Saddle height is one of the most researched areas of bike fit. The current accepted method for adjusting saddle height involves the use of a goniometer to adjust saddle height so that a knee angle between 25° and 35° is obtained. This measurement is taken while the cyclist maintains a static position with the pedal at the 6-o'-clock position. However, the act of pedaling is dynamic, and angles may alter during movement. The purpose of this study was to examine the alterations to knee and ankle angle occurring from static measures to active pedaling across intensities experienced by cyclists during a graded exercise protocol. Thirty-four recreational to highly trained cyclists were evaluated using 2D analysis of stationary position and 3 active levels (level 1, respiratory exchange ratio of 1.00, and max). Dependent measures were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (p = 0.05). When examining the results, it is evident that significant alterations to pedal stroke occur from stationary measures to active pedaling and as intensity increases toward maximal. Plantar flexion increased when moving from stationary measures to active pedaling, which resulted in an increase in knee angle. Although still greater than stationary measures, less plantar flexion occurred at higher intensities when compared with lower intensity cycling. Less plantar flexion at higher intensities is most likely a result of application of a larger downward torque occurring because of greater power requirements at higher intensities. There appeared to be greater variability in angle when examining novice cyclists in relation to more experienced cyclists. Although stationary measures are where a bike fit session will begin, observation during the pedal cycle may be needed to fine-tune the riders' fit.
Research on gender differences in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) has been equivocal with few studies comparing exercise modes and differentiated RPE. The current study examined gender differences in overall and differentiated RPE at the respiratory compensation threshold (RCT) during cycling and treadmill exercise. Each minute during a maximal treadmill and maximal cycling test, men (n=18) and women (n=16) estimated RPE corresponding to overall (RPE-O), legs (RPE-L), and breathing/chest (RPE-C) exertion. A 2 (gender) x 2 (mode) x 3 (RPE-O, RPE-L, RPE-C) repeated measures MANOVA revealed no significant mode x gender or RPE x gender interactions. The exercise mode x RPE interaction approached significance (P=0.055) when cycling [mean (SD) 14.8 (2.9)] and treadmill exercise [12.8 (2.9)] were compared. No main effects for gender [men: 13.7 (2.6), women: 13.4 (2.6)] were detected. Main effects for mode showed RPE to be significantly greater during cycling [14.4 (2.8)] versus treadmill exercise [12.7 (2.9)]. Main effects for differentiated RPE showed RPE-L [13.8 (2.6)] to be significantly greater than RPE-O [13.5 (2.6)] and RPE-C [13.3 (2.6)]. Results suggest that overall and differentiated RPE at the RCT are not significantly different between genders during cycling or treadmill exercise. While RPE-L was statistically greater than RPE-O and RPE-C, the magnitude of the differences makes this result of little practical significance. The marginal interaction suggests greater RPE-L values might be expected at the RCT during cycling versus treadmill exercise. However, results suggest that minimal RPE differences exist between men and women during cycling and treadmill exercise.
In cycling, saddle height adjustment is critical for optimal performance and injury prevention. A 25-35° knee angle is recommended for injury prevention, whereas 109% of inseam, measured from floor to ischium, is recommended for optimal performance. Previous research has demonstrated that these 2 methods produce significantly different saddle heights and may influence cycling performance. This study compared performance between these 2 methods for determining saddle height. Subjects consisted of 11 well-trained (VO2max = 61.55 ± 4.72 ml·kg·min) male cyclists. Subjects completed a total of 8 performance trials consisting of a graded maximal protocol, three 15-minute economy trials, and 4 anaerobic power trials. Dependent measures for economy (VO2, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion) and anaerobic power (peak power and mean power) were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05). VO2 was significantly lower (reflecting greater economy) at a 25° knee angle (44.77 ± 6.40 ml·kg·min) in comparison to a 35° knee angle (45.22 ± 6.79 ml·kg·min) and 109% of inseam (45.98 ± 5.33 ml·kg·min). Peak power at a 25° knee angle (1,041.55 ± 168.72 W) was significantly higher in relation to 109% of inseam (1,002.05 ± 147.65 W). Mean power at a 25° knee angle (672.37 ± 90.21 W) was significantly higher in relation to a 35° knee angle (654.71 ± 80.67 W). Mean power was significantly higher at 109% of inseam (662.86 ± 79.72 W) in relation to a 35° knee angle (654.71 ± 80.67 W). Use of 109% of inseam fell outside the recommended 25-35° range 73% of the time. Use of 25° knee angle appears to provide optimal performance while keeping knee angle within the recommended range for injury prevention.
In competitive cycling, setting the proper saddle height is important for both performance and injury prevention. This is also true for ergometer use in a laboratory. The cycling literature recommends using a 25 to 35 degrees knee angle to set saddle height for injury prevention and recommends using 109% of inseam length for optimal performance. Prior research has demonstrated that these 2 methods do not produce similar saddle heights. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in performance between these 2 methods. Trained cyclists (n = 9) and noncyclists (n = 18) participated in this study. Anaerobic power production was compared using a 30s Wingate protocol at a saddle height of 109% of inseam and at 25 and 35 degrees knee angles. Saddle height set using 109% of inseam fell outside the recommended 25 to 35 degrees knee angle 63% of the time. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) for peak power and mean power in either group between saddle heights. The data when using 109% to set saddle height were then divided into those that fell within the recommended 25 to 35 degrees knee angle and those that fell outside. A 25 degrees knee angle produced a significantly higher mean power compared with 109% in those that fell outside the recommended range. An increase in power, at a 25 degrees angle, can be extrapolated to increased performance. There was no difference in performance detected in those individuals who fell within the recommended range. For this reason it is recommended that saddle height for cycles and ergometers be set using a 25 to 35 degrees knee angle for both trained and untrained cyclists for both injury prevention and increased performance.
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