Relationship between gear ratio and 10-s sprint cycling on an air-braked ergometer

This investigation examined the relationship between gear ratio and peak and mean power outputs (PPO and MPO) and peak cadence (PC) during a 10-s all-out sprint on a multi-geared air-braked cycle ergometer. Ten physically active men [mean age 21.0 years (SEM 0.7)] performed in random order six 10-s sprints (15-min rest between each sprint) on two occasions (48 h apart) in six different gear ratios; flywheel revolutions per pedal crank revolution (FR/PCR) ranged between 5.22 and 11.61. The PPO, MPO, and PC were recorded from each sprint. Of the six gear ratios tested, a gear ratio eliciting 8.87 FR/PCR elicited the highest PPO for the initial test session; the PPO output of 1274 W was significantly greater (P < 0.01) than that produced in the other five gears. Analysis of data from the second test session revealed no statistically significant difference in PPO between gear ratios eliciting 8.00, 8.87, and 10.06 FR/PCR. The PPO from these three ratios were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those produced using the ratios resulting in 6.32, 7.06, and 10.78 FR/PCR. The PC in the gear ratio maximising PPO was 120 rpm. Analysis of PC data revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) as the number of FR/PCR increased.