Factors affecting performance in human powered vehicles: a biomechanical model

Abstract

There are a large number of biomechanical factors that affect cycling performance. These factors can often be grouped into one of three categories: (1) environmental factors, (2) internal biomechanical factors, and (3) external mechanical factors. The interaction of different factors within a category can be complex, but need to be examined and understood if more effective human-powered vehicles are to be developed. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: (1) to examine the factors in each category, their interactions, and how they affect performance in human-powered vehicles, and (2) to provide a biomechanical performance model for these factors.