e., moving the saddle forward and changing the tilt of the saddle by 20%). Based on our preliminary case study, we hypothesized that: (1) during 20% UC muscle activity patterns would be different from those of level cycling (LC) and (2) during 20% UC with ASP muscle activity patterns would resemble those of LC. Twelve trained male cyclists were tested on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer under three conditions with the same work rate (80% of maximal power output) and cadence (90 rpm): level (LC), 20% UC and 20% UC with ASP. Electromyographic signals were acquired from m. tibialis anterior (TA), m. soleus (SO), m. gastrocnemius (GC), m. vastus lateralis (VL), m. vastus medialis (VM), m. rectus femoris (RF), m. biceps femoris (BF) and m. gluteus maximus (GM). Compared to LC, 20% UC significantly modified both the timing and the intensity of activity of the selected muscles, while muscles that cross the hip joint were the most affected (RF later onset, earlier offset, shorter range of activity and decrease in peak amplitude of 34%; BF longer range of activity; GM increase in peak amplitude of 44%). These changes in EMG patterns during 20% UC were successfully counteracted by the use of ASP and it was interesting to observe that the use of ASP during 20% UC was perceived positively by all cyclists regarding both comfort and performance. These results could have a practical relevance in terms of improving performance during UC, together with reducing discomfort
Keywords: cycling, electromyography, bicycle geometry, muscular coordination
Published in RUP: 15.10.2013; Views: 8945; Downloads: 156
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