COMPUTATIONAL METHODOLOGY FOR RECUMBENT BICYCLE FITTING TO OPTIMIZE AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY WHILE ENSURING RIDER COMFORT

Elisa Digo¹*, Lorenzo Ingrosso², Manuela Vargas³, Cristina De Vito ², Chiara Gastaldi^{1, 2}

¹ Politecnico di Torino, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
² Politecnico di Torino, Policumbent Student Team
³ fleXstructures Italia Srl
* Corresponding author: elisa.digo@polito.it

ABSTRACT: This paper provides an overview of recent advancements in the field of bicycle fitting, focusing on the balance between aerodynamic advantages and physical performance. The importance of achieving optimal bicycle rider positioning is emphasized, particularly in enhancing performance and preventing pathology. The historical evolution of bicycle fitting methods, from subjective preferences to evidence-based approaches, is discussed, along with the role of technology in facilitating biomechanical analysis and simulation. The paper introduces a computational methodology (IPS IMMA software) for fitting a racing faired recumbent bicycle, emphasizing the need to integrate biomechanics and aerodynamics considerations. By aligning rider posture with biomechanical recommendations and minimizing encumbrance, the proposed methodology aims to enhance both aerodynamic efficiency and rider comfort. The article concludes with a presentation of methods and results, highlighting trends and ranges of motion during the pedalling cycle. Gender-based differences in joint angles are highlighted, thus underscoring the need for tailored fitting approaches.

KEYWORDS: Pedalling; recumbent bicycle; joint angle; computational methodology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.69076/jomac.2024.0015

CITATION: E. Digo, L. Ingrosso, M. Vargas, C. De Vito and C. Gastaldi, A COMPUTATIONAL METHODOLOGY FOR RECUMBENT BICYCLE FITTING TO OPTIMIZE AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY WHILE ENSURING RIDER COMFORT, International Journal of Mechanics and Control, Vol. 25, No. 01, pp. 105-113, 2024, https://doi.org/10.69076/jomac.2024.0015

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