Maximizing cycling efficiency: innovative bicycle drive mechanisms tailored to individual muscular capacities

This study explores the customization and optimization of three distinct bicycle drive mechanisms, leveraging an individual's biomechanical data to maximize pedaling power throughput. Our approach utilizes torque/velocity/position relationships of the hip and the knee, so that the kinematics of the optimized designs allow the user to pedal with maximized joint torques and thus, enhance the power produced at the crank. The method is applied to the cases of two users with significantly distinct anthropometries, showing noticeable changes in the drive mechanisms and demonstrating its effectiveness for personalizing bicycle designs. The study highlights the importance of considering individual biomechanical factors, showing that even slight variations in design can lead to changes in the cycling kinematics, resulting in improved performance. Simulation results also show increased mean power throughput for more complex drive mechanisms compared to a classical one, regardless of the user profile. This suggests that such designs should be capable of accommodating a range of cyclists, from recreational users to high-performance athletes, as well as individuals and athletes with motor impairments. These findings underline the potential of biomechanically-informed personalized bicycle drive mechanisms to optimize pedaling efficiency and enhance performance across diverse user groups.