Bicycle Biomechanics How to Build a Power Dynamometer

This book is not just for professional cyclists who look to improve their performance on the bicycle. The bicycle is also used in a variety of activities by enthusiasts in commuting; club riding and long-distance solo adventures. By gaining a deeper understanding of the human factors and physiology, cyclists can self-coach to improve their cycling with improved comfort and speed. However, it is often the perception of the cycling enthusiast that the latest frame and component technology play a significant role in rider performance. While this may be true for the professional rider it is because they are biomechanically fitted to their machine.

Hence, the purpose of this book is to look beyond the tradition and myth of bicycle setup to help the motivated everyday rider gain a practical understating of the factors that influence their performance. This can be achieved in combination with web-based application tools. If the reader wishes to go further, the book demonstrates a method to build their own power dynamometer to gain an objective measure of their forces (kinetics) of motion. Essentially, by gaining knowledge of cycling biomechanics and measuring and evaluate their own performance, the reader may become their own coach.

Chapter 1: Bicycle Development & Technology.- Chapter 2: Drag & Aerodynamics.- Chapter 3: Biomechanics of Cycling.- Chapter 4: Muscle Physiology and Force Development.- Chapter 5: Building A Power Dynamometer.

Dr Anthony Crimin has enjoyed running and cycling since school times, although he would often cycle to running races as it was more enjoyable than running. After graduating with a degree in Product Design Engineering and then perusing an early career in Oil & Gas, he decided to peruse an Engineering Doctorate at the University of Strathclyde investigating the biomechanics of the lower limb prosthetic users. Afterwards, he worked for Dyson and investigated some novel methods for measuring the interaction between the user and product. However, on his birthday in 2016, while cycling, he was struck head-on by a car and was left with injuries that significantly reduced his performance on the bicycle. The tools available at the time were primarily to aid aerobic training rather than helping cyclists improve their technique or aid recovery. This set him on the journey which resulted in the creation of this book.

Dr Anthony McGarry is a Senior Teaching Fellow, Health Care Professionals Council registered prosthetist/orthotist, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde. He is responsible for undergraduate /postgraduate tuition in lower limb prosthetics. Before joining the University, he worked as a clinician in Oxford and cycled everywhere as he did not own a car.  Academic interests include: clinical management; socket design, shape capture methods and prosthetic gait analysis. He obtained a PhD in Evaluation of prosthetic shape capture systems in the University of Strathclyde in 2009. He is happiest with his wife and family and is the father of three boys, each a budding cyclist.