A key objective of sports biomechanics is to improve performance while reducing the incidence of injury. Recent sports science studies into cycling biomechanics have provided new understanding of how the body applies power to the bicycle and the way external forces are combined in opposition to the cyclist.

For cyclists, the ability to apply pedalling forces effectively in training and competition is a major concern, while correct positioning is critical for successful performance and injury prevention.

The study shows the important implications for both power output and oxygen consumption of getting your saddle height correct for you. The study also illustrates the impact of crank length on cycling performance, suggesting how you should determine which length is best for you in terms of optimal force production.

Importantly, the study discusses the varying effects on force production of a cyclist altering his seating position by altering crank length versus attempting the same result by varying his saddle height. The study shows how these two approaches can have quite different results, and why.

The study also considers other critical 'bike fit' issues such as the angle of the frame's seat tube, how far forward or backwards the saddle is positioned relative to the seat tube, and the connection between shoe and pedal - all of which are critical factors in determining how you get optimal results from all that effort you're putting into generating power to the pedals.

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