Comparing Traditional and Novel Methods in Determining Reach in Bicycle Fitting

Kurt Williams,Pima Medical Institute, Seattle, Wa

doi:10.47191/ijsshr/v4-i7-45

Abstract

In bicycle fitting, the literature has focus historically on the saddle height and knee flexion angle. There has been little focus in the literature on postural reach; this is the distance between the saddle and handlebars. Currently, this distance is determined by a specialist, a bicycle fitter, and is generally based on a trunk, shoulder, and elbow angle; however, it is primarily based on what "looks right" to the fitter and "feels right" to the client, rather than using anthropometric measurement. This study examined whether there was a relationship between anthropometric measures and postural reach, or if ideal fit should continue to be determined by a trial-and-error process, informed by expert opinion and client feedback. This study found that there was a moderate correlation r(9) = 0.663, p < .05 between the upper extremity measure and postural reach and a fair correlation r(9)= 0.296, p < .05 between the trunk measure and postural reach. A significant regression was found between the upper extremity length and the postural reach F(1, 9) = 7.06. The finding of this study does suggest that there is a relationship between the anthropometric measures and the postural reach. However, due to the low number of data points,the external validity may be somewhat limited, and it is suggested that the study be only used as a guide for future exploration.

Highlights

A national survey found that 18% of the population that were 16 years or older used a bicycle at least one time during the summer of 20121
Is there a moderate to strong correlation between the reach determined during bicycle fitting and the anthropometric measures of upper extremity length and trunk length? RQ2
RQ1: Is there a moderate to moderate to strong correlation between the reach determined during bicycle fitting and the anthropometric measures of upper extremity length and trunk length? The first research question asked if there was a moderate to strong correlation between the reach determined during bicycle fitting and the anthropometric measures of upper extremity length and trunk length

Summary

Introduction

A national survey found that 18% of the population that were 16 years or older used a bicycle at least one time during the summer of 20121. The average trip length was 65 minutes, with 42% lasting less than 30 minutes[1] This demonstrates that while riding time varies between cyclists, most riders spend a reasonable amount of time in contact with their bicycles. These points of contact include the hands, the buttocks, and each foot In many cases, these points of contact become relatively fixed and possibly become points of pressure and friction. Dettori and Norvell[2] reported that non-traumatic overuse injuries are a common complaint among cyclists, with the projection that 85% develop one or more injuries within their lifetime. Because these types of injuries are not always reported, the true frequency of non-traumatic injury is not really known[2]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion