Dependence of mechanical power and pulse rate of mountain bikers on bicycle tire pressure
Keywords:
uphill riding, mechanical work, tires, pulse rate, pressureAbstract
The study aims to analyse the effect of tyre pressure on the mechanical performance and pulse rate of cyclists while riding a mountain bike uphill. Tire pressure can significantly affect driving characteristics and affect the amount of mechanical work required to reach a certain speed. In our research, we looked at how different tyre pressures (1 bar, 2 bar and 3 bar) affect the mechanical performance and pulse rate of cyclists when riding uphill. The research sample consisted of Slovak performance mountain bikers from 16 to 23 years of age, who regularly participate in races at the national level. The probands completed three timed uphill rides with a duration of about 11 minutes and 30 seconds. The section was 1.55 km long with an average gradient of 11%. The probands maintained a constant speed of 8 km/h during the timed section. To evaluate the results, we used arithmetic mean, maximum, minimum, Shapiro-Wilk test, paired T-test and Wilcoxon test. The results showed a statistically significant difference in mechanical performance at different tire pressures, with the highest power having to be exerted at a pressure of 1 bar. The pulse rate also varied statistically significantly depending on the tire pressure, with the highest values recorded at the lowest pressure (1 bar). These results suggest that optimal tire pressure can improve athletic performance and reduce physiological strain when driving uphill.