We have been approached by researchers at Brunel University’s College of Health and Life Sciences, Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences; who are currently running a study on bicycle fit for children. For the past two years, the team have been conducting several studies in relation to bicycle setup and bicycle geometry; an area we are told where there is very little research available in the public domain. This particular study will involve fitting children who already compete in cycle races or triathlons to the bike, and relate their bicycle setup to their body geometry.
The research team involved are all DBS checked; have ample experience in working with children and teenagers, having already worked with a number of schools; and all studies undertaken by this department are approved by the University Research Ethics Committee. Children will have to give verbal assent, and parents will have to give written consent in order for a child to participate in this study. In addition, a parent or child can withdraw from the study at any time without having to give reasons.
If you are interested, read on for further information as provided by Zoe Magnall, an Msc student involved in the study.
“Brunel University are inviting cyclists aged 6 to 16 years who are currently competing in cycling to participate in a research study examining bike fit.
Testing will comprise of:
Anthropometric measurements: Many different body measurements will be taken, these will include height, arm length, torso length, inside leg length, weight and shoulder width.
Flexibility test: A sit and reach test will be conducted to determine hamstring and lower back flexibility.
Bike fit: Based on previous literature’s suggestions and the individual’s anthropometrics, the bike rig will be set up.
Bike Rig
This will then be altered based on the individual’s positioning on the bike rig. The bike rig we have at Brunel is one of a kind; we have altered a regular SICI bike rig specifically to measure children. We have previously measured children ranged from 5 years up to 17 years old.
The handlebar setup will be conducted in two parts. The first part will examine comfort range on straight handlebars; the second part of the handlebar setup will be racing handlebars and will examine maximum drop and reach.
Video analysis: Finally, we will video a minute of the individual cycling so that we can later examine movement analysis.
This study will comprise of a 45 minute testing session at Brunel University. This testing session is free and the individual will receive a suggested bicycle setup. This is a great opportunity to receive a free bike fit and visit Brunel University and see part of the biomechanics research that occurs in the lab.
This research is the first of its kind. No one has ever scientifically researched bicycle setup within children so this is a great chance to participate in something unique and hopefully change the way children’s bikes are made and fitted.”
If this is something you are interested in or have any further questions please feel free to contact Zoe Magnall directly on 1101277@my.brunel.ac.uk – please do not contact the Slipstreamers team.
For further information regarding the work the team at Brunel do, visit Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics and research supervisor Dr Thomas Korff’s profile page here.