The biomechanics of submaximal cycling have been described by previous investigators; as yet comparable human maximal data has not. The relative contribution of power produced at the ankle, knee, and hip, and transferred across the hip during submaximal cycling likely represents an optimal control strategy. In contrast, the relative contribution of the power produced during maximal cycling likely represents the maximal performance of the muscles that ultimately deliver power to the cranks. PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to compare the proportion of crank power produced at the ankle, knee, and hip during maximal and submaximal seated cycling. METHODS Seven trained cyclists [Mean (SD); Age=29(9) yrs, Height=175(7) cm, Mass=73(8) kg] performed maximal [501w±6.9 (right pedal)] and submaximal [71w±10 (right pedal)] cycling trials on an isokinetic cycling ergometer at 90rpm. Pedal forces, and pedal and crank position were sampled at 240 Hz for 5 seconds. Hip position was determined with a 2-camera motion capture system and twodimensional leg kinematics were computed using the geometric relationships of a 5-bar linkage. Net joint moments were determined using inverse dynamic techniques. Joint powers for the ankle, knee, and hip were calculated as the product of net joint moment and joint angular velocity and power delivered across the hip joint was calculated as the dot product of joint reaction force and joint linear velocity and the proportions of total crank power produced at each joint were determined. Relative joint powers were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc contrasts. RESULTS Crank power produced at the knee, hip, ankle, and across the hip joint for maximal cycling were 51(4), 26(8), 12(4), and 10(4); (% (SD) respectively) and for submaximal cycling 54(14), 30(13), 6(3), and 5(2); (% (SD) respectively). Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant interaction of the relative power produced at the ankle and transferred across the hip joint while the relative joint power produced at the knee and hip did not differ. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that a different control strategy may be utilized from maximal to submaximal cycling. During maximal cycling relatively greater power was produced at the ankle and across the hip joint. These data may have important implications for training of cyclists, and for physical therapy or rehabilitation.