Research article - (2006)05, 25 - 32
The Effects of Bicycle Frame Geometry on Muscle Activation and Power During a Wingate Anaerobic Test
Mark D. Ricard,1, Patrick Hills-Meyer2, Michael G. Miller2, Timothy J. Michael2
1Exercise Science Research Laboratories, Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
2Biomechanics Laboratory 1060 SRC, HPER Department, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

Mark D. Ricard
✉ Exercise Science Research Lab, Depart. of Kinesiology, P.O. Box 19259, University of Texas at Arlington, 801 Greek Row Drive, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
Email: Ricard@uta.edu
Received: 13-10-2005 -- Accepted: 30-11-2005
Published (online): 01-03-2006
ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of bicycle seat tube angles (STA) of (72° and 82°) on power production and EMG of the vastus laeralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), semimembranous (SM), biceps femoris (BF) during a Wingate test (WAT). Twelve experienced cyclists performed a WAT at each STA. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to identify differences in muscular activation by STA. EMG variables were normalized to isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Paired t-tests were used to test the effects of STA on: peak power, average power, minimum power and percent power drop. Results indicated BF activation was significantly lower at STA 82° (482.9 ± 166.6 %MVC·s) compared to STA 72° (712.6 ± 265.6 %MVC·s). There were no differences in the power variables between STAs. The primary finding was that increasing the STA from 72° to 82° enabled triathletes’ to maintain power production, while significantly reducing the muscular activation of the biceps femoris muscle.
Key words: Cycling, anaerobic power, triathlon, efficiency, EMG

Key Points
  • Road cyclists claim that bicycle seat tube angles between 72° and 76° are most effective for optimal performance in racing.
  • Triathletes typically use seat tube angles greater than 76°. It is thought that a seat tube angle greater than 76° facilitates a smoother bike to run transition in the triathlon.
  • Increasing the seat tube angle from 72 to 82 enabled triathletes’ to maintain power production, while significantly reducing the muscular activation of the biceps femoris muscle.
  • Reduced hamstring muscular activation in the triathlon frame (82 seat tube angle) may serve to reduce hamstring tightness following the bike phase of the triathlon, allowing the runner to use a longer stride length.








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The Effects of Bicycle Frame Geometry on Muscle Activation and Power During a Wingate Anaerobic Test
Mark D. Ricard, Patrick Hills-Meyer, Michael G. Miller, Timothy J. Michael
2006(05), 25 - 32.
DOI: https://doi.org/