Cycling Science

Perfect Pedal Strokes

Because we often associate smooth pedaling with accomplished cyclists, many roadies develop a fetish for perfect circles. They work for hours on their pedal stroke, trying to pull the foot up on the backstroke so it doesn't weigh on the descending foot's powerful push downward.  But now there's compelling evidence that a smooth pedal stroke may not be as important as we thought.  Coach Fred Matheny discusses whether it's worth cultivating the perfect pedal stroke.

The Search for the Ultimate Saddle

It could be argued that the search for the ultimate saddle design is the Holy Grail of cycling research, considering that almost every rider suffers pressure, chafing and even saddle sores at some time during his or her career. There's a reason why most experienced riders have a box of old saddles in the garage, discarded in the ongoing search for a comfortable seat.   Our RBR expert, Coach Fred Matheny discusses the search for utlimate saddle.

Sports Medicine Tips from an Expert

Andy Pruitt’s name has become synonymous with sports medicine for cycling. As director of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Boulder, CO, Pruitt has made a career out of treating world-class riders such as Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie. In 1996, Pruitt served as chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team.  Pruitt is an elite athlete in his own right, too. He lost his lower leg in a hunting accident at age 14 but still wrestled and participated in track, eventually winning 12 high school varsity letters. When he took up cycling he earned a category 2 ranking in able-bodied racing and was twice a world champion in disabled cycling.  We've got a sampling of Pruitt's cycling wisdom.

Companion eBooks & eArticles

By Coach Andrew Pruitt, Ed.D.
$14.95

By Coach John Hughes
$14.95

By Chester Kyle, Ph.D.
$23.95

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Sexual Function and Noseless Saddles

In a review of the literature on cycling and sexual dysfunction discussed in a NIOSH study showing a high rate of erectile trouble in bicycle police officers. On the basis of that study a recommendation was that riding a noseless saddle is the cure to erectile dysfunction among bike riders.  Read why the research recommendations are flawed.

Preserving Power

Of course, training is the key to increasing power. Dedicated cyclists now use power meters to accurately record their wattage output during interval training. Then they use sophisticated software programs to help them analyze the results and plan subsequent workouts.  Although intense training helps the body produce more power, eventually the curve of improvement flattens.  Coach Fred Matheny discusses why weight training is vital for aging cyclists.

105 Years of Cycling Science

Conrad Earnest, Ph.D., is an exercise scientist from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. At the Serotta Symposium he gave an entertaining presentation based on the Tour de France. He reviewed the Tour's history along with the history of exercise physiology, showing how cycling's greatest race provided a catalyst for research.

Floating Pedals

There can be a conflict between results of lab studies versus real-world experience. Often, the researchers conclude one thing while clinicians and coaches had find the opposite to be true. This conflict between scientific conclusions and a real cyclist’s performance on the road was clearly shown in a series of biomechanical studies undertaken from the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of California at Davis where they used a machine that could rotate the tibia of a cadaver knee while simultaneously pulling on various muscles and tendons to simulate the pedal stroke.  Read on to learn how a cadaver tries to kill some conceptions about cycling related injures.

Fast & Steady Pacing

For most of cycling history, riders gauged their effort in steady-state events such as time trials, centuries, brevets and solo breakaways by their perceived exertion. Canny riders got really good at apportioning their energy for the length of the event. They quickly learned, by trial and error, how hard they could pedal and still have enough left to avoid slowing drastically in the final miles.  It isn’t very difficult on a flat, windless course, but skilled riders learned how to dole out their effort on hills and into headwinds as well.  We explain how to go the distance at top speed.

A Counter Point to Coach Fred Matheny's Commentary on Noseless Saddles

One of the frustrations to the scientific community is individuals who have no understanding of biostatistics, experimental design, population dynamics and scientific methods to have an “ah ha” moment that a study is wrong because some fact they know about the topic. Read what this researcher counters to our article Sexual Function and Noseless Saddles.

Aero Perfection

Your power is good but you’re worried if your aero position is as sleek as it could be.  How can you achieve the most aerodynamic position so you slice through the air, thus going faster for the power you're producing?  Our RBR experts weigh to help  you find your lowest, fastest position.

Crankarm Study Says Length Doesn't Matter

Have you ever wondered why bicycles come with a relatively narrow range of crankarm lengths?  Most cranks commercially available range from 165 to 175 mm. This 1 cm span equals about 1/3 inch yet is supposed to fit riders from under 5 feet tall to well over 6 feet. Very tall cyclists can buy 180-mm cranks from a few companies like TA but that’s generally the upper limit without an investment in custom production.  Read on about a revolutionary study.