Cycling position optimisation–a systematic review of the impact of positional changes on biomechanical and physiological factors in cycling

Sean Philip Husband, Barney Wainwright, Fiona Wilson, Danielle Crump, David Mockler, Paul Carragher, Frank Nugent, Ciaran Knut Simms

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Bike positional configuration changes strongly affect cycling performance. While consensus has emerged on saddle height optimisation, there is none for the relationship between other bike positional variables and cycling performance. Accordingly, this systematic review examines the effect of all major positional variables on performance in cycling, assessing differences between cycling disciplines and sex where possible. The systematic review, conducted per PRISMA guidelines, searched databases including Embase, Web of Science, Medline, and CINAHL, screening 16,578 studies. Of these, 47 were fully analysed. Study quality assessment using the NIH tool revealed none rated “good”, 5 “fair” and 33 “poor”. The analysis involved 724 participants (90 female, 454 male, 180 sex unstated). Studies focused on trunk angle/upper body position, handlebar height, Q factor, foot position, saddle fore-aft/height, seat tube angle and crank length. Participant cycling disciplines were often unspecified and few papers address women cyclists specifically. Key findings were associated with changing saddle height, trunk angle and saddle fore-aft. For trunk angle, accounting for the biomechanical and physiological effects as well as aerodynamic changes is important. Saddle fore-aft affects the hip angle and trunk angle. There are no clear recommendations for crank length, handlebar height, Q factor or cleat position.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1477-1490
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Sports Sciences
Volume42
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Bike fitting
  • handlebar height
  • position optimisation
  • saddle height
  • trunk angle

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