Optimal design of mountain bicycle based on biomechanics

Abstract

To achieve better cycling performance and vibration comfort of mountain bicycle, the optimization of frame structural parameters and rear suspension scale parameters is investigated based on biomechanics. Firstly, the quadratic sum of rider lower limb muscles stresses is presented as the evaluation criterion of muscle fatigue. By taking the criterion as the objective function, the relative positions of three pivot points of frame are optimized to ensure that the frame structural parameters match the stature of riders. Secondly, the vibration performance is evaluated referring to the ISO 2631-1 Mechanical Vibration and Shock Evaluation of Human Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration. According to this evaluation, the mapping relationship between the vibration performance and rider’s weight as well as structural parameters of rear suspension is revealed. Results show that the length of side link has no significant effect on vibration comfort, while rider’s weight is important in the design of mountain bicycle.

Keywords

mountain bicycle / biomechanics / muscle fatigue / vibration comfort / optimum design

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