Mountain bike suspension systems and their effect on rider performance quantified through mechanical, psychological and physiological responses

摘要: Mountain bike suspension systems have been designed to improve riding performance and comfort for the cyclist. Additionally, a system may reduce fatigue, energy expenditure, enhance time trial performance. It has also proposed, however, that using rear on mountain bike be detrimental the cyclist, causing cyclist’s dissipated via suspension system. Prior undertaking current research, survey into mountain was conducted to establish rider preferences, as well their perceptions of styles. The resulting responses - majority cross-country cyclists chose ride with front suspension only (a hardtail bike), despite significant advantages fully suspended offer – aided in decision address unanswered questions remain in this area research. This thesis presents an investigation effect rider performance, quantifying dynamic loads exerted frame rider. Both psychological and physiological effects cycling are additional considerations study. An initial laboratory experiment completed investigate wheel dynamics rough track high impact frequency consequent terrain performance, comparing full bike. Further testing conducted rolling road rig, specifically purpose which more closely represented the conditions encountered by cyclist track. Testing rig on both flat rough track, examining interaction forces between Greater resistance experienced when rig compared roller which equated resistance uphill or headwind. The mechanical results from rigs were simulations means validating comparing the mechanical results. An additional series tests carried out indoor track had similar the rolling rig. This set placed fewer restrictions only data was collected unobtrusive portable measurement devices, provided further results illuminate correlations discrepancies experiments. The experimental indicated that, smooth surface, bike offered no advantage cyclist; power required rider to pedal advocated simulation results. Conversely, it was highlighted the hardtail extremely case across the simulation results, measurements, measurements psychological measurements. Similarly, provided significant terms performance. On contrary, rolling road surface demonstrated difference apparent between cycling either result suggests encounters added cycling, is uphill, there less fully suspended even terrain.