By

C RAVITEJA
160114736038
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
BE (4/4) F1
Introduction
 During the revolutionary for eco-friendly technologies human powered
vehicle were the most depended modes of transportation, along with
this the consideration of the increase in fuel price and the
environmental factors, we must admit that it is far more better to use a
human powered vehicle over motor vehicle for a short distance
traveling

 It is evident that cycling performance would appear to be dictated

largely by the ability of the cyclist to produce high power outputs at
minimal metabolic costs. Pedal rate (i.e. cadence) can influence both the
ability to produce power, as well as rate of energy consumption.
Objective
 Examine the literature pertaining to self-selected, forced and optimal
cadences
 Provide a greater understanding of cadences that optimize performance
during the variety of tasks performed by cyclists.
 Determine the factors that are responsible for the self-selection of
cadence
Analysis
Speed at Speed at Speed at
Chain ring Cog C 90rpm C 110rpm C 130rpm
(in kmph) (in kmph) (in kmph)
44 11 33.2 40.72 48.13

44 13 28.15 34.41 40.67

44 15 24.41 29.83 35.25

44 17 21.57 26.37 31.16

44 19 19.32 23.62 27.91

44 21 17.49 21.38 25.27

44 24 15.24 18.63 22.02

Factors Affecting Cadence
 Muscular
 Non muscular
• Pedal Forces
• Neuromuscular Fatigue
• Amount of Oxygen Spent
Pedal Forces
 Pedal Forces Top Dead Center

Figure: Showing pedaling force acting on the pedal throughout a complete rotation
 Effective loads – Acts perpendicularly to the pedal surface

 Ineffective loads – Acts along the pedal surface

 Graph a: Effective pedal forces throughout the entire crank cycle during cycling at various power outputs.
 Graph b: Effective pedal forces throughout the entire crank cycle during cycling at various cadences.
Test Results

Graph: Relationship between peak crank torque, crank velocity (i.e. cadence) and power output during short duration
• Maximum power output is achieved approximately at cadence
around 120 – 130 rpm

• However, it has been found that when pedaling above 110rpm there
was a decline in the power output delivered at any given oxygen
cost
• Gravitational Forces

• Inertial Loads
• Non-muscular pedal forces increase linearly with pedal rate i.e
cadence.
• Gravitational forces are largely unaffected by changes in cadence.
• Increasing non-muscular pedal forces that occur with higher
cadences are primarily due to the influence of inertial load.
 Graph: Muscular, non-muscular and total pedal forces while cycling at 120W
Optimum Cadence Value
For short duration sprint cycling performance -120rpm
Longer duration events - 90 to 100rpm.
Ultra-endurance cycling – 70 to 90rpm.
References
 Optimal cadence selection during cycling Dr Chris R Abbiss, PhD, 4Dr
Jeremiah J Peiffer, PhD, 1Associate Professor Paul B Laursen, PhD
 Preferred pedalling cadence in professional cycling ALEJANDRO LUCI
´A, JESU ´ S HOYOS, and JOSE ´ L. CHICHARRO
 bikecalc.com
THANK YOU

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