Resistance
Because of the ever-increasing speed, both in an absolute sense
(one-hour records and time trials) and average speed (stages
in the Tour de France with average speeds of well over 50 km
an hour), the necessity to adopt an aerodynamic position on
the bicycle is getting more and more important
Efficiency.
Longer distances, combined with a higher (average) speed lead
to excessive use of energy. That explains why a cyclist should
use his energy as efficiently as possible. For example, in a
physically demanding mountain stage the use of energy runs up
to nearly 10,000 kcal a day. This is five times the normal demand,
or the energy-equivalent of 2.5 kilograms of rice.
Power maximization.
The cycling sport is evolving more and more from an endurance-sport
into a power-endurance sport. Compare the use of gears in the
cycling sport: in the 1950s the average gear was 47 x 17 (i.e.
5.8 meters for every pedal rotation), today this is significantly
higher. In the time trials, the Spanish cyclist Olano uses 55
x 11 (i.e. 10.1 meters for every pedal rotation). This is an
increase of 75% for every rotation.
Comfort.
In relation to the bicycle this is the factor that has been
looked into the least systematically, and it is largely based
on empirical data. It is obvious, however, that in the long
run comfort is a factor that should not be underestimated. Already,
in the 1980s, the former physician of the Belgian Cycling Association
Dr Daniels warned that as a result of an increasing rigidity
of the bicycles (think of oval frames and high rims) the possibility
of complaints of the lower back and wrists would not be imaginary.
INTRODUCTION
In the last few years more and more attention in the cycling
sport has been paid to coaching and supervision of the cyclist.
So much progress has been made, particularly in the field of
training and nutrition, that the physical performance has nearly
reached its optimum.
In order to further improve the efficiency of the cycling movement,
optimizing the position on the bicycle is an absolute prerequisite.
The ultimate aim is to achieve a position of the cyclist on
his bicycle which is as efficient and as aerodynamic as possible.
If efficiency were the only factor demanding attention, it would
be fairly simple. During this last decade, the cycling sport
has evolved from an endurance sport into a power-endurance sport.
The influence of biomechanic and aerodynamic research is gaining
importance. The goal is to find a cycling position in which
power is maximally converted into motion.
Scientific and empirical research has shown that a correct position
on the bicycle is determined by several factors.
The matrix that illustrates the correlation between these factors
consists of the following elements: friction, efficiency, power
maximization and comfort.
resistance
efficiency
Power maximization
comfort
In reality, however, the results of this research are not always
used to its full extent. It is apparent that many cyclists,
and not only the recreational cyclists, still adopt a very poor
position on their bicycle. This clearly illustrates that the
vanguard of the cycling sport has so far failed to appreciate
the effect and use of biomechanic and aerodynamic research.
A proper sitting position on the bicycle has other advantages,
also. Cyclists are regularly confronted with injuries, and cycling
tourists face physical complaints in large numbers. These injuries
and complaints are caused by deviations in position or by an
incorrect position on the bicycle. Optimizing the sitting position
on the bicycle prevents the occurrence of
injuries
It is clear that the four factors mentioned above not only influence
but also negatively affect each other. For example, the average
cyclist experiences a deep aerodynamic position of the upper
body as anything but comfortable