Modeling cycling performance: Effects of saddle position and cadence on cycle pedaling efficiency

The modeling method is an effective means of estimating causality as well as examining cycle pedaling efficiency. Pedaling efficiency can also be examined by an experimental method, but the experimental method can lead to contradictory results due to perturbation of the measured output parameters. Experimental studies generally yield realistic results, but it is difficult to control for all the variables of interest and to determine the causal relationships between them. The objective of this study is to investigate the pedaling efficiency and causality with considering saddle position and pedaling cadence as variables. Based on the mathematical pedaling modeling, the internal work calculation method was used to calculate the consumed mechanical energy and energy conservation percentage ($$). The optimal saddle position with the lowest mechanical energy and the highest energy conservation percentage could be changed by the cadence. At the low cadence, the higher saddle position, and the shorter horizontal distance between the saddle and crankshaft led to higher pedaling efficiency (h: 0.95 m, d: 0.16 m, and knee angle: $$). However, the highest pedaling efficiency was achieved at the high cadence with a saddle height (h) of 0.9 m and a horizontal distance between the saddle and the crankshaft (d) of 0.06 m (knee angle: $$). The lowest cadence is the optimal cadence in terms of the consumed energy, but the optimal cadence was 90 r/min in terms of the energy conservation percentage. Compared to the energy consumption, the energy conservation percentage was demonstrated to influence the fatigue of a cycle rider more critically. The energy conservation percentage was highest at 90 r/min, and 90 r/min was close to the preferred cadence by the cyclist.