THE EFFECTS OF SEAT POST ANGLE IN CYCLING PERFORMANCE

• Main Author: Hanaki-Martin, Saori
• Format: Others
• Published: UKnowledge 2012
• Subjects: triathlon; pedal forces; kinematics; kinetics; EMG; Kinesiology
• Online Access: http://uknowledge.uky.edu/khp_etds/1; http://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=khp_etds

Triathlon involves three different modes of endurance events, swim, bike and run, consecutively. Transitions between events are critical to be successful in the sport; however, many triathletes report impaired running performance due to adverse residual effects from cycling. One of the strategies that triathletes use to manage the adverse effects is to use a bicycle with a more vertical seat post angle. There is limited evidence that support the effectiveness of such bicycle geometry, but many of these studies lacks ecological validity. Twelve triathletes and cyclists completed a 20-km simulated course with instrumentations for 3D motion, kinetic, and electromyographic analyses under two different seat post angle settings: shallow (ROAD) and steep (TRI). Series of paired-t tests were used for statistical analysis. Results indicated cycling mechanics between two seat post angle conditions were similar; however, the steep condition resulted in time-delay in muscle activation and pedal force application. There was no significant difference in cycling performance. The athletes were able to retain relatively consistent pedaling techniques with modification of seat post angle.