TY - JOUR AU - Caddy, Oliver AU - Timmis, Matthew A AU - Gordon, Dan PY - 2016/04/19 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Effects of saddle angle on heavy intensity time trial cycling: Implications of the UCI rule 1.3.014 JF - Journal of Science and Cycling JA - J Sci Cycling VL - 5 IS - 1 SE - DO - UR - https://jsc-journal.com/index.php/JSC/article/view/190 SP - 18-25 AB - <p>The UCI dictates that during sanctioned events, the saddle of the bicycle may be at angle of no more than 3° of forward rotation, so as to prevent performance advantages (Rule 1.3.014). This research investigates the effect on performance when rotating the saddle beyond the mandated angle during a laboratory 4km time trial (TT).<strong> </strong>Eleven competitive male cyclists (age 26±6 (mean±SD) yrs, height 179.2±6.7 cm, body mass 72.5±6.7  kg; V̇O<sub>2max</sub> 70.9±8.6 ml∙kg-<sup>1</sup>∙min<sup>-1</sup>) completed laboratory 4km TTs using saddle angles of 0°, 3° and 6°. Completion time and mean power were recorded, in addition to lower appendage kinematics, crank torque kinetics and cardiorespiratory responses.<strong> </strong>There were no significant changes in TT time, power output,  cardiorespiratory variables or crank torque kinetics as a function of saddle angle (<em>P&gt;</em>0.05). There were significant effects on minimum and maximum hip angle and the horizontal displacement of the greater trochanter (<em>P&lt;</em>0.05). At 6° the maximum hip angle and forward displacement of the greater trochanter was greater compared to 0° and 3°. Minimum hip angle was greater at 6° than 3° (<em>P&lt;</em>0.05). In conclusion, contravening UCI rule 1.3.014 by using a saddle angle beyond 3° does not result in performance advantages during a laboratory 4 km. However, tilting the saddle does appear to cause a forward displacement of the pelvis leading to an opening of the hip angle at the top and bottom of the pedal stroke.</p> ER -