Bike fitting: finding an optimum between performance and overuse injuries prevention? Influence of saddle fore-aft position on knee joint forces

Journal Title: Journal of Science and Cycling - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 2

Abstract

The Union Cyclist International (UCI) regulates saddle setback - ‘ the tip of the saddle shall be a minimum of 5 cm to the rear of a vertical plane passing through the crank axis but no maximum is recommended’ - while there is no scientific rational supporting this regulation. Furthermore, the absolute value of 5 cm applies to all cyclists without accounting for cyclist’s anthropometry and, in other disciplines such as track cycling and triathlon that are not subject to this regulation, a smaller setback is often used while there is no higher prevalence of joint overuse injuries.

Authors and Affiliations

M Domalain| Institut Pprime, CNRS, Université de Poitiers, ISAE-ENSMA, F-86962 Futuroscope Chasseneuil, France, M Ménard| Institut Pprime, CNRS, Université de Poitiers, ISAE-ENSMA, F-86962 Futuroscope Chasseneuil, France, A Decatoire| Institut Pprime, CNRS, Université de Poitiers, ISAE-ENSMA, F-86962 Futuroscope Chasseneuil, France, P Lacouture| Institut Pprime, CNRS, Université de Poitiers, ISAE-ENSMA, F-86962 Futuroscope Chasseneuil, France

Keywords

Related Articles

Physiological characteristics of competitive Brazilian cyclists

The national cycling calendar in Brazil is extensive with numerous regional and state competitions on a weekly basis. Furthermore, several teams now compete in national, continental and international races throughout the...

Multisensor monitoring cycle ergometer

Cycling ergometers provide a repeatable and controllable test setup to observe the effect that the mechanical (e.g. frame geometry), biomechanical (e.g. position on the bicycle) or biophysical (e.g. effect of rider posit...

The relationship between vertical leg stiffness and gross mechanical efficiency in cyclists

Background: Professional cyclists have been shown to have a mechanical efficiency that is 11% higher compared to amateur cyclists (Coyle et al. 1991: Med Sci Sports Exerc, 23 (1), 93-107). The variations in power between...

An optimal control approach to the high intensity interval training design

Prediction of the acute response induced by various training protocols is of great importance when looking for a systematic approach in designing high intensity training (HIT) sessions. The prediction of some of the inde...

Acute cocoa flavanol intake affects antioxidative capacity and mediates the no- pathway in well trained athletes: Implications for exercise performance

Evidence exists that cocoa flavanol (CF) can increase nitric oxide synthesis. This promotes vasodilation and several physiological processes, such as mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis, glucose uptake and SR-Ca ha...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP2966
  • DOI -
  • Views 427
  • Downloads 17

How To Cite

M Domalain, M Ménard, A Decatoire, P Lacouture (2016). Bike fitting: finding an optimum between performance and overuse injuries prevention? Influence of saddle fore-aft position on knee joint forces. Journal of Science and Cycling, 5(2), 17-18. https://www.europub.co.uk/articles/-A-2966