The purpose of this study was to examine the effects off revolution rate (i.e. gear ratio) on cycling efficiency and the energy cost of performance. A group of five trained cyclists performed ergometerr rides at either 60, 90, or 120 rpm and a constant absolute workload. Energy expenditure was determined during each minute of rest,-exercise, and recovery. Gross and net work efficiencies were calculated using several computational methods. Results showed that energy input increased as the rate of cycling increased. Gross and net resting baseline efficiencies decreased and net free wheeling baseline efficiency remained constant with increasing rpm. The increased energy demand with increased rpm was attributed to the increased cost of moving the legs and not to overcoming the resistance. It was concluded that the fastest performance ..s achieved when the energy demand is the greatest for the force exerted on the pedals and the oxygen debt could be tolerated for the duration of the race. Within the limitations of the study, at a constant work output the greatest muscular efficiency was achieved at low revolution rates. Although the net free wheeling efficiencies remained unchanged with increasing rpm, in practical terms these values did not reflect the total energy cost to the rider.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/181142 |
| Date | January 1975 |
| Creators | Jack, Martha Louise |
| Contributors | Van Handel, Peter J. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | vii, 69 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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