Bicycle Fitting Based on the Optimal Knee Push Angle

This type of assessment is aimed particularly at cyclists who wish to have their bicycle fitted according to the optimal knee push angle during pedalling. Correctly adjusting the bicycle’s dimensions is important to prevent overuse injuries during prolonged pedalling, as well as to optimise performance by enabling the pedalling action to be performed as effectively and efficiently as possible, thereby reducing energy expenditure and improving cycling performance.

The following equipment is available to carry out these assessments:

• Vicon MX real-time 3D motion capture system (Vicon Motion Systems Ltd; Oxford, UK), comprising 8 infrared cameras.
• BIODEX SYSTEM 4 PRO isokinetic dynamometer (Enraf Nonius-Ibérica S.A.).

Measurements are carried out by graduates in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at the Biomechanics and Health Laboratory of the Centre for Sport Research at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche.

Cycling provides benefits in terms of health, the environment and the economy. Today, cycling is one of the most popular sports, extending beyond physical activity for health and wellbeing to competitive sport and simply using a bicycle as a means of transport. However, despite being a low-impact activity, cycling typically involves prolonged periods of activity, which may increase the risk of long-term injuries if the bicycle is used incorrectly.

Anyone who uses a bicycle should maintain an appropriate interaction with the equipment. Bike fitting involves adapting the dimensions of the bicycle to the individual characteristics of the person using it. Both recreational cyclists and those involved in performance cycling can benefit from proper bike fitting, as it reduces the risk of injury while also helping to improve performance.

This type of service could be of great interest to companies involved in bicycle sales, providing an added-value service that could be offered to customers to adapt bicycles to their individual needs. It could also be of interest to cycling teams, both professional and amateur, to help prevent injuries and adapt bicycles to the individual characteristics of each athlete.

Unlike other similar services, the proposed bike fitting protocol is based not only on the individual’s anthropometric characteristics but also on their biomechanical characteristics, as it uses the optimal knee extension angle measured with an isokinetic dynamometer, a parameter directly related to the pushing force during pedalling.

These assessments are currently available at the centre. The research team also has extensive experience in conducting this type of assessment.

• Competitive and High-Performance Cycling.
• Specialist Bicycle Shops and Distributors.
• Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation Centres.
• Sport and Recreational Physical Activity.

José Luis López Elvira – University Research Institute Centre for Sport Research