Effect of variation in seat tube angle at different seat heights on submaximal cycling performance in man

Abstract

The effect of seat tube angle at selected seat heights (96, 100 and 104% trochanteric height) on heart rate, VO2 and lower limb kinematics was evaluated in 14 competitive male road racing cyclists during discontinuous submaximal exercise (200 W) on an air-resistance ergometer at seat tube angles of 68, 74 and 80 degrees. The tests were randomized to complete the nine combinations (three seat heights, three tube angles) in opposite directions from a starting tube angle of 74 degrees and 100% trochanteric height to avoid any time or sequence bias. Power efficiency was calculated for each combination from work done and VO2. All results were analysed using ANOVA for repeated measures. At a seat tube angle of 80 degrees, mean VO2 was significantly lower and power efficiency significantly higher compared with an angle of 74 degrees at all three seat heights, while heart rate was significantly lower only at a seat height equal to trochanteric height. At a seat tube angle of 74 degrees, mean VO2 and heart rate were significantly lower and power efficiency significantly higher compared with an angle of 68 degrees at all three seat heights. Hip range of movement and maximum and minimum hip angle were significantly less at an angle of 80 degrees compared with 68 degrees. Further biomechanical analysis suggested that the improvement in cycling efficiency observed at steeper seat tube angles was produced in part by the resultant altered ankling pattern of the cyclist.

Effect of “Pose” cycling on efficiency and pedaling mechanics

“…Most noticeably, the ''Pose'' setup resulted in increased gross efficiency across all pedaling rates when compared to the preferred setup. These results are in line with previous findings that efficiency is influenced by seat angle (Heil et al 1995;Price and Donne 1997), seat height (Nordeen-Snyder 1977;Fig. 4 Normalised non-muscular power as a function of bicycle setup and coaching intervention.…”

Biomechanical evaluation of bike power saver

“…This would undoubtedly add more aspects to the assessment of any new products related to bike alteration. In addition, previous studies have demonstrated that seat height and angle influences cycling performance (Price and Donne, 1997). The Lifecycle 9500HR used to test the BPS saver does not allow seat tube angle to be adjusted and therefore this factor was not examined in this study.…”

“…Studies have determined that the optimal seat height is associated with the trochanteric height of the rider, with a seat height of 96-100% trochanteric height being optimal (Shennum and De Vries, 1976;Nordeen-Snyder, 1977;Price and Donne, 1997). Seat angle has also been shown to affect the efficiency of bike riding; an increase in seat tube angle, independent of the seat height, decreases mean oxygen intake (VO 2 ) and significantly lowers the maximum and minimum hip angles (Price and Donne, 1997).…”

Adjusted saddle position counteracts the modified muscle activation patterns during uphill cycling

“…Adapting the posture in this way, consequently changes the muscle length/force ratio (Lunnen et al, 1981;Hof, 2002;Enoka, 2008). Such changes should be reflected in (1) modified neuromuscular activation patterns (Chapman et al, 2008;Farrokhi et al, 2008) and (2) altered cycling kinematics and kinetics (Ercison et al, 1988;Price and Donne, 1997).…”