BIOMECHANICS OF CYCLING-THE ROLE OF THE FOOT PEDAL INTERFACE

Abstract

The information in this paper is drawn from clinical and research studies of touring and competitive cyclists and triathletes. The competitive cyclists include regional, national team, and professional riders. The genesis for inquiry into cycling biomechanics was an attempt to assess the cause(s) of knee pain in cyclists. Knee pain is endemic in cycling and the medical profession has experienced little success in treatment. Cyclists, as a group, have received little help from health care practitioners and generally do not seek help but rather cut back on their training or stop riding during symptomatic periods. Naturally, this adversely effects their fitness levels, competitiveness and the enjoyment of cycling. A break through in understanding cycling biomechanics and pathomechanics occurs when the cyclist is viewed form the front. Previous biomechanical assessments have concentrated upon viewing the cyclist form a side or lateral view. While the lateral view offers some understanding of limb kinematics it offers little value for assessment of knee pain.