The relationship between cadence, pedalling technique and gross eYciency in cycling

Abstract

Technique and energy saving are two variables often considered as important for performance in cycling and related to each other. Theoretically, excellent pedalling technique should give high gross eYciency (GE). The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between pedalling technique and GE. 10 well-trained cyclists were measured for GE, force eVectiveness (FE) and dead centre size (DC) at a work rate corresponding to ∼75% of VO 2max during level and inclined cycling, seat adjusted forward and backward, at three diVerent cadences around their own freely chosen cadence (FCC) on an ergometer. Within subjects, FE, DC and GE decreased as cadence increased (p < 0.001). A strong relationship between FE and GE was found, which was to great extent explained by FCC. The relationship between cadence and both FE and GE, within and between subjects, was very similar, irrespective of FCC. There was no diVerence between level and inclined cycling position. The seat adjustments did not aVect FE, DC and GE or the relationship between them. Energy expenditure is strongly coupled to cadence, but force eVectiveness, as a measure for pedalling technique, is not likely the cause of this relationship. FE, DC and GE are not aVected by body orientation or seat adjustments, indicating that these parameters and the relationship between them are robust to coordinative challenges within a range of cadence, body orientation and seat position that is used in regular cycling. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.