Vibrations and damping systems in cycling

Uneven road surfaces expose cyclists to vibrations that potentially reduce performance and riding comfort. Minimizing vibration exposure to the musculoskeletal system is therefore a key sports technology challenge in cycling. Recent studies showed that vibration reduces neuromuscular performance, but the effects are minor due to only slightly impaired propulsion generation and barely increased oxygen uptake. Accordingly, comfort seems to be the focus issue. From the vibration exposure of the bicycle, requirements for sports technology concepts for vibration reduction can be derived: (I) Effective in the frequency range around 15 Hz, close to the biological resonance frequencies, (II) Saddle and handlebars are damped, vibration input is considerable for front and rear wheel, and (III) Combined vertical-horizontal approaches seem superior to one-dimensional vertical solutions.